Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences

The Profession

Who They Are

Speech pathologists and audiologists help clients identify what problems exist and how best to help them hear better and speak more clearly. The audiologist can diagnose hearing problems by using a series of hearing tests and determine if their client would benefit from a hearing aid or other assistive listening device.

What They Do

Speech pathologists can complete evaluations and treatment for a wide variety of disorders of speech and language, including things like stuttering, lisping, and voice problems. They may also determine the factors contributing to the problem and suggest treatment options. Clients may have problems due to strokes, developmental delay, syndromes, physical impairments, and more.

Where They Work

They can work in a wide range of settings including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, schools, geriatric facilities, and more. Audiologists work in hospitals, schools, clinics, and industry.

Outlook

Employment as a speech-language pathologist and audiologist are both growing much faster than average. In the next ten years, speech-language pathologist careers are expected to increase by 27%, and audiology careers are expected to increase by 16%. Speech-Language Pathology Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Audiology Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Education

Individuals can receive a Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech-Language-Hearing sciences, or pursue graduate education in the field. There are many options for people with a bachelor's degree in Speech and Hearing Science. There are opportunities in social service careers such as case management, careers in business focusing on communication skills, hearing aid sales, as well as graduate research and educational opportunities.

Students will need to have a Masters degree in Speech-Language Pathology or or a Doctor of Audiology and pass a licensing exam in order to practice in the state of Minnesota as a speech-language pathologist or an audiologist. At the U of M, a Master of Arts in speech-language pathology and a doctoral program in audiology are offered.

Is This Profession a Fit for You?

Students interested in speech pathology and audiology should be good communicators and problem solvers. They should have the desire to help others and be able to communicate well with the client as well as family members. A background or interest in science, psychology, art, music, education, linguistics and languages is helpful. They should have patience for working with patients as progress in treatment can vary across individuals.

Preparing to Apply

Students who are interested in applying for the MA program in Speech-Language Pathology need to complete prerequisite courses that include statistics, behavioral science, biological sciences, and physical sciences. Students are also encouraged to take foundational courses in speech-language-hearing sciences, but these are not required as long as the applicant has a bachelor’s degree and a GPA of at least 3.0. More about the MA prerequisites can be found here.

Students interested in the Doctor of Audiology (AuD) degree are required to complete a statistics course prior to applying, and it is recommended they complete courses in social or behavioral sciences, biological sciences, and physical sciences. Students are also encouraged to take foundational courses in speech-language-hearing sciences, but these are not required as long as the applicant has a bachelor’s degree and a GPA of at least 3.0. More about the MA prerequisites can be found here.

The Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology graduate programs both require transcripts, a resume/CV, and two personal statements each.

The UMN speech-language pathology MA program, Doctor of Audiology program, and speech-language-hearing sciences PhD program do not require the Graduate Record Examination, or GRE. Always check the websites of other programs you’re planning to apply to, as they may require GRE scores. More information about taking and preparing for the GRE can be found here.