Online Bachelor of Science in Speech and Hearing Science
Progress toward your goal of becoming a speech-language pathologist or audiologist with a Bachelor of Science in speech and hearing sciences online from Arizona State University. In this program, you’ll gain the skills to improve communication outcomes and work closely with individuals who have developmental and clinical conditions such as hearing impairment, autism, stroke and more. Upon graduating, you’ll have a solid foundation to build on as you pursue advanced studies or an entry-level position in the health or behavioral fields.
Quick facts
Next start date: 01/13/2025
Total classes: 40
Weeks per class: 7.5
Total credit hours: 120
Start your path to careers in speech pathology, audiology and more
This bachelor’s in speech and hearing science can be a stepping stone toward rewarding careers in the health and behavioral fields. The curriculum is designed to build your understanding of normal speech, hearing and language development and then delve into disorder identification, diagnosis and treatment.
As a graduate, you’ll be equipped to pursue entry-level positions such as audiology assistant, hearing aid or cochlear implant company representative and research assistant. You’ll also have the education to support obtaining a speech-language pathology assistant (SPLA) license in Arizona; although you must also complete 100 hours of supervised clinical experience, pass the exam and meet all other requirements. Additionally, many students apply to master’s programs in speech-language pathology and communications disorders or doctoral programs in audiology.
The knowledge and skills you’ll develop
This program emphasizes the anatomy and physiology of the hearing mechanism, speech, language and hearing science, and the human communication system. In upper-division courses, you’ll explore related disorders children and adults face. These can include developmental delays, autism, stroke, dementia, Alzheimer's disease, speech production problems, Parkinson’s, Lou Gehrig’s disease (ALS) and brain injuries.
You’ll also develop practical skills such as preparing medical reports, analyzing speech or hearing data, collecting clinical data, phonetic transcription and hearing screening. Additionally, you’ll gain introductory experience in writing treatment goals and implementing treatment under the supervision of licensed field professionals.
Professional licensure and certification
This program prepares students to enter graduate programs in communication science and disorders, audiology and others. While the degree provides students with quality academic preparation, it doesn’t guarantee that students will accrue the requisite clinical hours to apply for licensure as a speech-language pathologist or audiology assistant. Since certification and licensure requirements for speech-language pathologists and audiology assistants vary by profession and state, we recommend visiting the professional licensure page for the contact information for the appropriate licensing entity to seek information and guidance on the requirements. For specific questions, please contact your program director or degree coordinator.
Will my diploma say ‘online’?
No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.”
Courses in speech pathology, audiology, phonetics and more
Courses in this program expand your science and quantitative skills, covering speech and language science, anatomy and physiology, physics and statistics. Building on this foundational knowledge, you’ll also explore topics from communication disorders throughout the lifespan and phonetics to language science and treatment of communication disorders. The program culminates in a hands-on, experiential learning opportunity, which can be a research project, internship, capstone project and more.
The jobs and career paths you’ll be prepared for
Upon graduation, you’ll be equipped to take the next step toward your career goals. You can seek entry-level speech and hearing roles in schools, medical clinics and community organizations. You can also work toward completing the remaining requirements to become a licensed speech-language pathology assistant (SLPA) in your state. Graduates often use this program as a springboard for advanced studies in communications sciences, speech-language pathology or audiology. The knowledge you’ll gain in this bachelor’s in speech and hearing science will prepare you for the rigor of any of these programs. Common career path examples include, but aren’t limited to:
Advocate
Audiologist
Community Health Worker
Hearing Aid Specialist
Human Behavior Researcher
Speech Language Pathology Assistant
Speech Pathologist
Learn alongside top practitioners in the speech and hearing sciences field
The College of Health Solutions faculty displays a high level of research expertise, focused on creating a better future for all. Our faculty are lifelong learners dedicated to improving health outcomes for the communities we serve. Some of their research focuses on:
- Discovering the impact of the environment and policy on food security and community health.
- Exploring mechanisms involved in the development of diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
- Harnessing big data to improve patient outcomes.
- Incorporating advanced technology to monitor and promote healthy lifestyles.
- Using state-of-the-art cognitive, behavioral and neuroscience techniques to study the components of human communication.
Learn alongside top practitioners in the speech and hearing sciences field
The College of Health Solutions faculty displays a high level of research expertise, focused on creating a better future for all. Our faculty are lifelong learners dedicated to improving health outcomes for the communities we serve. Some of their research focuses on:
- Discovering the impact of the environment and policy on food security and community health.
- Exploring mechanisms involved in the development of diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
- Harnessing big data to improve patient outcomes.
- Incorporating advanced technology to monitor and promote healthy lifestyles.
- Using state-of-the-art cognitive, behavioral and neuroscience techniques to study the components of human communication.
How to apply
first-year student
You’re considered a first-year student for application purposes if you’ve never attended college or have fewer than 12 transferable credit hours.
Don't meet admission requirements?
You can still gain general admission to most online programs at ASU through Earned Admission. Through this pathway, you can demonstrate your ability to succeed at ASU by completing online courses with a 2.75 GPA or higher.
To begin, submit an application to ASU. An enrollment coach will reach out with more information if Earned Admission is right for you.
*Some programs may have higher admission requirements. You must meet all program requirements to be admitted.
Don't meet admission requirements?
You can still gain general admission to most online programs at ASU through Earned Admission. Through this pathway, you can demonstrate your ability to succeed at ASU by completing online courses with a 2.75 GPA or higher.
To begin, submit an application to ASU. An enrollment coach will reach out with more information if Earned Admission is right for you.
*Some programs may have higher admission requirements. You must meet all program requirements to be admitted.
Developing the health workforce of the future
In the College of Health Solutions, students learn and prepare to become the health workforce of the future. Faculty and students also collaborate to research solutions to pressing global health challenges. Partnerships with the medical community offer students access to professional resources and networking opportunities with Mayo Clinic, Banner Health, HonorHealth, Dignity Health and more.
6,500+
students.
250+
Barrett honors scholars.
160+
faculty members.
$14.5 million
in research expenditures.
Tuition calculator
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.
Tuition calculator
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.
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