Online Speech Pathology Courses and Training Program Information

Speech pathologists, sometimes referred to as speech therapists, are professionals that diagnose and treat speech and language disorders. Online speech pathology courses can be found in both undergraduate and graduate level programs; however, most jobs in this field require a master's degree and state licensing requirements may include a graduate degree.

Overview of Online Speech Pathology Courses

Students interested in online speech pathology training can complete courses leading to a Bachelor of Communication Sciences and Disorders, a Graduate Certificate in Speech-Language Pathology Assisting or a Master of Communication Sciences and Disorders. To find employment and gain licensure as a speech pathologist, applicants generally need a master's degree in this field; however, requirements vary by state. Job opportunities for successful students can be found in educational services, hospitals, nursing homes and daycare centers, as well as other offices that treat communications disorders. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (www.bls.gov) in 2008, about nine percent of speech pathologists were self-employed.

Requirements for Online Courses

Online participants need a computer with high-speed Internet access. Current media capabilities, such as Microsoft's Windows Media Player, Word, Excel and PowerPoint, may be required in order to play video files, submit reports and projects, and view course presentations. Students should also have a basic understanding of e-mail and Internet technologies, which would allow them to use a school's communication system to interact with instructors and fellow students. Students requiring advice or technical assistance can often find help through the school's online services or by phone.

List of Online Speech Pathology Courses

Fundamentals of Language Course

This course serves as an introduction to the normal progression of language acquisition, from early childhood through adulthood. Students explore the basic physical, social and intellectual elements of language, as well as theories of language evolution. Various common communication disorders, such as phonology and stuttering, are also covered.

Anatomy of Speech and Hearing Course

The normal physical structures of speech production are central to this course. Students explore the ways breathing affects vocal abilities and how the functions of the inner, middle and outer ear affect hearing. This information is then used to examine the manner in which vocal mechanisms and hearing systems are interrelated and how this can impede normal speech.

Phonetics Course

Students in this course explore the phonetic physiology of American speech. The course examines the acoustic components of speech sounds, the specific symbols that represent those sounds, and the cultural and linguistic variations that affect children and adolescents with speech disorders.

Audiology Course

This introductory class looks into the relationship between the nature of sound and the normal physical responses of human hearing. It also examines different types and degrees of hearing difficulties, as well as means to evaluate hearing loss.

Neurology Course

This course presents students with an overview of the human nervous system as it relates to hearing and general communication disorders. Students examine characteristic speech symptoms of neurological damage from traumatic brain injuries and diseases that can affect human communication.

Childhood Disorders Course

The normal and abnormal developments of speech, voice, language and hearing in young children are carefully examined in this online course. Students explore a broad range of speech disorders including the atypical articulation, fluency, phonology and early language disorders of children suffering from cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy.

Speech Science Course

Speech science courses look into the theory and practice of screening, measuring, diagnosing and treating common speech disorders. Students examine actual cases encountered by faculty and staff members to review the resultant diagnoses and treatment strategies.