怀俄明大学

The areas of speech-language pathology and audiology are concerned with disorders of communication. Included in these areas are the studies of systems underlying the normal communicative process (phonetics, acoustics, neurology, anatomy and physiology); development of speech, hearing and language functions; deviations from the normal communicative process; and diagnosis and management of speech, language and hearing disorders.

The Division of Communication Disorders offers a bachelor's (B.S.) degree in speech, language and hearing science. The bachelor's degree is considered preprofessional preparation for entrance into a graduate program in either speech-language pathology or audiology. A graduate degree is needed to work in most employment settings. The division offers a Master of Science degree in speech-language pathology. The combined undergraduate and graduate programs are designed to prepare students to meet the academic and clinical requirements for Wyoming licensure and the Certificate of Clinical Competence awarded by the American Speech Language Hearing Association.

The graduate program in speech-language pathology is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology. See the division web site for additional information.

Any student seeking admission to the graduate program in Speech-Language Pathology within the Division of Communication Disorders will be required to obtain a background check as specified by college policy.

Undergraduate Learning Outcomes

The B.S. in Speech, Language, and Hearing Science provides a quality preprofessional education in human communication sciences and disorders. Students graduate with the knowledge and skills needed to go on to further education in professional programs in speech-language pathology, audiology, and to other careers in health and education. Program quality is monitored and maintained through regular examination of the results of direct and indirect measures of teaching and learning goals.

Students earning a B.S. in Speech, Language, and Hearing Science will demonstrate competencies in the following areas within (a) human communication and swallowing, (b) clinical knowledge and skills, and (c) communication and professionalism.

A. Core Competencies in Human Communication and Swallowing Science

1. Anatomical and physiological bases of communication and swallowing

2. Neurological bases of communication and swallowing

3. Acoustic and articulatory bases of communication

4. Psychological and linguistic bases of communication

5. Social and cultural bases of communication

6. Research methods used in the field of communication disorders

B. Introductory Clinical Knowledge and Skills

7. Nature of hearing and balance disorders

8. Remediation of hearing and balance disorders

9. Nature of speech and swallowing disorders

10. Nature of language and literacy disorders

11. Principles and methods of assessment and treatment

12. Phonetic transcription and language sample analysis of typical speakers

C. Basic Competencies in Communication and Professional Areas

13. Scholarly and professional written expression

14. Scholarly and professional oral expression

15. American Sign Language or other second language

16. Locating and evaluating resources for evidence-based practice

17. Problem-solving and critical thinking

18. Self-regulation and meta-cognition

19. Interpersonal interactions and teamwork

20. Behavior conforming to academic and professional ethical standards