Audiology & Hearing Sciences

Major Related
Resources

Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences
Speech and Hearing Center C138

Career Related
Resources

Career Resource
Library
625 North Jordan Avenue
Phone: 855-0576
Career Development Center
Arts and Sciences
Career Services
625 North Jordan Avenue
Phone: (812)855-0576

IUB Libraries Career Resources
Healthcare Careers
Liberal Arts Careers
10th Street & Jordan Avenue
Phone: 812-855-0100

Description of Major

Speech and hearing sciences encompasses the study of our ability to use speech, language, and hearing, and the disorders that affect this ability. Practitioners in the field - audiologists; speech-language pathologists; and speech, language, and hearing scientists � evaluate, treat, and conduct research in human communication and its disorders in a variety of settings (including schools, hospitals, clinics, private practice, universities, research laboratories, and government agencies) and with persons of all ages. The B.A. (Bachelor of Arts) curriculum provides a liberal arts education combined with a strong foundation in the normal processes of speech, language, and hearing, and provides the option for more in-depth study in either audiology or speech-language pathology. Courses in this curriculum may be selected to provide a strong preparation for continued study at the graduate level. The B.S. (Bachelor of Science) program provides stronger preparation in mathematics and science with an emphasis in either (1) audiology and hearing science for those interested in graduate studies in audiology, employment in medical facilities, or careers in hearing research, or (2) speech and language sciences for those planning careers or graduate study in speech-language pathology, or careers in the areas of language, speech and communications.

Skills & Knowledge Developed in this Field of Study

Knowledge of human communication processes and disorders of speech, language, and hearing; familiarity with the services provided by a science-oriented helping profession; strong problem-solving skills; the ability to communicate effectively in group discussion, oral presentations, and in writing; enhanced interpersonal skills; an understanding of human development and behavior; the ability to use and understand statistical techniques.

Minors and Second Majors that Expand Career Options with this Major

Informatics, cognitive science, biology, chemistry, English, linguistics, mathematics, physics, psychology, Spanish or any foreign language.

Career Options

Careers Specific to the Bachelor's Degree

Must fulfill requirements for an Indiana Teaching Certificate for Speech, Language or Hearing Clinician; audiology support personnel; speech-language pathology support personnel (speech-language pathology assistant, communication aide, paraprofessional, service extender); educational audiologist; or supervisor of speech, hearing, and language programs include a master degree in audiology and hearing sciences and related education courses. All careers specifically related to speech and hearing sciences require at least a master degree.

Other Career Possibilities with a Bachelor's Degree

Positions in social and human services such as behavior management technician, case manager, child-care worker, community outreach worker, life skill counselor, gerontology aide, group home staff, mental health technician, occupational therapist technician, psychiatric aide, residential counselor, social service assistant, and youth worker; positions in the field of business such as account representative, business consultant, general manager, marketing researcher, project manager, recruiter, and sales representative.

Careers that Normally Require a Graduate Degree

Speech language pathologist, audiologist, college or university professor.

Employment Opportunities

Job Outlook

Employment prospects are excellent. According to the Spring 2000 issue of the "Occupational Outlook Quarterly," a U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics publication, the fields of speech-language pathology and audiology will have rapid growth because of technological advances, an aging population, and an increase in services contracted by hospitals, managed care, and other health care providers. The March 15, 1999, edition of the "Jobs Related Almanac" ranked audiology and speech-language pathology 34 and 36 respectively, out of 250 jobs. In addition, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) reports in their April 2000 publication entitled "Careers for the Future" that there is a desperate need for speech-language-hearing professionals with bilingual and multicultural skills.

Salary Information

Salary depends on educational background, specialty, experience, work setting, and geographical location. According to a recent ASHA Salary Report, the median salary for ASHA-certified speech-language pathologists is $43,000. The median salary for certified audiologists with 1-3 years of experience is $35,000. In addition, good benefits packages are usually available to professionals in the field.

Potential Career Growth

Salaries in the field are increasing each year. Audiologists and speech-language pathologists in administrative or supervisory positions may earn over $54,000 per year and individuals with a doctorate may earn in excess of $70,000 annually.

Placement Statistics for IU Graduates with this Major

Indications are that job opportunities are plentiful. Most students go on to graduate school after completion of their bachelor's degree.

High School Preparation

Ideally, a prospective student's high school curriculum should cover a broad spectrum, including courses in health, social, physical, and biological sciences; English/language arts; mathematics; the humanities and foreign language; public speaking; and technology (e.g., computer science). It is also helpful for high school students to engage in experiences that allow them to begin developing communication, problem solving, organizational, social, technical, and teamwork skills which can be further refined at the post-secondary level.

Special Opportunities

Students have a variety of opportunities for learning outside the classroom. The Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences hosts a number of research colloquia and clinical case presentations each semester featuring department faculty as well as academic and clinical professionals from throughout the country. The Speech and Hearing Center houses the Robert L. Milisen Speech, Language, and Hearing Clinics, a language-based preschool, and more than a dozen state-of-the-art research laboratories. These facilities provide many opportunities for students to participate in a variety of clinical observations and research projects. Outstanding students may also participate in research through the departmental honors program. The department also has an active local chapter of the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association (NSSLHA) through which students can be involved in a variety of leadership and service experiences.

Noted Alumni

Not Available