BS in Pre- Professional Speech Pathology/Audiology
BSc
DURATION
4 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Jan 2026
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
Key Summary
The Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders 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 that focus on the development, identification, and treatment of communication disorders.
Program Goals
- 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
Pre-Professional
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).
Highly Qualified Faculty
Each faculty member of the Speech Pathology & Audiology Program at West Liberty University uphold the national certificate of clinical competence 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.
West Liberty University, the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, and the Speech Pathology and Audiology program strive to ensure a well-rounded education that 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 of science-based 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 with 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.
At the time of graduation, Speech Pathology and Audiology students will:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the basic components of human communication including biological, neurological, acoustic, psychological, developmental, linguistic, social, humanistic, and cultural bases
- Evaluate and communicate clinical applications in both written and verbal form via report writing and oral presentations
- Utilize technology and assessment/intervention materials appropriate for an undergraduate level to better prepare students for graduate work
- Utilize appropriate professional development as it relates to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association standards, scope of practice, and ethics requirements
Audiologists
An Audiologist is a healthcare professional that assesses, treats, and (re)habilitates hearing, balance, and other related disorders for patients of all ages. They provide patient-centered care to prevent, identify, diagnose, and provide evidence-based treatment. Audiologists promote healthy hearing and communication to improve outcomes and the quality of life for each unique patient. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) states within the scope of practice that Audiologists are to have the knowledge of existing and emerging technologies for treatment as well as the interpersonal skills to counsel patients and families through the rehabilitative process. Audiologists are employed in various settings such as: public/private school systems, private practices, hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centers, colleges/universities, residential healthcare facilities, state and local health departments, state and federal government agencies, and research facilities.
Speech-Language Pathologists
A Speech-Language Pathologist is a healthcare professional who helps patients with communication problems and/or disorders such as speech production, fluency, language, cognition, articulation, voice, resonance, swallowing, and hearing. SLPs work directly with patients who have experienced strokes, seizures, brain trauma, or any other underlying trauma to aid in regaining lost language and speech. They engage in research to enhance knowledge about human communication disorders and counsel individuals and families on coping strategies as well as provide education on speech and language disorders. SLPs are employed in various settings such as: public/private school systems, private practices, hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centers, colleges/universities, residential healthcare facilities, state and local health departments, state and federal government agencies, research facilities, assisted living facilities, home health agencies, and adult day care centers.
Occupational Statistics
Job market information and statistics about Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists can be found through the U.S. Department of Labor. According to this department, the employment opportunity for both Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologist is excellent. Both occupations are predicted to be one of the fastest growing occupations. From 2022 to 2032, the projected growth for Speech-Language Pathologists is 19% and 11% for Audiologists. Audiologists held about 14,400 jobs in 2022 with an annual median salary of $82,680. Speech-Language Pathologists held about 171,400 jobs in 2022 with an annual median salary of $84,140.