Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology, BS, Online
Quick Facts
Credit Hours: 120-121 | Estimated Time to Completion: 30 Hours | Cost Per Credit Hour: $480.65 | Start Dates: Fall, Spring, Summer | Credit for Prior Learning
Program Details
- Location
- Wayne Campus, Akron Campus
- Level
- undergraduate
- Degree/Program Type
- Bachelor of Science / major
- Format
- online
- College
- Health and Human Sciences, College of (Dean's Office)
- School/Department
- School of Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology
Program Contact
- Angela E. Reif, Ph.D., CCC-SLP
-
Associate Professor, Undergraduate Coordinator
330-972-5331
Program Overview
The University of Akron Online offers a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) and Audiology that prepares you for graduate study and careers focused on speech, language, hearing, and swallowing disorders. This accredited program combines speech-language pathology, audiology, hearing science, and clinical communication to help you build foundational knowledge in communication sciences and disorders.
You’ll study communication across the lifespan while exploring hearing and balance disorders, language development, clinical phonetics, multicultural communication, and evidence-based approaches to assessment and treatment. The program also introduces clinical observation and applied learning experiences that connect classroom concepts to real-world healthcare and educational settings.
Delivered by the same faculty who teach on campus, the program offers flexible transfer pathways and accelerated options for eligible students pursuing graduate study in speech-language pathology. Students may also apply AP credits, College Credit Plus (CCP) coursework, examinations, or placement testing toward degree completion.
What You'll Learn
Build foundational knowledge in communication sciences, hearing science, and clinical communication while preparing for graduate study and professional practice.
Skills Gained
Speech and hearing analysis
Clinical observation techniques
Communication disorder assessment
Critical thinking and research interpretation
Professional and interpersonal communication
Core Practice
Study speech and language development across the lifespan
Analyze communication and hearing disorders
Explore audiologic evaluation and treatment concepts
Develop clinical observation and communication skills
Apply evidence-based concepts to communication sciences
Key Topics
Speech-language pathology
Audiology and hearing science
Language acquisition and disorders
Clinical phonetics
Communication disorders and treatment
Career Outcomes
Graduates are prepared for advanced study in speech-language pathology or audiology, as well as entry-level roles in healthcare, education, and communication-related settings.
Job Titles
Speech-language pathology assistant
Audiology assistant
Rehabilitation aide
Case management coordinator
Healthcare support specialist
Communication support professional
Where You’ll Work
Hospitals and rehabilitation centers
Schools and educational settings
Private practices and clinics
Skilled nursing facilities
Healthcare organizations
Early intervention programs
Career Advancement Pathways
Pursue graduate study in speech-language pathology or audiology
Prepare for future licensure* and clinical certification pathways
Explore specialized areas such as pediatric communication disorders, hearing science, rehabilitation, or clinical research
*For additional information on licensure, please see here.
Additional Program Information
Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology Curriculum
The curriculum combines communication sciences, hearing science, and clinical foundations.
Core Coursework
Build foundational knowledge in speech-language pathology and audiology through coursework focused on communication disorders, hearing science, language development, audiologic treatment, and multicultural communication.
Students explore areas such as:
- Speech and hearing science
- Language science and acquisition
- Principles of audiology
- Audiologic treatment
- Clinical phonetics
- Communication disorders
- Clinical observation techniques
→ View full program requirements
General Education Foundation
General education coursework helps strengthen communication, scientific reasoning, critical thinking, and quantitative skills that support future graduate study and clinical practice.
Students complete coursework in:
- Writing and public speaking
- Statistics and critical thinking
- Natural sciences
- Social sciences
- Global and civic perspectives
→ See full general education requirements
Supporting Coursework and Electives
Supporting coursework helps students build a broader understanding of psychology, biology, communication, and Deaf culture while preparing for graduate-level study and clinical environments. Students may also complete electives aligned with their academic and professional interests.
Clinical Observation and Applied Learning
Gain exposure to clinical techniques, communication assessment, and observation experiences that help connect classroom learning to real-world speech-language pathology and audiology settings. Applied learning opportunities introduce students to professional communication and patient-centered care concepts across diverse populations.
Accelerated Pathways
Eligible students planning to pursue a master’s degree in speech-language pathology may qualify for the program’s three-year accelerated pathway through AP credits, College Credit Plus (CCP), transfer coursework, examinations, or placement testing.
For more information on credit for prior learning at The University of Akron, email cpl@uakron.edu or contact the School of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology at (330) 972-6803.
Graduate Preparation
Designed for Future Graduate Study
The curriculum prepares students for advanced study in speech-language pathology or audiology through foundational coursework in communication sciences and disorders.
Rankings
Recognized Among Top Online Universities
UAkron Online has been recognized by Newsweek as one of America’s top online universities, reflecting a strong commitment to quality and student success.
Accreditation
Meets National Accreditation Standards
The program meets the requirements for accreditation by the Council on Academic Accreditation of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).
Admissions Information
Students must meet The University of Akron's general admissions requirements and complete the preadmission coursework requirements before entering the major. A minimum 2.75 GPA is required for admission into the Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology program.
Need help? An Enrollment Advisor can guide you through each step.
Tuition and Cost Considerations
- Tuition is charged on a per-credit-hour basis of [PLACEHOLDER]
- Online students pay in-state tuition, with a $1 per credit hour out-of-state surcharge
→ View bachelor’s degree tuition estimates
→ View additional cost of attendance information
Financial Aid Options
Eligible students may qualify for:
- FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
- Federal and state grants
- Scholarships
- Student loans
- Employer tuition assistance programs
The University of Akron awards significant financial aid annually, with a large percentage of undergraduate students receiving some form of assistance.
→ Learn more about financial aid
Scholarships
Students may be eligible for University of Akron scholarships and other financial support opportunities available through the School of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology.
→ View undergraduate scholarships
→ View School of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology scholarships
Get Help
The Office of Student Financial Aid provides support throughout the financial aid process, including FAFSA assistance, scholarship guidance, and educational cost planning.
Students must meet The University of Akron's general admissions requirements and complete the preadmission coursework requirements before entering the major. A minimum 2.75 GPA is required for admission into the Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology program.
Need help? An Enrollment Advisor can guide you through each step.
Tuition and Cost Considerations
- Tuition is charged on a per-credit-hour basis of [PLACEHOLDER]
- Online students pay in-state tuition, with a $1 per credit hour out-of-state surcharge
→ View bachelor’s degree tuition estimates
→ View additional cost of attendance information
Financial Aid Options
Eligible students may qualify for:
- FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
- Federal and state grants
- Scholarships
- Student loans
- Employer tuition assistance programs
The University of Akron awards significant financial aid annually, with a large percentage of undergraduate students receiving some form of assistance.
→ Learn more about financial aid
Scholarships
Students may be eligible for University of Akron scholarships and other financial support opportunities available through the School of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology.
→ View undergraduate scholarships
→ View School of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology scholarships
Get Help
The Office of Student Financial Aid provides support throughout the financial aid process, including FAFSA assistance, scholarship guidance, and educational cost planning.
Online Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology Faculty
Learn from faculty bringing academic, clinical, and real-world experience into the classroom.
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Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology, BS, Online FAQs
A speech pathology degree can prepare you for graduate study and entry-level roles related to communication, speech, language, and hearing disorders. Graduates may pursue opportunities in healthcare, rehabilitation, education, and communication support settings while building the academic foundation needed for advanced clinical training. Many students continue into master’s or doctoral programs in speech-language pathology or audiology.
Speech-language pathology and audiology careers are available in hospitals, schools, rehabilitation centers, clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and private practices. Common roles include speech-language pathology assistant, audiology assistant, rehabilitation support specialist, and healthcare coordination positions. After completing graduate education and licensure requirements, professionals may work as licensed speech-language pathologists or audiologists supporting individuals across the lifespan with communication, hearing, swallowing, and balance disorders.
The median annual salary for speech-language pathologists is approximately $95,000 nationwide, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Audiologists earn a median annual salary of approximately $92,000. Salary potential in both fields may vary based on experience, specialization, geographic location, and work setting. Speech-language pathology and audiology continue to rank among growing healthcare professions, with strong demand across hospitals, schools, rehabilitation facilities, and private practices.
Speech-language pathology focuses on communication and swallowing disorders, while audiology focuses on hearing and balance disorders. Speech-language pathologists work with individuals experiencing speech, language, fluency, cognitive, or swallowing challenges, while audiologists diagnose and treat hearing and balance conditions. Audiologists may also support patients through hearing technology, assistive listening devices, and rehabilitative care. Both professions work with patients across the lifespan and often collaborate in healthcare and educational settings.
To become a licensed speech-language pathologist in Ohio, students must complete a master’s degree in speech-language pathology, supervised clinical training, and required licensure examinations. This bachelor’s degree does not lead directly to SLP licensure but provides the academic foundation needed for graduate study and future licensure eligibility. Students pursuing licensure typically continue into graduate-level clinical education after completing their bachelor’s degree. Learn more about licensure here.
Earn Your Bachelor’s in SLP & Audiology Online
Ready to help others communicate, connect, and thrive? Take the first step toward a meaningful future in speech-language pathology and audiology.