School of Health Professions - Student Handbook 2020 - 2021


Bachelor of Science in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences Traditional and Post-Baccalaureate Second Degree

SLHS Program Information

Bachelor of Science in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences Program Traditional and Post-Baccalaureate Second Degree Programs

 

Mission Statement
The mission of the Undergraduate Program in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences within the Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences (SLHS) is to provide undergraduate students the educational and clinical foundation to pursue further academic endeavors or employment related to quality health care and service for individuals with communication disorders.

Bachelor of Science Program Strategic Plan
Goal 1: Strengthen and grow our Bachelor of Science Program in SLHS.

 

Specific Steps:
Increase our efforts to recruit students by continuing to offer introductory course in Communication Sciences and Disorders at TTU.

Provide interprofessional education opportunities and challenging academic curricula that prepare all of our undergraduates for employment and/or graduate education.

 

Goal 2: Remain the School of Choice for the most talented students in Texas and for outstanding out-of-state students.
 
Specific Steps:
Strengthen our interactions with the leading high school and college students and counselors in West Texas and Eastern New Mexico.

Systematically integrate the use of information technology into our undergraduate curriculum so that students can fully exploit new technology to further their learning.

Increase the enrollment, retention, and graduation rates of ethnic minority students.

Increase the number of scholarships and amount of financial aid available to undergraduates so that no student in the department has to work to an extent that hinders academic progress.

 

Speech-Language and Hearing Sciences Learning Outcomes (undergraduate)
Upon completion of the speech-language and hearing sciences undergraduate program, students will be able to: (Examples of assignments the students will complete to accomplish the Learning Outcome)

Identify major anatomical structures and physiological processes underlying speech, hearing, and swallowing (Written exams, lab practicals)
Obtain, transcribe, and analyze speech-language samples at a basic level (Course projects, sample analysis on exams)
Summarize the ramifications of different cultural, linguistic, and/or dialectal backgrounds on communication (Written exams, multicultural class project)
Identify major milestones of typical speech and language development and factors which place individuals at risk for communication disorders (e.g., hearing loss, neurogenic issues) (Written exams)
Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing (Observation lab reports, article abstracts, class presentations)
Utilize effective interpersonal communication skills in the exchange of information and collaboration with peers and healthcare professionals (Interprofessional education course modules and project completion)
Demonstrate general education competencies adopted by the TTUHSC for all undergraduate degree programs (Exam prior to graduation)

Speech-Language and Hearing Sciences Undergraduate Program
Essential Functions/Technical Standards
The technical standards of the Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences reflect the functions that are considered essential to the pre-professions of audiology and speech-language pathology.  Ability to meet these technical standards is required for admission to the undergraduate program and must be maintained throughout the time a student is enrolled in the program.  These standards are subject to amendment based on changes in health care/scope of practice.
 
In keeping with applicable federal and state law regarding disabilities, we are committed to making reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities to enable them to perform successfully in our department.  Any student with a disability who is accepted to the undergraduate program must contact the 504 coordinator in the TTUHSC Office of Student Services as soon as possible.  The coordinator will evaluate the student, confirm that the stated condition qualifies as a disability under applicable laws, and determine what accommodations are reasonable.  
To successfully complete the undergraduate program in the Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, an individual must meet the following technical standards:
 
  1. Observation
    Observe patients’ activity and behavior accurately during assessment and treatment procedures.

    Accurately monitor, through both visual and auditory modalities, materials and equipment used for assessment and treatment of patients.

  2. Communication
    Communicate professionally (orally and in writing) as required for coursework and clinical practicum to ensure patient safety.

    Use technology to meet requirements of courses and clinical practicum (e.g., computer skills including but not limited to internet access, word processing and spreadsheet programs, learning management systems, and electronic health records).

  3. Cognition
    Comprehend, integrate, and synthesize a large body of information in a short period of time.

    Read, comprehend, record, and interpret information accurately from diagnostic tests, equipment, and patient records to ensure patient safety.

    Accurately self-assess clinical skills and academic performance.

  4. Social Behavioral Skills
    Demonstrate respect for individual, social, and cultural differences in fellow students, faculty, staff, patients, and patients’ families during clinical and academic interactions.

    Demonstrate flexibility and the ability to adjust to changing situations and uncertainty in academic and clinical situations.

    Conduct oneself in an ethical and legal manner, demonstrating honesty, integrity, and professionalism in all interactions and situations.

  5. Motor Skills
    Sustain necessary physical activity level required for classroom and clinical activities during the defined workday.

    Efficiently manipulate testing and treatment environment, materials, and equipment.

    Access transportation to attend academic courses.

I understand and acknowledge that I must meet the technical standards required for this degree program in order to complete the program.


Opportunities for Undergraduate Students


Undergraduate Enrollment in Graduate Courses
Undergraduates who have at least a 3.0 GPA in the major may enroll for courses carrying graduate credit, subject to the approval of the course instructor and the graduate program director.  Undergraduates permitted to enroll for graduate work are expected to receive their bachelor’s degree within a year of their first graduate enrollment.  An undergraduate may not receive credit for more than 12 semester hours of graduate work prior to admission to the graduate program.

 


Academic Standards for Undergraduate Students

Admission Standards for the Undergraduate Pre-professional Program
Admission standards for the pre-professional program (beginning with the junior year) include a cumulative GPA of 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale). Placement in the undergraduate program is competitive; meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee a student will be admitted.


Applying for Admission to Graduate Studies
Students with an undergraduate degree in communication sciences and disorders from any university, or students who complete at least 24 hours of post-baccalaureate leveling coursework in speech, language, and hearing sciences may apply for the graduate program in speech-language pathology (deadline January 15).  To meet the requirements for national certification, students will also need transcript credit (coursework, advanced placement, or CLEP) in these four areas:  life sciences (e.g., biology, anatomy and physiology), physical sciences (e.g., physics, chemistry), social/behavioral sciences (e.g., psychology, sociology, anthropology), and statistics.
 
Out-of-field students:
Students with an undergraduate degree in a field other than speech-language pathology may choose to enroll in a one-year (3-semester) post-baccalaureate second degree program to complete the required undergraduate courses in speech, language, and hearing sciences.  

Pros:
You pay undergraduate tuition and fees while earning a second bachelor’s degree.
Once “leveling” courses (included as part of the second degree) are complete, you may apply to the TTUHSC graduate program OR to any graduate program in the U.S.

Con:
You are not guaranteed a slot in the TTUHSC graduate program. You must apply for the graduate program after your first semester of second degree coursework and compete for a slot with all other applicants.

 
Applying for TTUHSC Doctor of Audiology or Speech-Language Pathology Program
Application to the Audiology or Speech-Language Pathology program is made through the Office of Admissions and Student Affairs in Room 2B194 of the Health Sciences Center Building. Applications and deadline information is available on the School of Health Professions website, https://www.ttuhsc.edu/health-professions/admissions/application.aspx. The following items are required in order for your application to be complete:
 
• completed application form (including application fee)
• official GRE general test scores (verbal, quantitative, and analytical sections)
• official transcripts of all undergraduate work
• 3 letters of recommendation
• TOEFL or IELTS scores if native language is not English
 
When the Office of Admissions and Student Affairs has received all of the items listed above, your application will be ready for review by the AuD Program Admissions Committee.

 

Admission Standards for the TTUHSC Audiology or Speech-Language Pathology Programs

  1. GRE scores. Results from the Graduate Record Exam general test are used as one predictor of a student’s potential for success in graduate school.They are not the sole predictor employed by the Admissions Committee, nor are they necessarily the best predictor. A competitive application requires GRE scores at least equal to the national average for SLP graduate students.

  2. Grade Point Average.The Audiology program has established a minimum admission standard of a 3.0 cumulative grade point average (on a scale of 4.0) in undergraduate coursework, and 3.0 GPA in major courses (i.e., courses in speech-language pathology and audiology). However, successful applicants typically have GPAs of 3.5 or better.

  3. Interview. Applicants who are sufficiently competitive within the applicant pool will complete an interview with members of the Admissions Committee.  The interview offers applicants an opportunity to discuss unique circumstances, experiences, and qualifications which may be used in admissions decisions.


Applying for Admission to Other Graduate Programs
Each year, a list of all accredited graduate programs in speech-language pathology and audiology is available from ASHA’s website at (https://www.asha.org/).  The list includes contact information so interested students can obtain further information.  Students are strongly encouraged to apply only to programs that are accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.
 
Here are a few questions that prospective graduate students should ask:
  1. Is the program I am interested in accredited by ASHA?
  2. What is the deadline for applying?  (typically ranges from December to April)
  3. Is there a specific form to be used for letters of recommendation?  (It is expected that you will provide a stamped, addressed envelope for each recommendation you request)
  4. Do I apply for financial aid separately from my application for admission?

 

Academic Counseling Criteria
Each term, the faculty will review students' performance at mid-semester.  If there are concerns about a student’s academic or clinical work, the student will receive a letter from the Program Director, instructing him or her to meet with the instructor(s) and Program Director to discuss the concerns and to determine what measures the student needs to take to return to good academic standing.  Copies of all warning letters will be placed in the student’s file.
 
Following are the consequences for failing to maintain good academic standing in the Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences:

 

Probation and Dismissal Policies
To remain in good academic standing, undergraduate students must maintain a 2.50 TTUHSC cumulative GPA and earn a “C” or higher in all required courses.
Academic Probation
An undergraduate student will be placed on academic probation for one or more of the following reasons:
  • Failure to maintain a TTUHSC cumulative GPA of 2.50 or higher
    • A student placed on academic probation due to low cumulative GPA (below 2.50) will remain on academic probation until the TTUHSC cumulative GPA is raised to 2.50 or higher. The student may not remain on academic probation for reasons of low TTUHSC cumulative GPA for two or more semesters total during their enrollment in the program.
  • Receiving a grade of “D” or “F” in any course
    • Students placed on academic probation due to receiving a grade of “D” or “F” must obtain a passing grade (“C” or better) in the course the next time the course is offered in the curriculum. For coursework that is repeated under such circumstances, both the original and the repeated course grades are used to calculate cumulative GPA, and both grades will appear on the student grade transcript.  The student must meet minimum cumulative GPA requirements to remain in the program.  
  • Failure by the student to meet the above requirements for removal from academic probation will result in a recommendation from the program director to the department chair that the student be dismissed from the program for reasons of academic deficiency.
Per the SHP policy on Academic Probation, students will be notified that they are being placed on academic probation via a letter from the Program Director. Copies of the letter will be provided to the student, the Program Director, the Department Chair, and the Associate Dean of the Office of Admissions and Student Affairs. (Policies of the School of Health Professions can be accessed through the following URL: https://hscweb.ttuhsc.edu/health-professions/current/policies.aspx).
 
Dismissal from the Program
An undergraduate student will be subject to dismissal for any of the following reasons:  
  1. Failure to be released from academic probation within the time frame specified in the “Academic Probation” section above.
  2. Earning a grade of “D” or “F” while on academic probation.
  3. Earning a grade of “D” or “F” in a repeated course.
  4. Earning a grade of “D” or “F” in more than one course within the program.
  5. Violating the TTUHSC Student Code of Professional conduct.
Dismissal procedures will follow the dismissal policy established by the TTUHSC Student Code of Professional Conduct or the School of Health Professions.
 
Any clinical enrollment (e.g., HPSH 4280) completed with a D or F (including “fail” or “no credit”) will result in loss of all clinical experience hours obtained during the semester.


SLHS Program Academic Probation Flowchart