Speech-Language Pathology Program
STEPHEN F. AUSTIN STATE UNIVERSITY
DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES
The Program
Speech-Language Pathology is one of several majors offered in the Department of Human Services. The
program offers undergraduate and graduate degrees which meet the requirements for state licensure and
national certification in speech-language pathology. The Stanley Speech and Hearing Clinic is located in
the Human Services building where students participate in a supervised clinical practicum. Students are
provided with a practical hands-on approach to training as they perform on-site hearing evaluations and
work with clients of all ages to assess, diagnose and treat various communication disorders. Externship
sites are also available where students have the opportunity to work with a variety of individuals across the
life span in nursing homes, hospitals, state schools, public schools, and home health agencies. Since 1992,
the master’s degree program has been accredited by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
(ASHA).
Speech-Language Pathology Degrees
The Bachelor of Science degree Communication Sciences and Disorders is a pre-professional degree in
preparation for graduate studies in Speech-Language Pathology. The undergraduate curriculum includes a
free-standing major with no minor field requirements. The Master of Science degree in Speech-Language
Pathology is the minimum requirement for independent professional practice in the field. Students who are
awarded the M.S. degree must meet all academic and clinical practicum requirements for ASHA
certification and Texas licensure.
Career Opportunities and Potential
The employment outlook for speech-language pathologists continues to be excellent. The U.S. Bureau of
Labor statistics predicts a 10 percent increase in the number of available jobs between 2006 and 2016.
Speech-language pathology majors may choose from a large number of available positions in schools,
hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, rehabilitation settings and private practices with an annual starting salary
of $50,000 to $82,000 after being awarded the M.S. degree. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor
Statistics in 2012, the national average salary is $55, 000 in a school setting and $70,000 in a medical
setting.
A Master’s degree is required for Texas licensure and for the American Speech Language Hearing
Association’s Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech Language Pathology.
Related Student Organizations
The National Student Speech-Language-Hearing Association (NSSLHA) - Membership is open to
any undergraduate student or master’s candidate who is interested in the study of normal and
disordered human communication behavior. By participating in SFA’s award-winning chapter of
NSSLHA, students gain a fuller appreciation of the professions of speech-language pathology and
audiology and of the issues affecting these fields.
Texas Speech Language Hearing Association (TSHA) - Students may also join TSHA which is a
professional organization that offers many benefits to its professional and student members.
Unique Facts and Figures
 Dr. Frank Brister is a Fellow of the TSHA Foundation.
 165 undergraduate students and 44 graduate students in the Speech-Language Pathology Program.
 SFA graduate students have a 94 percent pass rate on the PRAXIS (National Exam).
 100% of our graduates find employment within one year of graduation.
 2 scholarships are awarded annually to graduate students.
Faculty
Karla Ashabranner, Adjunct; B.S., SFASU; M.Ed., SFASU
Debra Bankston, Adjunct; B.S., SFASU; M.A., Memphis State University
Frank Brister, Associate Professor; Audiologist; B.A., Mississippi College; M.S., Ph.D., University of
Southern Mississippi
Lydia Richardson, Clinic Director; B.S., SFASU; M.S., SFASU
Layne DeBardelaben, Clinical Instructor; B.S., SFASU; M.A., University of Houston
Amy Durham, Clinical Instructor; B.S., SFASU; M.S., SFASU
Kelly Jobe, Clinic Audiologist; B.S., University of Texas Austin, M.S. University of Texas Dallas – Callier
Center, Au.D, University of Florida - Gainesville
Nagalapura Viswanath, Program Director, Professor; B.S., M.S., Mysore University; Ph.D., The City
University of New York
For more information, contact:
SFA Speech Language Pathology Program
P.O. Box 13019, SFA Station
Nacogdoches, TX 75962
http://www.sfasu.com
Phone (936) 468-7109
Fax (936) 468-7096
E-mail: adamswl1@sfasu.edu