Online Bachelor of Science in Speech and Hearing Science
In the Bachelor of Science in speech and hearing science degree, you'll learn about typical speech, hearing and language development as well as the basics of relevant disorders. As a graduate, you'll be well equipped to pursue an advanced degree in audiology and speech-language pathology or obtain related health and behavioral jobs.
Quick facts
Next start date: 05/16/2024
Total classes: 40
Weeks per class: 7.5
Total credit hours: 120
Degree questions, answered.
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What is speech and hearing science?
Speech and hearing science is centered around understanding how people communicate. This discipline places special emphasis on communication disorders, both for assessing those concerns and treating them. Research in the field helps build a stronger grasp of how and why verbal communication functions as it does. With a speech and hearing science degree, you can explore career paths related to:
- Behavior.
- Health.
- Research.
- Therapy.
What does a speech and hearing scientist do?
Speech and hearing scientists work in specific fields like speech-language pathology and audiology. Their main focus is to diagnose and treat speech, language, hearing and cognitive-communication disorders in children and adults. They may apply their knowledge and abilities in educational, medical or similar focus areas. Therapeutic support is one common path for professionals, but far from the only one.
Graduates of the speech and hearing science bachelor's program can go into assistant and entry-level roles in speech and hearing services and clinics. Otherwise, graduates of this speech and hearing science bachelor’s degree can earn a master’s degree to become a speech-language pathologist or speech-language scientist. Students wishing to become an audiologist will require a doctoral degree.
This field offers many opportunities that can align with your career goals. If you have a personal drive to help others, a speech and hearing science degree is a relevant pursuit to prepare for advanced degrees in the field.
Professional licensure and certification
The BS in speech and hearing science degree prepares students to enter graduate programs in communication science and disorders, and audiology. While the degree provides students with quality academic preparation, it doesn’t guarantee that a student will accrue the requisite clinical hours to apply for licensure as an speech-language pathologist or audiology assistant. Since certification and licensure requirements for speech-language pathologists and audiology assistants vary by profession and from state to state, we recommend visiting the ASU licensure website to determine if your program meets the requirements of individual state licensures or national certifications, as applicable. If you have specific questions, please contact your program director or degree coordinator.
Does my speech and hearing science degree say 'online'?
No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.” That’s because ASU Online students learn from the same faculty and receive the same course content as in-person students receive.
Speech and hearing science
Speech and hearing science undergraduate courses give you a greater understanding of key topics, such as audiology, phonetics and communication disorders. You'll also be required to take foundational courses in algebra, physics and anatomy. Much of the coursework in this degree builds on topics covered in these rigorous math and science courses. Courses include:
SHS 250: Introduction to Phonetics
SHS 402: Clinical Methods and Treatment of Communication Disorders
SHS 470: Developmental Speech and Language Disorders
SHS 485: Acquired Speech and Language Disorders
What can I do with a speech and hearing sciences degree?
Graduates of the speech and hearing science degree program can explore several professional paths. A bachelor’s degree allows you to pursue entry-level jobs in the field as a speech-language pathology assistant, or in research and educational support roles. You'll also be prepared to pursue advanced degrees in audiology or speech-language pathology. Many jobs in this field, including speech pathologist and audiologist positions, will require a master’s or doctoral degree. Potential roles include, but are not limited to:
Advocate
Audiologist
Community Health Worker
Hearing Aid Specialist
Human Behavior Researcher
Speech Language Pathology Assistant
Speech Pathologist
Faculty who support speech and hearing science excellence
Our faculty brings a high level of expertise to every research project. In addition to cutting-edge approaches to research, we’re focused on creating a better future for people. We’re lifelong learners with a goal to improve health outcomes for the communities we serve. Some of our research focuses on:
- Discovering the impact of the environment and policy on food security and community health.
- Exploring mechanisms involved in the development of diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
- Harnessing big data to improve patient outcomes.
- Using state-of-the-art cognitive, behavioral and neuroscience techniques to study the components of human communication.
- Utilizing advanced technology to monitor and promote healthy lifestyles.
Faculty who support speech and hearing science excellence
Our faculty brings a high level of expertise to every research project. In addition to cutting-edge approaches to research, we’re focused on creating a better future for people. We’re lifelong learners with a goal to improve health outcomes for the communities we serve. Some of our research focuses on:
- Discovering the impact of the environment and policy on food security and community health.
- Exploring mechanisms involved in the development of diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
- Harnessing big data to improve patient outcomes.
- Using state-of-the-art cognitive, behavioral and neuroscience techniques to study the components of human communication.
- Utilizing advanced technology to monitor and promote healthy lifestyles.
Admission requirements for speech and hearing science degree
first-year student
You’re considered a first-year student for application purposes if you’ve never attended college or have fewer than 12 transferable credit hours.
Don't meet admission requirements?
You can still gain general admission to most online programs at ASU through Earned Admission. Through this pathway, you can demonstrate your ability to succeed at ASU by completing online courses with a 2.75 GPA or higher.
To begin, submit an application to ASU. An enrollment coach will reach out with more information if Earned Admission is right for you.
*Some programs may have higher admission requirements. You must meet all program requirements to be admitted.
Don't meet admission requirements?
You can still gain general admission to most online programs at ASU through Earned Admission. Through this pathway, you can demonstrate your ability to succeed at ASU by completing online courses with a 2.75 GPA or higher.
To begin, submit an application to ASU. An enrollment coach will reach out with more information if Earned Admission is right for you.
*Some programs may have higher admission requirements. You must meet all program requirements to be admitted.
A college that prepares speech and hearing science graduates for the future
At the College of Health Solutions, students and faculty research solutions to pressing global health challenges while preparing the health workforce of the future. Ongoing partnerships with the medical community offer students access to professional resources and networking opportunities with Mayo Clinic, Banner Health, HonorHealth, Dignity Health and more.
6,500+
students.
250+
Barrett honors scholars.
160+
faculty members.
$14.5 million
in research expenditures.
Tuition calculator
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.
Tuition calculator
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.
Frequently asked questions
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