Speech and Hearing Science

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What is Speech and Hearing Science?

Our Speech and Hearing Science major focuses on human communication across the lifespan. This includes its biological, behavioral, and social science foundations as well as related disorders. You'll tailor this major to your individual interests by choosing from four specializations:

Audiology
Cultural-Linguistic Diversity
Neuroscience of Communication
Speech-Language Pathology

Our program allows you to change lives and communities. It will prepare you for post-graduate education in Speech-Language Pathology or Audiology, as well as for a career in a variety of other fields, including health care, education, science, advocacy, and public policy.

Career Options

Speech-Language Pathology
Audiology
Counseling
Health Education
Occupational Therapy
Rehabilitation
Social Work
Teaching
Vocal performance

Post-Graduation Success¹

97% employed or continuing education

7% employed after graduation

90% attending graduate school

$37,333 average starting annual income

Sample employer destinations: Chicago Public Schools (2), Chicago Speech Therapy (1), Darktrace (1) View All

Sample grad school destinations: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Northwestern University, Rush University View All

Program Resources

College of Applied Health Sciences Program Webpage Degree Requirements

Review Criteria

First-Year Major-Specific Criteria

Demonstrated interest in science coursework
Demonstrated understanding of the major and career options
Commitment to activities, employment, or community involvement and/or leadership experiences

View All Review Criteria

Transfer Criteria

Transfer Handbook

Graduation & Retention²

3.6 years to degree

98% first-year retention rate

96% four-year graduation rate

96% six-year graduation rate

Annual Program Costs³

Illinois Resident

Tuition: $13,252
Fees: $5,182
Expenses: $19,558
Total: $37,992

Non-Resident

Tuition: $35,928
Fees: $5,182
Expenses:$19,898
Total: $61,008

International

Tuition: $36,970
Fees: $5,182
Expenses: $19,898
Total: $62,050

Related Majors

Linguistics - LAS

Music Voice Performance - FAA

Special Education - EDU

¹ Post-graduate data was collected through the Illini Success initiative, which primarily relies on self-reported survey data sources. Statistics are aggregated from the past three years. Please note that total compensation may be greater than annual salary as other forms of compensation (e.g., signing bonus, commission, benefits) are not included. For more information on Illini Success data and methods, please visit the Illini Success website. For average wage or salary information five years after entry into an occupation, visit the Post-Secondary Employment Outcomes Explorer.

² Graduation and retention data comes from several majors within a similar interest area. Data may not yet be available for newly created programs. Years-to-degree data is only available for programs from which you can earn a degree. Retention and graduation rates are only available for programs that you can apply directly into. Retention rates reflect retention to the university, not necessarily retention within the major.

³ "Expenses" are estimated and include books, supplies, housing, and other living expenses. The exact amount you’ll pay depends on where you decide to live, the meal plan you choose, and your overall lifestyle. To learn more about costs, please visit the Office of Student Financial Aid website. To learn the average monthly student loan payment over a period of 20 years based on estimated cost, visit the Illinois College2Career website.