Please note: Items that appear in the Community Postings section are submitted by visitors. Posts are reviewed to ensure they are appropriate for our audience, but typically are not edited by University Marketing and Communications.
Consider majoring in communication sciences
Communication Sciences is the study of human communication disorders. Students explore the science of hearing, speech, language, learning, and swallowing while researching more effective ways to prevent, diagnose, and treat communication disorders. Majoring in Communication Sciences will prepare you for a successful career in a number of fields.
Graduates with a degree in Communication Sciences can advance to graduate training for either a Masters program either at CWRU or another institution in speech-language pathology or the clinical doctorate of audiology at another institution. Speech-language pathologists and audiologists are employed in environments such as schools, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, community clinics, and nursing homes.
You Might Like This Program If...
- You find meaning and fulfillment in collaborating closely with others.
- You are interested in building a career dedicated to helping and supporting people.
- You see yourself teaching skills that enhance individuals' quality of life and overall well-being.
- You are motivated to research and develop innovative interventions for individuals with communication disorders.
Graduate Training in Communication Sciences
Following completion of an undergraduate degree, students can pursue a master’s degree focused on speech-language pathology or the clinical doctorate of audiology. A master’s degree for speech-language pathology typically requires two additional years of study beyond the bachelor’s degree and the clinical doctorate for audiology requires three additional years of study
A master’s degree is the entry level degree for professional clinical practice in speech-language pathology and the clinical doctorate is the clinical practice degree for audiology. For many students, an undergraduate degree in communication sciences is a pre-professional degree in preparation for graduate study. As such, the undergraduate coursework in the communication sciences curriculum emphasizes the basic processes and acquisition of normal speech, language, hearing and swallowing in children and adults. Graduate study then focuses on the study of disorders of communication and hearing.
By the numbers (according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)
- Employment for speech-language pathologists (SLPs) is projected to grow 15% to 17% through 2034–2035, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.
- Annual Openings: About 12,500 to 13,300 job openings are expected each year on average
- Median Salary: The median annual wage for SLPs is approximately $95,410 to $97,870, with the lowest 10% earning under $62,900 and the highest 10% earning over $134,160.
- Employment of audiologists is projected to grow 11% through 2034-2035, which is also much faster than the average for all occupations.
- Annual Openings: 600 openings per year on average.
What current COSI Majors have to say
"I wanted to be a COSI major to prepare me to be a speech language pathologist (SLP)! I was excited to learn more about the science behind communication and how I could use that knowledge to help others. COSI has allowed me to explore my interests, gain valuable experiences, and grow more confident in my decision to pursue a career where I can make a meaningful difference in people's lives." Allie, CWRU Senior
"I chose to major in COSI because I wanted to pursue a field that would allow me to make a meaningful impact on people’s lives on an individual, personal level while also providing opportunities to engage in research. My experience as a COSI major has been both educational and rewarding, strengthening my excitement for the future and the opportunities ahead. The faculty are genuinely invested in their students’ success and provide numerous opportunities to gain experience, explore interests, and grow both academically and professionally. The students are both kind and helpful." Jada, CWRU Senior
"I chose to major in COSI because I want to become a speech-language pathologist and support individuals with diverse communication needs, particularly children from bilingual and multicultural backgrounds, by helping them find ways to express themselves and have their voices heard. Being a COSI student has been a rewarding experience, as the faculty are not only knowledgeable about the subjects they teach but also passionate about their fields. Through joining a research lab and becoming an executive member of CWRU’s National Student Speech Language Hearing Association (NSSLHA), I have continued to explore my interests, connect with fellow students, and gain a deeper appreciation for the field." Ashley, CWRU Junior
For more information on the Communication Sciences major, please contact Angela Ciccia at amh11@case.edu