Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders


Department


Department of Health and Human Sciences

College


College of Nursing and Health Sciences

Overview of the program


The goals of the Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences & Disorders' program are to:

  • Provide students with the academic coursework and clinical skills and training required for licensure as a speech-language pathology assistant (SLPA).

  • Prepare students for further study at the graduate level.


  • Strengths of the program


    The Department of Communication Sciences & Disorders provides students with the degree and clinical experiences required for licensure as an SLPA. Students are also provided with opportunity for professional development. Specific areas of strength include:

    • Clinical experiences in the department's on-campus Speech-Language and Hearing Clinic. The clinic provides assessment and treatment for infants through geriatric-aged clients who have a variety of disorders such as autism, stuttering, aphasia, traumatic brain injury, articulation, language, developmental delays, voice, and hearing impairment. The clinic also serves individuals seeking accent modification or dialect reduction.

    • Two semesters of clinical experiences that provide the required number of clinical contact hours for licensure as an SLPA.

    • Fifty-four hours of CSD coursework including two diagnostic classes, six hours of clinical methods, and a course in voice and fluency disorders.

    • Faculty that have received high student evaluations and state, national, and international recognition.

    • An active and nationally-honored student organization, National Student Speech Language and Hearing Association (NSSLHA).

    • Opportunities for funded student research and professional development.

    • Integration of technology for classroom instruction and clinical practice.


    Preparing for a job in the program


    Students preparing for a career in speech-language pathology should:

    • Exhibit oral and written communication skills necessary to interact with a variety of individuals from various backgrounds including individuals from culturally and linguistically-different backgrounds.

    • Develop critical-thinking skills required for clinical judgment.

    • Exhibit interpersonal abilities required to interact with individuals with disabilities and their families and related professional personnel.

    • Prepare for life-long learning in professional areas.


    Careers in the program


    A Bachelor ofScience degree in speech-language pathology enables the graduate to work in a variety of settings under the supervision of a master-level speech-language pathologist. The work settings include:

    • Schools
    • Hospitals and rehabilitation centers
    • Private practices


    Starting Salaries after completing the program (estimates only)


    Bachelor-level: Speech-language pathology assistant
    Academic year:$18,000-$25,000
    Calendar year:$19,000-$34,000

    Campus organizations and activities affiliated with the program


    National Student Speech-Language-Hearing Association (NSSLHA)

    Related fields that might interest you


    • Linguistics
    • Phonetics
    • Acoustics
    • Audiology
    • Teacher of the Hearing Impaired
    • Sign language interpreter
    • Special education teacher
    • Psychology
    • Health sciences


    How do I know this is the degree for me?
    Common Strengths and interests of students in the program


    Helpful qualities for Communication Sciences & Disorders' majors include:

    • A desire to help others
    • Interest in health sciences
    • Critical-thinking skills
    • Good communication (oral and written language) skills
    • Good interpersonal skills
    • Flexibility
    • Motivation to learn


    Notable Alumni


    • Joan Babin- Private Practitioner
      Joan has become one of the region's foremost experts in fluency disorders. In addition to the Certificate of Clinical Competence awarded by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, Joan holds two national specialty certifications, Fluency Specialist and Fluency Mentor. These designations require additional training and experience beyond the master's degree, as well as passage of a rigorous national examination. Joan was the first ASHA-certified Fluency Specialist in Louisiana, and one of the first ten nationwide.

      Joan currently has a thriving private practice dedicated solely to evaluating and treating clients with fluency disorders and working with their families. She receives numerous referrals from speech-language pathologists all over the region. In addition, Joan attends diligently to an agenda of outreach and community service. For example, she founded and directs the St. John and St. Charles Summer Fluency Camp, which caters to campers who stutter. Joan obtained funding through the United Way so that campers may attend the camp free of charge. The program offers intensive speech therapy, activities to improve the children's confidence and self-esteem, and counseling for the children and their families. Southeastern students have often participated in this camp as volunteer counselors.

    • Carol Negrotto- Coordinator of Speech-Language Hearing Therapy Programs, St. Tammany Parish Public Schools
      As Coordinator, Carol is responsible for hiring, assigning, and managing 109 speech-language pathologists, over half of whom are Southeastern alumni. Carol holds a license in speech-language pathology from the LA Board of Examiners, and she also earned the nationally recognized Certificate of Clinical Competence in speech-language pathology awarded by ASHA. Carol is recognized across the state as an ardent advocate for individuals with communication disorders, as well as for the professionals and the profession who serve these individuals. Carol generously gives her time to serve on numerous committees of local and state organizations. Recently, she was instrumental in lobbying the legislature for approval of supplemental pay for master-level speech-language pathologists who work in Louisiana's public schools.

    • Janet Mora- Director of the innovative Chartwell Center in New Orleans
      Janet is certified in speech-language pathology, elementary education, learning disabilities, and school administration. She is the director of the innovative Chartwell Center in New Orleans, a unique school-within-a-school that uses an eclectic blend of best practice methodologies to educate children with autism spectrum disorders and other disabilities. Janet is co-author of a book entitled The Sensory Connection - An OT and SLP Approach, and is a popular, nationally known speaker on the applied use of sensory integration techniques to facilitate communication skills development.

    • S. Genia Britt- Speech-language pathologist in the St. Tammany Parish public schools
      Genia is well known for her creativity in integrating technology into various types of communication intervention. She has shared her practical ideas at 10 national and regional conferences, and was selected Elks Teacher of the Year in St. Tammany Parish in 2004. Genia continues to serve the Southeastern community by supervising graduate practica and providing guest lectures in her areas of expertise.


    Contact Information


    Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders
    College of Nursing and Health Sciences

    SLU 10879
    Hammond, LA 70402

    On Campus: Campbell Hall, Room 102
    Telephone: 985-549-2214
    Fax: 985-549-5030
    E-mail: csd@selu.edu


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