College of Health
Department Office: 1201 BEH S
Phone: 801-581-6725
Website: https://health.utah.edu/communication-sciences-disorders/
Department Chair: Julie Barkmeier-Kraemer, PhD
Director of Undergraduate Studies: Stacy Manwaring, Ph.D.
Graduate Director of Speech-Language Pathology Program: Robert Kraemer, Ph.D.
Graduate Director of AuD Program: Sarah Hargus Ferguson, Ph.D.
Graduate Director of PhD Programs: Skyler Jennings, Ph.D.
Director of Clinical Education, SLP: Brett Myers, Ph.D.
Director of Clinical Education, Audiology: Mark Rassmussen, AuD
Undergraduate Advisor: Laura Gerner, laura.gerner@utah.edu
Undergraduate Program
The undergraduate major in Speech and Hearing Science is a preprofessional degree for Speech-Language Pathology or Audiology. A master's degree is required for professionals practicing in speech-language pathology, and a professional doctorate (Au.D.) is required for practicing in Audiology. Those not holding a B.A. or B.S. in this field may enter the master's program in speech-language pathology or the Au.D. Program in Audiology; however, this requires completion of additional prerequisites (approximately one additional year).
General Information
Students in this major obtain a combined degree as undergraduates, and then may choose to study speech-language pathology at the master's level or audiology at the doctoral level. Speech-language pathologists are professionals concerned with evaluation and treatment of speech and language disorders in individuals of all ages. They diagnose and evaluate speech problems (e.g., stuttering, articulation disorders, voice disorders), language problems (e.g., aphasia and delayed language), and related disorders such as swallowing difficulties. Audiologist are professionals concerned with evaluation and treatment of individuals of all ages with hearing and balance problems. Their services include diagnostic assessment, the rehabilitation of persons with hearing impairment through hearing aids, cochlear implants, and audiologic rehabilitation, newborn hearing screening, and prevention of hearing loss.
Admission/Special Requirements
There may be additional admission requirements for this program. Please see the program pages for more information.
In addition, 9 credit hours of allied classes are required to comply with the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) standards for certification. These allied courses must include three semester hours in each of the following: (1) Biology, (2) a physical science (Physics or Chemistry), and (3) a behavioral or social science. Students must also complete 25 clock-hours of guided observation of speech, language, and/or hearing evaluation and/or treatment before graduation.
A student must maintain at least a 3.0 GPA in the major and a 2.5 overall GPA to remain in the program. Undergraduate students who fall below the required GPA averages will be notified in writing and placed on probationary status for one semester. If the student fails to raise his or her GPA to the acceptable level in the following semester, notification will be sent that he or she is being dropped from the program. Students may reenter the program after raising their GPA requirements.
Graduate Program
Master's and Au.D. Degrees
Admission Requirements
There are additional admissions requirements for these programs. Please see program pages for more information.
Language Requirement
M.A.: Standard proficiency in one approved foreign language is required. Au.D. and M.S.: No foreign-language competency is required.
Special Degree Requirements
A thesis option is available that requires clinical and/or research experience. Guidelines are detailed in the department handbook.
Certifications
Students completing the Masters Program in Speech-Language Pathology or the Au.D. in Audiology will satisfy the requirements for certification by the American Speech-Language Hearing Association. They will also be eligible for state and public school certification in Speech-Language Pathology or Audiology.
Ph.D. Degree
Admission Requirements
There are additional admissions requirements for this program. Please see the degree page for more information.
Language Requirement
A research tool in statistics or other areas (e.g., computer science and engineering) relevant to the candidate's dissertation research is required in lieu of a foreign language. Students may substitute, with committee approval, demonstrated standard proficiency in any two foreign languages in the area of their specialty.