Speech-Language Hearing Sciences

BS

Why study 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

Admission Requirements

The University of Cincinnati has established academic success criteria for first-year applicants to bachelor's degree programs. All students are encouraged to apply. Please visit High School Student Admissions for more information about first-year student admission requirements.

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 11% by 2032 (much faster than the national average), and the current median pay is $82,680 per year. The job outlook for speech-language pathologists is expected to grow 19% (much faster than the national average), and the current median pay is $84,140 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. 

Advisors will be there to help you at every step of your academic journey. If you have advising related questions, please visit the College of Allied Health Sciences’ Academic Advising. 

Students who have earned a high school diploma or GED and have attended a college or university other than the University of Cincinnati since earning their high school credentials are considered transfer students. Please visit UC Admissions for information about applying to the university as a Transfer Student.  

For more information, visit the Transfer and Transition Advising Center

Transfer students should apply using our transfer student online application


Transfer Articulation Agreements & Pathways 

UC has developed clear pathways (articulation agreements) between select associate degrees at partner institutions and compatible bachelor’s degrees at UC. Each pathway includes a Transfer Degree Map that offers a semester-by-semester course comparison to assist with your transfer planning. 

The following institutions have Transfer Degree Maps for this major: 

  • Thomas More University

If you are currently enrolled in an undergraduate program at the University of Cincinnati (including UC Blue Ash and UC Clermont), but want to change your major to one in the College of Allied Health Sciences, please visit Transition Students for more information. 

Application Deadlines

Application deadlines can be found at Admissions Deadlines

The University of Cincinnati and all regional campuses are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Contact Information

CAHS Admissions
Health Sciences Building
3225 Eden Avenue
Cincinnati, OH 45267
(513) 558-0236
cahs.admissions@uc.edu

Find related programs in the following interest areas:

Program Code: 35BAC-SLH-BS