Phone: (908) 737-5416
CSI 107

The bachelor’s degree program prepares its graduates for entrance into a Master of Arts degree in Speech-Language Pathology (such as the M.A. program at Kean University) or a doctoral program in audiology. Speech-language pathologists evaluate, diagnose and treat individuals with speech, language, communication, hearing and swallowing problems. They work with individuals of all ages who have difficulty in communicating and pathologists find employment in a myriad of settings, including public, private or special schools, hospitals, the private industry, rehabilitation centers, universities, medical offices and in private practices. It is certainly true now that there is a shortage of certified speech-language pathologists, a trend predicted to be the case in the forseeable future. This field combines science and art and requires that one has patience, a sincere interest in helping people, an above-average intellectual aptitude and the sensitivity, personal warmth, creativity and perspective to be able to interact with the person who has a communication problem. It is a varied and challenging career path.

Audiologists evaluate, diagnose and treat individuals with hearing problems. Many are involved with hearing aids, counseling and cochlear implant technology. With exertise in using sophicated instrumentation, audiologists can dramatically help individuals of all ages whose hearing is compromised for a wide variety of reasons. This challenging and technical field has, as its entry level credential, a doctoral degree (the Aud.D.).

The prescribed course of study in the undergraduate Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences program can also provide a solid foundation for related professions, such as teaching in special education, deaf education, elementary or secondary education. In addition, the bachelor’s program also sets the stage for graduate work in psychology, social work and some health oriented careers.

Program requirements:

After being accepted in the major, the student will complete courses that provide a foundation of knowledge about the nature of human communication. Course work focuses on phonetics, anatomy and physiology of speech and hearing, speech and hearing science, neuroscience, typical speech and language development, sign language and linguistics. There is a significant amount of guided observation included in the curriculum so that students will have a solid understanding of the nature of the professions of speech-language pathology and audiology, typical and atypical communication skills and the populations served by these specialized professionals.

Admission requirements:

During the sophomore year, the student should apply to the Speech-Language-Science major. A grade-point average (GPA) of 2.75 is required. If, at the end of the junior year the student has an overall GPA of 3.2 or 3.5 and sustains it during the senior year, entrance into Kean University’s Master’s of Arts degree program in Speech-Language Pathology is offered, given that the student has evidenced the appropriate disposition and interpersonal skill level.

Contact information:

Barbara Lecomte, Ph.D., Program Coordinator
voicemail: 908 737-5411
E-mail: blecomte@kean.edu

Click on a course for a description and prerequisites.

B.A.

OPTIONAL MAJORS IN THIS DEPT.: Speech and Hearing; Speech-Lanuage-Hearing Sciences

Courses shown below are not a complete outline of major completion. Please click here to find the PDF file that outlines all the requirements of your major.

GENERAL EDUCATION

Please refer to your curriculum guidesheet for up-to-date core requirements.