Mission Statement

The mission of the speech-language pathology program is to provide students with a high-quality academic education, ensure they gain experience with a broad range of clinical populations and settings, advance the scientific foundation of the field through basic and applied research, and promote student involvement and collaboration with community partners.

The mission statement incorporates the general missions of the University and the School of Medicine and focuses them within the discipline of speech-language pathology.  As an accredited educational program, we are committed to providing the academic foundation and clinical training necessary for graduates to address the wide-ranging communication needs of individuals across the Louisville metropolitan area and beyond. The Preparatory Program assists students in completing prerequisite coursework required for entry into the Core Program. The Core Program delivers both classroom instruction and clinical experiences across the scope of the field. It is also designed to prepare future speech-language pathologists to provide ethical and effective services, including the ability to work with individuals from varied language backgrounds and communication styles. Ourobjective is to offer comprehensive, evidence-based practices in speech-language pathology through interdisciplinary collaboration and partnerships with community agencies. Additionally, we advance the field by to pro contributing to the scientific knowledge base through basic and applied research conducted by faculty members.

The academic goals of the program are to:

• Provide a theoretical basis for the practice of speech-language pathology,
• Prepare students to enter the professions thoroughly trained to provide patient care using appropriate communication modalities,
• Present major philosophical points of view on issues in the field so students may integrate and formulate their own practice approach,
• Bring contemporary technology to bear in all situations where it is feasible and cost-effective with respect to patient care, record keeping, graduate student training and research, and
• Instill in each student the realization that continuing education is a career obligation.

The clinical education goals of the program are to:

• Provide competencies for state-of–the–art diagnostic and therapeutic techniques over a wide range of disorders in various clinical and educational settings,
• Partner with various community service settings to provide comprehensive evidence-based patient care,
• Provide practicum opportunities over a diverse clinical population,
• Instill in each student the notion that he/she is a member of a “team” of professionals each of who brings their unique skills and expertise to bear on the patients/client’s care, and
• Instill in each student an understanding of the broader societal and professional contexts that influence the delivery of speech-language pathology services.

Accreditation

The Master of Science (M.S.) education program in speech-language pathology (residential) at the University of Louisville is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA), 2200 Research Boulevard #310, Rockville, Maryland 20850, (800-498-2071) or (301-296-5700).

Accreditation Dates: 5/1/2023-4/30/2031

CAA Complaint Process: Complaints about programs must: (a) be against an accredited education program or program in Candidacy status in speech-language pathology and/or audiology, (b) relate to the standards for accreditation of entry-level graduate training education programs in audiology and speech language pathology in effect at the time that the conduct for the complaint occurred, including the relationship of the complaint to the accreditation standards, (c) be clearly described, including the specific nature of the charge and the data to support the charge, and (d) be within the timelines specified on the CAA's website, HERE. All complaints must be signed and submitted with any relevant appendices via U.S. mail, overnight courier, email, or hand delivery to the Chair, Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology, American Speech Language-Hearing Association, 2200 Research Boulevard, #310, Rockville, MD 20850. The complainant's burden of proof is a preponderance or greater weight of the evidence. Complaints will not be accepted by facsimile.

The National Student Speech-Language-Hearing Association (NSSLHA) is the only national student organization for pre-professionals studying communication sciences and disorders (CSD) recognized by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). As a recognized Chapter, UofL NSSLHA benefits both undergraduate and graduate students interested in speech-language pathology through advocacy, fundraising, volunteer, and social events throughout the year.  

Current Officers

President: Audrey Deterding
Vice President: Joie Porter
Treasurer: Audrey Deterding
Service Chair: OPEN
Social Chair: Maddie Alford
Secretary: Elena Ama
Graduate Student Council Representative: OPEN
Preparatory Student Liaison: OPEN

Faculty Advisor: Dr. Karen Barako Arndt

Student Achievement Data

Strategic Plan (2025-2028)