Speech & Hearing Science

Major Description

The undergraduate curriculum offers a broad background in the biological, behavioral, linguistic, and social foundations of human communication and communication disorders. The major prepares students to pursue a career and/or graduate education in many fields related to communication and healthy communication practices. The program has four concentrations to choose from: Audiology, Speech-Language Pathology, Cultural-Linguistic Diversity, and Neuroscience of Communication.

The Speech and Hearing Science building is located at 901 S. Sixth Street, Champaign, IL 61820. The office address for the undergraduate academic advisor for Speech and Hearing Science, Cathy Warnes, is in room 221 of the Speech and Hearing Science Building. She may be reached by email at: cwarn@illinois.edu or by phone: 217-333-2230.

More About Speech & Hearing Science

Degree Requirements

ICT Requirements

Concentrations

Audiology

Audiologists work with the prevention, diagnosis,and treatment of hearing disorders. They evaluate and assess problems with balance and hearing Loss, how they impact the lives of individuals, and how to help clients learn to manage them. They identify and provide treatment to hearing impaired children and adults, which may include fitting and dispensing hearing aids to their clients. More information about the field of audiology may be found on the American Speech-Language Hearing Association.

Cultural-Linguistic Diversity

Encourages students to examine ways that individual communication differences, including disorders, interface with sociocultural systems, institutions, and practices. Students will take courses in theory and research methods to explore ways in which sociolinguistic differences shape development, socialization, and identity. This concentration is intended to help provide students with knowledge related to cultural-linguistic differences (race, ethnicity, socio-economic status, neurodiversity) that is needed to serve an increasingly global society concerned with human rights and responsibilities.

Neuroscience of Communication

Provides an interdisciplinary understanding of the neurological systems that underlie human communication. Students will study the biological basis of communication in order to understand brain-behavior correlates of typical and disordered speech, language, and hearing function. This concentration is intended to help prepare students for health and science-related careers, including medicine and neuroscience.

Speech-Language Pathology

Speech-language pathologists diagnose and treat individuals with speech, language, and swallowing disorders. They work with clients of all ages, including children and adults, and provide a variety of services. They assist children who are delayed in their acquisition of speech and language or who demonstrate communicative disorders. They work with both children and adults who have speech and language difficulties, such as stuttering. Speech pathologists also work with adult communicative disorders, as well as voice problems caused by illness or disease or that are surgically related. More information about the field of speech-language pathology and audiology may be found on the American Speech-Language Hearing Association.

Undergraduates who plan to focus on concentrations in either speech-language pathology or audiology have the opportunity to begin observing and participating in the delivery of a full range of clinical services to communicatively impaired individuals as part of a pre-practicum experience in their senior year through the Department’s Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology clinics.

Courses That Introduce the Major

SHS 170: Human Communication: Systems, Processes and Disorders
SHS 120: Children, Communication and Language Ability (2nd 8 weeks, online)
SHS 222: Language and Culture of Deaf Communities (1st 8 weeks, online)
SHS 271: Communication and Aging
SHS 375: Communication Partners and Health

Students should consult with an academic advisor regarding course selection prior to the advanced registration period.

Possible Career Opportunities

The program of study in Speech and Hearing Science offers a broad background in the biological, behavioral, linguistic, and social foundations of human communication and communication disorders. The major prepares students for careers or graduate education in many fields. Professionals may be employed in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, public and private schools, medical clinics, private practice, health departments, community centers, colleges and universities, research laboratories, nursing care facilities and many more.

Common Career Skills

Knowledge of human communication processes and disorders of speech, language, and hearing
Familiarity with the services provided by a science-oriented helping profession
Strong problem-solving skills
Ability to communicate effectively in group discussion, oral presentations, and in writing
Enhanced interpersonal skills
Understanding of human development and behavior
Ability to use and understand statistical techniques

Common Career Titles

Speech- Language Pathologist
Audiologist
Rehabilitation Counselor
Special Education Teacher
Physical Therapist
Occupational Therapist
Physician Assistant
Applied Behavioral Analyst
Social Worker
Clinical Psychologist
Guidance Counselor
Physician, Nurse
Vocal Performance Coach
Research Assistant
Down Syndrome Education Specialist
Paraprofessional Inclusion Aide
English-as-a-Second Language Instructor
Child Development Specialist
Disability Lawyer
Health Educator
Audiology support personnel
Communication aide
Educational audiologist
Behavioral management technician
Mental health technician
Psychiatric aide
Social service assistant
Account representative
Community outreach worker
Life skills counselor
Gerontology aide
Occupational therapist technician
Youth worker
Business consultant
Project manager
Consumer educator
Literacy aide
Rehabilitation aide
Volunteer coordinator
Interpreter
Event coordinator
Human resources coordinator
Research assistant
Patient advocate
Fundraiser
Personal assistant

Some careers may require education beyond an undergraduate degree.

Enhancing Your Academic Experience

Participating in undergraduate research
Applying for a study abroad experience
Utilizing resources of The Career Center
Joining a Registered Student Organization (RSO) related to this major, such as:
- NSSLHA (National Student Speech Language Hearing Association): A national pre-professional organization for undergraduate and graduate students interested in the study of human communication and related disabilities. Students may join at the national or local level.
- B.O.S.S. (Bilingual Organization of SHS Students): A student organization that supports students within the department who are interested in the study of bilingual speech and hearing sciences, with the goal of sharing knowledge and experiences, and increasing awareness of multicultural and bilingual issues in speech-language pathology and audiology.
- SAA (the Student Academy of Audiology): For graduate and undergraduate students interested in learning more about the field of audiology and participating in activities that educate, benefit, and advocate for hearing health.

Further Information

There are several professional organizations dedicated to Speech and Hearing Science. Their websites might be able to provide a glimpse in the world of Speech and Hearing Science. These organizations include American Academy of Audiology and American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.

Recreation, Sport, & Tourism

Major Description

Turn your passion into a career in one of the world’s largest industries by majoring in Recreation, Sport and Tourism (RST). In this major, you will learn how to design, manage, and deliver recreation, sport, and tourism activities and services to diverse populations. Graduates of this program have secured leadership positions in organizations such as collegiate and professional sports, park districts, and tourism management organizations. In addition to taking coursework from globally renowned faculty, your academic preparation will include presentations from high-level industry leaders, experiential learning and internships, field experiences, and networking opportunities. You will choose from three concentrations: Recreation Management, Sport Management, or Tourism Management.

More About RST

Degree Requirements

ICT Requirements

Concentrations

Students pick at least one aspect – recreation or sport or tourism – in which to specialize. Students also have the freedom to specialize in any two or all three.

Recreation Management

Recreation Management prepares you for leadership and administrative roles in public, non-profit, and commercial recreational organizations. You will focus on skills for developing and delivering recreation programs and services at local, state, and national levels. Career examples include youth development, outdoor adventure recreation, park management, commercial recreation, event and facility management, aquatics, recreational fitness, and camps.

Sport Management

Sport Management prepares you for managing, marketing, and delivery roles in spectator and participatory sports. You will focus on skills such as sponsorship activation, brand management, data analytics, and arena management. Career examples include professional and collegiate sports, sport agencies, event and facility management, youth sports, and sport promotions.

Tourism Management

Tourism management prepares you for working in one of the world’s largest industries. You will focus on skills that will prepare you for managing, developing, and implementing quality tourism experiences which includes considering the impact that attractions, events, environments, and technology have on these experiences. Examples include tour operations, destination marketing, event planning, convention and visitor bureaus, crisis management, and museum management.

Courses That Introduce the Major

RST 100—RST in Modern Society
RST 101—Orientation to RST (8-week course)
RST 120—Parks, Recreation, and Environments
RST 130—Foundations of Sports Management
RST 150—Foundations of Tourism Management
RST 200—Leadership in RST (8-week course)
RST 210—Management in RST

Students should consult with an academic advisor regarding course selection prior to the advanced registration period.

Possible Career Opportunities

Recreation, sport and tourism (RST) offer outstanding career prospects because they are each facets of the world’s largest and fastest growing industry.

Common Career Skills

Administration
Budgeting and finance
Communication
Critical and creative thinking
Event planning
Interpersonal dynamics
Leadership
Marketing
Planning and development
Public speaking
Strategic decision making
Teamwork

Common Career Titles

Adventure Travel Coordinator
Airline Industry
Athletics Director
Camp Director
Campus Recreation Director
Club House Manager
Conference Coordinator
Corporate Event Manager
Commercial Recreation
Community Recreation
Collegiate/Scholastic Athletic Administration
Cruise Ship Activity Director
Cultural Arts Director
Destination Marketing
Destination Sales and Promotion
Development/Fundraising
Event Planner
Facility Manager
Forest or Park Ranger
Government Tourism Manager
Hotel & Resort Manager
Marketing Director
Nonprofit Agency Director
Olympic/International Sport
Park District Director or Superintendent
Park Development Manager
Professional Sports
Recreation Programs Supervisor
Resort Development and Management
Sports Promotion Director
Sport Operations Manager
Stadium Manager
Sponsorship Sales and Promotion
Sport Governance
Sport Facility and Event Management
Sport Marketing
Team Director of Operations
Tourism Development and Planning
Visitor Experience Coordinator

Enhancing Your Academic Experience

Participating in undergraduate research
Applying for a study abroad experience
Utilizing resources of The Career Center
Joining a Registered Student Organization (RSO) related to this major, such as:
- Applied Health Sciences Student Council: Educates students of the various academic, social, and professional opportunities available. Promotes enhanced interaction between students, alumni, staff, in addition to organizations within the college of Applied Health Sciences.
- Sport Business Administration: Find out more information about this great student-led organization and contact the faculty advisor Michael Raycraft at mraycraf@illinois.edu.

Further Information

There are several professional organizations dedicated to a career in Recreation, Sport and Tourism. Their websites might be able to provide a glimpse in the world of RST. These organizations include World Tourism Organization and North American Society for Sports Management.

Kinesiology

Major Description

The Kinesiology program provides students with a broad general education, a departmental core that studies human movement, and a correlative area of courses specific to each student’s area of concentration within Kinesiology. The curriculum prepares students for careers in human movement–related fields and advanced professional or graduate study. Kinesiology undergraduate students learn about:

Exercise stress, movement efficiency, and fitness
Social, cultural, and psychological aspects of participation in physical activity and sport
Coordination, control, and skill of physical activity
Physical growth, development, and body form throughout the life span
The effects of therapeutic techniques of kinesiology upon recovery from physical injury
Instructional process of teaching/coaching of physical activity and sport.

Students who desire certification as a physical education teacher can satisfy the necessary subject matter requirements by appropriate selection of courses within the several categories of the curriculum. Students seeking such certification should ask the undergraduate academic advisor about admission criteria for the teacher certification program in physical education. For teacher certification requirements applicable to all curricula, see the Council on Teacher Education.

More About Kinesiology

Degree Requirements

ICT Requirements

Courses That Introduce the Major

HK 140—Social Science of Human Movement
HK 150—Bioscience of Human Movement
HK 250 – Motor Development and Control
HK 154 – Physical Activity and Health

Students should consult with an academic advisor regarding course selection prior to the advanced registration period.

Possible Career Opportunities

The Kinesiology curriculum leads to a bachelor of science degree that will prepare students for careers in human movement-related fields and/or advanced professional or graduate study.

Common Career Skills

Leadership skills
Instructional Skills
Demonstrate techniques and rules of sports and games
Control and discipline
Safety skills

Common Career Titles

Physical therapist
Physician Assistant
Medical Doctor
Athletic trainer
College coach
Corporate wellness manager
Fitness choreographer
Fitness instructor
Personal trainer
Public School Coach
Recreational Therapist
Strength and Conditioning Coach
Kinesiotherapist
Sports Psychologist
Physical Education Teacher
Professional Athlete
Sports Coach
Recreation Leader
Recreation Supervisor
Camp Counselor
Sports Columnist
Public Health Educator
Weight Reduction Counselor
Sporting Goods Sales Representative
Child Care Worker
Commercial/Industrial Recreation Specialist
Sports Club Manager
Sports Broadcaster
Occupational Therapist

Some careers may require education beyond an undergraduate degree.

Enhancing Your Academic Experience

Participating in undergraduate research
Applying for a study abroad experience
Utilizing resources of The Career Center
Joining a Registered Student Organization (RSO) related to this major, such as:
- Applied Health Sciences Student Council: Educates students of the various academic, social, and professional opportunities available. Promotes enhanced interaction between students, alumni, staff, in addition to organizations within the college of Applied Health Sciences.
- Kinesiology Student Association: Provides a mechanism for those interested in kinesiology to express their educational, professional, and social interests and concerns.

Further Information

There are several professional organizations dedicated to careers in Kinesiology. Their websites might be able to provide a glimpse in the world of Kinesiology. These organizations include National Athletic Trainers’ Association, National Strength and Conditioning Association, American College of Sports Medicine, and American Kinesiology Association.

For more information visit Kinesiology Undergraduate Advising.

Interdisciplinary Health Sciences

Major Description

Based on the premise that human health is too complex to be addressed within a single discipline, the Interdisciplinary Health Sciences degree program integrates knowledge from a variety of social and behavioral sciences fields such as psychology and sociology, as well as the applied health sciences. The Interdisciplinary Health Sciences degree provides a foundation to understand health from perspectives related to individual lifestyle, family, community, and culture. The curriculum is grounded in a health-related understanding of the way people live their life and engage with their family and community.

More About Interdisciplinary Health Sciences

Degree Requirements

ICT Requirements

Concentrations

Students select one of three concentrations and customize it to include their specific interests in health by combining it with 24–28 free elective credits.

Health & Aging

Emphasizes health processes across the lifespan, with particular focus on people ranging from young adults to end-of-life. The concentration includes fundamental knowledge of human development, and the physiological, psychological, and developmental processes associated with aging. It also provides opportunities to focus on specific aspects of aging, such as physical activity, nutrition, and communication processes.

Health Behavior Change

Emphasizes an understanding of the interplay among personal traits, family contexts, social structures, and cultural factors for the promotion of healthy lifestyles. The educational experience will include engaging students in developing strategies to implement and evaluate interventions that foster constructive health behaviors and lead to desirable health outcomes.

Health Diversity

Develops an understanding of the varied health needs of an increasingly diverse population. Coursework is directed at understanding people’s health from various kinds of diversity factors, including: race and ethnicity, disability, gender, sexuality, religious and spiritual beliefs, and groups who may be marginalized due to poverty or social status. Students develop an understanding of the complexities of promoting and maintaining healthy living among diverse communities of people, and will take a solution-oriented approach to examine health disparities.

Health Technology

Develop the skills and knowledge needed to implement and support information technology solutions for health sector organizations. Coursework will focus on the areas of health information management including health information processing and exchange, health care analytics, enterprise management, and information storage and security management.

Courses That Introduce the Major

HK 111—Introduction to Public Health
HK 171- Survey of Interdisciplinary Health (open to non-majors Spring semester)
FSHN 120—Contemporary Nutrition
HK 154—Physical Activity & Health
PSYC 100—Introductory Psychology
RST 100—RST in Modern Society
SHS 170—Introduction to Human Communication Systems & Disorders
STAT 100—Statistics

Students should consult with an academic advisor regarding course selection prior to the advanced registration period.

Possible Career Opportunities

The Interdisciplinary Health Sciences program prepares undergraduate students for a wide range of graduate studies in health-related fields, and pre-professional study for a range of biomedical careers. The Interdisciplinary Health Sciences is customized, encompassing an interdisciplinary curriculum to encourage students to examine complex health issues from more than one perspective. The Occupational Outlook Handbook (2008-09 edition) states that “Healthcare and social assistance—including public and private hospitals, nursing and residential care facilities, and individual and family services—will grow by 25.4 percent and add 4 million new jobs.”

Common Career Skills

Organization & record keeping skills
Familiar with computers
Able to work in dependently & as a team
Interpersonal skills
Report/possible grant writing
Individual/Group health counseling skills
Knowledge of community/ societal health issues
Teaching, assessing, planning, and evaluating
Administrative
Critical Thinking
Communication
Program Planning and Development
Leadership and supervisory
Oral and written communication
Public speaking
People skills
Remaining objective
Endurance

Common Career Titles

Chiropractor
Dental Hygienist
Dietician
Doctor
EMT
Geneticist
Home Health Care Aide
Massage Therapist
Medical Researcher
Nurse
Occupational Therapist
Pathologist
Pharmacist
Physical Therapist
Recreational Therapist

Some careers may require education beyond an undergraduate degree.

Enhancing Your Academic Experience

Participating in undergraduate research
Applying for a study abroad experience
Utilizing resources of The Career Center
Joining a Registered Student Organization (RSO) related to this major, such as:
- American Medical Student Association Pre-Med (AMSA): Educates pre-medical and pre-health students on health care issues on a local and global level, as well as promotes active improvement in medical education by involving members in the social, moral, and ethical obligations of the profession of medicine including education in community outreach, volunteering, fundraising, and philanthropic events in the Champaign-Urbana area.
- Applied Health Sciences Student Council: Educates students of the various academic, social, and professional opportunities available. Promotes enhanced interaction between students, alumni, staff, in addition to organizations within the college of Applied Health Sciences.

Further Information

There are several professional organizations dedicated to careers in Health. Their websites might be able to provide a glimpse in the world of Health. These organizations include American Health Care Association, American Medical Association, and American Nurses Association.

Dance & Kinesiology

Major Description

The Department of Dance and the Department of Health and Kinesiology have established a dual degree pathway, which students can begin upon entry to either program. Requiring 158 overall University credits, this degree is for highly motivated and focused students with an interest in how the body moves with in-depth Kinesiology courses in human movement, bioenergetics, biomechanics, motor development and more. Additional opportunities include the option of K-12 Teaching Licensure/ Certification in Physical Education with an Endorsement in Dance, allowing you to teach dance in the public schools. Attaining the certification will include an extra semester of study as well as a semester devoted to the Student Teacher Placement/Experience. Further build out your career with Yoga Certification, which allows you teach in yoga and dance studios across the world. Create a senior thesis project as a synthesis of the studies within dance and Kinesiology under the mentorship of a dance and kinesiology faculty members, and present your research to the entire community.

More About Dance & Kinesiology

Degree Requirements

ICT Requirements

Courses That Introduce the Major

DANC 150—Green Room
DANC 160—Dancing Techniques I
DANC 232—Repertory Company
HK 154—Physical Activity and Health
HK 140— Social Science of Human Movement

Students should consult with an academic advisor regarding course selection prior to the advanced registration period.

Possible Career Opportunities

With broad skills, our graduates thrive in body-based professions and are prepared to pursue further graduate study and/or careers in dance education, occupational therapy, physical therapy, nutrition and injury prevention/care, athletic training, somatics and physiology.

Common Career Skills

Dance Therapy
Somatics (such as Alexander Technique, Pilates, Feldenkrais)
Physical Therapy
Teaching: university, studio, and public school (K-12 certification requirements vary from state to state)
Ability to accept public scrutiny and criticism
Ability to analyze and interpret emotions
Ability to captivate audiences
Ability to demonstrate emotions/ideas
Ability to interact with people of differing backgrounds and personalities
Ability to maintain composure under pressure
Disciplined in an exercise program
Good ability to concentrate/practice
Imagination/Creativity
Proficiency in all types of dance

Common Career Titles

Occupational therapist
Physical therapist
Nutritionist
Injury prevention/care
Athletic trainer
Somatics instructor
Physiologist
Physical education instructor

Some careers may require education beyond an undergraduate degree.

Enhancing Your Academic Experience

Participating in undergraduate research
Applying for a study abroad experience
Utilizing resources of The Career Center
Joining a Registered Student Organization (RSO) related to this major, such as:
- Illini N Motion Dance Team: focuses on student-run and student-choreographed dance routines ranging from hip-hop to lyrical, including Jazz, Tap, Pointe, Ballet, and Modern
- Legend Dance Company: provides an outlet for talented students of all majors to express themselves through choreography and performance of dance

Further Information

There are several professional organizations dedicated to Dance. Their websites might be able to provide a glimpse in the world of Dance. These organizations include American Dance Guild, Dance USA, and National Dance Education Organization.

Community Health

Major Description

The Community Health Program at the University of Illinois prepares students in the ever- changing world of health care, encompassing such areas as the business of health, pre-health fields/practitioners (for example MD, OT, PT, PA, Dentistry), rehabilitation counseling and health education and promotion. The undergraduate programs offered by the Department of Health and Kinesiology provide such training in a four-pronged approach:

A core of community health courses with additional coursework in one of three concentrations.
Course work in areas such as business administration, epidemiology, aging, wellness education and health behavior.
Field placement in a setting appropriate to the area of concentration.
Involvement in faculty research projects studying issues such as cancer epidemiology, disability studies, cultural aspects of health and disability, or information technologies in health education and health policy.

More About Community Health

Degree Requirements

ICT Requirements

Concentrations

Community Health offers three concentrations at the undergraduate level.

Health Education and Promotion
Health Planning and Administration
Rehabilitation Studies

Courses That Introduce the Major

HK 110—Contemporary Health
HK 111—Introduction to Public Health
HK 305—Community Health Organizations
HK 206—Health Care Systems
HK 300—Foundations of Health Behavior

Students should consult with an academic advisor regarding course selection prior to the advanced registration period.

Possible Career Opportunities

The Community Health goal is to prepare students for professional and research careers in the rapidly changing world of health and rehabilitative services, with special emphasis on the community context in which health care is delivered.

Common Career Skills

Interpersonal skills
Communications skills
Analytical skills
Organizational skills
Planning and evaluation skills
Able to work independent and in a team environment

Common Career Titles

Weight Management Specialist
Personal Stress Manager
AIDS Educator
Corporate Trainer
Community Services & Health Educator Officer
University Health Educator
Work Site Wellness Coordinator
Hospital Health Education Coordinator
Field Health Officer
Industrial Hygienist
Hospital Administrator
Environmental Health Specialists
Health Information Administrator/Technician
Hospital/Managed Care Administrator
Alcohol/Drug Manager

Some careers may require education beyond an undergraduate degree.

Enhancing Your Academic Experience

Participating in undergraduate research
Applying for a study abroad experience
Utilizing resources of The Career Center
Joining a Registered Student Organization (RSO) related to this major, such as:
- Applied Health Sciences Student Council: Educates students of the various academic, social, and professional opportunities available. Promotes enhanced interaction between students, alumni, staff, in addition to organizations within the college of Applied Health Sciences.
- Future Health Care Executives (FHCE): Future Health Care Executives is the largest student organization in the College of Applied Health Sciences. FCHE is a professional club for students to learn and network in the health care field.
- Pre-Occupational Therapy (Pre-OT): The Pre-OT club provides guidance and membership for students interested in continuing their education in the field of Occupational Therapy.
- Pre-Physical Therapy Club (Pre-PT): The Pre-PT club provides guidance and membership for students interested in continuing their education in the field of Physical Therapy.

Further Information

There are several professional organizations dedicated to Community Health. Their websites might be able to provide a glimpse in the world of Community Health. These organizations include American Public Health Association, World Health Organization and Explore Health Careers.