At the undergraduate level, students receive pre-professional and professional training in the field of speech-language pathology.
Located on the Stockton campus, Pacific's Department of Speech-Language Pathology offers a bachelor of science program.
The mission of the Department of Speech-Language Pathology is to prepare reflective speech-language pathologists and audiologists for lifelong success by providing an excellent student-centered experiential learning environment. Our students are mentored in developing leadership, critical thinking skills, and a strong commitment to their profession and society. These efforts are assisted by the department's commitment to professional growth through clinical practice, scholarly activity, and service to the profession and the community. The programs are developed in accordance with state and national accreditation standards and guidelines to ensure that graduates provide exemplary professional practice throughout their careers.
Speech-language pathology is a professional program of habilitative and rehabilitative services. This program leads to varied occupations involved with persons with communication disorders. Speech-language pathologists work with people of all ages and are prepared to evaluate speech and language problems. They plan and implement programs to correct or modify the disorder, or develop other means of communicating. Some examples of the types of problems include articulation disorders, stuttering, voice, delayed language development and aphasia.
Clinical Experience
Pacific is a national leader in undergraduate clinical education and one of the few speech-language pathology programs that offers undergraduate clinical experience.
Starting their junior year, students obtain observation hours in the on-campus Pacific Speech, Hearing and Language Center and the nearby RiteCare Childhood Language Disorder Center of Stockton.
During their senior year, students participate in clinic in both diagnostic and therapy sessions to supplement their academic preparation, if specific requirements are met.
Students typically obtain 70 hours of clinical experience as an undergraduate clinician.
National Student Speech Language Hearing Association (NSSLHA)
The undergraduate experience is not just limited to coursework and fieldwork. Pacific has an active chapter of NSSLHA. Undergraduate and graduate students are encouraged to join. The chapter organizes fundraisers for charities and community outreach activities.