Speech and Hearing Science
Speech and Hearing Science
About
Speech and Hearing Science
Degree: BA
Campus: Columbus
College: Arts and Sciences
Speech and hearing science is the study of normal functioning and disorders of the auditory system, the speech mechanism and language processing. It is a diverse field with connections to a number of other disciplines, including anatomy, physiology, psychology, linguistics, medicine and education. Students pursuing a major in speech and hearing science are introduced both to basic and applied research and to clinical applications. Career paths can include audiology; speech-language pathology; or speech, language or hearing science.
Get started
Upon admission to the university, students can declare a major in speech and hearing science within the College of Arts and Sciences.
Students majoring in speech and hearing science will work with an academic advisor to set up a program of study to complete General Education requirements and major course work that best suits their interests and career plans. Prospective majors should include course work in biology, psychology and mathematics (College Algebra is the minimum).
Curriculum
Students take nine core courses in speech and hearing science and an additional two 5000-level courses approved by a speech and hearing science advisor. Students can take the American Sign Language series to fulfill the college requirement that students obtain foreign language proficiency. However, bilingual clinicians fluent in Spanish are also in demand.
Licensure
For professional certification as a speech-language pathologist a master’s degree is necessary. All states that license professionals require master’s level training. In addition, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association requires both completion of a master’s degree and a year of clinical internship (Clinical Fellowship) for the certificate of clinical competence in speech-language pathology.
Although requirements for licensure vary from state to state, in order to practice audiology all states require a graduate degree and most require a doctoral degree. American Speech-Language-Hearing Association certification and licensure in the state of Ohio require a doctoral degree (AuD or equivalent).
Study abroad
Study abroad opportunities are available and may be an essential part of gaining language skills needed for bilingual speech-language pathologist graduate programs.
Honors and Scholars
Many Honors students pursuing speech and hearing science complete a senior Honors thesis. Working under the direction of a faculty member, students read extensively from the body of existing research on their particular topic and learn laboratory and/or clinical skills that include interacting with state-of-the-art equipment. Students are introduced to issues of research design and learn to analyze and present the data they collect. They also acquire important writing skills in preparing the thesis document and develop oral presentation skills by defending their research projects in a thesis defense.
Between 10–20% of all graduating seniors elect to complete a senior thesis. Virtually all of these students go on to pursue graduate work in audiology or speech-language pathology. Many students present their work at national meetings of major professional societies in the discipline, including the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, the Acoustical Society of America, and the American Academy of Audiology. Students often have the opportunity to publish their work in peer-reviewed journals.
Research
Students are encouraged to participate in research, and many speech and hearing science courses offer extra credit for research participation. The student should check with an instructor to determine the extra credit policy for that course.
Student organizations
Undergraduate speech and hearing science majors are encouraged to join the Ohio State chapter of the National Student Speech-Language-Hearing Association, the student organization sponsored by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. The Ohio State chapter sponsors a number of activities each semester, including guest speakers, volunteer opportunities and social activities. Learn more on the organization's Facebook page.
The Student Academy of Audiology is a graduate student organization sponsored by the American Academy of Audiology that welcomes undergraduates interested in exploring further study in audiology. It sponsors social, volunteer and fundraising opportunities each semester with the aim of increasing community awareness of the field of audiology, providing education in topics related to audiology and promoting community service among members. Learn more on the organization's Facebook page.
The Acoustical Society of America’s regional chapter at Ohio State is an interdisciplinary, student-run organization that is a great place to meet students from different majors, connect with university faculty and learn about the interdisciplinary field of acoustics from guest speakers. Learn more on the chapter's Facebook page.
Possible careers
Hearing, language and speech scientists are found primarily in universities, research institutions, government agencies and industry.
Speech-language pathologists and audiologists are health professionals who work closely with teachers, physicians, psychologists, social workers, rehabilitation counselors and other members of an interdisciplinary team, but they are autonomous and do not work under direct medical supervision. They provide professional services in a wide range of facilities, including public and private schools, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing care facilities, community and university clinics, private practice offices, state and local health departments, home care, adult day care centers, centers for the developmentally disabled, research laboratories, and industries.
Career opportunities for graduates in speech and hearing science are comparable to those for students with undergraduate degrees in related fields such as psychology, sociology, linguistics or other liberal arts.
Salary estimates
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual salary for speech-language pathologists is $79,770, and for audiologists it is $80,040. Salaries for speech scientists and hearing scientists are quite variable, depending on the employment setting. Prospective majors are encouraged to consult the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association website for details of salary surveys.
Requirements
Entry Requirements
Criteria of our holistic review, in no particular order.
Successful completion of university preparatory courses
High school performance (class rank or GPA), including participation in accelerated programs like Honors, AP and IB; Ohio State does not have minimum requirements for class rank or GPA
Standardized test score (ACT or SAT); Ohio State does not have minimum requirements for ACT or SAT scores
Ohio State has adopted a TEST-OPTIONAL policy for 2022 applicants. Learn more.
Ability and desire to contribute to and engage with a diverse campus community
Experiences that demonstrate leadership or engaged involvement (e.g., co-curricular activities, work experiences or military service)
Status as a first-generation university student
Demonstration of outstanding talent in a particular area
High school performance if adversely affected by physical, mental or learning environment factors
Eligibility for and likelihood of benefiting from organized support services at Ohio State
Enrollment in your intended major
Once it is determined that you are admissible, you will be considered for enrollment in the college of your intended major. Read about
English Program Requirements
we require evidence of English language proficiency, unless you have completed three full years of school at a U.S. regionally accredited high school or if you are a citizen of, or have received a bachelor’s degree from, Australia, Belize, British Caribbean, British West Indies, Canada (except Quebec), England, Guyana, Ireland, Liberia, New Zealand, Scotland, the United States or Wales.
Fee Information
Tuition Fee
TRY 35,018How to Apply
How do I submit scores?
Ohio State has adopted a TEST-OPTIONAL policy for 2022 applicants. Learn more.
Tips for sending scores to Ohio State
Scores must come directly from the testing agency. When you register for the ACT or SAT, indicate that you want your scores sent to Ohio State.
If you already took the test but didn't send your scores to Ohio State, you can order them for a fee. Order in advance to be sure scores reach us by the application deadline.
We must receive standardized test scores by your application deadline (either November 1 or February 1 for autumn semester applicants).
October 2 (SAT) and October 23 (ACT) are your last 2021 test dates if you want your scores to be considered for our November 1 early action deadline. Important! If you plan to test on those dates, you must request that Ohio State receive scores when you register for the test. And please note: If you choose to have your scores considered, you won’t be able to review scores from these dates prior to submitting your application by the November 1 deadline.
Applicants who will have been out of high school for two or more years by their term of enrollment are not required to submit scores.
Is the essay required?
The essay is not required for either the ACT or SAT.
Should I take a standardized test more than once?
Ohio State looks at the highest composite score from a single test date. Taking the test (and having scores sent to us) more than once, while not required, may work to your advantage.
How does Ohio State look at scores?
When considering students for admission or Honors and Scholars selection, we consider the best official composite / combined score from a single test administration. Ohio State does not mix sub-scores from multiple tests.
These items plus the Common Application (STEP 3) make up a complete application. We must receive all items by the deadline to consider your application on time.
Official transcripts
High school transcripts
Request that your high school or secondary school send transcripts / documents / official copies of examination certificates for coursework from the final four years (grades 9-12) to Ohio State.
How to send your transcripts to Ohio State:
Your high school counselor can upload the transcripts / documents / official copies of examination certificates using Common App, Naviance or other secure electronic delivery service.
Your high school counselor can email the transcripts to [email protected].
If electronic submission is not possible, please mail your official transcripts to our express mail address.
Faxed transcripts will not be accepted.
Foreign language documents must be translated into English by the issuing institution, an authorized translator or a teacher of the language. Any additional requirements will be posted to your Applicant Center, so be sure to check your application status regularly after you've applied.
Official ACT or SAT scores
Ohio State has adopted a TEST-OPTIONAL policy for 2022 applicants. Learn more.How do I submit my scores?
We must receive your official ACT or SAT score sent electronically directly from the testing agency. Scores from transcripts will not be considered. Read more about score requirements in STEP 1.
Optional: Recommendation from a teacher or counselor
While not required, your counselor may send a maximum of two letters of recommendation electronically through the Common Application.
If an electronic option isn’t available, your counselor may email your letter(s) to
[email protected]; the letter must include your first and last name and OSU ID number, found on the email we send acknowledging receipt of your application. Letters sent via email are subject to sender verification.
Official proof of English language skills
You must request that your testing agency send official scores electronically to Ohio State demonstrating the English proficiency level outlined below:
TOEFL (internet-based test or internet-based test Home Edition*): 79 or higher
IELTS or IELTS Indicator*: 6.5 or higher
ACT: 21 or higher on the English section
SAT: 27 or higher on the Reading Test
Duolingo*: 105 or higher
You are exempt from this requirement if you have completed three full years of school at a U.S. regionally accredited high school or if you are a citizen of, or have received a bachelor’s degree from, Australia, Belize, British Caribbean, British West Indies, Canada (except Quebec), England, Guyana, Ireland, Liberia, New Zealand, Scotland, the United States or Wales.
Ohio State has an intensive English program for students who wish to improve their language skills called the American Language Program. A separate application is required for this program. Ohio State does not offer conditional admission to students who enroll in the American Language Program.
*To accommodate applicants affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, The Ohio State University will accept Duolingo, the IELTS Indicator and the TOEFL internet-based test Home Edition from any international student applying for spring 2022 or autumn 2022 admission. All Duolingo test takers are required to take an English placement exam upon arrival to campus. TOEFL Home Edition and IELTS Indicator test takers are required to take an English placement exam upon arrival unless they qualify for a TOEFL or IELTS score exemption.
Speech and Hearing Science
The Ohio State University
United States of America,
Columbus
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