B.S. Speech-Language and Communication Disorders
Nova Southeastern University Undergraduate Programs
Key Information
Campus location
Fort Lauderdale, USA
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
4 years
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
USD 33,510
Application deadline
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Scholarships
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Introduction
Your First Step to Becoming the Health Care Hero They Need
Prepare to serve people with speech, language, and hearing disabilities by obtaining your first degree in this growing field. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the employment of speech-language pathologists will grow 25 percent from 2019 to 2029, which is much faster than the average. With the Bachelor of Science in Speech-Language and Communication Disorders, you can apply for graduate programs in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, including at Nova Southeastern University.
Our curriculum gives you a foundation in speech, hearing, language, and human communication disorders. You’ll learn from instructors who are recognized scholars with professional expertise in areas such as childhood language disorders, voice disorders, adult neurological disorders, motor speech disorders, hearing disorders, and fluency disorders. This program also involves exciting research and clinical observations in various settings to help you gain a broad understanding of the field. With a bachelor’s in Speech-Language and Communication, you’re one step closer to a career that is both personally and financially rewarding.
Why Should You Major in Speech-Language and Communication Disorders at NSU?
- Hands-on experience working with individuals across the age span presenting with a variety of communication disorders.
- On-site Speech-Language Pathology Clinic and Audiology Clinic where a diverse population can receive treatment for all communication disorders, including augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) and voice disorders.
- Learn from distinguished faculty with professional expertise inside and outside of the classroom.
- Convenient delivery options: take courses face-to-face or in an online environment.
- Join NSU’s award-winning chapter of the National Student Speech-Language-Hearing Association.
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Admissions
Scholarships and Funding
Curriculum
Total Degree Requirements (120 credits)
- General Education Requirements: 30 credits
- Program Requirements: 24 credits
- Major Requirements: 42 credits
- Open Electives: 24 credits
Courses
- Cross-Cultural Studies
- Adulthood and Aging
- 3 credits of Oral Communication
- Survey of Except Student Education
- Basics of Human Heredity
- Behavior Modification
- Individuals with Disabilities and Special Needs
- The Science of Sound
Major Requirements
- Communication Disorders through Film and Media
- Phonetics
- Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech-Language and Hearing Mechanisms
- Language Science
- Speech-Language Development
- Foundations of Language and Literacy
- Neuroanatomy
- Hearing and Speech Science
- Directed Observation
- Introduction to Research in CSD
- Evaluation of Speech-Language Disorders
- Treatment of Speech-Language Disorders
- Introduction to Audiology
- Rehabilitation for People with Hearing Impairment
- Capstone
SLP Department Elective Course Options
- Introduction to American Sign Language I
- Introduction to American Sign Language II
- Introduction to American Sign Language III
Experiential Learning/Internships
During your undergraduate studies, you’ll have a number of hands-on opportunities to gain real-world experience including exciting research opportunities. Some of our undergraduate students have presented at national or state level professional conventions, such as the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, and contributed as co-authors to publications in scientific journals. NSU also hosts an Undergraduate Research Symposium, where you can present your research or analytical work and have the opportunity to win an award.
Case competitions are one of our most popular opportunities for pre-health majors. A case competition starts with a fictitious or real “problem.” Students then work individually or in teams to identify possible solutions and present them to a panel of judges. Each competition provides incentives for both the winners and participants, in addition to earning an ExEL unit credit.
Career Opportunities
Apply for Licensure as a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLP-A) or Audiology Assistant
Depending on the state, graduates with a bachelor's degree can apply for licensure as a speech-language pathology assistant (SLP-A) or Audiology Assistant. This license allows you to work under the direction of a certified speech-language pathologist or audiologist in a variety of educational and health-related settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, schools, clinics, and private practice. According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 56% of SLPs are employed in educational settings and 39% in health care settings.
Average Starting Salary
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, speech-language pathologists make an average of $79,120 per year and audiologists earn an average of $77,600.
Shark Destinations
To practice as a speech-language pathologist, you typically need, at minimum, a master’s degree. To practice as an audiologist, you must complete a Doctor of Audiology (Au.D) degree. Many graduates of our bachelor’s degree program choose to continue their studies at NSU, which offers an M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology, Doctor of Speech-Language Pathology, and Doctor of Audiology (Au.D) program.