FAQS

WHAT PROFESSIONS ARE SUITABLE FOR COMMUNICATION STUDIES GRADUATES?

Training in speech prepares students for many careers such as administrative assistant, research associate, presentation manager, motivational speaker, press secretary and public affairs specialist. In a world where effective communication is necessary, communication studies offers practical and functional tools to both secure and maintain employment.

CAN GRADUATES WHO COMPLETE SPEECH-LANGUAGE COURSES WORK AS A THERAPIST OR TEACHER?

Students who graduate with a B.A. in Speech are not qualified to work as speech-language pathologists, teachers of children with speech and language disabilities or teachers of the hearing impaired. Such licensures and certifications are acquired after earning a master’s degree. Other career options for graduates can be found here. 

CAN NON-MATRICULATED STUDENTS TAKE GRADUATE PREREQUISITE COURSES IN SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY?

Non-matriculated students may take graduate prerequisite courses in speech-language pathology. These students don’t have to follow sequences described in the catalog. It is recommended that all students planning on graduate study work closely with faculty advisers.

WHAT IS SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY?

Speech-language pathology is the study of speech, language, voice and swallowing disorders for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. The origins of speech-language pathology as an academic discipline can be traced back to the 1920s to linguistics, speech and other related areas when individuals migrated to the field.* The discipline has grown steadily along with the scope of practice in the field.

WHAT ARE THE CREDENTIALS OF A SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST?

Speech-language pathologists provide services related to communication disorders. Students who wish to become a speech-language pathologist must have a graduate degree from an accredited program and pass a national examination. Completion of a master’s degree in the field involves specific academic coursework and a clinical practicum in specifically designated areas. The clinical fellowship year is completed following graduation. Credentials in speech-language pathology include ASHA’s Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC), a state license and Teacher of Children with Speech and Language Disabilities (TSLD) (previously Teacher of Speech and Hearing Handicapped (TSHH).

WHAT DOES A SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST DO?

Speech-language pathologists are involved in many areas of specialty in communication disorders, including:

• Augmentative and alternative communication
• Fluency
• Voice
• Articulation/phonological impairments
• Dysphagia
• Childhood language impairments
• Adult neurological disorders
• Accent reduction/dialect modification

WHERE DOES A SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST WORK?

Clinical settings are varied for the speech-language pathologist and may include schools, hospitals, nursing homes, private and group practices, research agencies, colleges and universities, special schools, corporate settings, rehabilitation centers, home health agencies, acute care facilities, neonatal nurseries and early intervention programs.

*Information taken from Introduction to Communication Disorders, 2000, Boston: Allyn & Bacon.