Minor in Speech-Language Pathology

Hours: 20 On-Campus Online

About

A Minor in Speech-Language Pathology offers students a foundational understanding of speech, language, and hearing sciences. Available both online and on campus, the minor complements a student’s primary degree by providing essential knowledge in the field of communication disorders.

The 20-credit-hour curriculum includes 12 required credits and 8 elective credits, allowing students to customize their learning experience. Coursework covers the development of speech and language across the lifespan and examines how various disorders affect communication. Key topics include communication sciences, hearing disorders, language development, and the anatomy and physiology of speech.

Why pursue a Minor in Speech-Language Pathology at Fort Hays State University?

Fort Hays State University offers a flexible and well-rounded Minor in Speech-Language Pathology that complements a wide range of undergraduate majors. With both online and on-campus course options, students can tailor their academic experience to align with their personal schedules and professional goals.

Our minor provides a strong foundational curriculum in communication sciences, while allowing students to select elective courses that reflect their individual interests. Hands-on learning is integrated throughout the coursework, and faculty enrich the classroom experience by incorporating current insights from national and state conferences.

Who is this program for?

The Minor in Speech-Language Pathology is suitable for students who want to understand how communication affects human interaction, learning, and well-being. It is ideal for individuals looking to enter fields that involve people with communication challenges or planning to pursue graduate-level education. The program's flexible design allows students from various majors to enhance their academic and professional credentials:

Students interested in health or education-related professions
Psychology majors seeking communication disorder knowledge
Education majors preparing for inclusive classrooms
Nursing and health science students pursuing support roles

Learning Outcomes

The Minor in Speech-Language Pathology provides students with a comprehensive understanding of human communication and the factors that influence it across the lifespan. Through this program, students gain both scientific and clinical knowledge while also developing essential interpersonal and observational skills—key competencies for success in a variety of people-centered professions.

Foundational Knowledge of Communication Disorders

Students will gain a scientific understanding of how typical communication develops and how speech and language disorders disrupt those processes. It includes an overview of articulation, fluency, voice, and receptive and expressive language disorders.

Use of Clinical and Professional Terminology

Students will be fluent in the terminology used by professionals in communication sciences and disorders. It enables effective communication with speech-language pathologists, audiologists, educators, and healthcare professionals. Students can contribute to support plans and understand clinical discussions.

Application of Skills in Real-World Contexts

Students will develop the ability to recognize and respond to speech and hearing issues within educational, medical, and social environments. Whether providing classroom support or assisting with therapeutic interventions, students will apply their academic learning in meaningful ways that improve outcomes for individuals with communication disorders.

Real-World Applications

The Minor in Speech-Language Pathology equips students with valuable skills applicable to a variety of professional settings, particularly in education, healthcare, and support services. With foundational training in communication disorders, students are prepared to collaborate with professionals in schools, therapy clinics, and healthcare facilities.

The program introduces essential terminology, core concepts, and practical skills that support advanced study and professional work. Students gain a deeper understanding of how communication impacts quality of life and are prepared to advocate for and support individuals with communication needs across the lifespan.

Stay Ahead of the Curve

FHSU ensures students stay current with developments in communication sciences by embedding up-to-date content into the minor. Faculty members regularly attend industry conferences and integrate cutting-edge research, trends, and technology into their courses.

In addition to course content updates, students learn about modern topics, such as teletherapy, inclusive education practices, and digital diagnostic tools. These advancements prepare students for work environments where speech-language professionals often collaborate through technology or work in remote and diverse settings.

Hands-on Activities

Fort Hays State University places a strong emphasis on experiential learning within the Minor in Speech-Language Pathology through lab-based components and interactive coursework. Students engage with real-world scenarios and case-based exercises that help them analyze speech and language patterns, identify potential disorders, and explore treatment strategies.

This minor is designed with practical application in mind. Students participate in dynamic activities such as role-playing, video analysis, and group discussions, allowing them to actively engage with the material. These hands-on experiences make learning more meaningful and directly relevant to future careers in the field.

What You’ll Learn:

Basics of communication sciences
Impact of disorders on quality of life
Foundations in hearing and language development
Essential speech and language terminology
Overview of disorders across the lifespan

How You’ll Learn:

Interactive lab-style class components
Coursework delivered in flexible formats
In-person or online options are available
Learn from experienced CSD faculty
Applied learning through case examples

Courses

The core curriculum of the Minor in Speech-Language Pathology introduces students to the scientific foundations of human communication. Required courses focus on typical and disordered speech and language development, the physiological mechanisms involved in speech and hearing, and the role of hearing science in diagnosis and intervention.

SLP 160: Introduction to Communication Disorders

This basic course covers speech-language-hearing disorders and intervention methods.

SLP 370: Early Speech and Language Development

In this course, students will study the development of the communication process from birth through the preschool years with an emphasis on milestones in the child's development of the phonologic, morphologic, syntactic, semantic, and pragmatic systems. Relationships of cognitive and social skills, as well as theories of development, will be examined.

SLP 402: Clinical Phonetics

This course is a study of the perception and production of speech sounds. It deals with phonetics as it applies to speech disorders.

Discover the full Minor in Speech-Language Pathology course listing by visiting the Academic Catalog.

Career Prospects

The Minor in Speech-Language Pathology offers foundational knowledge that supports a variety of professional pathways. Whether students enter the workforce directly or pursue further education through a bachelor’s degree or a certificate, the skills and insights gained from this minor enhance their competitiveness and effectiveness in communication-focused roles.

Educational Support Specialist

Graduates may work within school systems to support students with speech, language, and hearing challenges. This role involves collaborating with special education teams, assisting in the implementation of Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), and fostering a supportive learning environment. The minor’s focus on communication disorders equips graduates with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in these roles.

Healthcare Communication Aide

In hospitals and other healthcare settings, individuals with a background in communication sciences and disorders can contribute meaningfully to patient care. Their responsibilities may include supporting patients with speech or language impairments, assisting therapy teams, and educating families on effective communication strategies.

Special Education Paraprofessional

In this role, professionals work directly with children who have diverse learning and communication needs. The minor provides students with essential knowledge to support speech and language development as part of a collaborative educational team. Understanding the impact of communication disorders on learning is crucial, and this program equips graduates with the insights needed to make a meaningful difference in these settings.

The Best Value in Higher Education Anywhere

Fort Hays State University prides itself on quality education at an affordable price. Students in this program can expect to pay approximately $3,055.95* (on-campus) or $3,975.75* (online) per semester.

*Estimated cost based on 15 credit hours at the Undergrad resident/regional tuition rate ($203.73/credit hour) for on-campus courses, or the FHSU Online Undergrad tuition rate (265.05/credit hour) for online courses. Actual price may vary depending on course load and location. Tuition and Fees are subject to change as they are approved by the Kansas Board of Regents each year.

Ready for the next step?

Our faculty would be excited to talk to you about how our department programs can help you explore your interests and prepare you for a variety of rewarding careers.

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Related Programs

Fort Hays State University offers several complementary programs for students interested in communication sciences, education, and health. These related programs provide opportunities for expanded learning and can pair with this minor for broader career pathways:

FAQ

What careers can I pursue with a Minor in Speech-Language Pathology?

Students may work as educational aides, healthcare support staff, or pursue further study.

Is this minor offered online?

Yes, most courses are available in person and online, offering flexibility for students.

Can I pair this minor with any major?

Yes, it complements many degrees, such as education, psychology, nursing, and health sciences.

Will this minor help me get into graduate school?

Yes, this minor could add unique skills to their application to several graduate programs, including related areas such as occupational therapy, special education, or psychology.

What kind of hands-on experience is in the coursework?

Courses often include lab-style activities, video analyses, and practical case-based discussions that simulate real-world scenarios.

Information about the Department of Communication Sciences

FHSU’s Department of Communication Sciences prepares students to make a real difference in supporting the improvement of people’s lives. Through applied learning and clinical experiences, our undergraduate and graduate programs equip students to become positive, effective collaborators in educational and healthcare settings. With a 100% career placement rate over the past three years, our supportive staff and comprehensive education ensure a future where you can change your life while helping others.

As a student, you’ll begin professional development through student organizations, gain real-world experience with clients at the Herndon Clinic, enjoy small classes, and join the National Student Speech-Language-Hearing Association (NSSLHA). Our programs provide opportunities for research, faculty mentorship, and external clinical experiences, preparing you for a fulfilling career in various healthcare settings. Our graduates are highly sought-after speech-language pathologists, ready to excel in a diverse, global society.

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Additional Accreditations

Speech-Language Pathology

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