Program Overview

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Speech, Language and Communicative Behavior program at Xavier University trains students in the basic knowledge of the physiological and cognitive bases for human interpersonal communication. This includes typical and non-typical spoken language, as well as causes and treatments for various communication difficulties and alternative communication modalities.

Curriculum

The curriculum includes coverage of anatomy, neurophysiology, acoustics, phonetics, linguistics, and advanced topics in speech and hearing science. The program is designed to equip students with a strong foundation in Deaf Studies, American Sign Language, and the science of human communication.

First Year

• SLCB 111: Intro to Speech, Language and Communicative Behavior (3cr)
• ENGL 101: English Composition or ENGL 115: Rhetoric (3cr)
• PSYC 101: General Psychology (3cr)
• Mathematical Perspectives Elective (3cr)
• THEO 111: Theological Foundations (3cr)
• CORE 101: Goa I (0cr)

Second Year

• SLCB 221: Audiology & Hearing Science (3cr)
• SLCB 231: Speech & Language Development (3cr)
• ASLN 101: Elementary American Sign Language I (3cr)
• MATH 116: Elementary Statistics or MATH 156: General Statistics (3cr)
• ENGL 205: Literature & the Moral Imagination (3cr)

Third Year

• SLCB 321: Speech and Hearing Sciences (3cr)
• SLCB Elective (3cr)
• ASLN 201: Intermediate American Sign Language I (3cr)
• Theological Perspectives Elective (3cr)
• ASLN 290: Deafness Origins and Orientation or Creative Perspectives Elective

Fourth Year

• SLCB 460: Research in the Profession (3cr)
• SLCB Elective (3cr)
• E/RS Flag Elective (3cr)
• Oral Communication Flag Elective or General Elective (3cr)
• ASLN 290: Deafness Origins and Orientation or Creative Perspectives Elective (3cr)

Outcomes

• 98% of Xavier students are working, volunteering, or in graduate school within six months of graduation (Class of 2023).
• High Medical School Acceptance Rate: Xavier students have a high acceptance rate to medical schools, with a 5-year average of 86% compared to the national average of 40%.
• Career Preparation: Xavier's Career Development Office assists students in their search for employment by offering individual career counseling sessions, conducting workshop series on interviewing and resume writing techniques, and maintaining an educational, vocational, and employer information resource center.

Sample Courses

• Origins and Orientation (ASLN 290): Learn about the evolution of Deaf culture, major concepts about and issues facing the Deaf community, and psychological and social aspects of Deafness.
• Culture and Community (ASLN 291): Students will hone their knowledge of sign language acquisition, behavioral norms, values, and traditions of the Deaf.
• Speech & Hearing Sciences (SLCB 321): The physical characteristics of speech sounds and psychophysical processes involved in speech and hearing.
• Phonetics & Phonology (SLCB 241): Sound structure of the English language, beginning and advanced transcription using the international phonetic alphabet with clinical applications.

Clubs

• Institute for Healthcare Improvement Chapter: A student-led organization dedicated to improving healthcare quality and safety through workshops, seminars, and discussions.
• Pre-Med Student Association: A club for students interested in pursuing a career in the health professions, working to unite, educate, and empower future health professionals.
• Women in Healthcare: This club supports women in healthcare majors by creating opportunities for social, educational, and personal growth.

Related Programs

Related Majors

• BS in Biomedical Sciences
• BS in Exercise Science
• BS in Health Administration
• BS in Neuroscience
• BS in Nursing
• BS in Psychology
• BSW (Social Work)

Related Minors

• Applied Health Sciences
• Biomedical Sciences
• Clinical Science Management
• Deaf Studies
• Health Services Administration
• Health, Ethics and Spirituality
• Pre-Physical Therapy
• Professional Education
• Psychology
• Social Work
• Special Education

Related Graduate Programs

• OTD (Occupational Therapy Doctorate)
• Med/MSEd in Special Education

Program Features

• Hands-on clinical experiences: Develop practical skills through clinical placements with licensed speech-language pathologists in the community.
• Deaf Studies/ASL Focus: Gain a holistic understanding of human communication with the curriculum’s strong focus on Deaf Studies and ASL.
• Pursue innovative research: Develop critical thinking skills, get valuable experience, and make a significant contribution to the field of speech-language pathology.
• Undergraduate research: Gain a holistic perspective and explore the ethical implications of communication practices.
• Jesuit education: Xavier University is a private university located in Cincinnati, Ohio, providing a liberal arts education in the Jesuit Catholic tradition.
• Professional Mentor Program: Connect with mentors who can provide insights into various career paths within healthcare, education, and other fields that align with a Speech, Language and Communicative Behavior degree.
• University Scholars: Graduate with honors through the University Scholars Honors Program, which offers students in the SLCB major a more challenging curriculum and close support from professors while completing their undergraduate degree. Acceptance into the program is highly selective.