Speech and Hearing Sciences Career Map

Awareness

First Year

• Enroll in General Education courses, specifically focusing on the biological and physical sciences, as these are prerequisites for upper-level communication science courses.
• Learn about the Departmental Honors Program, which offers high-achieving students the opportunity to engage in advanced research and scholarly activities.
• Awareness of the GPA standards: High academic performance is critical, as entry into graduate programs in this field is highly competitive.
• Review the graduation plan and model curriculum to understand the 120-hour requirement for the B.S. degree.

Middle Years

• Complete foundational courses such as Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech Mechanism and Phonetics to understand the mechanics of communication.
• Awareness of the clinical observation requirements; students often begin observing certified professionals to gain insight into the daily life of a therapist or audiologist.
• Monitor your progress toward the Professional Component of the major, ensuring all prerequisite grades meet department standards (typically a "C" or better).
• Explore the Interprofessional Collaboration model used at USA, which prepares you to work in teams with other healthcare professionals.

Last Year

• Prepare for the Graduate School Application process (typically due in early spring) if you plan to become a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist or Audiologist.
• Complete the Writing (W) and Ethics requirements through designated upper-division coursework in Speech and Hearing Sciences.
• Awareness of the Praxis Exam for those targeting immediate entry into assistant roles in states that require standardized testing for licensure.
• Finalize your Departmental Honors project or thesis if you are enrolled in the honors track.

Exploration

First Year

• Join the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association (NSSLHA) chapter at USA to network with peers and learn about local volunteer opportunities.
• Use Involve South to find opportunities in early childhood centers or special education settings to confirm your interest in communication disorders.
• Attend Departmental Guest Lectures where practitioners share insights into specialized areas like swallowing (dysphagia) or cochlear implants.

Middle Years

• Engage in Undergraduate Research with faculty in the department, potentially focusing on areas like stuttering, aphasia, or hearing loss.
• Explore Study Abroad opportunities that focus on global healthcare systems and cultural differences in communication styles.
• Attend the Allied Health Career Fair to meet representatives from hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and school districts.

Last Year

• Participate in Clinical Practicum or volunteer at the USA Speech and Hearing Center to gain hands-on experience under supervision.
• Research Advanced Degree Options: Compare the Master’s (required for SLPs) with the Clinical Doctorate (required for Audiologists).
• Network with USA Alumni who are currently practicing in the Gulf Coast region to learn about district-specific hiring practices.

Preparation

First Year

• Build your profile on Accelerate South to find part-time jobs as a tutor, childcare provider, or rehabilitation aide.
• Develop Verbal Communication and public speaking skills through core classes, as these are foundational for future clinical work.
• Start an Observation Log to track hours spent watching licensed professionals, as these may be required for future licensure or graduate applications.

Middle Years

• Master Anatomical and Technical Terminology used in diagnostic reporting and medical documentation.
• Utilize Big Interview to practice explaining complex communication disorders to "clients" or "parents" in a clear, compassionate way.
• Gain proficiency in Data Collection and analysis during research-focused courses to prepare for evidence-based practice.

Last Year

• Compile a Professional Portfolio that includes your research papers, clinical observation summaries, and cultural competency training certificates.
• Tailor your Resume to highlight your double-major (if applicable), high GPA, and any specialized technical skills like audiometry or transcription.
• Prepare for GRE Exams and refine your "Personal Statement" for graduate school applications, focusing on your specific area of clinical interest.