Apply Today

SFA Home / Education / Departments / Human Services / Programs

Speech and Language Pathology

Speech-Language Pathology is one of several majors offered in the Department of Human Services.  The program offers undergraduate and graduate degrees which meet the requirements for state licensure and national certification in speech-language pathology. 

The Speech and Hearing Clinic is located on the 2nd floor of the Human Services building where students participate in a supervised clinical practicum. Students are provided with a practical hands-on approach to training as they perform on-site hearing evaluations and work with clients of all ages to assess, diagnose and treat various communication disorders. Externship sites are also available where students have the opportunity to work with a variety of individuals across the lifespan in nursing homes, hospitals, state schools, public schools, and home health agencies. Since 1992, the master's degree program has been accredited by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).

The Speech and Hearing Clinic has a new program called "Little Jacks." This program is designed to provide speech and language services in a preschool setting. Clinicians interact with a group of preschoolers on Tuesday and Thursday mornings.

Speech-Language Pathology Degrees 

The Bachelor of Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology is a pre-professional degree in preparation for graduate studies in Speech-Language Pathology. The undergraduate curriculum includes a free-standing major with no minor field requirements.  The Master of Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology is the minimum requirement for independent professional practice in the field. Students who are awarded the M.S. degree must meet all academic and clinical practicum requirements for ASHA certification and Texas licensure.

The M.S. Degree Plan requires 2 years of academic and clinical preparation, typically beginning the fall semester, continuing through the spring, summer, fall and graduation in May.  The 17 students who graduated in May of 2007 began together and all 17 graduated together. Over the last 3 years 87% have completed in 2 years, 9% completed longer than 2 years and only 4% did not complete the program.

Career Opportunities and Potential

The employment outlook for speech-language pathologists continues to be excellent. The U.S. Bureau of Labor statistics predicts a 46 percent increase in the number of available jobs between 1994 and 2005. Speech-language pathology majors may choose from a large number of available positions in schools, hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, rehabilitation settings and private practices with an annual starting salary of $30,000 to $45,000 after being awarded the M.S. degree.

A Master's degree is required for Texas licensure and for the American Speech Language Hearing Association's Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech Language Pathology.
For at least the last 5 years, 100% of our graduate students have had full time employment at the time of graduation.  In a 2007 survey of our alumni of the last 5 years, all respondents were employed either full or part-time. 

During the last semester of graduate study our student take the Praxis; the national exam that is required to meet ASHA requirements. In the 2007 survey of our alumni of the last 5 years, 100% reported they had passed this exam.  Our current success rate for first time passing the exam is as follows:

Praxis First-Time Pass Rate
2007 88%
2006 92%
2005 94%
3 year average 91.3%

 

In the 2007 survey of employers of our alumni, our graduates get high praise. A majority responded that our graduates exceeded their expectations in clinical preparation.  A majority also indicated that our graduates came to them with skills in some areas higher than graduates from other programs.

Contact Information

SFA Speech Language Pathology Program
Phone: (936) 468-1252
Fax:  (936) 468-7096
P.O. Box 13019, SFA Station
Nacogdoches, TX 75962-3019
E-mail: speechclinic@sfasu.edu

Current Faculty

Susan Abbott, Ph.D. CCC/A/SLP
Frank Brister, Ph.D. CCC/A
Debra Brown, M.S. CCC/SLP
Layne DeBardelaben, M.A. CCC/SLP
Amy Durham, M.S. CCC/SLP
Gilbert Hanke, M.Ed. CCC/SLP
Judith Lauter, Ph.D.
Michael McKaig, Ph.D. CCC/SLP
Danielle Perry, Au.D. CCC/A

For more information about our faculty, click here.

History of the Speech-Language Pathology Program at SFA

This program began in 1962, initiated by Mac Mosely. In 1974 the graduate program was discontinued, but the undergraduate program grew significantly.  In 1977, the graduate program was reopened and in 1992 became fully accredited by ASHA. Since its creation, this program has had a very strong and committed faculty who have included: Ann Ahrens, Debra Bankston, Lucy Davis, Frances Freeman, Vera Graham, Marilyn Harris, Frank Harrison, Bernard-Thomas Hartman, Kent Hawkins, Hettie Legg, Scott Lowery, Diane Morton, Jo Rhea Pevey, Melissa Pool, Anita Scoggins, Elnita Stanley, Michael Veal, Jan Ward.   

Graduate Admission Requirements
SFA Master's Degree Program in Speech-Language Pathology
Candidates are admitted one time each year in the Fall.

Deadline for all fall admission is March 1st.
For more information click here.

Non-discrimination Policy: It is the policy of Stephen F. Austin State University not to discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, or disabled veteran status. Unlawful discrimination based on sex includes discrimination defined as sexual harassment. Stephen F. Austin State University is committed to the principles of Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) law. An employee who violates this policy is subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination.  In addition, the Speech-Language Pathology Program at SFASU, in compliance with ASHA, does not discriminate against persons because of sexual orientation, veterans, or who are parents or care givers of parents.

Related Student Organizations

The National Student Speech-Language-Hearing Association (NSSLHA) Membership is open to any undergraduate student or master's candidate who is interested in the study of normal and disordered human communication behavior. By participating in SFA's award-winning chapter of NSSLHA, students gain a fuller appreciation of the professions of speech-language pathology and audiology and of the issues affecting these fields.

Texas Speech Language Hearing Association (TSHA) - Students may also join TSHA which is a professional organization that offers many benefits to its professional and student members. For more information you can contact them through e-mail.

National Student Speech Language and Hearing Association
“Founded in 1972, the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association (NSSLHA) is the national organization for master's candidates and undergraduate students interested in the study of normal and disordered human communication behavior. NSSLHA is the only official national student association recognized by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). NSSLHA membership has over 18,000 members and chapters in more than 285 colleges and universities.”  (Taken from NSSLHA membership application.)  For more information contact:
NSSLHA
10801 Rockville Pike
Rockville, MD 20852
NSSLHA website

Links

Top of page

Future Students Visit Academics Students Faculty/Staff Library Alumni & Friends Administration