B.S. Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology

The undergraduate program in speech-language pathology and audiology is designed to provide students with the academic experiences needed to understand normal processes involved in speech, language, and hearing abilities, identify communication disorders, and introduce students to clinical procedures for assessment and treatment of communication disorders.

The minimum number of hours required for the degree is 120 credits. Consistent with national accreditation standards, bachelor's level students are not eligible for employment as a speech-language pathologist or audiologist in any professional setting. Therefore, the undergraduate program at Old Dominion University serves as a feeder program to a master's degree program in speech-language pathology that prepares students for licensure and employment through advanced course work and clinical practica. The undergraduate degree also prepares students to apply to graduate audiology programs that are offered at other universities and other professional graduate programs.

Declaring the Major

To declare a major in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology:

1. Students must complete one year of course work at ODU with a GPA of at least 2.5;
2. Students must meet with an undergraduate advisor.

To continue and graduate in the major:

1. Students must maintain a GPA of at least 2.5 in all major courses.
2. Students must retake any major course in which they attain a grade below C- (or a grade below C in CSD 449W).

General Education Course Reminders:

• For ASHA certification, BS SLPA majors must take the following general education courses: one biology, one chemistry or physics, one statistics (suggest STAT 130M), and one social behavioral science (preferably PSYC 201 or SOC 201).
• One sign language course taken at the community college level is not equivalent to the sign language course required in our major, CSD 465. CSD 465 can only be waived if two or more sign language courses were taken at community college.
• Writing Proficiency: 
  • Grades of C in English 110, 2XX, and CSD 449W meet the requirement.
  • Students must retake writing courses with grades less than C.
  • No exit writing exam is required.
• Observation hours are accrued in several classes using the MasterClinician web-based system. Please work with the undergraduate program director to download the summary and sign it if needed at the end of the program.