University of Missouri

Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences (SLHS) includes the study of typical language, speech and hearing processes across the lifespan, as well as communication disorders that result from a variety of factors. The SLHS undergraduate major is the first step in preparing for careers in the professions of speech-language pathology and audiology.  Speech-language pathologists evaluate the speech and language of children and adults to determine whether problems exist in such areas as voice, articulation, fluency, and receptive or expressive language. Speech-language pathologists develop and implement treatment plans to address these problems. Audiologists evaluate hearing, identify hearing loss, and participate in the rehabilitation of persons with decreased hearing abilities.  The SLHS undergraduate curriculum fully prepares students for graduate study in either of these fields.  The professions of speech-language pathology and audiology require master's or doctoral degrees.  The SLHS undergraduate coursework provides students with a broad understanding of the scientific bases of speech, language, and hearing, the different types of communication disorders, and the types of diagnostic and therapeutic methods utilized in the field.  Undergraduate students in the SLHS department at MU benefit from a low student-faculty ratio, practical clinical experience in our language preschool, our accent modification program, and our research labs led by outstanding faculty, and a well-established student organization.