Communication Sciences and Disorders (BS)

As a Communication Sciences and Disorders student at Aurora University, you will acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to identify communication disorders and create treatment plans for patients of all ages. You will complete a curated collection of courses ranging from foundations in the sciences to courses with clinical components that investigate both typical and atypical aspects of language, speech, and hearing.

The Communication Sciences and Disorders program at AU is designed to prepare you to pursue advanced studies toward one of two careers:

• Speech Language Pathologist: assess and treat people who have speech, language, cognition, voice, fluency, and/or oral motor disorders.
• Audiologists: diagnose, manage, and treat patients who have hearing, balance, or related ear problems.

The Communication Sciences and Disorders program is offered in person on the main campus in Aurora and in a fully online format.

Both on-campus and online students have the option to participate in the following specialty tracks:

• Neurodiversity, which explores how speech language pathologists and audiologists support communication for neurodiverse individuals. Ideal for students interested in working with this population; or
• School-based, which covers the role of speech language pathologists and audiologists in schools, from individualized education plans to collaborating with educators. A great fit for those considering a career in the educational setting.

Note, online students who wish to pursue a specialty track may be required to complete on-campus coursework.

Should I pursue an advanced degree?

If you wish to become a licensed speech language pathologist, you will need to obtain a master’s degree, which typically takes two years. To become an audiologist, you will need a clinical doctoral degree. These degrees are required for state licensure and the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association’s (ASHA) Certificate of Clinical Compliance.

Upon successful completion of AU's Communication Sciences and Disorders program, you will be eligible to pursue a Speech Language Pathology Assistant License (SLPA) in the state of Illinois, allowing you to practice under the supervision of a licensed speech language pathologist. You will also be eligible to complete the ASHA SLPA modules if you so choose, which prepare you to take the ASHA national SLPA certification exam.

Qualified Communication Sciences and Disorders students can benefit from AU’s agreement with Midwestern University. AU students move to the front of the line and are guaranteed an interview for Midwestern University’s Speech Language Pathology Program. Please visit our academic affiliations page to learn more.