Undergraduate Students
Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) work to prevent, assess, diagnose, and treat speech, language, social communication, cognitive-communication, and swallowing disorders in children and adults (ASHA). Audiologists are experts who can help to prevent, diagnose, and treat hearing and balance disorders for people of all ages (ASHA).
Speech-language pathologists are required to hold a master’s degree (M.A.), while audiologists hold a doctorate in audiology (Au.D.) Both are employed in a variety of settings, including rehabilitation centers, hospitals, schools, community clinics, private practice, research laboratories and colleges and universities.
Undergraduate students in Speech Pathology & Audiology (SPA) obtain a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree. Courses at the undergraduate level are designed to introduce students to basic processes of typical and atypical communication, speech, language, and hearing. In addition to completing their SPA coursework, a majority of our undergraduate students complete a minor course of study to broaden their knowledge and skills, and many volunteer as Research Assistants under the supervision of SPA faculty, participate in SPA (and non-SPA) student organizations, and/or study abroad. Our undergraduate program provides a firm foundation for future graduate study in the speech, language, and hearing sciences within the framework of a well-rounded and comprehensive undergraduate education.
Why are speech pathology & audiology outstanding fields to consider?
- Faster than average growth rates: 18% - 21% growth rate for employment, as compared to 7% average for all other occupations (1.5% unemployment rate)
- Median salaries are around $75,000 per year
- Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists have a high degree of job satisfaction
For more information about these fields, see Bureau of Labor Statistics for Speech Pathology & Audiology and American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Student Information