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Before starting a Master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology, students must demonstrate knowledge of basic human communication and swallowing processes. In order to fulfill this requirement, La Salle University is offering 10 pre-SLP courses.
We strongly encourage students to take all ten Pre-SLP courses unless their records indicate that they have taken equivalent courses and earned a B or higher in those courses. By completing the Pre-SLP program, students will be prepared to apply to a graduate program in Speech-Language Pathology.
However, entrance into the Pre-SLP program does not guarantee acceptance into the La Salle's graduate program in Speech-Language-Hearing Science
The following courses are required for the Pre-SLP program and will be offered either on campus or online. Note that WB indicates on line:
SLH 100 / SLH 100 WB
Introduction to Language and Communication
(3 credits)
This course is an introduction to the study of the grammar and sound systems of natural languages with an emphasis on English. Historical and present day controversies on linguistic theories and the nature of language are emphasized.
SLH 102 / SLH 102 WB
Introduction to Communication Disorders
(3 credits)
This course is an introductory survey of normal processes and disorders of speech, language, and hearing. The behavioral and social consequences of communication disorders in people throughout the life span are presented. Different categories, symptoms, and causes of communication disorders are examined. The roles of the Speech-Language Pathologist and Audiologist in the evaluation and treatment of communication disorders are discussed. Preferred American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) practice patterns pertaining to a variety of professional situations are surveyed.
SSLH 200 / SLH 200 WB
Phonetics
(3 credits)
This course involves the exploration and study of American English pronunciation through the application of the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). Students will be trained in transcription of English phonemes and allophones and introduced to distinctive feature analysis, phonological rules, prosodic features, dynamics of articulation, American dialectical variants, and developmental phonology.
SLH 202 / SLH 202 WB
Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech and Hearing Mechanisms
(4 credits)
This course is designed to give students a basic understanding of the structural organization (anatomy), function (physiology), and neural control for speech production and hearing. The course will emphasize both normal and disordered systems. Two hours lecture, four hours laboratory. Prerequisite: BIO 161 & BIO 162 or equivalent or permission of instructor.
SLH 203 / SLH 203 WB
Language Development
(3 credits)
This course explores the specific nature, sequence, and patterns of language development from birth through adolescence and its relation to other aspects of child development. Conditions that place infants and children at risk for speech and language disorders are explored. Patterns of normal language development are discussed as a guide for the evaluation and treatment of children with developmental language disorders. Prerequisite: SLH 100 or permission of instructor.
SLH 211 / SLH 211 WB
Acoustic Bases of Speech and Hearing
(3 credits)
This course explores the physical characteristics of speech sounds and the psychophysical processes involved in hearing and speech perception. Sound waves, resonance, decibels, and spectrogram reading are discussed. Computer applications with practical implications are explored.
SLH 304 / SLH 304 WB
Introduction to Audiology
(3 credits)
This course is a survey of the field of audiology, including the measurement of hearing and the nature and causes of hearing impairment in infants, children, and adults. Students are introduced to strategies used by audiologists and physicians in managing hearing impairment.
SLH 306 / SLH 306 WB
Neurological Bases of Communication and Behavior
(3 credits)
This course is an examination of the structure (neuroanatomy), organization (neurophysiology), and functions of the central and peripheral nervous systems as they relate to speech, language, hearing, and cognition. Behavioral manifestations of normal and abnormal brain functioning are contrasted. Prerequisite: SLH 202 or equivalent or permission of instructor.
SLH 308 / SLH 308 WB
Clinical Procedures in Speech and Language Pathology
(4 credits)
This course introduces the speech-language-hearing science major to the clinical and supervisory process. Basic information regarding certification, professional standards, and ethics are discussed. Goal setting, lesson planning, methods of observing, describing and recording behavior, informal assessment and related topics are also discussed. Behavioral observation and computer technology in the measurement and modification of speaker-listener attributes are examined. Students develop clinical writing skills appropriate to various speech-language pathology settings. This course is an introduction to the clinical practicum experience and requires observation of a wide variety of clinical cases. Prerequisite: SLH 102, SLH 200, SLH 203 or permission of instructor.
SLH 314 / SLH 314 WB
Diagnostic Procedures in Speech and Language Pathology
(3 credits)
This course provides the student majoring in Speech-Language-Hearing Science with a framework for understanding the diagnostic process in Speech-Language Pathology. General topics in the area of diagnostics are discussed, including obtaining and interpreting assessment information. Report writing and presentation of findings are examined. Observations of diagnostic testing by an ASHA certified SLP are required. Principles and procedures common to the diagnosis of most communication and swallowing disorders are considered. Assessments of culturally and linguistically different individuals are surveyed. The ASHA Code of Ethics is emphasized. Standardized testing as well as alternatives to standardized testing are explored. Prerequisite: SLH 102, SLH 200, SLH 203 or permission of instructor.
General ASHA Certification Requirements
The new 2005 ASHA certification guidelines require students to complement their courses in basic human communication sciences with additional courses. These guidelines require students to have both a biology and physical science course. In addition, students need to have courses in the social and behavioral sciences. Currently,
La Salle does not offer these courses via distance and students who have not completed these requirements on the undergraduate level may have to take these courses either on La Salle's campus or at their local community college to gain the credits needed to be accepted into a Masters' Program.
To fulfill these requirements La Salle University suggests:
| BIO 171 WB |
Essentials of Anatomy and Physiology I and II (Biological Sciences) |
| HSC 271 |
The Physical Science of Physiological Instrumentation (Physical Sciences) |
| HSC 217 |
Statistics for the Health Sciences or ECN 213 (Mathematics) |
| EDC 103 |
Educational Psychology or PSY 210: Developmental Psychology |
| PSY 220 |
Psychopathology (Social and Behavioral sciences) |
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