New Major Reflects Growth in Speech-Language Pathology

Communication Sciences & Disorders program prepares students for graduate school in the fields of communication science disorders, speech-language pathology and audiology.

A Path Toward Rewarding Speech-Language and Audiology Careers

There are many reasons speech-language pathology and audiology make for fulfilling careers.

Chief among them is that there are countless ways of finding a niche that fits your interest. There is a wide range of not only work settings (such as hospitals, public schools, early intervention centers, private practices, etc.), but also age groups, and clinical specializations as well as a variety of research opportunities in which you can have an impact on social change in society.

Communication exists in every plane of human existence. Being a speech-language pathologist or audiologist gives us the fulfilling opportunities to help children and adults become effective communicators by developing their speech and language skills, social skills, hearing abilities and swallowing skills. It enriches the lives of our clients and fulfills us to know we have made a difference in others’ lives.

What Does a Speech-Language Pathologist Do?

Speech-language pathologists work to prevent, assess, diagnose and treat speech, language, social communication, cognitive-communication, swallowing, and hearing disorders in children and adults. Students who wish to pursue careers in communication sciences and disorders must attend a graduate program certified by the American Speech Language Hearing Association (ASHA).

Why Major in Communication Sciences & Disorders?

  • According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, job opportunities in speech-language pathology (SLP) are expected to grow by 29% from 2020 to 2030.
  • U.S. News and World Report has ranked speech-language pathologists as number 10 on its list of the 100 best jobs.
  • A bachelor’s degree in communication sciences and disorders is the standard first-step degree for those pursuing a master's or doctoral degree in preparation for a career in speech-language pathology or audiology.
  • Our students receive acceptances into many of the most prestigious speech pathology and audiology graduate programs in New England and across the United States and move forward to achieve personal and professional success in their communities.

Why Choose Communication Disorders at Stonehill College?

  • Benefit from the close-knit learning environment fostered by our small class sizes
  • Learn from faculty who are actively engaged in the field, current with the latest techniques and bring real-world clinical experiences to their teaching
  • Get experience in the field during one of our many internship opportunities
  • Potential to conduct research in the summer through Stonehill's Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE)

Jessica Davi ’15, Speech-Language Pathologist, Fitchburg Public Schools

Extensive Communication Disorders Internship Opportunities

Stonehill students pursuing a career in communication sciences and disorders have gained valuable experience through internships and clinical experiences with a variety of ASHA-certified speech pathologists, audiologists, and communication disorder specialists and practitioners close to the Stonehill campus.

Recent Internship Placements

  • Associates for Human Services, Taunton, MA
  • Chatterbox, Newton, MA
  • Jackson Speech and Language Services, Foxborough, MA
  • Let’s Talk Speech and Language Services, West Bridgewater, MA
  • Prestige Speech Therapy, Barrington, RI
  • Village Speech, Easton, MA
  • League School for Autism, Walpole, MA
  • Clarke School for the Deaf, Canton, MA
  • Boston Renaissance Charter School
  • Easton Public Schools
  • Hanson Public Schools
  • Hingham Public Schools
  • Norton Public Schools
  • Sharon Public Schools
  • Stoughton Public Schools

The support I received at Stonehill helped me gain admission to top graduate school programs at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Northeastern University.

Exceptional Placement Record in Speech-Language Pathology Graduate School

Stonehill students pursuing a career in communication sciences and disorders have been accepted into graduate programs in the field at Northeastern University, the University of North Carolina, Bridgewater State University, Boston University and Emerson College.

Where Our Graduates Work

Sample Communication Sciences & Disorders Courses

Introduction to Communication Science Disorders

CSD 101
This course will provide students with an introduction to the scientific study of human communication disorders, the biological processes of speech, language, and hearing. It will study etiology, prevalence, incidence, and the prevention of communication disorders.

Speech & Hearing Science

CSD 310
This course will introduce students to the sensory, motor, and neurocognitive foundations of speech perception and production and the acoustic and physical properties of sound transmission through various media, and acoustic resonance.

Audiology

CSD 312
This course is an introduction to the science of hearing including transmission and measurement of sound to the human ear, anatomy, physiology, and neurology of hearing mechanisms; related pathological conditions; screening and measurement of hearing; and audiogram interpretation.

Speech & Language Development

CSD 205
Investigates normal children’s acquisition of sounds, structures, and meanings of their native language. The stages of language acquisition discussed in light of: (a) the organization and description of adult language, (b) biological and cognitive development, and (c) universal and individual patterns of development.

Earn an Advanced Degree

Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology at Northeastern University

Northeastern University and Stonehill College have arranged for the preferred admission of a select number of Stonehill College students who satisfy certain requirements into the Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology Program in the Department of Communication Sciences & Disorders (CSD) at Northeastern University.

Earn Two Degrees in 5 Years

The Skyhawk Accelerated Dual Degree allows Stonehill students to earn a bachelor's degree and master's degree from Stonehill College in five years. Eligible students receive early and expedited admission to their graduate program of interest and can begin working toward a master's degree in education, data analytics or marketing, with additional options expected to be available.

Contact Information

Robin Goldberg

Robin Goldberg

Professor of Practice, Speech Language Pathology, Communication Sciences & Disorders Program Director
Interdisciplinary Studies