Speech-Language Hearing Sciences

The University of Cincinnati Bachelor of Science degree in Speech Language Hearing Sciences (SLHS) is designed to prepare students for accredited graduate programs in audiology or speech-language pathology. As a pre-professional program, we are preparing you with foundational knowledge for careers to assist children and adults throughout the lifespan who have difficulty communicating, swallowing and hearing.

The Speech Language Hearing Sciences major focuses on the study of human communication and its disorders. Coursework is completed in the areas of anatomy and neurophysiology, linguistics, speech and hearing science,  speech, language, hearing development, and an overview of the clinical process. Biology, physics or chemistry, statistics, and social sciences are additional general education courses taken that meet the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) certification requirements. Clinical observation, interprofessional collaboration, and service-learning experiences are integral parts of the curriculum.

The SLHS curriculum allows students to choose an emphasis in one of the following areas: education/special education, allied health, deaf studies, audiology or you may choose to complete a minor or certificate instead. During the senior year, students engage in a capstone experience focusing on clinical services, a project, or research. There are opportunities during the undergraduate curriculum to get involved in research experiences. Review UC Undergraduate Research Experiences. 

A Bachelor of Science in Speech Language Hearing Sciences is a pre-professional degree that prepares students for graduate work in either audiology or speech-language pathology. A master's degree is necessary for professional certification and licensure as a speech-language pathologist, and a clinical doctoral degree is required to be certified as an audiologist.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for audiologist is expected to grow 16% by 2030 (much faster than the national average), and the current median pay is $81,030 per year. The job outlook for speech-language pathologists is expected to grow 29% (much faster than the national average), and the current median pay is $80,480 per year. 

Students are prepared for a variety of other graduate programs as well, including social service, special education, and health care or health care administration.

Graduates find careers in:

• hospitals
• nursing homes
• speech and hearing clinics
• schools
• educational programs for children with disabilities
• the armed services
• private practices
• universities
• governmental health agencies. 

• Complete Common Application
• Pay $100 non-refundable fee
• Submit official School transcripts
• Submit official test scores
• Submit letter of recommendation (optional)