Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences

Office: Newman Towers, Room W105a
Telephone: 410‑617‑5317
Website: www.loyola.edu/speech

Chair: Marie Kerins, Professor

Professors: Marie Kerins; Libby Kumin (emerita); Lisa Schoenbrodt
Associate Professors: Lena Caesar; Sally Gallena (emerita); Donna Pitts; Janet Preis; Kathleen Siren
Assistant Professor: Tepanta Fossett
Instructors: Brianne Higgins Roos
Clinical Faculty: Kathleen Ward
Affiliate Faculty: Jordan Differding; Kristen Johnson; Heidi Martino; Lisa McGrain; Raelene Meneses

The major in speech-language-hearing sciences provides a comprehensive, academic course of study and training, within the Jesuit tradition, that enables students to become skilled and caring professionals who can lead and serve in a diverse and changing world. Students are challenged to rise to the University tradition of "strong truths well lived" though academic coursework, mentorship by dedicated faculty, experiences, and opportunities. Students develop the knowledge and skills needed to pursue graduate education in communication sciences and disorders and other related fields, and to become people for and with others.

Coursework in the major typically begins in the freshman year with introductory courses on disordered communication. Following the introductory courses, students enroll in a variety of courses including those that address the anatomical structures and functions as well as the normal development of speech, language, and hearing. Additionally, the disorders of speech, language, swallowing, and hearing are addressed for both pediatric and adult populations through a range of required and elective courses. Seniors whose academic achievements distinguish themselves as having high academic standing and service to the National Student Speech-Language-Hearing Association (NSSLHA) may be elected into Loyola's chapter of the NSSLHA's honor society.

Many courses contain experiential components including service-learning and clinical observations. Some of these experiences are conducted through a myriad of off-campus settings that are used for both observation and/or service-learning. These settings include general and specialized school programs; child and adult rehabilitation centers; and acute and chronic care hospitals such as Good Samaritan Hospital, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital, the Kennedy Krieger Institute, and Gallagher Services.

The undergraduate program provides a solid academic foundation to prepare students to pursue a graduate degree in speech-language pathology and/or audiology. It is important that students consider this since most graduate programs require at least a B (3.000) average for acceptance. Students may also use the knowledge obtained through the degree for employment in other health-related fields. Typically, students continue their academic and clinical training in a master's program in speech-language pathology or in a doctoral program in audiology, although others may pursue alternative fields such as special education, teacher training in English speakers of other languages, rehabilitation services, pre-law, and pre-med. Students who have a bachelor's degree but have not completed the requirements for a major in speech-language-hearing sciences must complete prerequisite courses before they can apply to the graduate program. For more information on Loyola's graduate program in speech-language pathology, see the graduate catalogue.

Department Undergraduate Learning Outcomes

Students will demonstrate competency in professional and technical writing in the professions of speech-language pathology and audiology.
Students will demonstrate competency in critical thinking skills.
Students will demonstrate knowledge of theories underlying the typical processes of speech, language, and hearing development by explaining key concepts and describing evidence-based practices in the professions of speech-language pathology and audiology.

Programs

Major

Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences, BA

Courses

Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences