Program Overview

Speech and Hearing Science

College

College of Arts and Sciences

Department

Communicative Disorders and Sciences

Major

Speech and Hearing Science BA

Combined

Speech and Hearing Science BA/Early Childhood Education EdM

Minor

Speech and Hearing Science Minor

Program Description

The Speech and Hearing Science program at the University at Buffalo (UB) is a science-based major that allows students to work with people and have a direct impact on their lives. Students will study the development and disorders of language, hearing, and speech, and learn how anatomy, biology, psychology, and other factors affect how people speak, hear, and understand throughout their lifespan.

What Will I Learn?

As a speech and hearing science student, you will study the development and disorders of language, hearing, and speech. You will learn how anatomy, biology, psychology, and other factors affect how people speak, hear, and understand throughout their lifespan. You will also take required classes in acoustics, audiology, speech-language pathology, and technical skills such as statistics. Additionally, you can choose to explore related areas such as sociology and linguistics.

What Can I Do Outside of Class?

A highlight of the UB experience is the UB Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Clinic, where you will gain practical experience working with faculty members in diagnosing and treating speech, language, and hearing disorders. You can also:

• Study abroad and learn about language and speech in a different culture.
• Get internship experience in various educational settings.
• Join one of our student groups, including groups specifically for students in this major, where you can meet friends and volunteer in the community.
• Get involved with research, even as an undergraduate.

What Can I Do with a Speech and Hearing Science Degree?

This program puts you on track for some of the most highly ranked health care professions. Upon graduation, students typically go into one of three educational paths at the graduate level in preparation for a career as a(n):

• Audiologist, preventing and treating auditory disorders (hearing and balance issues) for children or adults. An advanced degree is required for certification.
• Speech-language pathologist, helping people who have problems with their speech, language, voice, or swallowing. An advanced degree is required for certification.
• Speech, language, and hearing scientist. If you'd rather conduct research to advance the field, or if you want to teach at a university, this career could be the perfect fit.

While graduates work in all types of settings (including universities and private practices), you'll typically work in a hospital, community clinic, or school, especially if you're an audiologist or speech-language pathologist.

Who Will I Learn From?

Our faculty possess expertise in all areas of speech, language, audiology, and hearing sciences. In addition, our faculty members have been recognized and honored for their work with leading journals and professional organizations around the world. As a speech and hearing science student, you'll also have opportunities to learn from professors in related fields such as neuroscience.