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The Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences offers a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences, which prepares students to pursue graduate education in speech-language pathology or audiology, leading to attainment of the Certificate of Clinical Competence and state licensure in their area of specialty. Graduates can also accept employment as a speech-language pathology assistant (SLPA) or audiology assistant.
- The job market for those earning master's degrees is currently excellent and is projected to remain so for the next few decades.
- There are some 225 graduate programs in Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences in the United States accredited by the Council on Academic Programs (CAA); however, the competition for admission is high in all of them.
- Students approaching graduate school should apply to as many programs as possible to ensure acceptance (i.e., do not just apply to Auburn or one or two other places).
- A student with a 3.5 GPA or higher and a combined score of 300 on the verbal and quantitative sub-tests of the GRE should be eligible for acceptance into a graduate program. (Students should consider taking the GRE early if their chosen program(s) require it so that they have the opportunity to retake the examination and improve their score if it is not high enough.)
Curriculum
View the SLHS curriculum (AU Bulletin)
FAQs for Undergraduate Program
Do you offer an online undergraduate SLHS degree?
We do not offer a fully online undergraduate program, but students will take both online and in-person courses during your time as an SLHS major.
Do we have to do outside clinical hours?
No, you do not need to do outside clinical hours. You will receive the clinical observation hours required for graduate study in SLHS 4580: Introduction to Clinical Procedures in Speech-Language Pathology. Once your hours have been completed, you will be able to download a copy of your observation transcript on Master Clinician Network. Outside observation or “shadowing hours” may also be completed. These help you learn more about the profession but are not required.
How should I prepare for graduate school to be competitive? (Ex: work, volunteering, research, etc.).
Auburn uses a holistic admissions process, and we are therefore looking for well-rounded applicants. Other than doing well in your classes, both in and out of the major, plan to engage in student activities and gain work experience in an employment setting where you will learn skills that are useful as a speech language pathologist or audiologist, e.g., customer service skills, time management, oral and written communication, conflict resolution, behavior management.
What requirements do I need to apply to graduate school? (Ex: GPA, GRE, recommendation letters, etc.).
Up-to-date information on application requirements can be found here.
What is the timeline to prepare for graduate school?
Applications for admission to Auburn’s graduate programs in speech-language pathology and audiology are due January 15th. Other programs have different dates so make sure to look up information on each program you are considering. Spend time in your junior year researching graduate programs. Generally, students begin preparing materials in the summer or early fall before applying. Letters of recommendation are also due by January 15th so make sure to give the letter writers plenty of time to prepare and submit the letter on your behalf.
What are the career options for students who do not plan to attend graduate school for further education?
The terminal degree for speech-language pathology is a master’s degree and the terminal degree for audiology is a doctor of audiology degree (i.e., a clinical doctorate). Both require graduate study; however, there are also career options for those who do not plan to attend graduate school or would like to take a break before attending graduate school. Students who do not plan to attend graduate school can work as speech-language pathology assistants (SLP-A) or audiology assistants (AuD-A). The most common employers of SLP-As are schools because of the great need for providers. Licensure is required so please contact your state licensure board for more information. Some positions also require ASHA certification. ASHA provides the following information on these career paths:
How quickly can I graduate with this major? Do advise graduating early if not necessary?
Many factors go into graduating early. Please keep up regularly scheduled meetings with your CLA advisor to discuss and monitor your progress.
Since you offer online courses, will I be required to take an online class during my time as an undergraduate student?
You will take both online and in-person courses during your time as an SLHS major.
Who do I contact with any questions regarding changes to my SLHS course registration?
You will need to contact your CLA advisor. It is important to schedule and keep regular meetings with them. Do not make changes to your SLHS classes each semester without speaking to your CLA advisor.
What are the academic expectations for the coursework in the SLHS major?
Everything you learn in your SLHS classes is for your professional careers and patient care. The classes are intentionally rigorous to prepare you for professions with vast scopes of practice. You should focus on learning the material in a way that will lend itself to retention in your long-term memory. This means you are reading the textbook and doing more than just memorizing flashcards. There will be different strategies for different courses, so it is highly recommended that you attend office hours for individualized recommendations. You will have this opportunity in ALL of your SLHS classes.
Does Auburn offer ASL classes? Does it substitute for the world language requirement?
Yes, Auburn does offer an ASL class (FLNG 1010) and it can count as a major elective at this time. This was just recently approved for Fall 2026. It does not currently substitute for the world language requirement.
Contact Information
Allison Plumb, Professor and Department Chair
Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences
1199 Haley Center
Auburn University, Alabama 36849-5232
Ph: 334-844-9600
Fax: 334-844-4585
amp0016@auburn.edu
University Financial Aid
203 Martin Hall
Auburn University, AL 36849
Ph. 334-844-4634
Finaid7@auburn.edu