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/or 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.

Degree Maps and Learning Outcomes

Admission requirements

Speech and Hearing Sciences B.S./B.A.

Communication Sciences Disorders Undergraduate Certificate

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). It is strongly recommended that these courses are taken prior to taking Advanced Core Courses. A grade of C- or above is required for all major requirements.

Foundational Core Courses (28 credits)

SpHr 222Introduction to Speech, Language & Hearing Sciences

4

SpHr 370Phonetics and Acoustics

4

SpHr 371Anatomy and Physiology of Speech and Swallowing

4

SpHr 372USpeech and Language Development in Children

4

SpHr 461Neurology of Speech and Hearing

4

SpHr 487Hearing Sciences

4

SpHr 465Introduction to Research Methods for Clinical Scientists

4

Clinical Core Courses (25 credits)

SpHr 394Guided Observation

1

SpHr 463Language Disorders in Children

4

SpHr 464Speech Disorders in Children

4

SpHr 488Clinical Audiology

4

SpHr 489Aural Rehabilitation

4

SpHr 495Neurogenic Communication Disorders

4

SpHr 496Introduction to Clinical Management

4

Elective Courses (choose 8 credits)

SpHr 385Autism Spectrum Disorders

4

SpHr 471Neurolinguistics

4

SpHr 473Perspectives on Disability

4

SpHr 480Introduction to Sociocultural Aspects of Interactions

4

SpHr 485Bilingualism and Communication Disorders

4

SpHr 491Principles of Behavior Analysis: Clinical Applications

4

SpHr 410Selected Topics

0-12