Speech Pathology & Audiology
Diagnosing & Treating Communication Disorders
Why Do We Need Speech Pathologists?
Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology are exciting and rewarding professions consisting of professionals who provide services to individuals with communications disorders. There are many individuals with some type of communication disability. Some persons may have difficulty producing speech sounds, expressing and understanding language, or difficulty hearing due to conditions that are either present at birth or acquired via diseases or accidents. People of all ages experience these disorders. Speech-language pathologists, audiologists, and speech, language, and hearing scientists are all specialists trained at the graduate level to help improve the quality of life of persons with communication and swallowing disorders.
Speech-Language Pathologists | Working in a Variety of Settings
Speech-Language Pathologists (SLP) work in a variety of work settings, including schools and hospitals. There are an estimated 188,000 + ASHA certified speech-language pathologists. These professionals assess and treat a variety of speech, language, and swallowing disorders in persons of all ages. Speech disorders include problems with speech sound production (articulation), fluency (stuttering), and voice disorders. Language disorders are characterized by difficulties in the comprehension or expression of organized symbols. SLPs also help clients with swallowing disorders, possibly due to a stroke or surgery, which may lead to life-threatening conditions.
Audiologists | Investigating & Performing Research
Audiologists work in a variety of settings and serve individuals from birth to adulthood. Audiologists are trained at the doctoral level to diagnose and treat individuals with hearing and balance disorders . Speech, language, and hearing scientists investigate and develop evidence-based methods for diagnosing and treating communication disorders. Although speech, language and hearing scientists may practice with a master's degree or clinical doctorate, most acquire a research doctorate in the discipline of speech-language pathology or audiology .
Program Offered
Tennessee State University offers the Master of Science degree in Speech and Hearing Science (concentration speech-language pathology).
NOTE: TSU does not offer a Bachelor's degree in Speech Pathology. However, interested students are welcome to major in Public Health at TSU and take our 5 prerequisite courses as electives. These courses are required to apply for a Master's Degree in Speech Pathology. For more information about the Public Health major, please visit: https://www.tnstate.edu/phas/Public_Health_BS.aspx
Certification
The master's degree is required to obtain the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology and to become a licensed speech-language pathologist. The Master of Science program in Speech and Hearing Science has maintained accreditation by the ASHA Council of Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology since 1985.
Scholarships & Resources for African Americans: https://www.edumed.org/financial-aid/african-american-student-scholarships-resources/
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