Massage from the Program Director
Welcome to the Bachelor of Science program in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences at
Dar Al-Hekma University,
It is my honor to share the exciting and impactful opportunities that await you in our esteemed Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences.
(SLHS) program at Dar Al-Hekma University in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Established in 2009, the SLHS program was designed with the specific focus of addressing the needs of speech-language and hearing-impaired individuals of Arab descent worldwide. As we navigate through the dynamic landscape of healthcare and education, the demand for skilled speech-language pathologists (SLPs) is projected to soar globally, regionally, and notably within Saudi Arabia until 2028, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2020).
Aligned with the 2030 Saudi Vision, the Ministry of Health is vigorously working to create employment opportunities for competent Saudi graduates in the healthcare sector over the next decade. This strategic initiative underscores the importance of investing in the critical field of Speech-language pathology. Our program is not only committed to graduate SLPs/healthcare providers who meet the growing demand for professionals in this field but also ones who lead, empower and collaborate to enhance the quality of life of the community through service provision and research contributions.
Believing in the pivotal role of women in Saudi Arabia, the SLHS program’s graduates have been a testament to this dedication. Having graduated more than 227 professionals, who have been empowered to contribute to the field speech-language pathology and dedicated to the enhancement of quality of life to the community they serve. Our program aims to increase the number of trained Arabic-speaking speech-language pathologists able to work in a variety of settings including schools, hospitals, private practices, skilled nursing facilities, and early intervention programs, ultimately improving the quality of life of individuals with communication disorders.
I invite you to be part of this transformative journey in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences at Dar Al-Hekma University. Our comprehensive Bachelor’s degree program in speech, language and hearing sciences is designed to establish the foundational academic rigor and clinical skills needed to prepare its graduates become professional Speech-language Pathologist in Saudi Arabia.
Additionally, this undergraduate program establishes the foundation - academic and clinical- needed for the ones who wish to join the (MSLP) to further develop, expand, and enhance their knowledge and skills in this vital field. Join us in making a meaningful impact and contribute to the advancement of healthcare and educational services in our community. Together, we will shape a future where communication barriers are broken, and every individual can thrive. If you have any questions or need further information, please don't hesitate to reach out. We look forward to welcoming you into our SLHS program and witnessing the positive change you will undoubtedly bring to the world. Best regards,
To develop, expand, and enhance students’ knowledge in speech and language sciences, the University offers a
master’s degree in speech and language pathology.
Mission
Graduating skilled professionals in speech and language pathology and hearing sciences dedicated to improving the quality of the lives of individuals with communication disorders through a rigorous academic curriculum, evidence-based clinical practices, research, and community service engagement.
Goals
- G1. Provide students with a robust foundation in the theoretical and practical aspects of speech and language pathology and hearing sciences.
- G2. Prepare students to apply their knowledge and skills in service to the broader community through supervised clinical experiences, outreach programs, and partnerships with local organizations.
- G3. Provide students with supervised and diverse clinical experiences that meet national professional standards.
- G4. Engage students in research projects in the field of speech and language pathology and hearing sciences.
- G5. Promote commitment to ethical and evidence-based practice in clinical settings.
- G6. Prepare students to utilize technologies in their professional practice in the areas of clinical management and research.
Why choose this Bachelor program at Dar Al-Hekma University?
- Dar Al-Hekma (DAH) is the first university in the western region of Saudi Arabia that offers a Bachelor of Science (BSc.) degree in Speech-Language Pathology.
- The program emphasizes training and competency in both English and Arabic. This empowers student clinicians to become bilingual practitioners who can provide clinical services in both English and Arabic.
- The SLHS program operates a Speech and Hearing Clinic at the University, which facilitates learning in an experimental setting that mimics real-life clinical experiences. The clinic serves the DAH community which seeks speech, language, and hearing services for children, adolescents, and adults with various communication problems.
- The SLHS curriculum is designed to include both theory and hands-on practice. Students must complete two (2) practicum experiences over two (2) semesters under the supervision of qualified clinical supervisors with credentials from the American Speech Language and Hearing Association (ASHA) and holders of the certificate of clinical competence (CCC).
- The SLHS program employs modern and creative teaching methods and learning strategies, such as case simulations, student-centered learning, blended learning, and project-based learning.
- The students have the opportunity to participate in various national and international conferences.
Admission Requirements
Programs
| Linguaskill Score
| Required Certificate Percentage
| Qudurat Test Score
| Othe Admission Requirement
|
|---|
Bachelor of Science in Speech,
Language and Hearing Sciences
| 162
| 80%
| 65%
| Pass Interview
|
For further details about admissions, click here
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this program, graduates will be able to:
Knowledge
- Explain concepts, theories, and findings relevant to human communication disorders to meet the international standards and the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties certifications.
Skills
- Demonstrate competency in clinical skills in working with individuals with language, hearing and communication disorders in different settings.
- Apply appropriate assessment tools to diagnose and identify language, communication, and hearing disorders.
- Utilize advanced techniques to evaluate and analyze data to make informed decisions about language, communication, and hearing disorders.
Values
- Demonstrate ethical knowledge and conduct with issues and practices that are relevant to professional interaction and scientific research.
- Design evidence-based intervention programs and plans for individuals with language, communication, and hearing disorders.
Plan of Study
|
Year One |
|---|
|
Semester – Fall |
Semester – Spring |
|---|
Course Code |
Course Title |
Credit
Hours |
Course Code |
Course Title |
Credit
Hours |
| BIOL 1301 | Human Biology | 3
| SLHS 1302 | Speech and Language
Development | 3 |
| PSYC 1301 | Human Development | 3 | SLHS 1304 | Speech Science | 3 |
| SLHS 1301 | Introduction to Communication
Disorders | 3 | SLHS 1305 | Phonetic Transcription
and Phonology | 3 |
| SLHS 1303 | Introduction to
Linguistics | 3 | LOGC 1201 | Logic and Problem
Solving | 2 |
| ISLS xxxx | Islamic Studies | 3 | ICTC 1301 | Information and Communication
Technology | 3 |
| BBBF 1101 | Basic Body and
Brain Fitness | 1 | COMM 1301 | Communication Skills I | 3 |
|
Total Credit Hours |
16 |
Total Credit Hours |
17 |
|
Year Two |
|---|
|
Semester – Fall |
Semester – Spring |
|---|
Course Code |
Course Title |
Credit
Hours |
Course Code |
Course Title |
Credit
Hours |
| SLHS 2302 | Anatomy and Physiology of Speech
and Hearing Mechanisms | 3 | SLHS 2201 | Professional Aspects and Ethics of
Speech Pathology and Audiology | 2 |
| SLHS 2304 | Introduction to Clinical Practice | 3 | SLHS 2303 | Neurological Bases of Speech,
Language and Hearing | 3 |
| SLHS 2305 | Research Methods in Communication
Sciences and Disorders | 3 | EDUC 2304 | Behavior Management:
Theory and Practice | 3 |
| SLHS 2307 | Introduction to Audiology | 3 | SLHS 2306 | Developmental Language
Disorders | 3 |
| ARAB XXXX | Arabic Studies | 3 | SLHS 2308 | Clinical Management of
Communication Disorders | 3 |
| COMM 1302 | Communication Skills II | 3 | EMOI 1201 | Emotional Intelligence | 2 |
|
Total Credit Hours |
18 |
Total Credit Hours |
16 |
|
Year Three |
|---|
|
Semester – Fall |
Semester – Spring |
|---|
Course Code |
Course Title |
Credit
Hours |
Course Code |
Course Title |
Credit
Hours |
| SLHS 3307 | Articulation and Phonological
Disorders | 3 | SLHS 3311 | Neurogenic Communication
Disorders | 3 |
| SLHS 3308 | Fluency Disorders | 3 | SLHS 3312 | Voice Disorders | 3 |
| SLHS 3309 | Statistics in Communication
Sciences and Disorders | 3 | XXXX xxxx | Program Elective | 3 |
| SLHS 3310 | Practicum I | 3 | ENTR 3301 | Entrepreneurship and
Design Thinking | 3 |
| ARTS xxxx | Arts and Design | 2 | ISLS xxxx | Islamic Studies | 2 |
| XXXX xxxx | Required General Education
Electives (HUMN, NASC,SBSC) | 3 | XXXX xxxx | Required General Education
Electives (HUMN, NASC,SBSC) | 3 |
|
Total Credit Hours |
17 |
Total Credit Hours |
17 |
|
Year Four |
|---|
|
Semester – Fall |
Semester – Spring |
|---|
Course Code |
Course Title |
Credit
Hours |
Course Code |
Course Title |
Credit
Hours |
| SLHS 4201 | Counseling in Communication
Sciences and Disorders | 3 | SLHS 4601 | Practicum II | 6 |
| SLHS 4303 | Introduction to Augmentative and
Alternative Communication | 3 | ISLS XXXX
| Islamic Studies | 3 |
| SLHS 4304 | Audiological Rehabilitation | 3 | XXXX xxxx | Free Electives | 3 |
| SLHS 4305 | Prevention: Early Intervention in
Communication Disorders | 3 |
| ARAB xxxx | Arabic Studies | 3 |
| XXXX xxxx | Free Electives | 3 |
|
Total Credit Hours |
18 |
Total Credit Hours |
12 |
Career Prospects
The program equips students with the necessary skills that qualify them for a variety of career paths/jobs in the market including, but not limited to:
- Speech-language pathologist.
- Teaching assistant at a Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences Program.
- SLHS graduates can also apply for graduate studies in several fields.
Year 1 Semester 1
BIOL 1301: Human Biology (3, 0)
This course focuses on the study of the structure and function of the human basic unit of life “the cell.” It covers the development of the human body from the basic cellular level to the complexity of the organ systems. The course also introduces the immune, digestive and nervous systems in detail and relates the immune system to health and disease. The course also provides an overview of genetics, including mechanisms of inheritance and genetic disorders.
Prerequisite Courses:
None
PSYC 1301: Human Development (3, 0)
This course focuses on sequences of human development throughout the life span and the process that underlie it. It provides a comprehensive overview of the psychological theories and the scientific study of human development from birth to late adulthood & death. It explores the individual’s intellectual, biological, psychological, socio-emotional and moral domain, such as perception, learning, memory, self-understanding, love and anger. The course focuses on the application of material to various cultures including the local environment.
Prerequisites Courses:
None
SLHS 1301: Introduction to Communication Disorders (3, 0)
This course introduces a basic description of communication, anatomy and physiology, speech and language development, speech and language disorders, and hearing disorders. It explains the characteristics and causes of these disorders. Additionally, the SLP role when working with clients with communication disorders is discussed.
Prerequisite Courses:
None
SLHS 1303: Introduction to Linguistics (3, 0)
This course introduces the general properties of human language and the nature of language acquisition and learning. It examines and describes the various components of language: morphology, syntax, and phonology. It also explores the ways in which language is used to convey meaning: semantics and pragmatics. The course reinforces the theoretical information through the application of linguistic analysis on real life linguistic data.
Prerequisite Courses:
None
Year 1 Semester 2
SLHS 1302: Speech and Language Development (3, 0)
This course provides a comprehensive view of speech and language development and its applications. It focuses on the nature of human communication, theories of language acquisition and cognitive development. It covers language milestones in the age groups from birth to 18 years old. The course differentiates between typical and atypical language features through language sample analysis.
Prerequisite Courses:
None
SLHS 1304: Speech Science (3, 0)
This course provides an introduction to the physical and physiological aspects of sound. It focuses on the mechanism and theories of speech production and perception. The course covers the concepts of respiration, phonation, resonance and acoustics in addition to the instrumentation for measuring these elements clinically. The course reviews the latest research applications and studies in the field of speech sciences.
Prerequisite Courses:
None
Co-requisite:
SLHS 1305: Phonetic Transcription and Phonology (3, 0)
This course offers an exploration and study of Arabic and American English pronunciation through the application of the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). It focuses on transcription of Arabic and English phonemes and allophones. It introduces distinctive feature analysis, phonological rules, prosodic features, and dynamics of articulation, dialectical variants, and developmental phonology.
Prerequisite Courses:
SLHS 1303: Introduction to Linguistics
Co-requisite:
SLHS 1304: Speech Science
Year 2 Semester 1
SLHS 2302: Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech and Hearing Mechanisms (3, 0)
This course provides an overview of the anatomy (structure) and physiology (function) of human systems involved in speech, language, hearing, and swallowing. It explains the anatomical landmarks for various systems of the body, and their functions. It focuses on systems related to speech, hearing, language, and swallowing mechanisms and disorders.
Prerequisite Courses:
BIOL 1301: Human Biology
SLHS 2304: Introduction to Clinical Practice (3, 0)
This course prepares student clinicians to their initial clinical experience. It introduces basic terminology of core clinical practices in speech and language pathology. It focuses on basic components of the pre-clinical experience, which relate to professional conduct, professional communication, supervisory process, self-evaluation, and patient care. It also introduces practical procedures, including clinical observation, data collection, documentation and report writing. The course covers issues related to time management, infection control, and teamwork.
Prerequisite Courses: SLHS 1302: Speech and Language Development
SLHS 1305: Phonetic Transcription and Phonology
SLHS 2305: Research Methods in Communication Sciences and Disorders (3, 0)
This course introduces the nature of scientific research, the elements of a research article, qualitative and quantitative research methods and design principles. It explains the characteristics of rigorous, peer-reviewed scientific literature. The course focuses evidence based practice and academic integrity in all phases of research. It covers the basics of the mechanics of writing in research including referencing, citation, paraphrasing and summarizing resources.
Prerequisite Courses: COMM 1301: Communication Skills I
SLHS 1301: Introduction to Communication Disorders
SLHS 2307: Introduction to Audiology (3, 0)
This course is designed to provide information about the structure and function of the auditory system. It serves as a survey of the field of audiology, including the measurement of hearing sensitivity and the nature and causes of hearing impairment in infants, children, and adults. It introduces the basic concepts relevant to the normal hearing process, gross anatomy, psychophysical methods and basic subjective correlates of the auditory system, advanced principles and theories of hearing,. It explains principles and techniques of hearing evaluations, including pure-tone, speech, immittance and advance audiometry. Lastly, the course covers the role of audiologists in hearing conservation programs.
Prerequisite Courses: SLHS 1304: Speech Science
BIOL 1301: Human Biology
Year 2 Semester 2
SLHS 2201: Professional Aspects and Ethics of Speech Pathology and Audiology (2, 0)
This course focuses on professional issues in the field of communication sciences and disorders: including legal and ethical considerations and serving in in multiple settings. The code of ethics and scope of practice is reviewed based on the American Association of Speech and Hearing (ASHA) regulations. It emphasizes the policy framework of the Saudi Ministry of Health and the Saudi Health Commission. The course covers the ethics of research and clinical conduct, evidence-based practice, and explains the importance of safety and infections control. Finally, the course discusses finding job placements, and the licensing process.
Prerequisite Courses:
SLHS 2304: Introduction to Clinical Practice
SLHS 2303: Neurological Bases of Speech, Language and Hearing (3, 0)
This course examines the structure (neuroanatomy), organization (neurophysiology), and functions of the central and peripheral nervous systems as they relate to speech, language, hearing and cognition. The behavioral manifestations of normal and abnormal nervous system functioning are contrasted
Prerequisite Courses:
SLHS 2302: Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech and Hearing Mechanisms
EDUC 2304: Behavior Management: Theory and Practice (3, 0)
This course provides students with an understanding of the foundational theories of behavior management. Positive behavior support (SWPBS) is addressed with particular emphasis as to inclusive educational settings and self-contained setting. Behavioral principles will be utilized to understand how to define and measure behavior, appropriately apply reinforcement and punishment and monitor individual progress effectively. Ethical standards of behavior management are defined as well as the importance of considering cultural differences and promoting family involvement.
Prerequisite Courses:
None
SLHS 2306: Developmental Language Disorders (3, 0)
This course introduces developmental language disorders from childhood to adolescence. It reviews typical communication milestones then focuses on specific language impairment, language learning disability, and language difference. It also covers language deficits in special population e.g., hearing impairment, intellectual impairment, and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It discusses assessment and intervention approaches for developmental language disorders. Issues related to scope of practice and evidence-based practice are addressed.
Prerequisite Courses:
SLHS 1301: Introduction to Communication Disorders
SLHS 1302: Speech and Language Development
SLHS 2304: Introduction to Clinical Practice
Co-requisite:
SLHS 2308: Clinical Management of Communication Disorders
SLHS 2308: Clinical Management of Communication Disorders (3, 0)
This course provides a framework for clinical practice in speech-language pathology. It explains principles and procedures common to screening, assessment and treatment of most communication disorders. It includes an integrated study of the processes involved in effective clinical service delivery including observation competence, clinical literacy, creative problem solving, and decision-making.
Prerequisite Courses:
SLHS 2304: Introduction to Clinical Practice
SLHS 2307: Introduction to Audiology
Co-requisite:
SLHS 2306: Developmental Language Disorders
Year 3 Semester 1
SLHS 3307: Articulation and Phonological Disorders (3, 0)
This course provides an introduction to the nature of articulation and phonological disorders. It reviews normal acquisition and development of the speech sound system in Arabic and English languages. The course provides a basic understanding of the principles underlying the assessment and treatment of articulation and phonological disorders and methods of prevention. It introduces the various psychosocial factors related to articulation and phonological disorders. It explains developmental errors and dialectal variations. Issues related to scope of practice and evidence-based practice are addressed.
Prerequisite Courses:
SLHS 2303: Neurological Bases of Speech, Language and Hearing
SLHS 2306: Developmental Language Disorders
SLHS 2308: Clinical Management of Communication Disorders
Co-requisite:
SLHS 3310: Practicum I
SLHS 3308: Fluency Disorders (3, 0)
The course provides an introduction to the nature of speech fluency and its disorders. It explains the theories of the onset and development of speech disfluency. The course reviews the psychosocial factors associated with stuttering. It concentrates on the various evidence-based assessment and treatment approaches in a clinical context.
Prerequisite Courses:
SLHS 2306: Developmental Language Disorders
SLHS 2308: Clinical Management of Communication Disorders
Co-requisite:
SLHS 3310: Practicum I
SLHS 3309: Statistics in Communication Sciences and Disorders (3,0)
The course introduces basic statistical concepts related to descriptive and inferential statistics. It covers sampling methods, hypothesis testing and statistical inferences. It utilizes applications of technology in statistical analysis. The course presents current peer-reviewed research in communication sciences and disorders to introduce the use of human participants in research, the process of data collection, statistical concepts and formulas, and data analysis.
Prerequisite Courses:
SLHS 2305: Research Methods in Communication Sciences and Disorders
SLHS 3310: Practicum I: (0, 0, 9)
This course provides student clinicians with a foundational practical experience in screening children and adults and in assessing developmental speech and language disorders in the clinical setting under the direct supervision of a clinical supervisor. Classroom and clinical experiences are used as teaching models. Issues related to cultural diversity, ethical code of conduct and self-evaluation are emphasized.
Prerequisite Courses:
SLHS 2306: Developmental Language Disorders
SLHS 2308: Clinical Management of Communication Disorders
Co-requisite:
SLHS 3307: Articulation and Phonological Disorders
SLHS 3308: Fluency Disorders
Year 3 Semester 2
SLHS 3311: Neurogenic Communication Disorders (3, 0)
The course discusses the various neurological speech and language disorders and their impact on typical communication skills. It goes over the progressive and acquired neurogenic etiologies such as strokes, traumatic brain injuries, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and dementia. Assessment and intervention of the resulting communication disorders including aphasia, dysarthria, and apraxia of speech as well as cognitive
Prerequisite Courses:
SLHS 2303: Neurological Bases of Speech, Language and Hearing
SLHS 2306: Developmental Language Disorders
SLHS 2308: Clinical Management of Communication Disorders
SLHS 3312: Voice Disorders (3, 0)
This course provides an introduction to the nature of organic and functional voice disorders in various populations. It includes basic principles underlying the assessment and treatment of these disorders in children and adults. It introduces the various psychosocial factors related to voice problems and intervention. Issues related to ethics, scope of practice, and evidence-based practice are discussed.
Prerequisite Courses:
SLHS 2303: Neurological Bases of Speech, Language and Hearing
SLHS 2308: Clinical Management of Communication Disorders
Year 4 Semester 1
SLHS 4201: Counseling in Communication Sciences and Disorders (2,0)
This course focuses on various theoretical and clinical approaches to counseling individuals with communication disorders and their families. This includes the psychological sequel of communication disorders on these individuals, and the impact of the disorders of therapeutic options, and academic and vocational placements. Emphasis is directed towards the professional responsibilities and boundaries of counseling in speech –language pathology. The course includes demonstration of interview and counseling techniques.
Prerequisite Courses:
SLHS 3311: Neurogenic Communication Disorders
SLHS 3312: Voice Disorders
SLHS 4303: Introduction to Augmentative and Alternative Communication (3, 0)
This course investigates theories and practices in clinical management of severely impaired or non-verbal individuals. It explains the types of augmentative alternative communication (AAC) and the assessment, intervention process. The clinical applications of AAC are thoroughly discussed (application of graphics, signs, gestural means of communication, use of aids and devices, and development and use of computer-assisted communication strategies).
Prerequisite Courses:
SLHS 3311: Neurogenic Communication Disorders
SLHS 3312: Voice Disorders
SLHS 4304: Audiological Rehabilitation (3,0)
The course introduces the models of communication as well as approaches of aural rehabilitation (AR). The usage of hearing device such as hearing aids, cochlear implants, and assistive listening devices is discussed. It focuses on assessment tools in Arabic and English in addition to intervention strategies and programs. The course explains the psychosocial, educational and cultural factors as they relate to the deaf and hard of hearing population. Family involvements in the AR program is stressed in the course.
Prerequisite Courses:
SLHS 3310: Practicum I
SLHS 4305: Prevention: Early Intervention in Communication Disorders (3, 0)
The course provides an overview of speech, language and feeding problems during early stages of life. It reviews the factors that increase the risk for developmental problems in infants and toddlers. It covers assessment and intervention programs for infants and toddlers with an emphasis on family-centered practices. It reviews the different service delivery models used in early intervention programs. Issues related to scope of practice and evidence-based practice are addressed.
Prerequisite Courses:
SLHS 3310: Practicum I
Year 4 Semester 2
SLHS 4601: Practicum II: (0, 0, 18)
This course provides a sustained practical experience in assessment and treatment procedures of developmental and acquired speech and language disorders in the clinical setting under the direct supervision of a clinical supervisor. Classroom and clinical experiences are used as teaching models. Issues related to cultural diversity, ethical code of conduct and self-evaluation are emphasized.
Prerequisite Courses:
SLHS 4201: Counseling in Communication Sciences and Disorders
SLHS 4303: Introduction to Augmentative and Alternative Communication
SLHS 4305: Prevention: Early Intervention in Communication Disorders
SLHS 4304: Audiological Rehabilitation
Elective Courses:
SLHS 3313 Multiculturalism and Bilingualism (Program Elective): (3, 0)
This course explores a variety of topics related to cultural and language variations in the Middle East and worldwide. It focuses on bilingual speech and language acquisition and theories of bilingualism. Clinical research studies on the bilingual’s cognitive and linguistic capacities are given. Additionally, the course explains the importance of respect and appreciation of different cultural beliefs. Furthermore, it provides cultural and linguistic considerations for interviewing, assessing, and treating the clients from diverse backgrounds.
Prerequisite Courses:
SLHS 2306: Developmental Language Disorders
SLHS 3314 Manual Communication (Program Elective): (3, 0)
This multicultural course provides a basic introduction to Universal Arabic Sign Language and the people who use it. It includes an exploration into the historical perspectives and values of Deaf Culture and a discussion of the linguistic claims that have been made about Universal Arabic Sign Language and American Sign Language and makes comparisons with other languages. The course emphasizes attitudes about Universal Arabic Sign Language and Deaf Culture and dispel misconceptions. It covers a new way of seeing by learning to communicate receptively and expressively with Universal Arabic Sign Language as a second language (foreign language).
Prerequisite Courses:
None
SLHS 3315 Audiological Evaluation (Program Elective): (3, 0)
This course focuses on interpretation and derivation of clinical judgments of common audiological evaluation procedures such as otoscopy, pure-tone audiometry, speech audiometry, clinical masking, ABR, and otoacoustic emission. It introduces vestibular and balance assessment and its application in the assessment of dizzy patients. The course also discusses issues related to results interpretation, differential diagnosis and clinical applications on given populations.
Prerequisite Courses:
SLHS 2307: Introduction to Audiology
