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What Can I Do With a Major in Speech Pathology and Audiology?
Speech pathology and audiology are two separate, but closely related professions that study communication disorders. The field is a broad one that provides services from infancy throughout life. Communication disorders are categorized into articulation, language, fluency, voice, resonance and hearing impairment. These disorders may be learned, psychological or physiological. Speech pathologists evaluate speech and language to understand the nature of the communication disorder and design a remediation program. Audiologists assess hearing and balance function and often work closely with physicians to determine medical and nonmedical treatment options.
Miami University offers an undergraduate program in speech pathology and audiology: a Bachelor of Science. A major in speech pathology and audiology prepares students for licensure to work in the public schools. A master's program is also offered and a master's degree is required to work in all career settings. Teacher certification is required for speech pathologists and audiologists working in public schools. Student teaching is done during the master's degree program.
Interests
Applicants to these programs should have a general interest in the communication process, particularly as it occurs in special populations. Interest and aptitude in human physiology and a willingness to work with instrumentation and emerging communication technology are helpful, as is a willingness to assist people improve their communication skills.
Competencies
- Communication
- Verbal/Nonverbal
Writing
Reading
Informing/explaining
Mediating/negotiating
Collaboration - Human Relations
- Interpersonal skills
Analyzing behavior
Motivating
Understanding individual differences
Empathy
Patience - Researching/Analyzing
- Synthesizing
Evaluating data from many sources
Self evaluation
Organizing
Solving problems
Gathering information
Planning treatment
Defining problem areas - Creativity
- Designing projects
Adapting ideas
Recognizing or creating bridges between disciplines
Generating ideas
Opportunities - Careers
Speech pathologists and audiologists are employed in public school systems, hospitals, community speech and hearing centers, state and federal government agencies, industries, nursing homes and private practices.
Note: Some of the listed career options may require additional education and/or training beyond the bachelor's degree.
Opportunities - Graduate/Professional School
The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and many states, including Ohio, require a master's degree for certification as a speech-language pathologist or audiologist. Consequently, Miami's program includes four years of undergraduate study plus two years of graduate study leading to a master's degree.
Opportunities - Experiential
Clinical experience (practicum) is part of the undergraduate and graduate curriculum. Practicum opportunities are obtained at Miami's Speech and Hearing Clinic as well as community hospitals, hearing and speech centers, schools, residential centers, and speech centers. Other experiences may include working at summer camps for children with disabilities and involvement in the National Student Speech-Language-Hearing Association, Deaf Culture and Communication, and Operation Smile.
Sources of Additional Information
- Department of Speech Pathology & Audiology (2 Bachelor Hall, 529-2500)
- * Curriculum Requirements
* Career Opportunities - Career Services (200 Hoyt Hall, 529-3831)
- * Career Resource Center
* Career Counseling
* Career Assistance Center
* Computerized Career Development Program
* Dictionary of Occupational Titles
* Occupational Outlook Handbook - Arts and Science Academic Advising (146 Upham Hall, 529-3031)
- * Miami Plan & College of Arts and Science Requirements
- * Course Selection
* Career Decision Making - American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
Developed by the College of Arts and Science Advising Office and the academic departmental offices with adaptations from Liberal Arts and Sciences - Skills - Career Opportunities, Career Planning and Placement Office, University of Michigan.