Ohio University's nationally recognized undergraduate program in Hearing, Speech and Language Sciences is available as a distinct major. By getting a sound understanding of normal human communication as well as pathology, you'll be well on your way to a clinical career as a speech-language pathologist or audiologist.
Bachelor’s in Hearing, Speech and Language Sciences
A Bachelor’s in Hearing, Speech and Language Sciences To Listen and Serve Others
The hearing, speech and language sciences (HSLS) field is multifaceted and complex. But the doctors, scientists and interpreters who work within this field are unified by a single common goal: to assist those in need. Ohio University’s Bachelor’s in Hearing, Speech, and Language Sciences program prepares graduates to help a broad range of people and patients.
Students of the HSLS program accomplish much more than just classwork assignments. Experiential learning, leadership opportunities and laboratory work provide the fundamental and interdisciplinary education that future researchers and speech-language pathologists need to succeed. With these exciting and ever-evolving elements, OHIO’s HSLS program is the best place to start your educational journey to become a speech-language pathologist, audiologist or many other professions! Read on to learn:
Choose What You Want To Learn
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B.S. in HSLS | Honors Tutorial College
The Honors Tutorial College (HTC) program offers intellectually curious students the opportunity to conduct research with faculty via a series of one-on-one or small-group tutorials. Students who excel in this program have a genuine interest in doing research and the ability to engage in critical thinking. Please note that this program has a unique application deadline.
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Hearing, Speech and Language Sciences Minor
The HSLS minor offers an introduction to communication sciences and disorders via a set of foundational courses in hearing, speech and language sciences. The minor may benefit students who wish to pursue graduate studies in audiology and speech-language pathology.
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Professional Deaf Resources Liaison Certificate
In this undergraduate certificate program, you'll have the opportunity to deepen your understanding of American Sign Language (ASL), as well as, the history, community and culture of individuals who are deaf. You'll gain the necessary knowledge and skills in ASL to become an ally to the deaf community.
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Experimental Study of Language Certificate
The OHIO graduate certificate in the experimental study of language is a great option for graduate students who wish to broaden their education in the study of language and gain research knowledge and experience. The curriculum spans multiple disciplines and is growing rapidly.
Choose Where You Want to Learn
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Athens, OH, Residential Campus
Complete your education in scenic and spacious Athens, where Ohio University’s residential campus awaits. State-of-the-art facilities, comfortable student housing and an exceptionally walkable campus ensure each class day is a stellar experience. Of course, there’s lots to do off campus, as well. Fans of the outdoors will find no shortage of hikes and beautiful trails to tackle. Athens itself is vibrant and colorful, with theaters, delicious dining venues and other cultural attractions for students of all stripes!
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Regional Campuses
OHIO’s regional campuses are available if you want to complete a few courses closer to home before transferring to the main Athens campus. This is a great option for working professionals who wish to complete their degrees on a part-time basis.
Careers in Hearing, Speech and Language Sciences
A Bachelor of Hearing, Speech and Language Sciences is an exceptional educational credential for those who want to use their hearts and heads to help in a variety of contexts and industries. Specifically, graduates with a bachelor’s in HSLS qualify for entry-level careers in fields such as:
- Healthcare administration
- Education
- Medical support
- Occupational therapy
- Interpretation
- Speech, language, and hearing science research
Furthermore, a bachelor’s degree that includes specific speech, hearing and language sciences coursework can be a first step in helping you prepare for obtaining speech-language pathologist or audiologist licensure. Bachelor’s students who want to work in these exciting and innovative fields can prepare for graduate school with some of their certification requirements already under way!
Post-Grad Opportunities for Hearing, Speech and Language Sciences Majors
The majority of HSLS bachelor’s degree graduates progress into graduate school at the College of Health Sciences and Professions, such as:
- Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology (leads to certification/licensure)
- Doctorate in Hearing Science/Doctorate in Speech-Language Science
- MA-SLP-PhD, for students who want to proceed into the doctoral study of the speech-language science field
- Doctor of Clinical Audiology
- AuD-PhD, which combines a professional degree for audiologists and a research-oriented PhD
However, graduates with just their bachelor’s degrees are ready for career opportunities right out of the gate! A bachelor’s degree in HSLS qualifies graduates for jobs and careers in fields like business, healthcare administration and interpretation.
Get Hands-On Experience With Your Hearing, Speech and Language Sciences Degree
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Take American Sign Language Classes
All OHIO students have the ability to pursue an ASL certificate program, and all Hearing, Speech and Language Sciences students may take courses in ASL development, deaf culture and more.
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Attend the Burr Oak Silent Getaway
Join this experience with skill-building activities involving both OHIO students and members of the deaf community to put your classroom knowledge to the test and make lifelong friendships.
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Complete Internships
OHIO’s programs prioritize experiential learning, so you’ll use the classroom knowledge from the HSLS program “in the field.” Complete internships to hone your skills, explore career possibilities and make a meaningful difference in the lives of others in and around Athens.
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Join the Minority Student Leadership Program
Expand your network in the Minority Student Leadership Program, developed by the American Speech Language Hearing Association. Students in this program attend special conferences, workshops and more.
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Become a Leader in the Ohio Speech Language Association
Students who qualify for the Ohio Speech-Language Association may earn scholarships and other opportunities at the state and national levels. Through organizational memberships, group activities, and industry-relevant events, Hearing, Speech and Language Sciences students discover what it means to leverage their knowledge for the good of their communities and the broader scientific field.
Why Choose a Hearing, Speech and Language Sciences Degree?
OHIO’s preprofessional HSLS program is an ideal entry point into this medicine and health services sector. It’s the best way to start your educational journey to becoming a speech pathologist or similar licensed professional. It's also an excellent opportunity to learn more about the challenges of those with speaking or hearing disabilities.
Attending this program, you’ll broaden your perspective and learn more about how you want to contribute to the world. With the skills you’ll learn at Ohio University, you’ll have the power to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others, as well as open up numerous career pathways depending on how you want your professional future to evolve.
Make a Difference With a Hearing, Speech and Language Sciences Degree
Sophie Blessing shares her dreams to become an audiologist and the path she's taking to get there in OHIO's Department of Hearing, Speech and Language Sciences.
Student Support Resources for Hearing, Speech and Language Sciences Majors
Students of the HSLS program at OHIO’s College of Health Sciences and Professions gain much more than a degree or certificate; they gain friends and mentors for life. The faculty members of our Hearing, Speech and Language Sciences program are experts in the field, but they’re also committed to providing personal, focused mentorship to their students throughout their education.
Because students accomplish most of the program in a specific sequence alongside their fellow classmates, they develop professional relationships with their peers. Even long after graduation, students of the College of Health Sciences and Professions feel a kinship and sense of community with each other. Many students rely on this network for decades into their careers for professional connections and more.
The OHIO Experience for Hearing, Speech and Language Sciences Majors
OHIO’s Hearing, Speech and Language Sciences bachelor’s program goes above and beyond traditional, didactic classroom instruction. It offers experiential and discussion-based learning opportunities for students. Though the undergraduate program results in a Bachelor of Science degree, it has the feel of a liberal arts sequence due to the person-to-person connections and opportunities that students find.
The HSLS undergraduate program is all about comprehensive preparation. From requiring a course in physics or chemistry — a necessity for clinical certification for speech-language pathology and audiology — to integrating ASL topics and classes, our bachelor’s degree is one of the most valuable foundational majors that students can attain.