Speech Language Pathology (SLP)
Speech-Language Pathology is one of several programs offered in the Department of Human Services. The program offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees that meet the requirements for state licensure and national certification in speech-language pathology. Since 1992, the master's degree program has been accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).The Speech and Hearing Clinic is located on the 2nd floor of the Human Services building where students participate in supervised clinical practicum experiences. Students are provided with a practical hands-on approach to training that includes an emphasis on integration of evidence-based practice. They perform on-site speech, language, and 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 medical settings such as hospitals, rehabilitation centers, skilled nursing facilities, state schools, public schools, and home health agencies.
The profession of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology is growing dramatically. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 10% increase in the number of available jobs between 2006 and 2016, placing it in the top 30 (out of 700) fastest growing occupations over the next decade. Certified SLPs may choose from a large number of available positions in schools, hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, clinics, rehabilitation centers, home health agencies, and private practice with an annual starting salary ranging from $50,000-70,000. Audiologists find positions in private practices, clinics, schools, hospitals, and industry. SLPs are concerned with the evaluation, treatment, prevention, and research in human communication and its disorders. They work with a variety of ages of clients, from infants to young and middle aged adults and geriatrics.
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. Graduate student clinicians interact with 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. This degree may also be used to obtain a SLP-A license, which allows the student to provide services in the public school setting. At the completion of the undergraduate degree, other possible career options may include medical sales or medical publications, or the pursuit of a master's degree in other fields closely related to speech-language pathology (i.e. other health science or health care field, pre-med. or medical school, and special education).
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 the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) certification. They must also obtain a Texas SLP license if they wish to practice in Texas. The M.S. Degree Plan requires 2 years of academic and clinical preparation, typically beginning the summer before their first fall semester and continuing for two full years culminating with graduation in May.
For the last 5 years, 100% of our graduate students have obtained full-time employment by the time of graduation. During the last semester of graduate study our students take the Praxis; the national exam that is required to meet ASHA requirements. The pass rate for a first or second attempt on this national exam in this program for the past 5 years has been 96%.
Graduate admission requirements: Candidates for the master's degree program in speech-language pathology are admitted one time each year in the summer. Deadline for all summer admission is March 1st.
Career Opportunities and Potential
The employment outlook for speech-language pathologists continues to be excellent. Speech-language pathology majors may choose from a large number of available positions in schools, hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, clinics, rehabilitation settings and private practices with an annual starting salary of $50,000 to $70,000 after being awarded the M.S. degree. Mean equals 64,000 (US Census).
In the 2008 survey of employers of our alumni, our graduates receive 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
Nagalapura Viswanath, Ph.D., CCC-SLP
Program Director and Professor
SFA Speech Language Pathology Program
Phone: (936) 468-7109
Fax: (936) 468-7096
P.O. Box 13019, SFA Station
Nacogdoches, TX 75962-3019
E-mail: speechpath@sfasu.edu
History of the Speech-Language Pathology Program at SFA
This program began in 1962 and was 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 that has included: Susan Abbott, Ann Ahrens, Lucy Davis, Frances Freeman, Vera Graham, Marilyn Harris, Frank Harrison, Bernard-Thomas Hartman, Kent Hawkins, Hettie Legg, Scott Lowery, Michael McKaig, Diane Morton, Jo Rhea Pevey, Melissa Pool, Anita Scoggins, Elnita Stanley, Michael Veal, Judith Lauter, and Jan Ward.
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. 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
2200 Research Blvd # 450
Rockville, MD 20850
NSSLHA website
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.
The Cole Audiology Lab - There are 36 million Americans with some degree of hearing loss and over 80 percent will go untreated. This number includes men, women, and children of all ages. Many people report feeling isolated and embarrassed about their hearing loss and are unaware of their options. Audiologists at the Cole Audiology Lab can identify and treat all degrees of hearing loss, as well as provide continuing hearing healthcare to the East Texas community.
The Cole Audiology Lab at Stephen F. Austin State University offers comprehensive audiological services to the East Texas community and is open to the public, as well as those associated with SFA.
