Speech-Language Pathology/Audiology

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

Chair: Lisa Schoenbrodt, Professor

Professors: Libby Kumin; Lisa Schoenbrodt
Associate Professors: Lena Caesar; Marie Kerins; Janet Preis; Kathleen Siren
Assistant Professor: Sally Gallena; Tepanta Fossett; Donna Pitts
Instructors: Christine Goode; Brianne Higgins Roos
Clinical Faculty: Kathleen Ward
Affiliate Faculty: David Alianiello; Heidi Martino; Raelene Meneses; Lura Vogelman

The Major in Speech-Language Pathology/Audiology 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 normal and 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. All students complete a capstone clinical seminar (SP 412 ) preparing them for entry into a graduate program. 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, Achievements Center, 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, prelaw, and premed. Students who have a bachelor's degree but have not completed the requirements for a Major in Speech-Language Pathology/Audiology must complete prerequisite courses before they can apply to the graduate program. For more information on the graduate program in speech-language pathology/audiology, see the graduate catalogue.

Learning Aims

Students will demonstrate competency in explaining key concepts and describing evidence-based practices in speech-language pathology and audiology using field-appropriate terminology through examinations, class projects, and presentations.
Students will demonstrate knowledge of theories underlying the typical processes of speech, language, and hearing development through examinations, class projects, and presentations.
Students will demonstrate knowledge of cultural and linguistic variables that may impact the diagnosis and treatment of speech, language and hearing disorders in culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) populations through examinations, class projects, and presentations.
Students will demonstrate competency in the ability to access, interpret, and participate in scholarly research in the field of speech-language pathology/audiology through the appropriate use of electronic and printed scholarly resources, as well as written and oral scholarly presentations and products.
Students will demonstrate competency in professional and technical writing. Students will demonstrate strong writing skills with a clear ability to express thoughts and point of view using correct grammar, syntax, spelling, punctuation, word choice (semantics), transitions, and general structure. Students will demonstrate correct APA documentation, including reference page, cover page, intext citations, appropriate number of reputable sources used for support, and paraphrasing skills. Students will demonstrate writing with a clear and cohesive message, including an appropriate sense of audience (sensitivity to diversity in culture, socioeconomic, and educational background).

Programs

Major

Speech-Language Pathology/Audiology, B.A.

Courses

Speech-Language Pathology/Audiology