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.
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
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: - 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.
- 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).
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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.
Admission Standards for the Undergraduate SLHS Program
Admission standards for the traditional SLHS program 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. Admission standards for the post-baccalaureate second degree SLHS program include a cumulative GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) and a bachelor's degree from an accredited university. Placement in the undergraduate program is competitive; meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee a student will be admitted.
Academic Counseling Criteria
The SLHS curriculum is designed in a lock-step structure which is different in some ways from a traditional undergraduate format. Students are required to take classes in a set schedule of semesters that are fixed at the start of the program. Unless they intend to withdraw or take a leave of absence from the program, students are not permitted to vary from this schedule.
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 ProgramAn undergraduate student will be subject to dismissal for any of the following reasons: - Failure to be released from academic probation within the time frame specified in the “Academic Probation” section above.
- Earning a grade of “D” or “F” while on academic probation.
- Earning a grade of “D” or “F” in a repeated course.
- Earning a grade of “D” or “F” in more than one course within the program.
- 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 4380) completed with a D or F (including “fail” or “no credit”) will result in loss of all clinical experience hours obtained during the semester.
A student who has been academically dismissed from the Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences program is ineligible for readmission into the program.
SLHS Program Academic Probation Flowchart
