<p>I'm interested in Speech Therapy, but, as a senior, have already applied to schools with the idea that I would major in English. If I end up not liking English, are there programs available at most universities for speech therapy or does one need to attend a special school for that? Thank you</p>
<p>First, to be a practicing speech pathologist (therapist) you will need a masters degree. Some colleges and universities have speech path programs and others do not. They are expensive programs to operate. You would want to attend a program that is accredited by the American Speech Language Hearing Association as this would guarantee that you would meet the licensure requirements in all states, and you would also meet the requirements of the Certificate of Clinical Competence from ASHA something you would want to hold if you practice speech therapy. For schools with programs, there are several options....Some schools require you apply for admittance as a freshman (although I don't think that is very common). Others require that you apply to major as a sophomore and you usually have to have a certain GPA for consideration. In addition to your undergrad and grad degrees, you will also need to complete a year's employment under the supervision of a licensed speech pathologist. By the way...you CAN enroll in a masters program with a bachelors degree in another field. I don't know how common this is at this point in time. You can click on my name here and send me an email and I'll go into more detail.</p>
<p>If you really want to be a speech therapist, it is best to get your undergrad degree in speech pathology/audiology and then go to grad school- usually a two year program. There are a lot of good undergrad schools- I went to Penn State and they had an excellent clinic. I don't know anyone who is a speech therapist who did not major in it before grad school, but I guess it could be done- lots of science background needed. It's a great field with lots of opportunities and I have never been unemployed.</p>
<p>My wife is on the speech faculty at Northeastern University. They take a fair number of students who did not major in speech as undergrads. Some of them had to take background courses, though.</p>
<p>Not knowing where the original poster is from - a couple of other schools that have ST programs - Univ of New Hampshire - East Carolina University in NC.</p>
<p>My sons friend just got her Masters -- has a great job and areally loves this field.</p>
<p>An undergraduate major in linguistics or even just-plain English would be adequate preparation for the usual master's degree program in speech language pathology as long as you look ahead to the graduate program requirements and choose elective courses thoughtfully. </p>
<p>Good luck in your studies. </p>
<p>P.S. There is a rather old Web page </p>
<p><a href="http://learninfreedom.org/talking.html%5B/url%5D">http://learninfreedom.org/talking.html</a> </p>
<p>with some book recommendations for people interested in your subject.</p>
<p>There are many universities with speech pathology and audiology programs. As I said earlier...just make sure the program you enroll in is American Speech Language Hearing Association accredited. This would mean the minimum standards for the ASHA certificate of clinical competence (CCC) would be met, AND that the requirements for state licensure in most states would be met (licensure is required in most states and the licensing requirements are usually consistent with ASHA certification requirements). I have been a practicing SLP in the public schools (with a little private and skilled care work too). If you would like to email or PM me I would gladly give you any information I can. It's a great profession with lots of flexibility in terms of working environments, age groups, part/full time, etc. In our state there is a huge shortage of licensed speech pathologists. This is the case in many places.</p>
<p>I agree that there is a shortage in this field. In my state (Va) this is really starting to be a problem in the public schools (where I work). It is a very rewarding field and if you are interested, good luck- hope it works out.</p>