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Speech Language Pathology & Audiology

Audiology and speech pathology degree holders focus on an area of study and practice the related to the identification and treatment of hearing and speech disorders in order to assist children and adults. Individuals in this field will perform tests in order to determine the severity and complications of patients, followed by working with parents and other professionals in order to develop a treatment plan in order to remedy problems as much as possible.

Career Summary

MEDIAN SALARY

$79,290

PERCENT ABOVE NATIONAL
INCOME AVERAGE

53.25%

TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT

12,310

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best Audiology and Speech Pathology Schools

Columbia University is a private research university located in Manhattan, New York. It is the fifth oldest institute of higher learning in the United States of America where it was founded before the American Revolution. It offers various excellent and outstanding programs that will help students to become who they wanted to be. The University has three undergraduate schools, professional schools, thirteen graduate schools and a world-renowned medical center in which medical students may be exposed to reality in the Medical Industry. Moreover, the Program of Communication Sciences and Disorder program also offers graduate degrees that focus on human communication. Students in this program are exposed to all related communication studies that will benefit them in future. The top ranked degree in Speech Pathology is primarily offered as a Master of Science degree but also offered with initial certification in various areas of expertise. 

Acceptance Rate

5.45

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Northwestern University secured its rank placing 2nd this year on our list of best audiology and speech pathology degree programs.  It is one of the most respected clinical Speech Language Pathology programs and a very well-known one for high caliber professionals. The extreme faculty and world-renowned research members will surely help the student reach their goal in Audiology and Speech Pathology. The deep capacity of understanding about the program will give them assurance in learning to provide evidence-based analysis in language services both individuals from national to international. 

Acceptance Rate

9.05

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Washington University in St. Louis has a variety of academic programs that students where can retain his/her individuality at the same time achieved his exceptional goal. Parents do not need to worry about their child’s education anymore. They offer scholarships to those worthy students. Doctor of Audiology in Audiology and Communication Science has proven its capability in giving it service to the people. This four-year course prepares the students to be independent and competent clinical audiologists in the world. The Doctor of Audiology in Washington University is actually accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 2200 Research Blvd. #310, Rockville, MD 20850 and also nationally accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). Therefore, there is no doubt that some of our renowned doctors came from Washington University in St. Louis.

Acceptance Rate

13.85

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

Vanderbilt University has secured a top ranking on our rankings this year for their speech pathology and audiology degree program. Students studying here in this university enhance their academic and technical skills. This university is student-centered, they value the child’s learning and development. Subsequently, they offer Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology Program where a four-year degree holder in Speech-Language Pathology will be exposed to more training, undergo deep learning in communication of human language, a more thorough education that benefits them in their chosen profession. 

Acceptance Rate

9.12

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

University of Virginia is a public research university founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1819. The university has now secured its place in our site to be one of the best Schools offering a major Audiology and Speech Pathology. As a result of this academic excellence, it is another highly rated school that is rated as one of the best value public institutions by Princeton Review, Kiplinger’s, and Money Magazine in their most recent rankings. It is indeed commendable to aid students' financial problems. Further, Speech Communication Disorder Program in the university offers three degrees taught by excellent scientists with high-caliber knowledge in pursuing research in language and communication. This university’s program is accredited by the CAA and ASHA therefore, there is no question how competent and knowledgeable the members of the faculty are in the UVA department. 

Acceptance Rate

23.94

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

Northeastern University is no other like the university. The university offers a variety of Programs for  full-time or part-time. A student-centered university with renowned faculty members that helps students to build their dream within them. When we talk about the MS Speech-Language Pathology program, NEU has this with CAA accredited. Hence, takers are influenced to study profoundly speaking disorders with the guide of experts. Learn more about the NU master degree program in speech language pathology today by requesting information about the academic requirements and programming for this concentration.

Acceptance Rate

18.05

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

University of North Carolina has become one of the most respected and high-ranked universities in the United States. Because of that, they gain the graduation rate of 90.02% on our site. Hence, the quality education, affordability, and social engagement of it in international presence is quite immersing.  To further discuss, their program in Doctor of Audiology set a unique strength of standard in giving the students what they need in the area of pediatric, hearing aids, aural habilitation, and cochlear implants. The deep understanding in this area will surely make the students benefit in their profession soon. Also, they offer Speech and Hearing Sciences to further deepen their knowledge as it is available in Master of Science in Speech and Hearing Sciences. This program is ASHA Accredited in Speech-Language Pathology. 

Acceptance Rate

22.63

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Boston University is a prestigious school where several of the faculty members are Nobel Prize Winners, MacArthur Foundation "Genius Award” and a poet laureate. The university offers more than 250 field study and it includes professionals, undergraduate program, and graduate school program. Subsequently, the university also master’s in teaching in MS in Speech-Language Pathology and a PhD in Speech, Language & Hearing Sciences. Where, graduates are promised to give exceptional academic learning in the specific field. They are taught by renowned scientists and doctors in collaboration in learning clinical study. While, BS in Speech, Language & Hearing Sciences in the university is also an American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) accredited. Therefore, there is no doubt that BU secured its rank on our site placing 7th to best Schools in the Top Audiology and Speech Pathology Schools Program. 

Acceptance Rate

18.94

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

New York University ranked 22nd of the world's top universities by the Global University Ranking. NYU offers an interdisciplinary approach of deep understanding in the human mind through language studies. The Language and Mind Program will teach the students to have a strong integrative view of studying Linguistics, Psychology and Philosophy. Further, this is aimed to provide students a broad knowledge and understanding both human mind and language. The NYU language and mind degree program helps students to deeply explore elements of philosophy and psychology to arrive at new ways of thinking about the human condition. 

Acceptance Rate

16.2

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

The University of Texas at Austin offers a variety of Programs that help the student’s development and growth in their chosen field of study. Moreover, the University’s Moody College of Communication will only open their admission at Fall Semester where Speech, Language and Hearing Science are offered. In this program, the students are widely exposed in Audiology major, Deaf Education or Deaf Studies, and Speech/Language Pathology. Here, students are taught to deepen their knowledge to furtherly understand the study of language pathology. They are expected to be innovative, diverse in any aspects to broaden their learning with integrity during collaboration to creativity. 

Acceptance Rate

31.82

Student to Faculty Ratio

N.A

University of Florida belongs to the three single universities in the United States. The university is well-known for Engineering, Business related programs, Social Science and Health Professions.  The Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences belong to the College of Public Health and Health Profession in the University. Moreover, students studying this field are usually exposed to deeply understand formal and informal interaction in human communication. Together with their expert  faculty members, the students will finish their study with globally competitive skills. 

Acceptance Rate

36.58

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

The Florida State University is one of the prestigious universities in the state of Florida. The university is also known for its excellence focusing on the Cultural Arts . Moreover, as it is a student-centered university they value more the importance of education of their students. Further, the university offers various programs that focus on Communication and Communication Science and Disorder. These include professional degree, undergraduate degree and master's degree. 

Acceptance Rate

35.97

Student to Faculty Ratio

21:1

George Washington University offers a variety of courses and programs for PhD, MS degree, undergraduate programs, and graduate degrees. The mission of university is to help the students to provide quality education they deserve, scholarship and service. Henceforth, the university now reaches 80.83% graduation rate on our site. To further, Early Speech and Language Development in Children with No syndromic Cleft Lip and/or Palate: A Meta-Analysis is one of the published studies written by Lancaster et al. understanding the language communication of humans. 

Acceptance Rate

40.84

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Syracuse University is a public university that offers various programs including PhD, Masters degree, undergraduate, and graduate. In this University, students can choose any programs from a hundred majors they offer. Moreover, the Audiology in College of Art  and Sciences provides PhD and Au.D. In lieu of that, the students are exposed to research to develop their skills that allow them to explore evidence-based approaches that later will benefit them.  The Doctor of Audiology is accredited by CAA with certification. 

Acceptance Rate

44.38

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

The University of Connecticut is a public research university and it is a top-ranking in New England. It offers more than 110 majors in undergraduate degrees, graduate degrees and 86 areas for research and professional practice. The highly regarded Speech-Language- and Hearing encourage students who want to pursue audiology and speech language to take SLHS 155. Furthermore, experts in Audiology and speech language will help the students to gain knowledge and skills to achieve their goal in the language and communication. 

Acceptance Rate

49.42

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

University of Pittsburgh located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States is a state-related public research university that was established in 1787. The university offers a variety of programs that's composed of 17 undergraduate and graduate schools. And this includes the Audiology program and Speech Pathology. For the degree in Audiology, UPitt offers undergraduate programs that are designed to provide learning services with real-world settings, and interprofessional experiences across health professions. The Speech Pathology program is designed to provide a keen understanding about the ethical responsibilities of SLP clinicians. Both academic programs will improve the knowledge and skills of the students about medical concerns related to hearing and communication disabilities. 

Acceptance Rate

56.65

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

The University of Illinois at Urbana gives the reality of students' dreams through teaching them education they need. Learning with courses taught by the teachers that received a Nobel Prize Winner and Pulitzer winner will surely help them finish their programs with enough knowledge they need. Moreover, the university offers a variety of programs related to Communication and Disorders that help the students enlighten their knowledge if they pursue Doctor of Audiology, Cultural-Linguistic Diversity, Neuroscience of Communication, Speech-Language Pathology. 

Acceptance Rate

59.03

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

The University of Minnesota offers various programs that help the student’s development and learning. University’s Department of Speech-Language-Hearing Science delivers a direct outcome of educating their students on practicum with clinicians. With this method, the students naturally enriches the knowledge and skills they need to become what they are supposed to be. Aside from that, they offer a Masters degree in Speech Language Hearing Science and Doctor of Audiology. 

Acceptance Rate

56.74

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

Yeshiva University located in New York City, United States is a private research university that was established in 1886. The university has four campuses namely Yeshiva College, Stern College for Women, Syms School of Business and Katz School of Science and Health. Where it offers a variety of programs for undergraduate and graduate schools. Including the Speech Pathology and Audiology major program where the program is designed to provide deep and thorough understanding speech, language, voice, balance and hearing disorder, and swallowing. Moreover, this program will ensure that the graduates may help adults and children with speech disorders and will achieve their ultimate goal as a qualified, national certificate, licensed holder in their chosen field. 

Acceptance Rate

55.36

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

University of Tulsa located in Tulsa, Oklahoma, United States is a private research university that was established in 1894. The university offers various programs for undergraduate and graduate schools in different areas of study. They are offering a Bachelor of Science degree in Speech Language Pathology where it is designed to provide a strong academic and clinical education and foundation for graduates. These areas are important for speech language pathology and audiology. UT also has curated an academic pathway that offers a master’s degree in SLP and audiology. 

Acceptance Rate

35.84

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

The University of Central Florida offers a variety of programs in Communication and Disorders plus Communication and Conflict. The university offers various techniques that enriches the students' knowledge and skills in this chosen field. Moreover, expert faculty members will guide the students by teaching them higher education with groundbreaking research opportunities that students will enjoy. In essence, this is a give and take situation that will benefit students after graduation and focused on growing professionally. 

Acceptance Rate

44.36

Student to Faculty Ratio

30:1

Purdue University located in West Lafayette, Indiana is a public land-grant research university that was established in 1869. The university is a member of the Association of American Universities and for the record the prestigious institution has been associated with 13 Nobel Prizes and has 25 American astronauts as alumni. Moreover, the university offers various programs in different areas of study. Including Speech, Language, and Hearing Science, where the program is designed to provide quality education that focuses on the science of human communication, hearing, and disorders affecting the ability to communicate effectively. Also, the programs will give a foundational learning with clinical research and real-world experience. 

Acceptance Rate

59.83

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

The University of South Florida promotes lifelong success to the well-being of students by making sure that they will receive quality education they need. Teaching the students by the most outstanding faculty members and professionals enables their talent to develop in diverse cultures. Subsequently, the university offers a program relating to speech-language and hearing named Bachelor of Arts in Communication that prepares the students to communicate effectively and ethically.  Students are provided with a continuous visionary plan for sustainable education they need in their chosen field of study. Hence, this will ensure that they adapt the proactive learning that will later benefit them during their careers. 

Acceptance Rate

47.63

Student to Faculty Ratio

22:1

The SUNY College at Cortland helps the students who want to pursue a degree in Speech-Language- Hearing Pathology and Audiology by giving them a blended learning. Students will be exposed in clinical practice and research with evidence-based results. Moreover, they are able to learn critical thinking and problem-solving skills that soon can help them in their profession. Students in this program have a club that will also provide them extra knowledge while engaging outreach activities. 

Acceptance Rate

46.04

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

University of Buffalo located in Buffalo, New York, United States is a public research university that was established in 1846. The university has been classified as R1 which means it engages into a very high level of research activity. Moreover, it offers various programs in different areas of study for major, minor and certificate programs. Including Speech and Hearing program, where they are offering a Bachelor of Arts in Speech and Hearing Science. It is designed to provide a quality education about the core knowledge concerning the process of speech, language, and hearing. Another, it provides demonstration knowledge in biological science, basic human communication, language, and more. This pre-professional program will teach the student to become an expert in their own field. 

Acceptance Rate

61.08

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

What is Audiology?

Audiology is the field of study focused on the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of hearing issues and associated balance problems in children and adults. The top job duties of an audiologist include the following:

  • Assessing and treating tinnitus
  • Evaluating clients for central auditory processing disorders
  • Prescribing hearing rehabilitation treatment plans
  • Evaluating hearing loss issues
  • Analyzing balance disorders
  • Recommending hearing aid treatments or hearing amplification technologies
  • Crafting hearing conservation plans
  • Monitoring inner-ear problems
  • Participating with specialists in cochlear implants

What is Speech Language Pathology?

Pathology programs speech or speech-language pathology (SLP) is the study of correctly producing fluent sounds and speech. Speech pathologists help identify, diagnose, and treat speech disorders that range from pronunciation, fluency, stuttering, voice, and resonance along with receptive language (understanding others) and expressive language (sharing thoughts or ideas with others). Top job functions of a speech-language pathologist include:

  • Treating language, communication, swallowing, and/or speech disorders
  • Educating clients, guardians, and caregivers on speech pathology
  • Collaborating with cross-functional professionals on behalf of clients
  • Evaluating clients with speech-related disorders & creating treatment plans

Online Speech Pathology Degrees

There are a number of speech pathology degrees to choose from when considering a future in speech pathology and audiology. Students can select from a variety of speech pathology programs such as bachelor degrees up through graduate programs from accredited colleges and universities. A brief overview of each type of the degree programs are listed below to help you better understand the higher education options available to select for your future.

Undergraduate Degree in Speech Language Pathology

Online programs speech pathology at the bachelor degree level are 4-year programs and can be found from accredited colleges and universities as either a Bachelor of Science (BS) or Bachelor of Arts (BA) depending on the emphasis of the program and core curricula.

Speech pathology programs at bachelor degree level will typically include classes in phonetics, psychology, linguistics, communication disorders, speech science, language science, and hearing science. It is common for students to earn a secondary degree or dual major in a related program such as psychology, counseling, or linguistics.

Graduate Certificate SLP Programs

The online graduate certificate programs in speech-language pathology and audiology require students to have an undergraduate SLP degree in an approved program prior to matriculation.

SLP programs are generally less than one year programs that are designed to help working professionals and qualifying students gain additional knowledge in a defined are of speech pathology or audiology. Certificate programs are often used to upskill within a particular job type or prepare working professionals for a career transition.

Speech Pathology Master Degree

A masters degree in audiology and speech-language pathology is a 1-2 year program conferred as a Master of Arts (MA) or Master of Science (MS) depending on the program contents and curricular emphasis. Classes at the pathology master programs are designed to help students delve much deeper into the science and psychology of SLP and audiology disorders. A graduate speech student and SLP graduate student will experience deep dives into psychology and audiology.

An on campus or online speech pathology master degree classes will typically include a number of targeted courses. Language pathology graduate programs may include: clinical phonology, language learning, diagnostic procedures, fluency disorders, vocal disorders, aphasia, alternative communication, communication disorder research, speech instrumentation, aural rehabilitation, language learning disorders, cognition, multicultural language disorders, and a SLP and audiology thesis.

Doctorate Language Pathology Degree

The doctorate SLP degrees are conferred as a PhD and is known as a terminal degree as no other degree programs exist beyond the doctorate program. The PhD program in audiology and speech pathology is created to provide students with the tools and knowledge to perform research to advance the field or teach upper level courses in audiology and speech-language pathology.

Best SLP Programs & Degree Programs

Individuals in this field will typically pursue a doctoral degree program in audiology (Au.D), which is a graduate level program which typically takes four years to complete. Audiologists will be exposed to a variety of sciences and areas of study, as well as become familiar with medical problems that may affect hearing or speech in order to better identify and treat such ailment.

A curriculum may include:

As a graduate level program, individuals should seek out programs that allow for specific or targeted education that assists in licensure in the students desired state. This is important as such requirements may vary from state to state, and regulations governing the kind of care that may be provided may greatly vary. Some areas may require graduation through an accredited program, which should be taken into consideration when vetting which school one plans to attend.

Careers for a Language Pathologist

Job growth for a speech pathologist is expected to increase greatly over the next decade at a rapid 29% clip versus the average composite job growth of 5-6%. Even though the growth will be high in terms of overall percentage, actual number of jobs added will be smaller due to the relatively small size of the field. A speech pathologist will have greater access to healthcare over the coming decade, and combined with an aging population, should create the need for professionals who provide diagnosis, assistance and treatment over the next decade. The annual median income for an audiologist and speech-language pathologist is currently $75,980.

Speech Pathology Programs & Speech Careers

There are a number of work settings and jobs to explore within the SLP degree program track. Students earning a bachelors degree or graduate degree in SLP and audiology are equipped to launch a career independently or in a interdisciplinary team of healthcare providers working for or with teachers, physical therapists, psychologists, social workers, physicians, occupational therapists, or rehabilitation counselors. A list of the top employers of audiologists and speech pathologists is listed below to help provide further information about each career segment.

Top Employers of Audiologists

  • Physicians Offices
  • Health Practitioners Offices
  • Medical and Surgical Hospitals
  • Health & Personal Care Stores
  • Public Schools

Top Employers of Speech Pathologists

  • Public Schools
  • Health Practitioners Offices
  • Medical and Surgical Hospitals
  • Nursing Care Facilities
  • Home Health Care Centers

Speech-Language Pathology Jobs

Given the sheer number of organizations employing speech-language pathologists and audiologists from around the country, there are a large number of job titles associated with each profession.  We have culled a list of popular job titles below for audiology and speech language pathologists to help you better understand some commonly used terminology in the field.

Top Job Titles of Audiologists
  • Audiology Director
  • Hearing Care Practitioner
  • Hearing Instrument Specialist
  • Audiology Doctor (AUD) or Doctor of Audiology
  • Clinical Audiologist
  • Speech-Language Pathology Clinical
  • Educational Audiologist
  • Pediatric Audiologist
  • Certified Hearing Instrument Dispenser
  • Clinical Director
  • Dispensing Audiologist
  • Hearing Aid Consultant
  • Senior Hearing Specialist
  • Audio Prosthologist
Top Job Titles of a Speech Language Pathologist
  • Bilingual Speech-Language Pathologist
  • Educational Speech-Language Clinician
  • Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP)
  • Speech/Language Therapist
  • Speech and Language Clinician
  • Communication Specialist
  • Speech and Language Specialist
  • Speech Therapist
  • Speech & Hearing Handicapped Teacher

Top Paying States for Audiologists

  1. New Mexico                   $112,140
  2. District of Columbia    $105,250
  3. California                         $94,760
  4. North Dakota                  $93,240
  5. Illinois                              $91,830

Top Paying States for Speech Pathologists

  1. District of Columbia     $92,190
  2. Connecticut                    $92,160
  3. California                        $88,870
  4. New York                        $88,510
  5. Alaska                              $88,390

Resources for SLP Graduates

The American Academy of Audiology is the largest professional organization for audiologists in the country and works to provide protection and protect the interests of its members. For additional information about audiology and speech-language pathology programs, check out our Speech Pathology Career Guideon our blog.

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