Speech, Language and Hearing Science

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

Professor examining child's ear

Earn Your Degree at UW

The Bachelor’s in Speech, Language and Hearing Science is geared to prepare students for success in graduate school, primarily for Speech-Language Pathology or Audiology.

The four-year program provides students with a broad-based foundation in the sciences and humanities, fundamental knowledge of human communication, communication development and the nature of communication disorders across the lifespan.

About the Speech, Language and Hearing Science Program

Students in this program will have opportunities for didactic learning with clinical application, problem-solving and critical thinking. They will also have opportunities to contribute to scholarly inquiry and research in communication disorders.

Students will receive education regarding ethical standards and cultural sensitivity in the provision of services and will participate in the University of Wyoming community through interdisciplinary and interprofessional educational programs.

You will gain foundational knowledge in communication sciences and disorders with these classes and more at the University of Wyoming:

  • Anatomy and Physiology of Speech, Swallowing and Hearing
  • American Sign Language 
  • Phonetics 
  • Aural Rehabilitation 
  • Neurological Basis of Communication

View the full Speech, Language and Hearing bachelor’s degree curriculum.

Student working with another student
Audiologist with client

Students in this program gain the prerequisite courses and foundational knowledge that will strengthen their applications to graduate programs in communication sciences and disorders.

  • If you choose to be a speech-language pathologist, you will need a master's degree. Following your bachelor's degree, you can apply for a position in our accredited master's program in speech-language pathology where you will gain clinical knowledge and skills for educational and medical practice.  
  • If you prefer audiology, you will need a doctorate degree (Au.D.) that can be earned at other institutions.  As a first step, you will gain foundational knowledge with our bachelor's degree. You will take American Sign Language 1 & 2,  Basic Audiology and Aural Rehabilitation, in addition you can apply for an Audiology Internship your senior year. Through these experiences you will gain a basic understanding of the types of hearing loss, audiometric testing, recommendations and fitting of hearing devices and educating the public about hearing. We also will help you identify Au.D. programs in the region that may be part of your next step in becoming and audiologist.

The Bachelor of Science in Speech, Language and Hearing Science provides students with a broad-based foundation in the sciences and humanities, fundamental knowledge of human communication, communication development and the nature of communication disorders across the lifespan. The BS degree does not prepare students for licensure as speech-language pathology assistants, further training is needed for that endorsement. The BS degree prepares students for application to advanced degree programs in speech-language pathology or audiology as well as other allied career fields.

1. Students will be able to identify basic human communication and swallowing processes.

Mastery of this skill will be demonstrated by: 

  • Locating essential anatomical structures and areas
  • Describing implicated physiology
  • Explaining acoustic and linguistic aspects of communication

2. Students will examine client profiles, identify relevant features, and evaluate possible clinical options

Mastery of this skill will be demonstrated by: 

  • Classifying common disorder features
  • Contrasting and differentiating patient profiles and sociocultural variables
    Appraising possible remediation strategies to address communication disorders

3. Students will demonstrate discipline-specific communication skills and potential for professionalism

Mastery of this skill will be demonstrated by: 

  • Applying tenets of professional tone and demeanor in communication with colleagues, supervisors, and patients/clients and their caregivers
  • Examining professional ethics and critiquing their application
  • Critiquing and formulating clinical documentation
Professor working with baby and mother in clinic

 

 

What can you do with a Speech, Language and Hearing Science degree?

The skills you'll acquire as a speech, language and hearing science major will prepare you for your next steps and graduate education no matter what career path you choose.

Career Paths of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences (B.S.) Alums

Graduate education and training programs our B.S. alumni have pursued:

  • Speech Language Pathologist 
  • Audiologist 
  • Physician 
  • Special Education Teacher 
  • Physical Therapist 
  • Neuropsychologist 
  • Professor 
  • Vocal Performance Coach 
  • Rehabilitation Counselor 
  • Social Worker 

 

Speech pathologist working with child

Allied Professions you may be interested in after earning the B.S. in Speech, Language Hearing Sciences

While most students pursue speech-language pathology or audiology graduate programs, there are many allied professions and careers you may be interested in.

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Speech, Language and Hearing Science Bachelor’s Degree Program Highlights

Speech, language and hearing science majors at UW have a wide range of interests and career ambitions. That's why we ensure our program is adaptable to your specific goals. Here are a few additional perks students enjoy:

Clinical Experience

Students pursuing this degree have the opportunity to gain initial clinical experiences in their senior year through the UW Speech and Hearing Clinic.

ASL Studies Certificate

Students also have the opportunity to complete an ASL Studies Certificate which demonstrates basic knowledge and use of American Sign Language (ASL) and an understanding of Deaf Culture.

 


 

Student Groups

Students have the opportunity to join the Wyoming chapter of the National Student Speech-Language-Hearing Association (NSSLHA). It is a student-led organization that connects you with professors and helps you plan steps following graduation. They also host events for things like graduate applications, study groups, and alternative careers. Check them out on Instagram!

 

Peer Advising

Through our peer advising program, students have the opportunity to discuss courses and navigate graduate school applications with graduate students before meeting with their academic advisor. They are an excellent resource since they've recently been in our undergraduate’s shoes!

I was provided many opportunities to not only expand my clinical knowledge but to develop my own research projects.

- Kyliah Ferris, Speech, Language, and Hearing Science BS, 2018
MS in Speech-Language Pathology, 2020

 

Contact Us

We're Eager to Help!

Division of Communication Disorders

Department 3311, 1000 E. University Avenue

Health Sciences, 265

Laramie, WY 82071

Phone: (307) 766-6427

Email: comdis@uwyo.edu