Pre-Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences
The field of speech-language and hearing sciences includes a wide range of careers, including audiologists and speech-language pathologists. Professionals in this field help patients deal with a broad range of disabilities and conditions related to speech delays or difficulties and hearing loss or limitations. Audiologists measure hearing ability, identify hearing and balance disorders, provide rehabilitative services, assess amplification devices, and provide training in speech-reading. They treat patients from birth through adulthood. A Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.) is an independent professional who specializes in diagnosing, managing, and treating hearing- and balance-related disorders. Speech-Language Pathologists assess, diagnose, treat, and help to prevent speech, language, cognitive, communication, voice, swallowing, fluency, and other related disorders. This profession is closely allied with audiology, yet still a separate field. The following are examples of the types of people with whom Speech-Language Pathologists work:
- Those who cannot make speech sounds or cannot make them clearly
- Those with speech rhythm and fluency problems, such as stuttering
- Those with problems understanding and producing language
- Those who wish to improve their communication skills by modifying an accent
Pre-Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences (SLHS) is considered a designation at Texas Tech University, it is not a major. Pre-Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences students take the required courses to apply to a SLHS program. Pre-Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences students also have the option to major in any area of study they want, as long as they take the prerequisite courses required to enter a SLHS program along with the courses needed to earn a degree at Texas Tech University.
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Allied Health Sciences Speech, Language & Hearing Sciences Program requires the following courses:
| Texas Tech University | Texas Common Course Numbering System (TCCNS) |
|---|---|
| ENGLISH 1301 | ENGLISH 1301 |
| ENGLISH 1302 | ENGLISH 1302 |
| ENGLISH 2311 | ENGLISH 2311 |
| HISTORY 2300 | HISTORY 1301 |
| HISTORY 2301 | HISTORY 1302 |
| POLITICAL SCIENCE 1301 | GOVERNMENT 2301 |
| POLITICAL SCIENCE 2302 | GOVERNMENT 2302 |
| MATH 1320 or higher | MATH 1314 |
| MATH 2300 or SOCIOLOGY 3391 or PSYCHOLOGY 3400 | MATH 1342, 1442, 2342, 2442 |
| BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE (3-4 hours) | |
| PHYSICAL SCIENCE (3-4 hours) | |
| MULTICULTURAL COURSE: (3 hours) | |
| INDIVIDUAL OR GROUP BEHAVIOR (12 hours) | |
| HUMANITIES (3 hours) | |
| VISUAL & PERFORMING ARTS (3 hours) | |
| GENERAL ELECTIVES (variable hours) |
Frequently check with the programs to which you plan to apply prerequisites and /or application procedures can change.
Total hours must be at least 66 credit hours.
For more information about the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences Program.