Bachelor of Arts in Speech, Language & Hearing Sciences

Our students become critical thinkers who understand communication, audiology and speech-language pathology and who enjoy careers in the fields of disability, health care and education.

Speech, language and hearing sciences (SLHS) is the study of the various abilities of human communication and its disorders. Our students gain an understanding of communication, audiology and speech-language pathology, allowing them to work in the fields of disability, health care and education.

  • Learn the characteristics, causes and treatment of disorders that affect speech, language and hearing
  • Understand the science behind human connection
  • Engage with audiologists and speech pathologists conducting clinical work

Learn from professionals at our Speech, Language, and Hearing Clinic (SLHC), which provides services to children and adults in the Boulder and Denver area

Gain real-world skills and practice through one of our three optional internship programs

Top 20 graduate program in speech-language pathology and top 15 graduate program in audiology

(U.S. News & World Report, 2019)

Be successful.

Be prepared to meet the needs of our 21st-century society by applying your knowledge of speech, language and hearing sciences in a variety of careers.

 
$45,300

Median salary of CU Boulder speech, language and hearing students 1–5 years after graduation

 

Work in health and medicine, business, or K–12 education as a speech therapy assistant, vocal coach, disability service coordinator, English as a second language teacher, early childhood specialist, literacy specialist or social worker

 

Between 2016 and 2026, jobs for speech-language pathologists with a master’s degree are expected to grow 18%, and 20% for audiologists with a doctoral or professional degree in audiology

(U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Academic Plan & Requirements

In addition to the general College of Arts and Sciences requirements, students must complete 35 hours of required major coursework plus a 3-credit course in general psychology.

The BA in speech, language and hearing sciences is directed toward two types of students: 

  • Students interested in broad coursework in speech, language and hearing sciences 
  • Students planning careers as speech-language pathologists and audiologists who would like preprofessional training 

An additional program option for speech, language and hearing science students: 

Community & Involvement

We offer students many opportunities to network with peers and faculty, further their studies, and get the most out of their undergraduate experience.

News & Stories

College of Arts & Sciences magazine cover