The majority of our graduates gain acceptance into Doctor of Audiology and Master of Science in communication disorders programs. Graduates typically work with a variety of populations, including people on the autism spectrum; bilingual language learners; those experiencing hearing impairment, delayed or disordered speech and language, stuttering; or patients recovering from strokes or with degenerative or neurological disease
Students in the BS program in speech and hearing science study the normal aspects of the communication process. Emphasis is placed on the human communication system, including anatomy and physiology of the hearing and speech mechanisms; speech, language and hearing science; and normal development of speech and language production and perception. Upper division coursework introduces disorders of speech, language and hearing.
Students attain broad-based knowledge in the basic aspects of speech, language and hearing sciences, which prepares them for graduate study in audiology or speech-language pathology, or potential employment opportunities in related health and behavioral fields.
At A Glance
Speech and Hearing Science, BS
- Offered by: College of Health Solutions
- Location: Tempe, Online
- First Required Math Course: MAT 117 - College Algebra
- Math Intensity: Moderate
Required Courses
A major map outlines a major's critical requirements, courses, and optimal course sequence and aids students in remaining on track to graduation.
While circumstances vary between students and their paths towards graduation (utilizing placement testing to fulfill required math or foreign language courses, fulfilling multiple General Studies requirements with one course, etc.), completing the courses listed in a major map fulfills all of the requirements for graduation.
Application requirements
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements:
Affording college
Scholarships
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Financial Aid
ASU has many financial aid options. Almost everyone, regardless
of income, can qualify for some form of financial aid. In fact,
more than 70 percent of all ASU students receive some form of
financial assistance every year.
Certification and licensure
The BS degree in speech and hearing science prepares students to enter graduate programs in communication science, communication disorders, and audiology. While the degree provides students with quality academic preparation, it does not guarantee that a student will accrue the requisite clinical hours to apply for licensure as a speech-language pathologist or audiology assistant. Since certification and licensure requirements for SLP and audiology assistants vary by profession and from state to state, we recommend that you visit the ASU licensure website to determine if your program meets the requirements of individual state licensures or national certifications, as applicable. If you have specific questions, please contact your program director or degree coordinator.
Accelerated Program
Earn your BS in Speech and Hearing Science and MS in Auditory and Language Neuroscience quicker through our new 4+1 accelerated program. Learn more
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Career outlook
Positions in speech-language pathology and audiology are in high demand, rated as careers with bright outlooks by the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Information Network. Employment opportunities for program graduates may include positions as:
- audiology assistants
- hearing aid or cochlear implant company representatives
- research assistants or associates in behavioral disciplines
- speech-language pathology assistants
- support personnel in rehabilitation or health facilities
Many graduates of speech and hearing sciences gain entrance into a graduate-level program in speech-language pathology or audiology. In both fields, a graduate degree is required for employment.
The undergraduate degree in speech and hearing science is also excellent preparation for those who wish to enter professional or graduate programs in fields such as:
- counseling
- education
- medicine
- rehabilitation
- social work
- special education
- teaching for the deaf
Graduates of speech-language pathology and audiology can work with children or adults with communication disorders in a variety of settings, including:
- clinics
- hospitals
- private practice
- schools, all levels of preschool through secondary
Example careers
Students who complete this degree program may be prepared for the following careers. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for academic or clinical positions. Career examples include but are not limited to:
| Career | *growth | *median salary |
|---|---|---|
| Social and Human Service Assistants | 16.8% | $35,960 |
| Audiologists | 13.3% | $81,030 |
| Community Health Workers | 15.2% | $42,000 |
| Hearing Aid Specialists | 10.5% | $52,630 |
| Social Science Research Assistants | 5.8% | $49,210 |
| Speech-Language Pathology Assistants | 6.9% | $39,530 |
| Speech-Language Pathologists | 24.9% | $80,480 |
* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).
- Bright Outlook
- Green Occupation
What are Accelerated Programs at ASU?
ASU students may accelerate their studies by earning a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in as little as five years (for some programs) or by earning a bachelor’s degree in 2.5 or 3 years.
Accelerated bachelor's and master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving undergraduate students who want the opportunity to combine undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master’s degree. These programs, featuring the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty, allow students to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years.
Accelerated bachelor’s degree programs allow students to choose either a 2.5- or a 3-year path while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students can opt to fast-track their studies after acceptance into a participating program by connecting with their academic advisor.
What are ASU's Online Programs?
ASU Online offers programs like Speech and Hearing Science in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year.
More information on the program is available directly from ASU Online.