Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences

Careers in Speech and Hearing Science

Students in speech and hearing science are primarily in training for one of two professions: speech-language pathology or audiology. These professions are specifically concerned with the evaluation, treatment, and investigation of human communication and its disorders.

Speech-language pathologists specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of such disorders as stuttering, impaired language, voice, or articulation. They routinely serve as members of a team of allied health professionals that may include physicians, psychologists, social workers, physical therapists, or teachers.

Speech-Language Pathology Fact Sheet

Audiologists specialize in the prevention, identification, assessment, and rehabilitation of hearing disorders. They may prescribe and dispense hearing aids and instruct hearing-impaired individuals in the use of the aid to gain the most help in day-to-day living. Audiologists may also provide training in speechreading or be involved in programs of hearing conservation, particularly in industry.

Audiology Fact Sheet

Both speech-language pathologists and audiologists conduct basic and applied research designed to improve our knowledge of communication and its disorders and to develop new testing and treatment methods and devices that will assist in the communication process.
Professionals in speech-language pathology or audiology have the opportunity to:

provide clinical services or conduct research in a laboratory, a private clinic, or a government agency
provide clinical services or conduct research with language-delayed children in a public school, or with elderly stroke patients in a large hospital or nursing home
be an entrepreneur, developing and marketing new communication devices and tests, or developing a private practice
teach in a college or university, conduct research in a scientific laboratory, be an administrator, or work for state or federal agencies

The program in speech-language pathology and audiology is also a good choice for students interested in the processes of normal and atypical speech and language and hearing across the lifespan, but who are not necessarily interested in pursuing a clinical degree. Our degree options provide flexibility for students interested in other career paths, including both clinical and research orientations.