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.
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.