Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences

Internationally recognized, the Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences (SLHS) prepares the next generation of student clinicians and scientists to understand the fundamental mechanisms behind our ability to hear, understand, speak and swallow. Through our state-of-the-art clinical and research programs, we investigate a variety of disorders that affect communication and quality of life. We also offer opportunities to specialize through our speech-language pathology and audiology graduate programs, which have been ranked No. 3 and No. 9 nationally.

Best Grad Schools U.S. News Audiology 2021
U.S. News best grad school speech language pathology

Fast facts about SLHS

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Undergraduate Programs

Gain foundational knowledge in human communication and the disorders that affect our ability to communicate effectively. From pursuing specialized research interests in the department’s state-of-the-art labs to gaining real-world experience in the M.D. Steer clinics, you will be prepared with the skills needed for the healthcare workforce and graduate studies in speech-language pathology or audiology.

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Graduate Programs

The Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences’ speech-language pathology and audiology programs are consistently ranked among the top 10 in the nation by U.S. News and World Report and are accredited by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. These programs train you as clinician-scientists in schools, hospitals, private practice and more. The department also offers a stellar PhD program to launch your successful career.

Student Outcome Data
Student in hearing clinic

Department Research

Faculty in the Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences are audiologists, speech-language pathologists, engineers, linguists, neuroscientists, physiologists and psychologists who are focused on advancing the fields of speech, language and hearing. Our research broadly falls within one or more of the following areas: hearing science and hearing disorders; language science, language disorders and disabilities; and speech, swallowing and voice science and disorders.

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Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

The Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences is committed to fostering diversity, equity and inclusion in our learning, research and clinics. We care deeply about the well-being of SLHS students. Among other initiatives, the department offers networking opportunities with SLHS alumni and students from underrepresented populations.

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Student in hearing clinic

Community Resources

The department’s wide range of clinics, programs and services are designed to serve the community while allowing students to put their classroom skills to practice alongside professional practitioners. From offering amplification devices to adults experiencing hearing loss to providing gender-affirming voice and communication training, community outreach is an important component of faculty, staff and student work.

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“The Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences is widely recognized for its excellence in research and clinical education. Since the department’s founding in 1935, SLHS faculty have been on the cutting edge of innovation, pursuing collaborative, interdisciplinary research to improve the lives of people with communication disorders. Our commitment to equity and inclusion permeates all our actions. We strive for a learning environment that celebrates curiosity and supports belonging. We invite you to learn more about our degree programs.

— Dr. Preeti Sivasankar

Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences Directory

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SLHS Alumni Newsletter

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Contact Us

Preeti Sivasankar

Department Head

Teasha McKinley

Lead Administrative Assistant

M.D. Steer Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences Clinics

Vicki Black

Graduate Program Secretary

Connect with Us!

Prospective undergraduate students may register for a session online, email questions to HHSRecruitment@purdue.edu or call the Office of Student Services at (765) 494-8533. Prospective graduate students may email slhsgradsec@purdue.edu or call 765-494-3786.

Contact Us

Purdue University
Department of Speech, Language, & Hearing Sciences
715 Clinic Drive, Lyles-Porter Hall
West Lafayette, IN 47907-2122