Program Overview
Unravel the science of communication and empower lives. The SLHS program unlocks both immediate career paths and a route to graduate studies in fields like audiology and speech-language pathology.
- Dive into the intricacies of human communication: Explore normal speech, language, and hearing development alongside diverse disorders.
- Discover practical skills: Gain a solid academic and clinical foundation to understand and improve communication skills.
- Open doors to tremendous careers: This degree is your launchpad! After graduation, pursue an entry-level position or an advanced degree.
Join our vibrant community! Learn and interact with renowned faculty in an innovative environment focused on audiology and speech-language pathology.
This program is perfect for you if:
- You're fascinated by the science of communication.
- You dream of helping individuals overcome communication challenges.
- You are looking for a career that blends psychology, education, and medicine.
As an undergraduate student, you will learn about the normal processes of speech, hearing, and language, and also learn about a variety of communication disorders. Since hearing and speech are so closely related, you will get exposure to both areas of the profession. A graduate degree is required to practice as a speech-language pathologist or audiologist. The undergraduate program here at TTUHSC prepares students for graduate school. As an undergraduate, you won’t have to choose between speech-language pathology and audiology until you decide to pursue graduate-level work.
In the bachelor’s program, you will also complete all required coursework to become a licensed speech-language pathology assistant.
For more information, please reach out to the Office of Admissions and Student Affairs at (806) 743-3220 or health.professions@ttuhsc.edu.
- 2 years estimated time to completion
- 75 estimated class size
Curriculum & Coursework
Become a part of the fascinating world of human communication with courses like Introduction to Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology. However, your journey doesn't end with theory. Clinical observations turn academic concepts into life-changing experiences. Master essential skills in classes like Language Disorders and Clinical Methods.
These courses will equip you with the knowledge and tools you need to succeed in diverse careers or pursue graduate studies:
Introduction to Audiology
Introduction to Speech-Language Pathology
Language Disorders
Clinical Methods
Neural Bases of Communication, Hearing, and Swallowing
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First Year Fall Semester Course Designation Credit Hours
HPSH 3219 Introduction to Audiology 2 hours
HPSH 3220 Introduction to Speech-Language Pathology 2 hours
HPSH 3323 Language Development 3 hours
HPSH 3427 Phonetics 4 hours
HPSH 3422 Anatomy & Physiology 4 hours
Total Hours 15 hours
First Year Spring Semester Course Designation Credit Hours
HPSH 3321 Speech Science 3 hours
HPSH 3322 Hearing Science 3 hours
HPSH 3324 Language Disorders 3 hours
HPSH 3326 Speech Sound Disorders 3 hours
HPSH 3126 Speech Sound Disorders Lab 1 hour
HPSH 3442 Clinical Audiology 4 hours
Total Hours 17 hours
Second Year Fall Semester Course Designation Credit Hours
HPSH 3221 Clinical Methods 2 hours
HPSH 4310 Special Topics in SLP (pre-SLP)
OR HPSH 4346 Diagnostic AuD/HPSH4146 Diagnostic AuD Lab (pre-AuD)4 hours
HPSH 4280/90 Clinical Observation: SLP/AuD 2 hours
HPSH 4320 Interpersonal Communication for Person-centered Care 3 hours
HPSH 4426 Neural Bases of Communication, Hearing, and Swallowing 4 hours
Total Hours
**HPSH 4017 Undergraduate Research Experience (Optional - Must meet program requirements)15 hours
Second Year Spring Semester Course Designation Credit Hours
HPSH 4344 Pluralism in Person-centered Care 3 hours
HPSH 4215 Seminar in Health and Education Professions 2 hours
HPSH 4410 Introduction to Aural Habilitation and Rehabilitation 4 hours
HPSH 4427 Assessment Procedures in SLP 4 hours
Total Hours
**HPSH 4017 Undergraduate Research Experience (Optional - Must meet program requirements)13 hours
Program Term Application Deadlines
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Term |
Applications Open |
Application Deadline |
First Day of Term |
|---|---|---|---|
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SUMMER |
TBA |
TBA |
MAY TBA |
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FALL |
DEC 1 |
JUL 1 |
AUG TBA |
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SPRING |
TBA |
TBA |
JAN TBA |
How to Apply
Online Application
Applicants for the SLHS program must complete the TTUHSC SHP online application. The online application and all supporting documentation must be received by the deadline. Priority in application review and admission into the program will be given to those applicants who have completed applications by April 1st. Applications completed between April 1st and July 1st will be reviewed in order of completion and only considered for admission if there is still availability in the cohort.
Application Fee
A non-refundable $75 application fee is required and may be paid by credit card through the online application system.
If you prefer to pay by check or money order, make it payable to TTUHSC and mail it to:
Office of Admissions and Student Affairs
3601 4th Street, MS 6294
Lubbock, TX 79430
Your application will move forward in the admissions review process after your application fee has been received.
Transcripts
Paper Transcripts: Transcripts must be in an official sealed envelope by the institution and sent to our mailing address:
TTUHSC SHP Admissions and Student Affairs
3601 4th Street, Mail Stop 6294
Lubbock, TX 79430
Email PDF Transcripts: Applicants must submit official electronic transcripts directly from the institution or third-party processing center to shp.application@ttuhsc.edu.
Applicants must submit official transcripts of college coursework from all colleges attended, utilizing one of the options above. The Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center is separate from Texas Tech University. Do not send transcripts to Texas Tech University, as this will delay the processing of your application.
Please note, official transcripts from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center are not required. Official transcripts from Texas Tech University are required.
Transcripts from any international college or university must have an official course-by-course evaluation from a Foreign Transcript Evaluation Service.
The applicant's responsibility is to ensure all required application materials, including updated transcripts, are submitted before the application deadline for each program.
Admissions Requirements
The SLHS program begins in August of each year. The online application and all supporting documentation must be received by the deadline. Applicants that meet the priority application deadline will be informed of admissions decisions by May 1st.
Minimum GPA
- A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 is required; this includes all courses taken at every institution attended.
- A minimum prerequisite GPA of 2.5 is required.
Prerequisites for SLHS Traditional Program
All prerequisite courses must be complete prior to when the program begins in August. Students may be enrolled or planning to enroll in prerequisite coursework at the time they apply, as long as all prerequisite coursework will be complete by August 15th. *Must submit updated official transcript showing completion of fall grades prior to application deadline.
Program Requirements
| Course Designation |
Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| Texas Core Curriculum Requirements: The Texas Core Curriculum course requirements can be found by visiting the TTUHSC Core Curriculum website. |
42 hours |
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American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Requirements: 1 course in animal biology, human anatomy and physiology, or genetics These courses may be fulfilled as part of your Texas Core Curriculum course requirements. |
12-14 hours |
| General Electives |
Variable hours |
| Total Hours |
≥ 63 hours |
International Applicants
If you are not a citizen/permanent resident of the United States, please refer to our International Applicants webpage for the additional requirements needed for your application.
Speech, Language & Hearing Sciences Essential Functions/Technical Standards
The Essential Functions/Technical Standards for the Speech, Language & Hearing Sciences (SLHS) undergraduate programs reflect the functions that are considered essential to the pre-professions of audiology and speech-language pathology. Ability to meet these Essential Functions/Technical Standards is required for admission to a SLHS undergraduate program and must be maintained throughout the time a student is enrolled in the program. These standards are subject to amendment based on changes in health care/scope of practice. Students will be notified of any changes to these standards.
The SLHS undergraduate programs seek to educate a qualified group of students striving for excellence. The department is committed to the education of all qualified individuals, including persons with disabilities who, with or without reasonable accommodation, are capable of performing the Essential Functions/Technical Standards outlined below. In keeping with applicable federal and state law regarding disabilities, the department is committed to making reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities to enable them to perform successfully. A reasonable accommodation should not fundamentally alter the academic and clinical requirements of the program, pose a direct threat to the health or safety of the student or others, or present an undue burden to the institution. Any student with a disability who is accepted to either of the undergraduate programs must contact Student Disability Services (SDS) at TTUHSC as soon as possible. The SDS coordinator will confirm that the stated condition qualifies as a disability under applicable laws and will work with the department to determine what accommodations are reasonable.
The following Essential Functions/Technical Standards reflect the applicable abilities that are required:
- Observation
- Observe patients’ activity and behavior accurately during assessment and treatment procedures.
- Accurately monitor, through both visual and auditory modalities, materials and equipment used for assessment and treatment of patients.
- Communication
- Communicate professionally (orally and in writing) as required for coursework and clinical practicum to ensure patient safety.
- Use technology to meet requirements of courses and clinical practicum (e.g., computer skills including but not limited to internet access, word processing and spreadsheet programs, learning management systems, and electronic health records).
- Cognition
- Comprehend, integrate, and synthesize a large body of information in a short period of time.
- Read, comprehend, record, and interpret information accurately from diagnostic tests, equipment, and patient records to ensure patient safety.
- Accurately self-assess clinical skills and academic performance.
- Social Behavioral Skills
- Demonstrate respect for individual, social, and cultural differences in fellow students, faculty, staff, patients, and patients’ families during clinical and academic interactions.
- Demonstrate flexibility and the ability to adjust to changing situations and uncertainty in academic and clinical situations.
- Conduct oneself in an ethical and legal manner, demonstrating honesty, integrity, and professionalism in all interactions and situations.
- Demonstrate respect for individual, social, and cultural differences in fellow students, faculty, staff, patients, and patients’ families during clinical and academic interactions.
- Motor Skills
- Sustain necessary physical activity level required for classroom and clinical activities during the defined workday.
- Efficiently manipulate testing and treatment environment, materials, and equipment.
- Access transportation to attend academic courses.
Application Process
Fulfillment of the basic requirements does not guarantee admission. The admissions committee selects the most qualified applicants for admission by considering cumulative GPA and prerequisite GPA.
Application Submission Checklist
- Online Application
- Application Fee
- Official Transcripts
Questions regarding the application process should be directed to the Office of Admissions and Student Affairs. Please contact our office by phone at 806-743-3220 or email at health.professions@ttuhsc.edu.
Cost & Aid
Access information about tuition and fees, along with scholarships and financial aid resources, to help you plan and finance your education at TTUHSC.
Tuition & Fees
The following information is not intended to be comprehensive and is subject to change. Tuition, fees, and charges are subject to change by administrative, legislative, or regent action, and changes become effective on the date enacted. The following tuition information should be used only as a guideline for estimating charges.
Scholarships & Financial Aid
Our goal is to make obtaining a college degree within reach by supporting you with financial aid and scholarships programs. TTUHSC relies on a variety of financial aid sources to increase the university's affordability. This may include scholarships, grants, student loans, and waivers. As a student, please know that you and your family have a dedicated financial aid advisor who can assist you with this process.
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Application/Admissions Process:
What are the admission requirements for the TTUHSC Undergraduate Program?
Admission requires a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 or better. All prerequisites must be completed by the start of classes in the fall.Does it matter where I take the prerequisite courses?
No, you may take prerequisites courses at any regionally accredited college or university in the state of Texas.What courses should I take for a general elective?
Elective courses can be anything you want! Elective courses do not have to be related to the field of speech and hearing.What science courses will work for the science prerequisites?
Effective in September of 2014, the American Speech-Language- Hearing Association (ASHA) requires that all candidates for certification in speech-language pathology and audiology have an undergraduate course in life science (course title and description must specify biology, animal or human A&P, or human genetics) and physical science (course title and description must specify chemistry or physics). You may enroll in these courses in a traditional classroom, online, or via correspondence at any college or university, as long as they meet the above-listed requirements.Who can I contact to make sure I have the correct prerequisite courses for the program?
You can be advised by the Office of Admissions & Student Affairs at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (806-743-3220; health.professions@ttuhsc.edu) OR the Office of Pre-Professional Health Careers in Room 147 of Drane Hall on the TTU campus (806-742-2189). If you are not currently a TTU student, you can still be advised by the TTUHSC Office of Admissions and Student Affairs. Simply call or email to schedule an advising appointment.When is the deadline to apply to the TTUHSC Undergraduate Program?
Priority in application review and admission into the program will be given to those applicants who have verified and completed applications by April 1st. Applications completed between April 1st and July 1st will be reviewed in order of completion and only considered for admission if there is still availability in the cohort. An application must be verified and all other requirements must be received by the deadline. Applicants who meet the April 1st application deadline will be informed of admission decisions by May 1st. The SLHS programs begin in the fall semester each year. Please visit the SHP Application for deadline information. Note: You do NOT have to complete all prerequisite courses prior to applying. You must have a plan in place for how all courses will be completed by August 15th.I applied to the TTUHSC SLHS Undergraduate Program by the April 1 deadline. It is time to pre-register for fall courses, but I have not heard about whether or not I was accepted to the TTUHSC SLHS Program. What should I do?
It is always good to have a “back-up” plan. Thus, you may go ahead and register for fall courses at your current university as a “back-up.” If you are admitted to the TTUHSC SLHS Program (You will know by May 1 if your application was complete by April 1), you will simply drop your fall courses at your current university and enroll in your TTUHSC courses instead.Do I need to declare a major or minor before entering the TTUHSC SLHS Undergraduate Program?
Some colleges require you to declare an official major once you have earned > 40 credit hours, although if you declare a pre-professional health careers program such as pre-speech, language, and hearing sciences as your major, you can actually continue to list this as your major until you reach 75 credit hours. You may declare any “temporary” major you wish (e.g., education, human development and family studies, psychology) as long as you complete the required prerequisite courses. Once you are admitted to the SLHS professional program, SLHS will become your official major.You are not required to declare or earn a minor, and TTUHSC does not offer the option of earning a minor; therefore, if you do choose to earn a minor, it must be completed before entering TTUHSC (Note: Minors often require a combination of lower and upper level courses and a total of 18 hours in one specialty area). TTUHSC will not print your minor on your official transcript or diploma when you graduate; however, the minor coursework will appear on your official transcript at the institution from which you earned your minor.
You can legitimately list your minor on a resume or job application.When do I need to be in compliance with all of my immunizations?
Your immunization records must be in compliance 10 days prior to the first day of class each semester. If you have questions about immunization or the status of your immunization record, please contact the Office of Institutional Health 806-743-3019.About the Program:
Are volunteer or observation hours required or recommended before entering the undergraduate program at TTUHSC?
The TTUHSC Department of SLHS does not endorse or require undergraduate student volunteer hours at particular facilities. Thus, no paperwork/formal documentation is required. However, we strongly encourage students to independently seek volunteer opportunities that will expose them to the professions of speech-language pathology, audiology, and related health care or educational disciplines. We advocate use of the honor system for reporting your hours, and our Admissions Committee periodically checks with facilities to verify your experience. Because TTUHSC has a graduate program in speech-language pathology, many Lubbock professionals already allow graduate students to intern at their facilities. Thus, it is recommended that pre-SLHS students contact professional speech-language pathologists in their hometown (outside of Lubbock) and request to observe, shadow, or volunteer during Winter, Spring, or Summer breaks.When do I have to decide between a career in speech-language pathology or audiology?
You do not have to make a decision between speech-language pathology and audiology until you are choosing which graduate program to attend. When you enter the SLHS Undergraduate Program, you will enroll in courses from both disciplines because hearing and speech are integrally related. In graduate school, the field you choose (SLP or AuD) will be your “major” and the other one will be your automatic, unofficial “minor.”How can I get involved in the field of speech and hearing before entering the SLHS Undergraduate Program?
If you are a TTU student, join the Pre-Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences (Pre-SLHea; pronounced “Presley”) Organization on the TTU campus. This organization provides invited talks from professional speech-language pathologists and audiologists and service/volunteer opportunities. Contact the TTU Office of Pre-Professional Health Careers (PPHC) at 806-742-2189 (located in Drane Hall, Room 147) or e-mail pphc@ttu.edu for more information.What is the 2nd degree program?
The post-baccalaureate 2nd degree program is designed for students who have already earned an undergraduate degree in another field and need to complete the speech and hearing prerequisite (leveling) courses required for entering a graduate program in speech-language pathology OR working as a licensed speech-language pathology assistant. Additional information can be found on the 2nd degree webpage.What kind of dress is expected?
You may wear casual clothes to class. When you observe or participate in clinic, you are expected to wear business casual attire that is both comfortable and modest.What careers are possible with a bachelor’s degree in SLHS?
With a bachelor’s degree in SLHS, you are eligible to apply to a graduate program for either a master’s degree in speech-language pathology or a clinical doctorate in audiology. You can visit American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Careers for further information about careers in speech-language pathology and audiology. You could also apply for a master’s degree in a related field, such as reading, education of the hearing impaired, special education, rehabilitation counseling, or health care administration.If you decide not to go to graduate school, here are some possible options for employment:
- Licensed Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA)
- Licensed Hearing Aid Specialist (with additional training)
- Early Intervention Specialist (EIS)
- Case worker at a state agency (e.g., Department of Assistive &
Rehabilitation Services (DARS), Department of Health and Human
Services (DHHS), Department of State Health Services (DSHS)) - Activities Director at a long-term care facility
- Child Care Provider
- Teacher’s aide or substitute teacher for public school
- Unit coordinator at a hospital
Is TTUHSC part of Texas Tech University (TTU), or is it a separate university?
While both TTU and TTUHSC are part of the TTU System, they are separate institutions. Once admitted to TTUHSC, you will register for courses, pay tuition, attend classes, obtain TTUHSC ID badge, access the TTUHSC library, and park your car on the TTUHSC campus. You will also be eligible to maintain a TTU ID card, which allows you access to TTU sporting events, TTU housing, the TTU library, and the TTU recreation center. (Your TTUHSC parking permit will allow you to park in TTU campus commuter lots.) -
Branch out into a world of possibilities after graduation! Our versatile undergraduate program equips you with the knowledge and skills to launch into a range of exciting careers like:
- Licensed Speech-Language-Pathology Assistant (SLP-A): Support speech-language pathologists to provide services for individuals with communication disorders.
- Caseworker at a State Agency: Assist individuals and families in accessing essential services and resources.
- Early Intervention Specialist: Support the development of young children with special needs.
- Licensed Hearing Aid Specialist (with additional training): Help individuals with hearing loss find the right technology to improve their lives.
This degree is also a springboard for graduate-level education in fields like:
- Speech-Language Pathology: Empower individuals to find their voice and overcome communication challenges.
- Audiology: Enhance the lives of others by diagnosing and treating hearing and balance disorders.
- Education: Shape young minds and inspire a love of learning.
Healthcare Administration: Make a difference behind the scenes, ensuring the smooth operation of healthcare facilities.
The future looks bright for these careers, especially in the field of speech-language pathology. Nationally, job growth for SLP-As is projected to soar 10%-14% through 2026, outpacing the average for all occupations. In Texas, the demand is even higher, with a projected job growth of 21% for health care support workers!With our program, you can be well-positioned to seize these exciting opportunities and make a real difference in the lives of others. Start exploring your options today!
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The Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) Speech, Language, and Hearing Clinic serves the general population of West Texas and Eastern New Mexico. The Clinic is a primary training site for graduate students in the Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences. Graduate students provide comprehensive diagnostic and treatment services to individuals with speech, language, and hearing disorders under the direct supervision of faculty who are certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and licensed by the State of Texas as speech-language pathologists and audiologists.
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Hesper Holland, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, BCS-AAC
Program Director
hesper.holland@ttuhsc.edu
Request Information
Contact Us
Office of Admissions and Student Affairs
School of Health Professions - Office of Admissions and Student Affairs
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Address
3601 4th Street Lubbock
Lubbock, TX 79430
United States
- Phone (806) 743-3220
- Email health.professions@ttuhsc.edu
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Hours
Mon. - Fri.
8 a.m. - 5 p.m.