Our Speech Language Pathology Degree Programs

Available:
Undergraduate Program
Online Program

Next Start Date: 
August 24, 2020 (All Programs)

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.

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? Hear it from the professionals. 

Highlights

  • 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).
  • 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%
  • 90% acceptance rate for graduates who applied to graduate programs.
  • Students received 2019 SCICU Undergraduate student/faculty research award
  • On-campus or Online delivery of coursework

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

After Graduation

Licensure

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.

Learn more about:

Career Opportunities

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 

Job Placements

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

Acceptance into Graduate Programs

Our 2019 graduates who applied to graduate programs have an 85% acceptance and were accepted to the following graduate programs:

  • Loyola University Maryland
  • Francis Marion University
  • South Carolina State University
  • Our Lady of the Lake University
  • University of South Carolina
  • Emerson University
  • Nova Southeastern University
  • Florida State University

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

Speech Language Pathology Areas of Study

Bachelor of Arts Degree

The Speech Language Pathology degree course requirements are identical for undergraduate and online program students. Learn about the classes we offer and areas you can focus on when you study Speech Language Pathology. 

Leveling Certificate

The Speech-Language Pathology Leveling Certificate is designed for individuals who have completed or are pursuing a bachelor’s degree in an area other than Communication Sciences and Disorders or Speech-Language Pathology. Completion of the certificate does not result in a degree, does not include clinical practicum, does not guarantee acceptance to a graduate program, and students who complete this program will not be eligible to apply for SLP-Assistant Licensure in South Carolina. However, most graduate programs in Communication Sciences and Disorders require these undergraduate prerequisite courses.

Certificate Course Requirements

The courses that are included in the Speech-Language Pathology Leveling Certificate are designed to provide students with a basic understanding of communication and swallowing disorders and the scientific background knowledge required to be successful upon entering a graduate program. The following courses are undergraduate prerequisites required by the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association for Certification as a Speech-Language pathologist. 

It is strongly recommended that these background courses be completed prior to enrolling the the leveling certificate courses. However, if a student has not completed these courses, they can be completed concurrently with courses in the leveling certificate.

  • Biological Science (an animal-based basic science course with a lab; ie. Biology, Zoology, Genetics, Neurophysiology, Human Anatomy and Physiology)
  • Physical Science (Physics, Chemistry)
  • Social Science (Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology)
  • Statistics (not Business Statistics)

The Speech-Language Pathology Leveling Certificate requires a total of 18 semester hours of coursework; 15 semester hours of required courses listed and 3 semester hours selected from a list of elective courses.

Required Courses (15sh):

SLP 257 Phonetics 3sh
SLP 258 Survey of Speech-Language Pathology 3sh
SLP 259 Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech and Hearing Mechanism 3sh
SLP 264 Clinical Observations 3sh
SLP 380 Language Acquisition and Development 3sh

Choose 1 elective course from this list (3sh):

SLP 260 Clinical Procedures in Speech-Language Pathology 3sh
SLP 385 Language Disorders 3sh
SLP 387 Speech Sound Disorders 3sh
SLP 318 Introduction to Audiology 3sh

Total: 18sh

Social

Instagram: @ccslpprogram

Facebook: SLP Facebook Group

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.

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