What makes the Communication Disorders program at BSC special?
Do I need to go to graduate school to be a speech-language pathologist or an audiologist?
What can I do with a bachelor’s degree in Communication Disorders?
Do I need to take the Massachusetts Test for Educator Licensure (MTEL)?
Are there pre-professional opportunities on campus?
Do I have to follow a prescribe course sequence?
Where can I find out more about professions in the field of Communication Disorders?
What makes the Communication Disorders program at BSC special?
In addition to the small classes and dedicated faculty which is part of the BSC experience, undergraduate students who qualify by GPA and receive the permission of the program faculty may participate in clinical practicum during their senior year. The student is typically assigned one client in the BSC Speech-Language-Hearing Center for the first semester and may remain in the Center or spend two days in a public school during the second semester. Not only does the student gain practical experience that confirms her/his interest in the field, acquire clinical skills in preparation graduate school or employment as a speech-language assistant, the student earns ASHA clinical hours which count toward the ASHA clinical hours accrued in graduate school. (Back to top)
Do I need to go to graduate school to be a speech-language pathologist or an audiologist?
Yes. In order to practice as an ASHA certified and Massachusetts state licensed speech-language pathologist or audiologist, you must attend graduate school in one of these professions. Graduate programs in speech-language pathology typically require two full years (5 semesters) of full time study. Graduate programs in audiology take a bit longer. (Back to top)
What can I do with a bachelor’s degree in Communication Disorders?
You may find employment as a speech-language pathology assistant (SLPA) or an audiology assistant (AA) in public schools, rehabilitation facilities, and hospitals. As of July 2006, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts licenses assistants. Go to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Board of Registration website for information and application procedures (http://www.mass.gov/dpl/boards/sp). You are not qualified to be a classroom teacher. However, like other baccalaureate degrees, especially those in liberal arts and sciences, successful completion of the BSC Communication Disorders program sets a foundation for graduate study and entry level employment in a variety of fields. Skills related to critical thinking, problem solving, multicultural issues, and ethical behavior, learned through any context, generalize to life in any context. Students who do not pursue graduate study in Communication Disorders are well-suited for further study and/or careers in: special education, deaf education, nursing, rehabilitation counseling, linguistics, teacher of English language learners, or other areas of interest. (Back to top)
No. You may double major or minor in an area of interest (except early childhood or elementary education) if your time allows, but it is not required for the degree. (Back to top)
Do I need to take the Massachusetts Test for Educator Licensure (MTEL)?
No. However, after graduate school, if you wish to practice in Massachusetts schools, you will need to pass the Communication and Literacy portion of the MTEL. (Back to top)
Are there pre-professional opportunities on campus?
Yes. In addition to the clinical practicum experience described above, BSC has a chapter of the National Student Speech-Language-Hearing Association (NSSLHA). Involved students participate in community service, social activities, study groups, and peer tutoring and advising. (Back to top)
Do I have to follow a prescribe course sequence?
Yes. The BSC Communication Disorders curriculum is arranged in a sequence with designated prerequisites you must follow to ensure graduation in a timely manner. Deviation from the sequence will postpone your graduation date. (Back to top)
Does the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) accredit undergraduate Communication Disorders programs?
No. ASHA only accredits graduate programs. Undergraduate programs typically prepare students for admission into graduate programs, but undergraduate programs are not accredited by ASHA. (Back to top)
Where can I find out more about professions in the field of Communication Disorders?
Explore the website of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association: www.asha.org (Back to top)