Majors and Minors

Speech-Language Pathology/Audiology Certification

Link to section:
Program Description
Curriculum
Clinical Experience
Other Activities
Placement
Faculty
Course Sequence

Program Description

Loyola’s programs in speech-language pathology/audiology provide entry into a rapidly expanding profession dedicated to improving the quality of human life for people with communication and hearing disorders. The undergraduate curriculum allows students to gain an understanding of the foundations of speech, language, and hearing and how theories are applied to treat communication disorders. Students also have the opportunity to learn sign language and to explore the rich culture of the hearing-impaired population. In addition, they will gain experience through service learning in several courses. The undergraduate program provides the academic foundation and clinical exposure to prepare students to pursue a graduate degree in speech-language pathology and/or audiology. Students may also use the knowledge 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. For more information about teh profession of speech-language pathology or audiology, please refer to www.asha.org.

Curriculum

Coursework in the major typically begins in the first year with introductory courses on normal and disordered communication. Although there is no lockstep curriculum, followin 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 and hearing. Additionally, the disorders of speech, language, and hearing are addressed for both pediatric and adult populations. In the senior year, students may qualify for a clinical placement in speech pathology (SP 417) or audiology (SP 443/444) that will grant them direct clinical experience. All students complete a capstone clinical/ethical seminar (SP 412) preparing them for entry into a graduate program. Seniors whose academic achievements distinguish them may be elected into Loyola's chapter of the National Student Speech-Language-Hearing Association's Honor Society.

Clinical Experience

Loyola offers clinical observation opportunities at our state-of-the-art facilities, Loyola Clinical Centers, located in Baltimore and Columbia, Maryland. There are also a myriad of off-campus settings utilized for observation, service-learning, and/or course-related field experiences. These settings include general and specialized school programs; child and adult rehabilitation centers; adn acute adn chronic care hospitals such as Sinai Hospital, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Maryland General Bryn Mawr Rehabilitation Hospital, United Cerebral Palsy, Mt. Washington Pediatric Center, and Kennedy Krieger Institute. In the senior year, students may qualify for a clincal placement in speech pathology (SP 417) or audiology (SP 443/444) that will grant them direct clinical experience. All students complete a capstone clinical/ethical seminar (SP 412) preparing them for entry into a graduate program.

Other Activities

Students may become involved with Loyola's active on-campus chapter of the National Student Speech-Language-Hearing Association (NSSLHA). Juniors and seniors whose academic achievements distinguish them may be elected into Loyola's chapter of the National Student Speech-Language-Hearing Association's Honor Society. In addition, other opportunities for service in the community are available including a recently formed student chapter of the Operation Smile for children with cleft lip and plate, and Communication Partners, a program designed to pair adults with aphesia with students for supported communication.

Placement

Typically, most, if not all, of the students apply to graduate program in speech-language pathology or audiology following graduation. Acceptance rates for our undergraduates approximate 95% into these programs. Students may apply to the master's degree program in speech-language pathology at Loyola. Recent graduates have also attended other programs across the United States, including Northwestern, Syracuse, Purdue, Columbia, George Washington, and University of Texas.

Faculty and Staff


Marie Kerins, CCC-SLP Graduate Program Director, Associate Professor B.S. Marquette University M.S., Loyola College in Maryland Ed.D., Johns Hopkins University


Donna Pitts, CCC-A Affiliate Clinical Faculty B.S., M.S., Towson University Au.D. Central Michigan University Janet Preis, CCC-SLP Undergraduate Program Director, Associate Professor B.S., M.S., Towson University CAGS, Loyola College in Maryland Ed.D., Johns Hopkins University Lisa Schoenbrodt, CCC-SLP Graduate Program Director, Professor B.A., University of Maryland (College Park) M.S., James Madison University Ed.D., Johns Hopkins University

Speech-Language Pathology/Audiology Certification

Program Description

Curriculum

Clinical Experience

Other Activities

Placement

Faculty and Staff

Course Sequence (Please note that this sequence is not mandatory)

1st year

2nd year

3rd year

4th year