AU launches Communication Sciences and Disorders program

In an effort to help address the growing demand for professionals who are qualified to diagnose and treat hearing, speech, and language disorders, Aurora University launched the Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders degree this fall. The program serves as a first step for students interested in pursuing advanced studies toward one of two careers:

• Speech Language Pathologist: Assess and treat people who have speech, language, cognition, voice, fluency, and/or oral motor disorders.
• Audiologists: Diagnose, manage, and treat patients who have hearing, balance, or related ear problems.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there will be 13,300 speech-language pathologist job openings and 700 audiologist openings on average each year between 2024 and 2034, reflecting a 15% and 9% job growth rate respectively - both much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is primarily due to the aging population of baby boomers, higher need for rehabilitative services, increased awareness of speech and language disorders in children, and expanded services in educational settings.

Students in AU's Communication Sciences and Disorders program will gain a range of knowledge and skills from foundational sciences to clinical components that investigate both typical and atypical aspects of language, speech, and hearing. The program offers two specialized tracks for students to customize their education: one focused on neurodiversity and serving this unique population, and the other on working in educational settings.

Students will engage in a variety of hands-on learning experiences in the classroom, including using audiometers to screen for hearing loss, completing mock oral mechanism exams, and developing treatment plans with real toys, therapy materials, and books. Additionally, students will complete a clinical experience at local clinical facilities, observing and interacting with speech-language pathologists and audiologists in the field.

Qualified Communication Sciences and Disorders students can also benefit from AU's partnership with Midwestern University, which provides guaranteed interviews for Midwestern University's Speech-Language Pathology Program, giving students a head start on the next step of their academic journey.

"AU's Communication Sciences and Disorders program is designed to help students explore the many facets of speech-language pathology and audiology, from neurodiversity to educational settings," said Lauren Monahan, senior lecturer and chair of communication sciences and disorders. "Our unique combination of in-person and online courses, along with hands-on learning experiences and clinical placements, gives students the flexibility to tailor their education to their passions while preparing for the next step in their careers."

Graduates of this program will be key to helping improve the quality of others' lives by overcoming difficulties in hearing, speech, language, and learning.

References:

https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/speech-language-pathologists.htmhttps://https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/audiologists.htm