What you will study
Courses in the University of Central Missouri’s undergraduate Speech-Language Pathology
program will provide you with the in-depth knowledge you’ll need to either join the
workforce immediately or continue your education in our Speech-Language Pathology
master’s degree program. If you’re looking for Speech-Language Pathology programs
near you, UCM develops homegrown professionals who are licensed in Missouri.
Examples of UCM’s speech pathology classes include:
- Introduction to Audiology: Learn about the function, anatomy and physiology of the ear, hearing impairment and
theories of hearing. This undergraduate course also includes learning how to conduct
hearing evaluations.
- Aural Rehabilitation: This course teaches about the effect of hearing impairment on verbal communication
and provides instruction on how to maximize a person’s participation in activities
that have been impacted because of their hearing loss.
- American Phonetics: Phonetic transcription is like learning a new language. The sound system of American
English will be taught, with emphasis on the international phonetic alphabet and dialects.
- Multicultural Issues in Communication Disorders: Learn first-hand how cultural and linguistic differences have a direct impact on
communication disorders by interviewing those from different cultures and countries.
Transgender communication through voice, verbal and nonverbal communication and poverty’s
impact on communication and language are also explored.
Speech pathology classes taught by experienced SLP professionals
Our program faculty are passionate and caring instructors, as well as expert scholar-practitioners.
They are nationally certified and state licensed, with experience working in hospital,
educational and private practice settings.
The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association has created a document that provides
you with more information about the value of the undergraduate degree in speech-language pathology.
Excellence in speech-language pathology
- The University of Central Missouri Speech-Language Pathology Department is accredited
by the Council on Academic Accreditation of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
(ASHA). Academic courses and clinical practica may be applied toward clinical certification
by ASHA and toward state licensure.
Unique learning opportunities in speech-language pathology
UCM’s undergraduate Speech-Language Pathology program offers numerous opportunities
to gain hands-on, real-world experience that will prepare you for grad school and
a successful career as a speech-language pathologist. By having the opportunity to
learn outside of speech pathology classes and practice on real patients, you will
be well-prepared for your speech therapy career after graduation.
- Peer-mentoring practicum: During the first semester of your senior year in the Speech-Language Pathology bachelor’s
program, you will observe clinical therapy sessions led by a graduate student and
then provide therapy to the patients yourself. These graduate student-mentored experiences
are supervised by a faculty clinical instructor.
- Independent practicum: In your second clinical experience, you will work independently to deliver speech-language
services to a client scheduled for therapy in the Welch-Schmidt Center for Communication
Disorders. These experiences are under the supervision of nationally certified and
state-licensed UCM faculty members.
- Audiology practicum: Are you interested in the specialty field of audiology? As a Speech-Language Pathology
major at UCM, you’ll have an opportunity to complete a clinical practicum experience
on the Audiology Diagnostic Team. You’ll provide audiological testing and hearing
aid testing and consultation under the supervision of a certified and licensed audiologist.
- State-of-the-art labs: We have an alternative communication (AAC) lab with devices you will use on the job
as a speech-language pathologist. We also have a high-tech Voice and Swallowing Lab
that provides you with practice in diagnosing and treating voice and swallowing disorders
you will encounter in the medical and educational fields.
What can you do with a Speech-Language Pathology degree from UCM?
Speech-language pathologists are in high demand. Graduates of the University of Central
Missouri’s bachelor’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology program typically find it
easy to get a job or continue on to a graduate program in Speech-Language Pathology
or Audiology.
With our Speech-Language Pathology BS, you can find a job right away working as a
speech-language pathology assistant (SLP-A) in local schools. However, most people
with a degree in Communication Disorders or Speech-Language Pathology degree typically
enroll in Speech-Language Pathology master’s degree programs, like the one at UCM.
Either way, you’ll likely find that Speech-Language Pathology programs near you can
be an added benefit as you consider your college and career options.
As a speech-language pathologist, you could work in hospitals, clinics, schools, rehabilitation
centers, universities, long-term care facilities and private practice. You could even
build your career as a traveling speech-language pathologist and work across the country.
With a BS in Speech-Language Pathology, you may also choose to apply directly to a
Doctor of Audiology (AuD) program. Audiologists help patients with hearing problems
primarily by diagnosing hearing loss and fitting hearing assistive devices.
More on careers with a Speech Therapy degree
Use the interactive tool below to learn more about careers in speech-language pathology.
You can search for Speech-Language Pathology programs near you or across the country
to gain insights on salaries, projected job growth, career paths and more.
Financial assistance options for your degree in Communication Disorders
A BS in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Central Missouri is a valuable
investment in your future.
UCM also offers a variety of resources to help you finance your college education. In addition to scholarships available through the university to all eligible students,
numerous scholarships are offered specifically to those enrolled in speech pathology
classes, including:
- Lawrence E. and Eva L. Flanders Scholarship in Speech Pathology and Audiology
- Marilynn Schmidt Communications Disorders Scholarship
- Scottish Rite Annual Scholarship funded by the Scottish Rite Masons of Columbia, Missouri
Meet Lauren S.
BS Speech-Language Pathology ’21
“As I continue my education at the University of Central Missouri, I am very appreciative
of the SLP program faculty who challenge me to think further and work harder.”
What are employers saying?
Gain job-ready skills at UCM
“My practice provides a variety of early intervention, school-based and outpatient
services in the Warrensburg area. The UCM program is unique as they have their own
clinic where students can gain direct experience working one-on-one with clients.
I have been able to utilize UCM SLPs and SLP-As to provide more services to the pediatric
population.”
Carmen Rathert, Owner, Chatterbox Speech Therapy, LLC
National Student Speech-Language-Hearing Association
Volunteer, research and networking opportunities
Many of UCM’s undergraduate students in the Speech-Language Pathology bachelor’s degree
program participate in the Sigma Alpha Eta chapter of the National Student Speech
Language Hearing Association (NSSLHA). This professional organization hosts philanthropic
events to increase awareness and support the needs of people with communication disorders.
As a member, you may have the opportunity to present research at state conferences.
Welch-Schmidt Center for Communication Disorders
Gain experience in a real-life clinical setting
The Welch-Schmidt Center for Communication Disorders is housed in the Martin Building
on the University of Central Missouri campus in Warrensburg. As an undergraduate student
in UCM’s Speech-Language Pathology program, you’ll work alongside faculty and grad
students in providing diagnostic, habilitative and rehabilitative services to people
of all ages with speech, language, hearing and feeding/swallowing disorders and differences.
Learn More
A Speech Therapy degree with a personal touch
Mentorship for academic and career success
As a Speech-Language Pathology major at UCM, you’ll work with our Undergraduate Program
Mentor from day one to develop your four-year degree plan and make sure you’re set
up for success. Your Undergraduate Program Mentor will also guide you as you progress
through your speech pathology classes and during the transition to UCM’s Speech-Language
Pathology master’s program.
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