Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology
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Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, B.S.
The Bachelor of Science program in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology is offered in the Department of Health and Human Performance through the College of Health and Behavioral Sciences at MTSU.
Whether helping a child who stutters or an adult with a hearing loss, the Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology program, formerly Communication Disorders, in the Department of Health and Human Performance offers students the opportunity to learn about human communication; speech, language, and hearing disorders; and intervention methods for children and adults experiencing communication problems. As a national leader offering an undergraduate pre-professional degree, MTSU's program helps prepare students for graduate study in speech-language pathology and audiology. The Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology major focuses on diagnosis and intervention for those who have speech or hearing problems. It provides a foundation for students who wish to continue study at the graduate level to become certified as speech-language pathologists or audiologists or who wish to pursue other careers related to communication disorders.
If you live in one of these states: GA; you may be able to attend MTSU at in-state rates under the Academic Common Market program.
News Briefs
MTSU’s Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology ambassador program uplifts students, receives grants
Two Middle Tennessee State University faculty members in the Department of Health and Human Performance have been recognized with grants to help continue funding their efforts to enhance in- and out-of-classroom opportunities for their students.[ Read More ]
November ‘Out of the Blue’ features speech-language program undergrad research [+VIDEO]
Kathryn Blankenship, Middle Tennessee State University professor in the Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology program, and Victoria Trevino, a program senior who plans to pursue medical school, were guests on this month’s “Out of the Blue” television magazine program to discuss the program and its opportunities for undergraduate research. “We’re one of the few undergraduate-only programs in the [ Read More ]
News Briefs
MTSU’s Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology ambassador program uplifts students, receives grants
Two Middle Tennessee State University faculty members in the Department of Health and Human Performance have been recognized with grants to help continue funding their efforts to enhance in- and out-of-classroom opportunities for their students.[ Read More ]
November ‘Out of the Blue’ features speech-language program undergrad research [+VIDEO]
Kathryn Blankenship, Middle Tennessee State University professor in the Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology program, and Victoria Trevino, a program senior who plans to pursue medical school, were guests on this month’s “Out of the Blue” television magazine program to discuss the program and its opportunities for undergraduate research. “We’re one of the few undergraduate-only programs in the [ Read More ]
Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, B.S.
Employer List
Alumni Success
I participated as an intern in the MTSU Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic. It has impacted my career by making me realize I prefer working with the pediatric population. I also participated in several hearing screenings, which made me consider specializing in childhood hearing loss.
-Jason Watkins, Class of '23, Current Graduate Student (M.S. Candidate in Speech Pathology) at Tenneseee State University
The courses I took at MTSU gave me a great foundation. The things I learned helped me to feel well prepared for my master's program, my clinical rotations, and my current career as a travel speech-language pathologist.
-Emmy Davis, Class of '18, Travel Speech-Language Pathologist at Amergis Healthcare Staffing
I believe my degree program prepared me for the challenges that I may face within my career field. My professors and mentors helped create and inform me of situations, both socially and professionally, I may have to face in my life. Through my time working with them at MTSU, I believe I was given the confidence to handle any situation that may be thrown my way.
-Garrick McGee, Class of '23, Speech-Language Pathologist at Arise Therapies
I was able to get clinic experience before working the job. I had practice writing lesson plans, collecting data, and interpreting IEPs. I also gained experience talking to parents and explaining treatment methods. After speaking with other therapists, I have realized how rare it is to have such a comprehensive undergraduate program.
-Ramey Keopf, Class of '23, Speech Language Therapist at Wilson County Schools
I took the Intro to Audiology course and was hooked! I started volunteering with a local group called Bridges in Nashville for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, read books Dr. Fischer recommended, and craved more information than intro to audiology could give me. I am forever thankful for Dr. Fischer and her Audiology class for showing me the path that led me to where I am today.
-Hannah Bell, Class of '18, Audiologist at Cabarrus County Schools
MTSU’s Career Development Center
MTSU offers a comprehensive Career Development Center that serves students throughout the full student experience and beyond. They collaborate with faculty and staff to equip students with the tools to be marketable to the world of work and continuing education.
Students can schedule an appointment or check online resources and job boards at mtsu.edu/career.
Students can find current internship opportunities by talking to faculty and visiting the University job and internship board called Handshake.
Wondering what you can do with your major? Check out our What Can I Do with A Major In guides.
Mission Statement
The Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology program helps prepare undergraduate students for graduate studies to become Speech-Language Pathologists and/or Audiologists through rigorous academic studies and clinical experience supervised by credential professionals.
The academic and clinical courses emphasize the following instructional principles:
- Understanding communication development over the life span
- Preventing, diagnosing, and treating communication problems
- Communicating effectively in oral and written language
- Thinking logically, critically, and ethically
- Supporting research and evidence-based clinical practices
- Appreciating cultural diversity in an ever-changing society
- Providing community services and establishing community partnerships
- Participating in professional organizations and continuing education
To practice as a licensed audiologist or speech-language pathologist, students must also complete a master’s or doctorate program. For students who have completed an undergraduate degree in another major, MTSU offers the prerequisite courses necessary for a graduate degree in speech-language pathology. A minor in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology also is offered. Pathways to becoming a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLP-A)
View a baby with cochlear implants hearing his mother for the first time!
Watch a video of a 29-year-old woman who was born deaf but now can hear after receiving a hearing implant.
Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic
The Middle Tennessee State University Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic serves children and adults who have hearing, articulation, language, voice, stuttering, and other communication problems. Client services are provided by undergraduate students under the supervision of our clinical faculty, who are certified by the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) in speech-language pathology (CCC-SLP) or audiology (CCC-A), and are licensed by the State of Tennessee. The clinical services offered by the MTSU Clinic are based on the educational needs of the student clinicians completing the Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology major. When selecting cases, the clinical coordinator considers the client’s disability, space availability, sufficient clinical staff, and scheduling policies.
The MTSU Clinic functions within the academic semester calendar. Each semester, clients or parents obtain a parking pass from Parking Services. Services provided by the University Clinic are billed on a sliding scale at the end of each semester. Currently there is a waiting list for therapy in the University Clinic. For further information, please call 615-898-2661.
Client Forms
- Case History Adult Hearing
- Case History Adult Speech
- Children’s Pre-Evaluation Information
- Release of Information
Completed forms should be returned via fax (615-898-2815), email or mail:
Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic
MTSU Box 364
1301 E. Main St.
Murfreesboro, TN 37132
The Clinic Experience
In addition to the academic course work, Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology majors receive instruction in clinical management. Undergraduate programs that offer opportunities for clinical training are unique. Specialized clinic courses and experiences allow majors to combine academic knowledge with actual clinical services.
Student clinicians work in the University Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic (CDIS 4550-4580) under the direct supervision of speech-language pathologists and audiologists certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. When meeting special requirements, clinicians may also engage in off-campus clinical (CDIS 4600) or school services (CDIS 4650). Through clinical practicum, students earn clock hours to apply toward the total hours required by graduate programs to fulfill national certification standards. The School Speech-Language Teacher license requires completion of CDIS 4650. Clinical materials and equipment are periodically reviewed and updated so that students receive optimal training in diagnostic methods and therapeutic management.
Prior to enrollment in clinical practicum, students must meet academic and professional eligibility criteria established by the faculty and published in the clinic manual. Academic criteria include a minimum overall GPA of 2.6 in 60 credit hours or 3.0 in the last 30 credit hours, a minimal GPA of 2.8 in the major, a minimal grade of C in each prerequisite course, mastery of phonetic features, and competence in speaking and writing. Students who do not receive a grade of B- or higher in both English composition courses (ENGL 1010 and 1020), as well as students who show unacceptable writing skills in academic or clinical course work, will be required to take an additional English writing course.
The University Clinic, located in the Alumni Memorial Gym (basement), serves children and adults who have hearing, articulation, language, voice, stuttering, and other communication problems. The University Clinic functions within the academic semester calendar.
View a video about the University Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic.
Additional Information
- Forms & Manuals
- Professional Resources
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