The Professions in CSD

The field of Communication Science and Disorders, or CSD, encompasses the related but distinct disciplines of speech-language pathology (SLP), audiology and speech, language and hearing sciences (SLHS). Speech-language pathologists and audiologists are professionals educated in human communication and its disorders. Speech-language pathologists diagnose and treat disorders such as delayed language development, stuttering, articulation and voice problems. Audiologists specialize in the prevention, identification, assessment and rehabilitation of hearing disorders. Speech, language and hearing scientists are professionals concerned with exploring trends in the communication sciences, as well as developing strategies for improving or adding to the knowledge base within the fields of speech-language pathology and audiology.

A wide variety of work settings are available to speech-language pathologists and audiologists. Possibilities range from hospitals, clinics, and rehabilitation centers to schools, colleges and universities, government agencies, and private practice. Speech, language and hearing scientists work primarily in colleges and universities, research labs and government agencies. Professional certification in speech-language pathology and audiology is awarded by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). The master's degree, which is the entry-level degree for speech-language pathologists, typically takes two to three years beyond the undergraduate degree depending on the student's undergraduate field of study. A doctorate in audiology (AuD), the entry-level degree for audiologists, typically requires three to four years beyond the undergraduate degree.

The job outlook for the professions in CSD is very good. The U.S. Government's Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that speech-language pathology and audiology will grow much faster than the average of all professions through 2010. Salaries for speech-language pathologists and audiologists are very competitive with those of the other health professions, and employment prospects are excellent. Demand for individuals holding the PhD degree is extraordinarily high at colleges and universities.

For more information on CSD and the job outlook for the professions, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) web site is an excellent resource:
http://professional.asha.org/careers/careers.cfm

For information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics:
http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos085.htm

For information on the degree programs offered by our department click here.

back to CSD home page

last update 9/2006