Speech and Hearing Science Degree | ASU Online (2023)

FAQs

What can I do with hearing science degree? ›

Yes, speech pathology is worth it for many students. The Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates 25% job growth for speech-language pathologists over the next ten years, which is much faster than average job growth. This type of work also has nationwide demand.

A few examples of popular undergraduate majors for future speech-language pathologists are: communication sciences and disorders, linguistics, language development, education, psychology, and english.

The B.S. and B.A. programs are identical at the core and will require roughly the same number of credits, usually with only a few credits in difference. The same foundational courses in speech-language pathology, biology, communication disorders and clinical practice courses are also needed.

To work as an audiologist in the private sector, you'll need to do an audiology degree approved by the Health and Care Professions Council.

In hospitals, for instance, audiologists made $86,940, while speech pathologists actually win out slightly at an average of $87,110. You might also be interested in seeing what speech pathologist salaries by state look like, since there can be big geographic differences in pay.

Advanced practice nurses tend to earn more than speech-language pathologists, as indicated by BLS data. For example, nurse practitioners overall averaged ​$56.75​ per hour, with 50 percent of these professionals reporting salaries ranging between ​$99,540​ and ​$129,350​ per year.

Per the BLS, those who work in nursing and residential care facilities earn the highest average wages, while those working in educational facilities, such as schools, earn the lowest average wages: Nursing and residential care facilities: $95,010 per year. Hospitals: $87,110 per year. Private practice: $83,250 per year.

It varies from program to program, but a GPA of 3.0 or higher should be acceptable.

You may be able to do a speech and language therapist degree apprenticeship. The apprenticeship will take around 4 years to complete. If you already have a relevant degree it may be shorter and you may be able to gain a masters qualification as part of the apprenticeship.

Is there a high demand for speech therapists? ›

The demand for speech-language pathologists (SLPs) is rising, with projected job growth at 21% through 2031, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Speech therapists and speech-language pathologists are the same—there are no educational or qualification differences between a speech-language pathologist vs. a speech therapist. The terms are interchangeable.

Speech-language pathology graduate programs tend to be highly competitive, typically admitting relatively few students in each cohort. With this in mind, it's a good idea to apply to multiple programs to improve your chances of being admitted to at least one.

For students, both courses can present different levels of difficulty, depending on your previous study, particular interests and life skills/experience. They are demanding courses in terms of time and the professional commitment required to successfully complete the clinical practicum/ placement.

Is an audiologist a doctor? Technically, yes, an audiologist with an Au. D. is a Doctor of Audiology. However, these doctoral degrees only became mandatory in the United States in 2007, so many experienced older audiologists may have instead completed Masters-level audiology programs.

Job Outlook

Employment of audiologists is projected to grow 10 percent from 2021 to 2031, faster than the average for all occupations.

Newborns with hearing issues are also expected to drive job growth because hearing disorders can be detected and diagnosed early. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 10.4% employment growth for audiologists between 2021 and 2031. In that period, an estimated 1,500 jobs should open up.

Is it even possible to make 6-figures as an SLP? Short answer: Yes. It is 100% possible to make $100K as an SLP. Long answer: Those opportunities are few and far between and something that you shouldn't count on when entering the field.

Depending on their place of employment and geographical location, a doctor of Audiology can earn anywhere from $60,000 to $200,000 a year. The typical audiologist with an Au. D who works in private practice makes about $150,000 a year.

What state pays speech pathologists the most? ›

It is truly a rewarding field. Working with patients through their journey and helping them achieve their goals is a huge benefit of being an SLP. It helps with job satisfaction and enjoyment in the field.

Speech pathologists may also experience stressful working conditions, professional devaluation, occupational overload, poor management and other situations that can have a significant impact on psychological and emotional well-being.

Do bilingual SLPs make more money? You can see that the honest answer to this question is no. Most licensed SLPs get paid approximately the same, regardless of their certifications and skills. However, some bilingual SLPs are easily finding ways to increase their income that fit into their current schedule.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), speech-language pathologists had a median annual salary of $80,480 in 2020 compared to occupational therapists, whose median salary was $86,280 at that same time. Salaries for the top 10% of earners in both fields are more than $122,000.

It depends on the clients, and where they work. If someone works in a hospital or clinic with adult patients, they might well white coats, to help reflect their professional status.

Martin noted that some medical offices will also allow a business casual approach, but sometimes SLPs wear scrubs if they are working on feeding therapy or anything that might get messy.

Speech-Language Pathology The Bachelor in Speech-Language Pathology is a four-year professional qualification. Speech-language therapists assess and treat children and adults with communication disorders. Speech-Language Pathology The Bachelor in Speech-Language Pathology is a four-year professional qualification.

Applying to Graduate School

Admission to a graduate program in audiology or speech-language pathology typically requires the following: A minimum 3.00 grade point average (GPA) [average GPA for admission may be much higher]

What can I do after BS audiology? ›

Audiologists made a median salary of $78,950 in 2021. The best-paid 25% made $99,340 that year, while the lowest-paid 25% made $71,390.

Where Can Audiologists Earn The Most? The states where audiologists earn the most money are Nevada ($109,690), California ($106,940) and North Dakota ($103,700).

Newborns with hearing issues are also expected to drive job growth because hearing disorders can be detected and diagnosed early. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 10.4% employment growth for audiologists between 2021 and 2031. In that period, an estimated 1,500 jobs should open up.

BSc Audiology or Bachelor of Science in Audiology is an undergraduate Audiology course of 3-year duration.

In this career, we must understand how communication works—both the hearing and speaking side—so a lot of audiologists have undergradu- ate degrees in speech and hearing sciences. We also need a background in math.

In 2021, WHO's World Report on Hearing estimated that 93% of low-income and 76% of lower-middle income countries have less than 1 audiologist per 1 million people. With rates of hearing loss rising at unprecedented levels across the world, the shortage of audiologists is nothing short of terrifying.

Those who pursue the profession of audiology will be required to complete a bachelor's degree and a AuD, PhD, or AuD/PhD combination degree. Depending on which degree a student chooses to pursue, it can take anywhere between eight to ten years.

The Differences

Basically, a hearing aid specialist can test your hearing and fit you with a hearing aid. An audiologist can assess and diagnose a wider range of hearing and balance problems.

In the United States, most audiologists work normal 40-hour weeks, with eight-hour days, five days a week. Many also get an hour of lunch, and sometimes this is even paid (though that obviously depends on the employer).