Professionals in the field of communication disorders evaluate, treat and conduct research into human communication and swallowing disorders. These disorders result from causes such as stroke, brain injury, hearing loss, developmental delay, cleft palate, cerebral palsy or emotional problems.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of speech-language pathologists is projected to grow, faster than the average for all occupations. As the baby boomer population ages, the need for professionals who can address speech and language impairments is expected to increase.
Undergraduate students follow a sequence of basic science and pre-professional courses during their undergraduate study and participate in a clinical practicum at the onsite speech, language and hearing clinic during their senior year. This degree prepares undergraduate majors to apply for either a master’s program in speech-language pathology or a doctorate in audiology (AuD).
Students who complete both their undergraduate and graduate degrees in speech-language pathology at the University of Tulsa will have the academic and clinical practicum requirements for Oklahoma state licensure, Oklahoma school certification and certification by the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA).
