Choosing the right communication disorders program means finding the place that offers thorough training, real clinical experience, and a boldly supportive community. If you’re exploring programs, here are some key things to look for and how SEMO checks all the boxes.
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Frequently Asked Questions ABOUT Communication Disorders:
- How many years is a speech therapy degree? A speech-language pathologist degree is typically six years, four years of undergraduate school and a two-year master’s program.
- Is speech therapy a difficult degree? While speech therapy requires dedication, strong communication skills, and is demanding with coursework and clinical hours, many students find it rewarding and worthwhile.
- What are the main subjects studied in a speech therapy degree? At SEMO, students study topics such as speech and language development, phonetics, anatomy and physiology/speech mechanism, and speech & hearing science. As you explore our communication disorders major, see the full curriculum checklist within the degree map!
- Do undergrads at SEMO get clinical hours? Yes! Undergraduate students must complete at least one semester of on-campus clinical practicum where they work directly with clients under supervision.
- Is SEMO’s program good prep for graduate SLP school? Yes! SEMO’s communication disorders undergraduate program provides the foundation, coursework, and supervised practicum necessary to prepare students for the graduate program. And, SEMO’s nationally accredited master’s program is aligned with clinical standards to prepare students for certifications and licensures.
A strong communication disorders program has real clinical experience as part of your education. SEMO integrates practicum experiences for both undergraduate and graduate students as part of the curriculum. This means you’ll be working with real clients while still in school, all under the supervision of our experienced faculty.
Facilities matter, and SEMO has the only stand-alone university Speech and Hearing Clinic in Missouri. This means students benefit from daily interaction with clients, giving students the opportunity to see a wide variety of disorders and practice therapy. You’ll develop clinical confidence early.
Faculty mentorship is critical in your education, and at SEMO, it’s a top priority. All communication disorder faculty teach and work in the Speech and Hearing Clinic, so you work closely with the mentors who are leaders in the field while gaining insights in the classroom and clinic.
Key Things to Look for in a Communication Disorders Department:
- Built-in clinical experience
- On-site facilities and clinics
- Faculty who are active clinicians
- Strong mentorship and supervision
- Exposure to a wide range of communication disorders
When you’re deciding where to study communication disorders, look for programs that offer clinical experience, hands-on learning, mentorship, and access to facilities that support your growth as a professional. SEMO’s Department of Communication Disorders delivers all that and more, truly setting itself apart as a program where students don’t just learn about helping others communicate, they do it.