The Bachelor of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology Degree

Available:
Undergraduate Program
Online Program

Next Start Date: 
October 17 & January 9

Columbia College SLP Program Handbook

SLP Day - March 16, 2023 - LEARN MORE

The Speech-Language Pathology program 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 availability during normal business hours (M-F 7 am-6 pm) (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

  • On-campus or online delivery of coursework.
  • 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. 
  • Students received the 2019 SCICU Undergraduate Student/Faculty Research Award.
  • SLP-As work under the direct supervision of a licensed certified Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP).
  • SLPA employment rate of 90+% over the past 3 years
  • Communication Sciences and Disorders (SLP) graduate program acceptance rate of 90+% over the past 2 years
"The Columbia College Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) undergraduate program has, in many ways, allowed me to reach and exceed my personal and professional goals.” 
- Rachell Harglerode '21

      After Graduation

      Licensure

        Completion of the clinical track will prepare you for a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLP-A) license in South Carolina. Our clinical track includes the 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:

        • SLP-A licensure in South Carolina
        • 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
        • The national, professional, scientific, and credentialing association website- ASHA

        Career Opportunities

        Speech-Language Pathologist was ranked by US News and World Report (2020) as #3 in Best Healthcare Jobs and #10 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
        • Anderson School District 5, Anderson, SC
        • Voices Through Hope Therapy Services, Simpsonville, SC
        • Summit Speech Therapy, Sumter, SC
        • Greenville Bilingual Therapy, Greenville, SC
        • Capital City Therapy, Columbia, SC
        • SpeakEasy Therapy Factory Speech-Language & Swallowing Services, LLC, Blythewood, SC

        Acceptance into Graduate Programs

        Our 2021 BA clinical track graduates who applied to graduate programs had a 100% acceptance rate and were accepted to the following graduate programs:

        • University of South Carolina
        • University of St. Augustine
        • Medical University of South Carolina
        • Baylor University
        • Francis Marion University
        • South Carolina State University

        Our 2020 BA clinical track graduates who applied to graduate programs had a 100% acceptance rate and were accepted to the following graduate programs:

        • University of Central Florida
        • University of South Carolina
        • Jacksonville University
        • Georgia Southern University
        • Medical University of South Carolina
        • Baylor University
        • Francis Marion University

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

        • University of South Carolina
        • Our Lady of the Lake University
        • Francis Marion University
        • Loyola University of Maryland
        • Emerson College

        The CC SLP program was able to not only provide a stellar, and invigorating educational experience, but they were also able to provide a home, a team, and a close-knit community of support and friendship, that I will always cherish.

        - Katelyn Terrell '21

        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. 

        • Speech-Language Pathology, Clinical Track, BA (Undergraduate & Online Program)
           
        • Speech-Language Pathology, Non-Clinical Track, BA (Undergraduate & Online Program)
           
        • Speech-Language Pathology, Minor (Undergraduate Program)
           
        • Speech-Language Pathology Leveling Certificate (Online Program)
          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. Students are encouraged to research admissions requirements for graduate programs to which they plan to apply. 

        Social

        Instagram: @ccslpprogram

        Facebook: SLP Facebook Group

        Awards & Achievements

        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.

        Awards and Achievements

        Madisen Brewington, 2022 SCSHA Foundation Student Scholarship

        Bethany Stokes,  2021 SCSHA Jennifer Mungo Student of the Year and 2021 Columbia College Student Activities Senior Leader of the Year

        Kayla Graham, 2021 SCSHA Sharonda Coleman-Singleton Scholarship Recipient

        Jill Eversmann, MS, CCC-SLP, 2021 SCSHA Frank R. Kleffner Clinical Career Award Recipient

        AnnMarie C. Knight, PhD, CCC-SLP, 2021 Columbia College Student Organization Advisor of the Year

        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

        2020 ASHA Convention, San Diego, CA (cancelled due to COVID-19)
        • Stokes, B., Knight, A.M., & Keator, L. (2020). Improving communication between hospitality service personnel and persons with aphasia: A pilot study. ASHA National Convention (poster), San Diego, CA, Nov. 2020.
        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

        Kerrie Allen Ammons, PhD, M.C.D., CCC-SLP '96
        Adjunct Professor
        BA, Columbia College; MCD and PhD, University of South Carolina
        Areas of expertise: Language disorders, literacy development

        Ellie Cooper, M.S., CCC-SLP, LSLS Cert. AVT
        Adjunct Professor
        BS, University of Arkansas, MS, Fontbonne University, Current Doctoral Student University of South Carolina
        Areas of expertise: hearing loss, aural (re)habilitation, listening and spoken language

        Susan Fulton, Ph.D, CCC-A
        Adjunct Professor
        Masters in Communicology, University of South Florida; Ph.D, University of South Florida
        Areas of expertise: pediatric audiology, hearing science

        Stephen B. Kneece, MA, CCC-SLP
        Lecturer
        BA, University of South Carolina, MA, South Carolina State University
        Areas of expertise: augmentative and alternative communication

        Elisabeth A. Mlawski, PhD, CCC-SLP
        Adjunct Academic Faculty
        BA, Ohio State University; MS, Northern Arizona University; PhD, Seton Hall University
        Areas of expertise: pediatric language development and disorders, diagnostics, clinical supervision

        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

        Leah Sullivan, MS, CCC-SLP, CBIS
        Adjunct Academic Faculty
        BS, The Pennsylvania State University; MS, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
        Areas of expertise: adult dysphagia, MBSS and FEES, acquired neurogenic disorders, traumatic brain injury, critical care

        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

        Julie K. Tworzyanski, MSP, CCC-SLP
        Adjunct Clinical Educator
        BA, Columbia College, MSP, University of South Carolina
        Areas of expertise: early intervention, early language development, articulation disorders

        Denise Strickland, MS, CCC-SLP Adjunct Academic Faculty BS, The University of South Carolina; MS, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Areas of expertise: adult dysphagia, acquired neurogenic disorders, critical care, counseling

        Jodi N. Kumar, MS, CCC-SLP Adjunct Academic Faculty BA, University of Albany (SUNY); MS, College of Saint Rose Areas of expertise: speech sound disorders, motor speech disorders