A bachelor's or second bachelor's degree in Communicative Disorders prepares students who desire to work in either Speech-Language Pathology or Audiology. While the bachelor's degree in Communicative Disorders is often a pre-requisite for graduate programs in Speech-Language Pathology or Audiology, there is no professional employment licensure with the bachelor's degree. However, in some states people with a bachelor's degree in Communicative Disorders can work in selected professional settings without a graduate degree.
What is Audiology?
Audiology is the discipline in which professionals evaluate and manage individuals who are suspected or have been identified as having differences associated with hearing. The spectrum of services is spread over the lifespan of an individual. Audiologists may be involved in the early identification of hearing loss and the careful assessment and appropriate fitting of amplification (e.g. hearing aids, cochlear implants, other assistive listening devices). They may be involved in the management of children during their school years in educational settings or work with adults with acquired hearing losses. Audiologists may also help in the monitoring of vital signs during surgery or the assessment of individuals who are dizzy or experience tinnitus. Work settings include hospitals, schools, industry, rehabilitation centers, community centers, and private practice settings. This is a profession with extensive job opportunities for those that complete a Doctor of Audiology (AuD) degree.
What is Speech-Language Pathology?
Speech-language pathology is the discipline in which professionals work with individuals of all ages who have difficulties communicating, learning to communicate, feeding, or swallowing. This may include infants with feeding disorders or children with speech, language, hearing, or literacy development problems. It may also include children and adults who stutter, have voice disorders, or suffer speech, language and swallowing problems as the consequence of neurological disease or stroke. Work settings include hospitals, schools, rehabilitation centers, nursing facilities, home health care centers, community centers, and private practice settings. This is a profession with extensive job opportunities for individuals after they complete a master's degree (the minimum requirement for licensure).