Frequently Asked Questions
Communication Sciences & Disorders
Is the Communication Sciences & Disorders program a competitive program?The Communication Sciences and Disorders program is not competitive in the number of students that we accept in the program. However, it is extremely important to monitor your GPA throughout the program if your career goal is to practice speech-language pathology or audiology. In order to meet certification requirements you must be accepted into a graduate program. Graduate programs typically do not accept students with an overall GPA less than a 3.0.
What does a Speech-Language Pathologist do?
The Speech-Language Pathologist evaluates and treats children and adults with speech and language problems. These problems are varied but frequently include difficulty with pronouncing words, comprehending and expressing language, stuttering and aphasia (language impairment following a stroke).
What does an Audiologist do?
An Audiologist evaluates hearing loss and helps the person with a hearing loss maximize his/her use of residual hearing. This may involve fitting the person with a hearing aid and/or counseling the person about ways to communicate with a hearing loss.
Where do Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists work?
Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists work in schools, hospitals, clinics, the military, private offices, and nursing homes and other residential facilities. In addition, some spend much of their time in university or government offices doing research.
What skills and qualities are needed to be successful in Speech Language Pathology and Audiology?
It is important to have good verbal communication skills, to like people, and to be patient and caring towards people with speech, hearing and language problems. Good writing skills are important as report writing is done on a frequent basis as a Speech-Language Pathologist and Audiologist. Good problem solving skills are also helpful since you will need to advise people in making adjustments to their speech, language or hearing problem.
Is it possible to find employment in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology with a Bachelors degree?
No. A Master's degree is required to practice Speech-Language Pathology or Audiology; however, your liberal arts based degree will open doors to jobs in many settings which are not related to speech and hearing, just as it does for other graduates of the College of Arts and Sciences.
If I decide not to continue in Communication Sciences & Disorders, what related fields could I choose to enter?
Graduate degrees in Special Education, Early Childhood Education, Counseling, Gerontology, sociology, Psychology, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy or other helping professions are logical offshoots of a Bachelors Degree in Communication Sciences & Disorders.
What must I do to apply to graduate school in Speech-Language Pathology?
You must select which programs you might want to attend (UC offers a program but there are others in the state of Ohio and in the U.S.). Some considerations for applying to a program include overall quality of the program, competitiveness of the program, special academic and clinical opportunities and location (do you like cornfields or tall buildings?). It is advisable to apply to several graduate programs in January if you plan to begin graduate school the following Fall. A 3.0 GPA including grades from all University records and average to good scores on the general Graduate Record Exam (GRE) are needed for many graduate programs. Many programs are more competitive than his. That is why it is best to apply to more than one program.
How do I sign up for the Graduate Record Exam (GRE)?
Information about the GRE is available in the University Graduate Office. They can be contacted by calling (513)556-4335.
Is it possible to complete the undergraduate curriculum during the evening and summer months?
While some classes are offered in the evening and during the summer, the majority of classes are offered during the regular school year between 9:00am and 5:00pm. Therefore, the program cannot be completed in summers and evenings only.
How can I get more involved in communication disorders outside of taking classes?
There is an undergraduate Communication Disorders Association which is affiliated with a national student organization, the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association (NSSLHA). You can talk to your faculty advisor about volunteer work. You can attend conferences in the Cincinnati area.