Speech, Language and Communicative Behavior
Program Details
Gain the knowledge and skills to advocate for individuals with communication differences by pursuing a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Speech, Language and Communicative Behavior at Xavier University. Our program equips you with a strong foundation in Deaf Studies, American Sign Language and the science of human communication, including the physiological and cognitive processes underlying speech, language and hearing. As a graduate, you'll be well-prepared for advanced studies in fields like speech-language pathology, audiology, Deaf studies, linguistics, special education and occupational therapy.
Xavier University, located in Cincinnati, Ohio, is nationally recognized as a top university by U.S. News & World Report and The Princeton Review. 98 percent of our students are working, volunteering or in graduate school within six months of graduation (Class of 2023).
Curriculum
The sample course sequence below illustrates class offerings for the Speech, Language and Communicative Behavior major. Consult the official Xavier University course catalog for detailed registration and advising information.
Fall
- SLCB 111: Intro to Speech, Language and Communicative Behavior............ 3cr.
- ENGL 101: English Composition or ENGL 115: Rhetoric............ 3cr.
- PSYC 101: General Psychology............ 3cr.
- Mathematical Perspectives Elective............ 3cr.
- THEO 111: Theological Foundations............ 3cr.
- CORE 101: Goa I............ 0cr.
Spring
- SLCB 150: Anatomy & Physiology of Communication............ 3cr.
- Social Science Elective or Scientific Perspectives Elective............ 3cr.
- Historical Perspectives Elective............ 3cr.
- PHIL 100: Intro to Ethics............ 3cr.
- CORE 100: First Year Seminar............ 3cr.
- CORE 102: Goa II............ 0cr.
Fall
- SLCB 221: Audiology & Hearing Science............ 3cr.
- SLCB 231: Speech & Language Development............ 3cr.
- ASLN 101: Elementary American Sign Language I............ 3cr.
- MATH 116: Elementary Statistics or MATH 156: General Statistics............ 3cr.
- ENGL 205: Literature & the Moral Imagination............ 3cr.
Spring
- SLCB 241: Phonetics & Phonology............ 3cr.
- SLCB 299: Second-year Seminar in Speech, Language, and Communication Behavior............ 2cr.
- ALSN 102: Elementary American Sign Language II............ 3cr.
- Natural Science Elective............ 3cr.
- ENGL 305: Professional Writing or ENGL 312: Technical Writing............ 3cr.
Fall
- SLCB 321: Speech and Hearing Sciences............ 3cr.
- SLCB Elective............ 3cr.
- ASLN 201: Intermediate American Sign Language I............ 3cr.
- Theological Perspectives Elective............ 3cr.
- ASLN 290: Deafness Origins and Orientation or Creative Perspectives Elective
Spring
- SLCB 331: Speech and Language Disorders............ 3cr.
- SLCB 399: Third-year Seminar in Speech, Language, and Communication Behavior............ 3cr.
- ASLN 202: Intermediate American Sign Language II............ 3cr.
- Philosophical Perspectives Elective............ 3cr.
- ASLN 291: Deafness Culture and Community or General Elective............ 3cr.
Fall
- SLCB 460: Research in the Profession............ 3cr.
- SLCB Elective............ 3cr.
- E/RS Flag Elective............ 3cr.
- Oral Communication Flag Elective or General Elective............ 3cr.
- ASLN 290: Deafness Origins and Orientation or Creative Perspectives Elective............ 3cr.
Spring
- SLCB 499: Senior Seminar in Speech, Language, and Communication Behavior............ 4cr.
- SLCB Elective............ 3cr.
- Diversity Flag Elective or General Elective............ 3cr.
- ASLN 291: Deafness Culture and Community or General Elective............ 3cr.
- General Elective............ 2cr.
Sample Courses
- Origins and Orientation (ASLN 290)— Learn about the evolution of Deaf culture, in particular to major concepts about and issues facing the Deaf community, and to psychological and social aspects of Deafness
- Culture and Community (ASLN 291)— Students will hone their knowledge of sign language acquisition, behavioral norms, values and traditions of the Deaf.
- Speech & Hearing Sciences (SLCB 321)— The physical characteristics of speech sounds and psychophysical processes involved in speech and hearing
- Phonetics & Phonology (SLCB 241)— Sound structure of the English language, beginning and advanced transcription using international phonetic alphabet with clinical applications
Outcomes
High Career Placement Rate
98% of Xavier students are working, volunteering or in graduate school within six months of graduating (Class of 2023).
Professional Development
Our Career Development Office enriches your professional development and advances your long-term goals. From individual career counseling sessions to professional development workshops to an employer database, you have access to valuable resources to help you flourish.
Clubs
Xavier Sign Language Club— Xavier Sign Language Club develops and hosts events on Xavier's campus in conjunction with the Deaf community in Cincinnati to increase awareness and knowledge about Deaf culture.
When we seek something more, we become something greater.
Find more information about how you can become a Musketeer.
Request InformationHands-on clinical experiences
Develop practical skills through clinical placements with licensed speech language pathologists in the community.
Deaf Studies/ASL focus
Gain a holistic understanding of human communication with the curriculum’s strong focus on Deaf Studies and ASL.
Pursue innovative research
Develop critical thinking skills, get valuable experience and make a significant contribution to the field of speech-language pathology.
Graduate With Honors
Are you looking for an academic challenge? The University Scholars Honors Program offers incoming students a more challenging curriculum and close support from professors while completing their undergraduate degree. Acceptance into the program is highly selective and includes a $2000 travel grant.
Speech, Language and Communicative Behavior Major at Xavier University
The Bachelor of Science in Speech, Language and Communicative Behavior program trains students in basic knowledge of the physiological and cognitive bases for human interpersonal communication, including typical and non-typical spoken language, as well as causes and treatments for various communication difficulties, and alternative communication modalities. Coursework includes coverage of anatomy, neurophysiology, acoustics, phonetics, linguistics, and advanced topics in speech and hearing science.
Xavier University's College of Professional Sciences prepares undergraduate and graduate students intellectually, morally and spiritually for careers and professions of service. CPS challenges students to strive for academic excellence and life-long learning through promoting collaboration and community partnerships, and incorporating research, scholarship and innovation.
Xavier University is a private university located in Cincinnati, Ohio, providing a liberal arts education in the Jesuit Catholic tradition. Founded in 1831, the University is the sixth-oldest Catholic university in the nation. It has been ranked among the top 10 master's-level universities in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report for the past two decades. The Princeton Review names it one of the "Best 385 Colleges in America."