Bachelor of Science
The Department of Health Sciences offers a four-year undergraduate program of study in the field of Speech Pathology and Audiology. Impairments of communication – speech, language, and hearing disorders – are among the most prevalent of human disabilities. Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology are areas of professional specialization which focus on the development, identification and treatment of communication disorders. The basic goals of the Pre-Professional Speech Pathology and Audiology program at West Liberty University are:
- To further the understanding of human communication processes and of communication disorders through instructional programs, information dissemination, professional and community service activities.
- To prepare students academically for graduate education in Speech-Language Pathology-Audiology.
- To provide a background for students who wish to pursue a career in a related professional field such as Speech-Language Pathology Assistant, Audiology Assistant, deaf education, special education, or simply to study Speech Pathology and Audiology as an undergraduate major.
The undergraduate program is pre-professional in nature and is designed to prepare the students for graduate professional education in Speech Pathology and Audiology. Because the Bachelor of Science degree does not qualify the student to be employed as a certified or licensed Speech Pathologist or Audiologist, the student must plan for enrollment in a master’s or doctoral degree program in order to complete their professional preparation.The completion of this program would permit the student to apply to graduate programs of Speech Pathology and/or Audiology at other institutions of higher learning. It must be emphasized that the degree requirements are consistent with the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and are national requirements. Students interested in pursuing a graduate degree in Speech Pathology and/or Audiology must achieve and maintain a minimum 3.5 overall grade point average (undergraduate GPA).
West Liberty University, the Department of Health Sciences and the Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology program strives to ensure a well-rounded education which develops both the scientific and humanistic aspects of graduates who will function in a large marketplace in the 21st century. The curriculum integrates a sequence science coursework with courses designed to provide a basic understanding of normal communication processes and an introduction to Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology. The major area of concentration may be supplemented with coursework in the areas of education, pediatrics, gerontology, psychology, or several other areas related to the field. These areas broaden perspectives and support diverse career choices. Students are provided the basic systems necessary for graduate study. The program encourages students to think clearly and objectively, preparing them to solve problems as professionals through effective interpersonal and literacy skills.
Each faculty member of the Speech Pathology/Audiology Program at West Liberty University have national clinical certification in speech-language pathology and/or audiology, sign language, deaf counseling and rehabilitation. The varied educational, employment, research and clinical backgrounds offer the student medical, rehabilitative, and educational perspectives relating to the diagnosis and treatment of communication disorders.
Students graduating from this program have been accepted to graduate programs in Speech Pathology and/or Audiology at the following institutions or universities: Akron University, Kent State University, Howard University, Ohio University, California University of Pennsylvania, Clarion University of Pennsylvania, West Virginia University, James Madison University, University of Pittsburgh, Marshall University, North Carolina University, Northern Arizona State University, Towson University, Duquesne University and Cleveland State University.
Students who enjoy working with people and helping others, a career in Speech Pathology and/or Audiology could be a logical choice for you. To find out more information or receive a better understanding of the field of Speech Pathology and Audiology, please visit the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association’s website at www.asha.org.