The undergraduate program in the Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences (SLHS), leads to a Bachelor of Health Science (BHS) degree in Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences (SLHS). It fully prepares each student for graduate study in speech-language pathology or audiology.

SLHS student works with a child at the Thompson Center for Autism

Overview

The BHS can be approached either as a liberal arts and science degree for students whose goals do not include clinical practice, or as a pre-professional degree for those students who plan to pursue a clinical masters or doctoral degree. 

*Note: A master’s degree is required for professional practice in speech-language pathology, and a professional doctorate is required for professional practice in audiology.

The BHS in SLHS is designed to provide students with a broad understanding of the scientific bases of speech, language, and hearing; the different types of communication disorders; and the various kinds of diagnostic and therapeutic methods utilized by speech-language pathologists and audiologists. Undergraduate students in the SLHS department at MU benefit from:

  • A low student-faculty ratio: Faculty in the SLHS department are easily accessible and they encourage student questions and interaction outside of the classroom.
  • A well-established student organization: MU’s chapter of the National Student Speech-Language-Hearing Association benefits from strong membership, providing opportunities for leadership and professional development.
  • Practical, hands-on experience: Seniors may serve as student clinicians in the Robert G. Combs Language Preschool and/or the Accent Modification and Pronunciation Program. Undergraduates may participate in research labs maintained by the SLHS faculty.
  • Success in graduate school: Graduates of our BHS program are well-prepared for graduate studies and enjoy high acceptance rates at top universities across the nation.

Course work

Students may major in SLHS and take limited SLHS coursework during their freshman and sophomore years at MU, but do not officially enter the BHS degree program until their junior year following application and admission to the program. In addition to the general education requirements established by the University of Missouri, SLHS majors must complete a minimum of 42 hours of coursework in Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences (plus elective courses to bring total credit hours to 120).

Advising worksheet

Students may use the BHS in SLHS advising worksheet as a guide, but advising through the School of Health Professions Student Services is highly recommended. 

Admission and application

Learn more about requirements for admission to the BHS in Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences program as well as how to apply.