Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

A speech-language pathologist is a professional who identifies, helps prevent, diagnosis, and treats a wide range of disorders affecting functions such as speech, language, hearing, communication, social interaction, and swallowing.

An audiologist is a professional who identifies, helps prevent, diagnosis, and treats a wide range of disorders affecting functions such as hearing and balance.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for speech-language pathologists is expected to increase by 18% within the years of 2016 to 2026. Additionally, the Bureau predicts a 21% increase in demand for audiologists within this same time frame. 

No, a graduate level degree is entry level for both career fields. Speech-language pathology requires a master’s level degree and audiology requires a doctoral degree (AuD). The undergraduate curriculum has been specifically designed to prepare students for graduate study. This occurs because not only must speech-language pathologists and audiologists have a graduate level degree but also pass a national test and complete a Clinical Fellowship Year to be certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and to obtain a state license to practice speech-language pathology or audiology.

Many positions require a bachelor’s degree as entry level. You can compete for these positions, since you meet the qualification of having a 4-year degree. A wide range of employment opportunities are available, and graduates may find positions in fields such as social and human services. Your degree can help you secure a wide variety of positions given some personal creativity and persistence.

Our national organizations include the American Speech Language Hearing Association and the American Academy of Audiology. In addition, each state has professional organizations such as the Pennsylvania Speech Language Hearing Association and the Pennsylvania Academy of Audiology .

At the University of Pittsburgh, courses such as Introduction to Speech-Language Pathology and Introduction to Audiology are courses you can take if you are interested in learning more about the CS major and its respective fields. These courses are available to all undergraduate students at the University.

The CS degree program is composed of 41 credits, and most students begin the CS major at the junior year level. The minimum credit requirement for all students graduating from the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences is 120 credits. Typically, the CS major takes 2 years (or 4 academic terms – fall, spring, fall, spring) to complete depending in part on the student’s completion of required general education and related courses.

Yes. The program is structured to build upon prior coursework and major courses are taken in a specified order. 

Yes! Students are encouraged to explore opportunities to enrich their learning outside of the CS program. Students who desire to study abroad for a semester should do so before entry into the CS program; after entry to the CS program, students can study abroad during the summer between junior and senior year levels.

Yes! Students are encouraged to complete minors and/or certificates to explore additional areas of learning. Students can discuss the completion of minors and certificates with an academic advisor to incorporate the course requirements with the CS plan of study.

Yes! Research is critical to advancing the state of the science in all of the disciplines within SHRS. Participation in research can help complement your classroom learning. Learn more about research opportunities here.

The typical class size fluctuates between 50 to 80 students.

No. Courses are only offered during the fall and spring term.

No. Online courses are not offered.

Unfortunately, CS courses do not count towards general education requirements at the University of Pittsburgh. CS course do fulfill requirements for the CS major.

No. Graduate level courses are restricted to students admitted to our graduate level degree programs.

Students who are accepted into the CS program work with the Communication Science Undergraduate  Advisor, Dave Bodnar (dab308@pitt.edu).  Dave meets one-on-one with students each term to create individualized plans of study and help ensure that they meet the degree requirements. Additional group meetings also occur to provide undergraduate students with information to facilitate their success.  

Specialized pre-advising is also available to freshman and sophomore students interested in the Communication Science major to help them understand the pre-requisite and application process.  Interested students should contact the Undergraduate Academic Advisor for Communication Science and Disorders, Dave Bodnar (dab308@pitt.edu).

Yes. Graduate schools programs in the field of Communication Science and Disorders are competitive, and generally higher GPAs increase the likelihood of acceptance. Students should evaluate their GPA at the end of each term and meet with their advisors about any concerns.

Students apply early in the spring term of their sophomore year. The application deadline is March 1. Application information can be found here.

A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 (based on 4.0) is required for admission. Students may be admitted provisionally, based on the recommendation of the Interim Director of Undergraduate Education in Communication Science & Disorders, Ali Lewandowski.

Students are required to submit a resume, an official transcript, and a personal essay addressing. Admissions information can be found here.