Bachelor of Science in Speech Education, Grades 6-12
Department
Department of Communication
College
College of Education and Human Development
Overview of the program
The Department of Communication and the College of Education and Human Development prepare students for careers teaching speech, journalism, and drama classes in grades 6-12. The concentration in journalism education focuses on skills and theory necessary for the teaching of a survey of mass media and advising school publications, on-line operations and broadcast programming on the secondary school level. Students may use available elective courses within the curriculum in Speech Education to complete the requirements of the Journalism Education concentration. For a primary teaching area in speech, students successfully complete 31 semester hours of communication and theatre courses. For a secondary teaching area in speech, students successfully complete 19 hours of communication courses. An Honors Diploma in Speech Education is available.
The total credit hours required for a BS in Speech Education is 125-126.
Concentrations
- Speech Education
- Journalism Education
Strengths of the program
The Speech Education program is accredited by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). It includes hands on experience in the classroom, including 180 hours of field experience. The program provides excellent training for those candidates who wish to teach speech, journalism, drama, and debate to grades 6-12.
Preparing for a job in the program
Students hoping to pursue a career in teaching speech should:
- Develop written and oral skills
- Learn to think and read critically
- Acquire classroom management skills
- Gain experience through direct teaching opportunities
- Develop and practice organizational skills
Careers in the program
- Teaching in secondary schools (grades 6-12)
- Corporate training programs
- Tutoring in Learning Centers
Starting Salaries after completing the program (estimates only)
According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, the median annual earnings of secondary school teachers ranged from $39,810 to $44,340 in 2002; the lowest 10 percent earned $24,960 to $29,850; the top 10 percent earned $62,890 to $68,530. Variations in salary depend on location, highest degree earned, and public vs. private school employment. In Louisiana, the average starting salary for teachers with a BS or BA in 2005 was $30, 125.
Campus organizations and activities affiliated with the program
- Lambda Pi Eta, National Communication Honors Association
- Pi Delta Epsilon, National Mass Communication Honor Society
- Kappa Delta Pi, International Honor Society in Education
- The Lion’s Roar, the student newspaper
- KSLU, Southeastern’s radio station
- The Southeastern Channel
- The SLU Press Club
- The SLU Debate Team
Related fields that might interest you
- University Professor
- School Administrator
These two fields require an advanced degree in Communication or Teaching and Instruction.
How do I know this is the degree for me?
Common Strengths and interests of students in the program
Helpful qualities for speech education majors include:
- Interest in teaching
- Confidence in speaking before groups
- A concern for adolescents and young adults
- Good oral and written communication skills
- Good organizational and planning skills
- Self-confidence and motivation
- Patience, flexibility, and consistency
- Problem solving skills
Notable Alumni
The Southeastern Louisiana University Department of Communication has educated many of the teachers and school administrators now teaching in Louisiana high schools.
Contact Information
Department of Communication
College of Education and Human Development
SLU Box 10451
Hammond, LA 70402
On Campus: D Vickers Hall, Room 223
Telephone: 985-549-2105
Fax: 985-549-5407
E-mail: kfontenot@selu.edu
