Hearing, Speech and Language Sciences Major

The Honors Tutorial College (HTC) program in hearing, speech and language sciences (HSLS) aims to provide qualified students with a research-oriented undergraduate experience through individualized training in the hearing, speech, and language sciences.

The philosophy of the HTC program in HSLS is based on the idea that education is aimed at intellectual growth rather than static transmission of knowledge. Students are seen as active participants of their education rather than passive receivers of instruction. They are also expected to cultivate scientific ways of thinking in addition to obtaining factual knowledge. Consequently, high motivation and intellectual independence are the qualities expected of HTC students. The individualized nature of the HTC program requires the students to assume more responsibility in their own education.

Curriculum

Students must complete at least 120 credit hours, maintain a minimum GPA of 3.5, and fulfill all university and HTC requirements including foundational coursework in communication sciences and disorders.

View Full Curriculum in the Academic Catalog

Honors Tutorial and Thesis

In addition to coursework, HTC students are required to complete five tutorials and a thesis. The tutorials, in which faculty members meet with students individually or in small groups, are the hallmark of all HTC programs. The tutorials and thesis allow HTC students to work closely with faculty members to obtain an enriched educational experience.

To facilitate the tutorial education, academic resources are available including priority registration, special residence hall availability, enhanced library privileges, research support, eligibility to undertake graduate work, education abroad opportunities, and scholarship availability. General Education requirements are also kept to a minimum to allow students the flexibility to explore their intellectual interests.

Post-Grad Opportunities

Well-qualified students graduating from the program apply to graduate programs in hearing, speech and language sciences to prepare them to become speech-language pathologists and/or audiologists or to pursue a Ph.D. for a career in research and teaching.

Program Timeline

The HTC program in HSLS starts in the spring semester of sophomore year. Prospective students apply for admission in the fall of sophomore year. The application process is very competitive and requires one recommendation from a HSLS faculty member. Students with a 3.5 GPA or above are invited to apply in the fall semester; applications are due on October 1. (See below for more details on the application and admission process.)

During spring semester of their sophomore year, admitted students participate in a tutorial with the Director of Studies. During this tutorial, students have the opportunity to meet with individual faculty members about their research programs. Students also enroll in at least one seminar offered by the HTC to establish a meaningful connection to the HTC community. During junior and senior year, students undertake the required coursework, tutorials, and a thesis.

This design is motivated by a number of considerations. First, completion of a subset of the foundational courses is essential for students to take full advantage of the tutorial education. Second, academic performance in the foundational coursework allows both the faculty and the prospective students to evaluate the aptitude and fit for the tutorial mode of learning. Though ACT scores are strongly considered, academic performance is equally important. Finally, faculty members endorsing prospective students may serve as potential thesis advisors.

Application

The HTC program in HSLS accepts applicants from current Ohio University students only. Prospective students will be invited to apply in the fall semester of their sophomore year. Admitted students start the HTC program in their junior year. In accordance with the on-campus transfer guidelines set forth by the Honors Tutorial College, students interested in applying for the HTC program in HSLS should include the following materials in the application:

• A current DARS.
• A statement of purpose describing the reasons for pursuing the HTC track, the qualifications and fit for the HTC track, and the general content area for the proposed thesis research.
• A writing sample.
• A completed form of endorsement from an HSLS faculty member who is familiar with their academic work.

Applications should be submitted by October 1 to:

Dr. Chao-Yang Lee
Director of Studies
Honors Tutorial Program in Hearing, Speech and Language Sciences
Ohio University
Athens, OH 45701

More details can be found on the HTC Application Page.