Undergraduate programs
Undergraduates in the Speech and Hearing Sciences Department explore human communication, which includes development, diversity, and complexity of communication, as well as developmental and acquired disorders. The program leads to a B.S. or B.A. in Speech and Hearing Sciences, or a certificate with baccalaureate in Communications Sciences and Disorders (CSD).
The coursework explores foundational knowledge in speech and hearing sciences, clinically-based knowledge related to communication, cognition, swallowing and hearing disorders, and the complexity and diversity of human communication. In addition to providing a rigorous liberal arts education, this degree provides a foundation for many career paths, including graduate work in speech-language pathology, audiology, and/or speech, language, and hearing research. Because communication is central to most human activities, a degree in Speech and Hearing Sciences can also lead to a career in many other fields, including Education, Counseling, Psychology, Social Work, and Community Relations. Coursework or a degree in Speech and Hearing Sciences complements degrees in other programs, such as education, linguistics, psychology, public health administration, social work, music, and allied health professions. The CSD Certificate provides a strong educational foundation for entry into graduate programs in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, fulfills all but one requirement for entry into PSU’s graduate program in SPHR, and provides the required educational component for licensing of Speech-Language Pathology Assistants in Oregon and other states. (Please note: the Speech-Language Pathology Assistant license also requires clinical clock hours that are not part of the CSD Certificate program.)
Speech and Hearing Sciences B.S./B.A.
Requirements
In addition to meeting the general University degree requirements, the speech and hearing sciences major must meet the minimum departmental requirements as follows: all Core Courses, 8 credits of SpHr electives, and 4 credits of Stat 244, Soc 396, or equivalent course covering basic statistical reasoning for the social sciences.
In addition, students are strongly encouraged to gain proficiency in a second language. Students planning to pursue graduate study should complete one or more courses in each of the following areas: statistics (a stand alone statistics course), biological science, physical sciences (Physics or Chemistry), and social/ behavioral sciences (see current ASHA Certification Standards). A grade of C- or above is required for all major requirements.
Foundational Core Courses (28 credits)
| SpHr 222 | Introduction to Speech, Language & Hearing Sciences | 4 |
| SpHr 370 | Phonetics and Acoustics | 4 |
| SpHr 371 | Anatomy and Physiology of Speech and Swallowing | 4 |
| SpHr 372U | Speech and Language Development in Children | 4 |
| SpHr 461 | Neurology of Speech and Hearing | 4 |
| SpHr 487 | Hearing Sciences | 4 |
| SpHr 465 | Introduction to Research Methods for Clinical Scientists | 4 |
Clinical Core Courses (25 credits)
Elective Courses (choose 8 credits)
| SpHr 383 | Diversity and Advocacy for Pre-Professionals | 4 |
| SpHr 385 | Autism | 4 |
| SpHr 471 | Neurolinguistics | 4 |
| SpHr 473 | Perspectives on Disability | 4 |
| SpHr 480 | Introduction to Sociocultural Aspects of Interactions | 4 |
| SpHr 485 | Bilingualism and Communication Disorders | 4 |
| SpHr 491 | Principles of Behavior Analysis: Clinical Applications | 4 |
| SpHr 410 | Selected Topics | 0-12 |