Academic Programs
The Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology offers a wide range of academic opportunities for students interested in the field of communication disorders. Communication disorders include many areas such as hearing loss, delayed speech and language development, stuttering, hoarseness, and problems with articulation. The comprehensive clinical service program in speech, language, and audiology clients within the university and the southwest Ohio community provides excellent experience in direct patient contact.
Major in Speech Pathology and Audiology
Our Bachelor of Science degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology is designed to prepare students for a professional graduate program in the areas of speech pathology or audiology.
During your first year of study at Miami University, you will take introductory communication courses. You will also begin taking the College of Arts and Science requirements, which include a foreign language.
In your sophomore year, you'll enroll in an anatomy and physiology, neuroanatomy, and language development. You will also continue to concentrate on Global Miami Plan courses. A GPA requirement of 3.0 overall and 3.0 in the required 100 and 200 SPA courses will be enforced for enrollment in all 300- and 400-level courses.
In your junior and senior years, you'll take advanced diagnostic speech and language courses,hearing and speech science, and audiology coursework while obtaining clinical experience at Miami.
Upon completion of your bachelor's degree, you are required to pursue graduate school to become a certified speech pathologist or audiologist. Miami's speech pathology graduate program accepts 25 students, including Miami graduates as well as candidates from other universities.
Learning Outcomes for B.S. in Speech Pathology and Audiology
- Students will demonstrate knowledge of basic human neurological, physiological, cognitive, and communicative development across the life span.
- Students will identify key anatomical structures and explain physiological processes related to human communication disorders and differences.
- Students will describe social-emotional as well as cultural impacts on communication differences and disorders.
- Students will demonstrate writing competency through professional clinical reports and research papers.
Minors
A minor is not offered through the Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology. Many of our majors chose to minor in related areas such as:
- Gerontology - A minor within the gerontology department provides a comprehensive understanding of the aging process. Three tracks are available: Applied Research, Aspiring Health Professions, and Policies and Program. Course work and field experience is required for the program.
- Child Studies - A child studies minor offers a diverse course experience covering child development, parent-child relationships, adolescent development, and diverse families. In addition to coursework, an internship is required to provide hands-on experience and the opportunity to apply and expand the knowledge provided throughout this minor.
- Disability Studies - Students develop a strong interdisciplinary foundation, with emphasis on cultural constructions of disability, and the intersections of disability, race, gender, sex, age, class, and other markers of diversity and difference.
- Spanish - To complete a Spanish minor, the student is required to take 18 credit hours above the 200 level.
- Linguistics - Linguistics looks at how people use language and tries to find the rules that govern that use. A minor in linguistics is useful for students majoring in foreign languages, English, sociology, anthropology, psychology, mathematics, communication, philosophy, or computer science.
Miami Plan Offerings
Miami University provides additional opportunities for you to enhance your Miami Experience. Some students may elect an additional major or a minor, which provides a multidisciplinary expansion to one's education. The Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology also is a full participant in the Miami Plan and provides a variety of Miami Plan course offerings, including Foundation Courses, Thematic Sequences, and Capstone Experiences.
Foundation Courses are introductory, and designed such that they emphasize the four principles of liberal education:
- Thinking critically
- Understanding contexts
- Engaging with other learners
- Reflecting and acting
The Department of Speech Pathology offers three foundation courses:
- SPA 127 - Introduction to Communication Disorders
- SPA 223 - Theories of Language Development
- SPA/DST 312 - Deaf Culture: Global, National, and Local Issues
A Thematic Sequence is a series of related courses (usually three) that focuses on a theme or subject in a developmental way. Each course builds or expands upon knowledge or perspective gained from preceding courses, and some sequences prepare students for Capstone experiences.
We offer the following thematic sequence:
- SPA 2: Exploring Social, Emotional, and Communication Consequences in Special Populations
Note: Speech Pathology and Audiology majors cannot use the SPA 2 thematic sequence to satisfy the requirement.
The Capstone Experience, completed during the senior year, integrates liberal learning with specialized knowledge. Each Capstone emphasizes sharing of ideas, synthesis, and critical, informed reflection as significant precursors to action, and each includes student initiative in defining and investigating problems or projects. The SPA 413 Senior Seminar in Communication Disorders is offered at least once per year.
Note: Speech Pathology and Audiology majors can satisfy capstone requirements with any capstone offered by Miami University.
Graduate Program
Our graduate program in Speech Pathology (M.S. or M.A.) prepares students for a career as a speech-language pathologist. Our program is nationally accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-language Pathology).
Learn More or Apply
Visit our Graduate Program page for more information about our accreditation or to apply.
American Sign Language Courses
We are very excited to offer courses in American Sign Language to undergraduate students.
Completion of SPA 202 (Intermediate Sign Language II) fulfills the College of Arts and Science Foreign Language Requirement.
When searching the Miami course list, use “Speech Pathology & Audiology” for the subject and “ASL” for the title.
Speech and Hearing Clinic
The Miami University Speech and Hearing Clinic is housed within our department offering full speech and audiological services to the community.
Our students benefit from their direct involvement with patients in our clinic.
Online Courses
The Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology offers several online courses each summer. These courses might be of interest to students who are interested in applying for Master’s programs but need to complete prerequisites and to students who are interested in taking electives in the field.
Summer 2024 Courses
- Beginning American Sign Language I (SPA 101; 4 credits), Schedule: 5/21-6/28, Prerequisites: None
- Beginning American Sign Language II (SPA 102; 4 credits), Schedule: 7/1-8/9, Prerequisites: Beginning American Sign Language I (SPA 101)
- Intermediate American Sign Language I (SPA 201; 3 credits), Schedule: 5/21-6/28, Prerequisites: SPA 102 or Foreign Language American Sign (201)
- Intermediate American Sign Language II (SPA 202; 3 credits), Schedule: 7/1-8/9, Prerequisites: SPA 201 or Foreign Language American Sign (202)
- Deaf Cultures (SPA/DST 312; 3 credits), Schedule: 7/1-8/9, Prerequisites: None
Note: The Summer 2024 Course Schedule is subject to change.
For More Information
Contact the Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology at 513-529-5124 or spa@miamioh.edu.
Miami University Non-Discrimination Statement
Miami University is committed to providing equal opportunity and an educational and work environment free from discrimination on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, military status, or veteran status. Miami shall adhere to all applicable state and federal equal opportunity/affirmative action statutes and regulations.
The university is dedicated to ensuring access and equal opportunity in its educational programs, related activities, and employment. Retaliation against an individual who has raised claims of illegal discrimination or cooperated with an investigation of such claims is prohibited.
Students and employees should bring questions or concerns to the attention of the Office of Equity and Equal Opportunity, Hanna House, 529-7157 (V/TTY) and 529-7158 (fax). Students and employees with disabilities may contact the Office of Disability Resources, 19 Campus Avenue Building, 529-1541 (V/TTY) and 529-8595 (fax).
For Questions or More Information
Undergraduate Non-Degree Admission
To apply for undergraduate non-degree admission, please visit our Non-Degree Student Application Requirements page.