What is an SLP?
Speech-language pathologists are valued members of health and education teams that assess, diagnose, treat and help to prevent cognitive, communication and swallowing disorders in children and adults.
Program History
Harding University has offered academic coursework in communication sciences and disorders since 1953, when Richard Walker introduced speech therapy services to Searcy. Since that time, the program has noted significant growth and evolution and continues to be a service to the communities of central Arkansas.
The clinic functions as a vital part of the department of communication sciences and disorders by providing opportunities for advanced clinical training and research. Patients are offered a full range of services and benefit from being treated in a university setting where professors are at the forefront of their field.
Verdi
Verdi is a facility dog who comes to us from Canine Companions, which was founded in 1975. They are a national organization that raise and train dogs to assist persons with disabilities. They train service and facility dogs. After an extensive process including in-person interviews and an on-site, two week training, Verdi and his handlers graduated from Canine Companions in Irving, Texas, and he moved to Searcy to work in the Harding Speech Clinic. Verdi works on the Harding University and Harding Academy campuses to enhance therapy sessions. He knows more than 40 commands and is able to pick up objects, turn pages of a book, open and close doors, and even turn on light switches. He can follow commands from clients, dress up as book characters, and is always happy to give a hug. He’s working on learning to participate in hearing screenings by raising a paw when he hears a beep. Clients and family members have embraced Verdi as an integral part of the clinic and community. We are lucky to welcome Verdi to Harding!
Undergraduate Programs
Post-baccalaureate coursework provides the academic foundation for a student with a bachelor’s degree to enter an M.S. program in speech-language pathology. This course sequence provides a strong foundation with the discipline-specific courses required to apply to our MS SLP program.
B.A. in Communication Sciences and Disorders
The Bachelor of Arts in communication sciences & disorders prepares students to pursue advanced degrees in speech-language pathology, audiology, speech and hearing science, and more through excellent academic and clinical training. Options: Clinical and non-clinical tracks
B.A. In Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
As the only one of its kind in the state of Arkansas, this degree prepares you to provide various aspects of patient service under the supervision of a speech-language pathologist. Graduates will be prepared to seek state licensure and national certification. Delivery: Four-year degree or two-year degree completion
Minor in Communication Sciences and Disorders
If you are interested in learning more about communication sciences and disorders but do not want to pursue a graduate degree, this minor is for you. It is specifically designed for students earning degrees in fields such as social work, family and consumer sciences, children's ministry, cognitive neuroscience, psychology, and education. The courses do not prepare a student to enter graduate school in speech-language pathology and audiology but provide coursework that will be beneficial in the workplace.
Minor in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology
This minor is ideal for students in fields other than communication sciences and disorders who may be interested in pursuing a graduate degree in CSD. The courses in this minor specifically encompass the classes required for students to enter most graduate programs in speech-language pathology and audiology.
Concentration in American Sign Language
The Concentration in American Sign Language provides training in basic ASL and an understanding of Deaf culture with the goal of enhancing your communication skills to benefit you in your career. The 12-credit-hour certificate is open to students across all majors.
Online Certificate in Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
This certificate can also be added as a minor for on-ground students and would allow you to enter the workforce as an SLPA after graduation, depending on relevant state licensure requirements. While we continue to offer our on-ground bachelor’s degree in SLPA, the online option is ideal for professionals who want to refresh their skills and pivot to a new career.
Accelerated and Graduate Programs
Accelerated B.A.-M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology
The accelerated track makes it possible for qualified students to complete both a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Sciences & Disorders and a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology in five years. Students will declare CSD clinical track as their undergraduate major, complete liberal arts credits and prerequisites during their first three years, and finish graduate school in years four and five. The department will notify the Registrar’s Office when a student is approved for the accelerated track.
Acceptance into the Speech-Language Pathology master’s program involves a secondary application process (CSDCAS). Students enrolled in the accelerated track who are not accepted into the MS SLP program will transition into the traditional route; completing a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders (Clinical) during their fourth year.
M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology
The Master of Science in speech-language pathology trains highly competent speech-language pathologists in a rigorous academic curriculum and clinical practicum. Graduates will be prepared to sit for the national licensing exam. The program has a 100% pass rate for the past 12 years.
Part-time Track: Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology
The speech-pathology curriculum is an intensive curriculum comprising 60 credit hours. For professionals who cannot enroll full time, this part-time track will allow you to take courses at a slower pace. Students with undergraduate backgrounds in other fields must complete leveling courses prior to beginning the master’s program. While the leveling classes can be taken online, the MS-SLP curriculum is delivered on ground. Once admitted to the part-time program, a student can complete the MS-SLP degree in 10 semesters.
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