Online Bachelor of Science in Speech and Hearing Science
This bachelor’s in speech and hearing science can be a stepping stone toward rewarding careers in the health and behavioral fields. The curriculum is designed to build your understanding of normal speech, hearing and language development and then delve into disorder identification, diagnosis and treatment.
As a graduate, you’ll be equipped to pursue entry-level positions such as audiology assistant, hearing aid or cochlear implant company representative and research assistant. You’ll also have the education to support obtaining a speech-language pathology assistant (SPLA) license in Arizona; although you must also complete 100 hours of supervised clinical experience, pass the exam and meet all other requirements. Additionally, many students apply to master’s programs in speech-language pathology and communications disorders or doctoral programs in audiology.
The knowledge and skills you’ll develop
This program emphasizes the anatomy and physiology of the hearing mechanism, speech, language and hearing science, and the human communication system. In upper-division courses, you’ll explore related disorders children and adults face. These can include developmental delays, autism, stroke, dementia, Alzheimer's disease, speech production problems, Parkinson’s, Lou Gehrig’s disease (ALS) and brain injuries.
You’ll also develop practical skills such as preparing medical reports, analyzing speech or hearing data, collecting clinical data, phonetic transcription and hearing screening. Additionally, you’ll gain introductory experience in writing treatment goals and implementing treatment under the supervision of licensed field professionals.
The differences between speech-language pathology and audiology
Speech-language pathology and audiology are distinct fields that rely on advanced speech and hearing sciences knowledge. Audiologists focus on identifying and treating hearing-related disorders and balance issues for people of all ages. Speech-language pathologists also work with individuals of all ages and aim to improve communication for those with speech, language and swallowing disorders. This program is an excellent step toward impactful and helping careers in either of these fields.
Audiologists and speech-language pathologists are in high demand, can be well-paid and must have education beyond the bachelor’s level. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for audiologists is expected to grow 11% from 2022 to 2032, which is much faster than average for all occupations. The median pay in 2023 was $87,749. For speech-language pathologists, employment is expected to grow 19% in the same time frame and the median salary in 2023 was $89,290.
Progress toward your goal of becoming a speech-language pathologist or audiologist with a Bachelor of Science in speech and hearing sciences online from Arizona State University. In this program, you’ll gain the skills to improve communication outcomes and work closely with individuals who have developmental and clinical conditions such as hearing impairment, autism, stroke and more. Upon graduating, you’ll have a solid foundation to build on as you pursue advanced studies or an entry-level position in the health or behavioral fields.
Courses in this program expand your science and quantitative skills, covering speech and language science, anatomy and physiology, physics and statistics. Building on this foundational knowledge, you’ll also explore topics from communication disorders throughout the lifespan and phonetics to language science and treatment of communication disorders. The program culminates in a hands-on, experiential learning opportunity, which can be a research project, internship, capstone project and more.
The College of Health Solutions faculty displays a high level of research expertise, focused on creating a better future for all. Our faculty are lifelong learners dedicated to improving health outcomes for the communities we serve. Some of their research focuses on:
- Discovering the impact of the environment and policy on food security and community health.
- Exploring mechanisms involved in the development of diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
- Harnessing big data to improve patient outcomes.
- Incorporating advanced technology to monitor and promote healthy lifestyles.
- Using state-of-the-art cognitive, behavioral and neuroscience techniques to study the components of human communication.
In the College of Health Solutions, students learn and prepare to become the health workforce of the future. Faculty and students also collaborate to research solutions to pressing global health challenges. Partnerships with the medical community offer students access to professional resources and networking opportunities with Mayo Clinic, Banner Health, HonorHealth, Dignity Health and more.
students.
Barrett honors scholars.
faculty members.
in research expenditures.
ASU's academic programs that prepare you for professional licensure or certification are designed to meet Arizona's requirements. Completing an ASU program may not fulfill educational requirements for licensure or certification in other states. For additional information, visit the professional licensure webpage.
No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.”