Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) is a comprehensive program of study for preparing students who want to become speech-language pathologists (SLPs) or audiologists. The program helps students acquire a strong foundation in the basic sciences and processes related to typical, delayed and disordered speech, language, cognition, swallowing, and hearing. Students gain critical-thinking abilities necessary to apply foundational knowledge and skills to the identification, assessment, and treatment of communication and swallowing disorders.
Nearly all students who complete the undergraduate degree in CSD continue on to graduate school, pursuing a degree in either SLP or audiology. Master's degree programs in SLP are typically completed in two years, while students interested in audiology need to complete a clinical doctorate (Au.D.), which typically takes an additional year. To date, there are over 300 SLP graduate programs and 80 Au.D. programs in the U.S.
Careers as a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) or Audiologist
Students who complete an advanced degree in SLP evaluate, diagnose and provide treatment for people of all ages who have communication disabilities and differences, as well as swallowing disorders (dysphagia). Speech-language pathologists with master's degrees work in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, schools, community clinics, nursing homes, and private practice.
Audiology students who complete the Au.D. evaluate, diagnose and treat people of all ages with hearing loss and vestibular (balance) problems. Speech-language pathologists and audiologists who earn doctorate (Ph.D.) degrees typically teach and conduct research in a university setting.
Both careers offer immense salary potential and employment growth. The demand for SLPs is growing both locally and nationally: the US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a 19% job growth through 2032 which they cite as "much faster than average." The demand for audiologists is just as promising with an 11% increase in jobs and a "much faster than average" growth. Salaries are equally as impressive with the median salary for SLPs and audiologists being $84,140 and $82,680, respectively.
Since both careers are in the health professions, each offers the opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives. SLP focuses on communication and swallowing impairments while audiology focuses on hearing and balance impairments. Flexible work setting is a benefit for both fields as people can work in schools, hospitals, universities, research facilities, rehabilitation settings, or even own their own practice. There is also flexibility in the ages of your clients, including premature infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) all the way through people who are elderly.
Not sure of which career is right for you? Don’t worry. The CSD program allows you to explore both fields during your undergraduate coursework and field experience so there is plenty of time to determine which is the right path.