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Speech Pathology Degree: Requirements to Enroll in and Complete a Degree in Speech Pathology

Published Sep 15, 2009

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A speech pathology degree is the educational avenue for speech pathologists, audiologists, speech therapists, counselors and special education assistants. Individuals with speech pathology degrees also work in hospitals and schools. Entry requirements for this degree program are strict and highly competitive.

Enrolling in a Speech Pathology Degree Program

Gaining admission to a speech pathology degree program is very competitive and often requires admission during the freshman year of undergraduate study. Undergraduate speech pathology degree programs grant the Bachelor of Science degree in speech pathology and audiology and are typically designed for students to attend graduate school. Admission to a speech pathology bachelor's degree program may be based on general curriculum requirements, a required minimum cumulative GPA and availability. An interview process with the chairperson of the speech pathology department may also be required.

Completing a Speech Pathology Degree Program

Speech pathologists and audiologist diagnose and treat language disorders in the children and adults. Students in a speech pathology degree program learn how to treat language disorders, such as stuttering and articulation problems. A bachelor's degree program may focus on speech science, anatomy and physiology of speech and hearing, developmental speech behaviors and an introduction to communicative disorders. Other general courses, such as psychology, algebra and linguistics, may also be covered.

However, a master's degree in speech pathology and audiology is the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association's designated entry-level degree for certification as a speech-language pathologist. As a result, graduate level degree programs in speech pathology cover similar topics as bachelor's degree programs, but the depth of coverage is much more in-depth.

Additional coursework may include anatomy and physiology of the speech mechanism, child language disorders, articulation disorders and American Sign Language. Students also participate in observing ongoing therapy in speech language pathology and audiology clinics both on and off campus. Upon completion of a speech pathology degree program, students will be required to pass appropriate examinations for licensure to work as a speech pathologist.

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