Ohio University’s nationally recognized Bachelor of Science degree program in Hearing, Speech and Language Sciences in ensures a well-rounded undergraduate education. It develops both the scientific and humanistic aspects of students with a strong emphasis on communication abilities, scholarship, professionalism, service, and multicultural engagement. The curriculum integrates a sequence of arts and sciences coursework with courses designed to provide a sound understanding of normal human communication processes and an introduction to speech-language pathology and audiology.
The Gourman Report, which provides the only rating of undergraduate programs in audiology and speech-language pathology, consistently ranks OHIO’s HSLS program as one of the top programs in the country, and above all of the 11 other programs in Ohio.
The School offers the resources of a major university program, including diverse academic and clinical faculty, ample state-of-the art clinical, research and educational facilities, and a rich array of courses. At the same time, the School provides individual attention to students when they are in need of help with assignments, graduate school preparation, or career consideration. The program encourages students to think clearly and objectively, preparing them to solve problems through effective interpersonal and research skills. Advisors are School faculty members who guide students regularly in curriculum and career planning. A high percentage of HSLS majors complete the program successfully in four years.
Many students choose the HSLS major because they enjoy the intellectual stimulation and intrigue of integrating studies across a vast array of disciplines and academic interest areas. Some select the major because they enjoy its balance of art with science. Most are attracted to a sense of service and contribution to people with disabilities and communication problems in general.
The program provides the fundamentals necessary for graduate study in audiology or speech-language pathology as well as for a wide selection of other graduate school and career paths. HSLS majors are encouraged to consider whether a commitment to graduate school is in line with their educational goals. Of course, some graduating with an HSLS major decide to pursue graduate studies in other areas. And others decide not to attend graduate school at all. In any case, the HSLS major provides a solid educational background from which to pursue careers in a vast array of fields requiring a strong interdisciplinary education.
Career possibilities are fantastic for students who go on to complete a graduate degree in the field. Minimum requirements for clinical practice are a master’s degree for speech-language pathology, and a clinical doctorate for audiology. Professional contexts for clinicians include public and private schools, early enrichment programs, hospitals, rehabilitation agencies, private practice, outpatient clinics, nursing homes, retirement centers, and universities. Clinicians work people of all ages, from newborns through elderly people. Audiologists address a wide range of issues related to hearing and auditory processing, and are involved in helping people adapt to hearing problems through hearing aids, cochlear implants, and a vast array of other technologies as well as social, educational and work-related strategies. Speech-language pathologists diagnose and treat a vast array of problems, including difficulty with speech articulation, literacy, swallowing, and language production and understanding. They address diverse problems, from stuttering to developmental language and speech delays to intelligibility problems due to accents. They also work as team members in helping individuals with such life-affecting conditions as mental retardation, stroke, brain injury, cancer, diabetes, dementia, and HIV/AIDS.
Many HSLS majors with exceptional academic potential and a special sense of curiosity are excited about rich opportunities for research and teaching careers in communication sciences and disorders. Throughout the US and in many other countries, the field is in dire need of professors and researchers who hold the PhD degree. Career possibilities for academic professionals in this field are tremendous. Students who might consider PhD studies and research engagement in the future are encouraged to seize opportunities to gain research experience during their undergraduate program at Ohio University.
A unique feature of our undergraduate program is a sequence of pre-professional practice courses designed to give each student a sound understanding and orientation to the discipline. Undergraduate students gain observation and service experience in the new on-campus state-of-the-art Hearing, Speech and Language Clinic, as well as other educational and clinical sites in Athens and the surrounding region.
HSLS majors tend to be highly engaged in their studies and extracurricular activities. Our very active Ohio University chapter of the National Student Speech-Language-Hearing Association provides enriching social, service and career development opportunities. The HSLS Undergraduate Research Club facilitates student involvement in research and provides students hands-on experiences in the cutting-edge research laboratories. Many HSLS majors engage in service activities in the community related to people with disabilities in general and communication disorders in particular. The Ohio University Respite Volunteer Program, open only to HSLS majors, provides special training to students who visit the homes of people with Alzheimer's disease and related disorders to help improve communication in the home and provide relief for stressed caregivers.
Mentored research experiences are available for interested students, and some select the HSLS senior thesis option. Additionally, the HSLS Honors Tutorial Program is available to highly qualified students. Certificate programs in gerontology, health policy, and teaching English as a second language, and minors in psychology, linguistics, interpersonal communication, business, social sciences, physics, biological sciences, and foreign languages are options that broaden perspectives and support diverse career choices.
Program contact
Sally Marinellie, Ph.D.
Coordinator of Undergraduate Education
School of Hearing, Speech and Language Sciences
Grover Center W218
Athens, OH 45701
marinels@ohio.edu