Our Speech Language Pathology Program

Available in: Undergraduate College & Online Undergraduate

The Speech Language Pathology degree provides an engaging learning environment characterized by academic education and clinical experiences.  Academic coursework will provide a foundation for understanding human communication and communication disorders.  Clinical experiences will focus on describing speech and language characteristics and implementing speech and language therapy.

Catalog/Course Requirements:

• Speech Language Pathology, B.A. in Clinical Track

Students who complete either the clinical or non-clinical track will have the necessary prerequisites to apply to an accredited Master's degree program. Completion of the SLP program at Columbia College does not guarantee acceptance into a Master's degree program.

Clinical observations and two semesters of clinical practicum are required to complete the clinical track. This requires some availability during normal business hours (M-F 7am-6pm) (the equivalent of approximately 16 working hours per week). If this is not possible, students can complete the BA in SLP through the non-clinical track.

What is Speech Language Pathology?  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_OIcPbndZMo

 

I feel very prepared for graduate school and working due to the opportunity to earn 116 hours of direct therapy with clients of various abilities.

Abigail Tempel '19

Only SLP-Assistant Training Program in South Carolina

We are the only Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLP-A) training program in South Carolina. SLP-As work under the direct supervision of a licensed, certified Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP). In an SLP-A training program, students are provided with hands-on experiences through clinical observations and clinical practicum and learn how to screen patients with speech, language, and hearing impairments and implement treatment plans developed by licensed/certified SLPs. 

• High job placement rate - 92%
• Students received 2019 SCICU Undergraduate student/faculty research award
• On-campus or Online delivery of coursework

To Learn more about:

• SLP-A licensure in South Carolina, click here.
• SLP-A licensure in other states, see the Labor and Licensure Board website for that state,
• SLP-A certification through the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, click here.

Online Option Available

• FREE E-Textbooks
• Coursework is completed online with professors who are knowledgeable and experienced Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) 
• The clinical track includes the 100 hours of clinical practicum hours that are required for SLP-Assistant licensure in South Carolina.  
   - During the clinical practicum semesters, you will work alongside an ASHA certified SLP to gain the clinical skills needed to perform speech therapy. 
   - Clinical practicum requires some availability during normal business hours (M-F 7am-6pm) (the equivalent of approximately 16 working hours per week).
• Includes the 25 hours of clinical observation that are required for SLP-A licensure and graduate program admission. 
• All prerequisites for graduate study in Communication Sciences and Disorders are included in the program. Completion of this degree does not guarantee graduate program acceptance.
• A maximum of 90 semester hours of transfer credit will be accepted from a regionally accredited institution.  Additional general education courses and specified electives may be required to meet SLP program degree requirement

Online SLP courses are taken during the regular 15 week semester.  General Education courses and Specified Electives are taken in either 5 week or 10 week modules.  Click here for schedule for 5 and 10 week modules.

Job Markets - 27% Growth

Speech-Language Pathologist was ranked by US News and World Report (2020) as #6 in Best Healthcare Jobs and #8 in 100 Best Jobs.

Employment of speech-language pathologists is projected to grow 27 percent from 2018 to 2028 (Bureau of Labor Statistics), much faster than the average for all occupations. As the population grows older, there will be more instances of health conditions that can cause speech, language, and/or swallowing impairments, such as strokes or dementia.

Speech Language Pathologists
Median Pay (Master’s degree): $77.510
Job Outlook 2018-2028: Projecting 27% growth 
 

Career Opportunities

Completion of the clinical track will prepare you for a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLP-A) license in South Carolina. Both the clinical and non-clinical track include prerequisites necessary to apply to an accredited graduate program. You will need to obtain an advanced degree in Speech-Language Pathology to become a licensed, certified Speech-Language Pathologist. Our coursework will fully prepare you to take the next step in the process.

Recent graduates accepted into graduate programs at:

• The University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC
• Francis Marion University, Florence, SC
• South Carolina State University, Orangeburg, SC
• Baylor University, Waco, TX
• Our Lady of the Lake University, San Antonio, TX
• Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH

Recent graduates employed by:

• All on Board Speech, LLC, Columbia, SC
• Lighthouse Therapeutics, LLC, Lugoff, SC
• Palmetto Early Beginnings, LLC, Columbia, SC
• Children’s Chatter, LLC, Chapin, SC
• Therapy Solutions, LLC, Aiken, SC
• SpeakEasy Therapy Factory Speech- Language & Swallowing Services, LLC, Blythewood, SC

Faculty

AnnMarie C. Knight, PhD, CCC-SLP
Assistant Professor, Program Chair
BA, University of South Florida, MA and PhD, University of Florida
Areas of expertise: adult dysphagia, acquired neurogenic disorders, scholarship of teaching and learning

Jill Eversmann, MS, CCC-SLP
Academic and Clinical Faculty
BA, James Madison University, MS, Towson University
Areas of expertise: sign language, language development, children with hearing loss, early intervention

Dorinda J. Huggins, MSP, CCC-SLP
Clinical Practicum Coordinator
B.A. University of Maryland. M.A. Gallaudet University. M.S.P. University of South Carolina.
Areas of expertise: child language and literacy, speech sound disorders, phonological intervention
 

The professors challenged me to perform beyond what I thought I was capable of and now I am graduating and trying to decide between two job offers.

Latarsha Russell '19

 

Students Awards, Research & Faculty

To provide a broad understanding of the nature, prevention, and treatment of communication disorders we ensure that you will receive the best training and classroom experience to prepare you for practical application in the field.

Through a variety of experiences and academic coursework, you will be prepared to serve a culturally diverse society in various employment settings.

Check out our student's blog here!

Student Awards and Achievements

Abigail Tempel 2020, South Carolina Speech and Hearing Association Jennifer Mungo Student of the Year Award Recipient

Alexis Lawton 2019, South Carolina Speech and Hearing Association Sharonda Coleman-Singleton Scholarship Recipient

Abigail Tempel and Dr. AnnMarie C. Knight, 2019 SCICU Undergraduate Student/Faculty Research Program Award
Neuroanatomy and Neuroscience Education in Speech-Language Pathology: Opinions of Practicing Clinicians

Bethany Stokes and Dr. AnnMarie C. Knight,  2019 SCICU Undergraduate Student/Faculty Research Program Award
Improving Communication Between Hospitality Service Personnel and Persons with Aphasia: A Pilot Study 

Faculty Mentored Research

2019 ASHA Convention, Orlando, FL, Nov 20-24

• Knight, AM, Sendler, B, Lawton, A, Comeau, C, & Barrineau, M (2019).  Enhancing the undergraduate experience through experiential learning.  Seminar, ASHA Convention, Orlando, FL, Nov 2019.
• Knight, AM, Basilakos, A, Tempel, A, Guardino, K, & Barrineau, M (2019). Neuro (neuroanatomy & neuroscience) education in speech-language pathology.  Seminar,ASHA Convention, Orlando, FL, Nov 2019.

2019 Southern Regional Honors Conference, Memphis, TN, March 2019

• Tempel, A. & Knight, A.M. (2019). Neuroscience Education in Speech-Language Pathology.  What Does it Look Like? Southern Regional Honors Conference (poster). March, Memphis, TN.

2019 SCSHA Convention, Greenville, FL Feb 2-9

• Knight, A.M., Lawton, A., Comeau, C., & Sendler, B. (2019) Experiential Learning, Evidence-Based Practice, and Undergraduate Education in Speech-Language Pathology (poster). South Carolina Speech and Hearing Association. February, Greenville, NC.
• Knight, A.M., Basilakos, A., Guardino, K., & Tempel, A. (2019). Neuroscience Education in Speech-Language Pathology.  What Does it Look Like? (poster).  South Carolina Speech and Hearing Association. February, Greenville, NC. 
• Knight, A.M., Prescott, B., Russell, L., & Guardino, K. (2019).  Talkin’ Tots: A Smartphone Application for Parent Education (poster).  South Carolina Speech and Hearing Association. February, Greenville, NC.

2018 ASHA Convention, Boston, MA, Nov

• Comeau, C., Lawton, A., & Knight, A.M. (2018).  Experiential Learning in Undergraduate Speech Pathology Education: Language and Literacy in an Elementary School (poster).  American Speech-Language and Hearing Association.  November, Boston, MA.
• Sendler, B. & Knight, A.M. (2018). Experiential Learning in Undergraduate Speech Pathology Education: Cognitive Stimulation Activities for Adults with Dementia (poster).  American Speech-Language and Hearing Association.  November, Boston, MA.

Honors Program Students:

• Bailey Sendler, graduated 2019
• Abigail Tempel
• Rachel Gillette
• Rebecca Eubanks
• Rachell Hargelrode
• Mary Cate Baker

Faculty/Instructors

AnnMarie C. Knight, PhD, CCC-SLP
Assistant Professor, Program Chair
BA, University of South Florida, MA and PhD, University of Florida
Areas of expertise: adult dysphagia, acquired neurogenic disorders, scholarship of teaching and learning

Jill Eversmann, MS, CCC-SLP
Academic and Clinical Faculty
BA, James Madison University, MS, Towson University
Areas of expertise: sign language, language development, children with hearing loss, early intervention

Alexandra Basilakos Kennedy, PhD, CCC-SLP
Adjunct Academic Faculty
BA, University of South Carolina, MA, University of Georgia, PhD, University of South Carolina
Areas of expertise: Assessment and treatment of adult neurogenic communication disorders, neuroimaging, research and statistical methods 

Brittany N. Brown, MA, CCC-SLP, NBCT
Adjunct Academic Faculty
BA, Speech-Language Pathology, Columbia College
MA, Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology, South Carolina State University
Areas of expertise: Autism, Assistive Technology, Alternative Augmentative Communication 

Laurel E. Hafner, MSP
Adjunct Academic Faculty
BA and MSP, University of South Carolina
Areas of expertise: elementary education, early childhood development, early intervention

Rachel B. Raper MSP, CCC-SLP, LSLS Cert AVT
Adjunct Academic Faculty
BA, Clemson University, MSP, University of South Carolina
Areas of expertise: certified in Auditory Verbal Therapy

Rolanda Staley, MA, CCC-SLP
Adjunct Clinical Faculty
BA and MA, South Carolina State University 
Areas of expertise: preschool language development

Erica Taylor, MS, CCC-SLP
Adjunct Academic Faculty
BA, Wake Forest University, MS, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Areas of expertise: dysphagia, diagnostics, laryngology, head and neck cancer/total laryngectomy, alaryngeal speech

Elizabeth Pierce, MSP, CCC/SLP
Adjunct Clinical Faculty
BA, Presbyterian College, MSP, University of South Carolina, 2007
Areas of expertise: early intervention, child language development

Leila N. Bressler, MEd., CCC-SLP
Adjunct Clinical Faculty
BSEd, University of Georgia, MA, Georgia State University
Areas of expertise: early Intervention, pediatric feeding disorders, child language development

Julie Porth Smith, MCD, CCC-SLP
Adjunct Academic/Clinical Faculty
BA, Columbia College, MCD, University of South Carolina
Areas of expertise: Autism, Assistive Technology, Alternative Augmentative Communication, Early Language Development

Ebony Means ClinScD, CCC-SLP
Adjunct Clinical Faculty
BA, General Communication Disorders, Winthrop University
MA, Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology, South Carolina State University
ClinScD, Speech-Language Pathology, Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions 
Areas of expertise: phonological intervention, speech sound disorders, language development and literacy