Health Sciences - Speech-Language and Hearing Sciences

Health Sciences majors can select a specialization in Speech-Language and Hearing Sciences (SLHS) to prepare for a graduate program in Speech-Language Pathology or Audiology. Expert McDaniel faculty lead courses in subjects like an introduction to communication disorders, aural rehabilitation, and how language is acquired and developed. 

4+2 Pathway: B.A. in Health Sciences to M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology at McDaniel

In the fall of 2024, McDaniel College announced plans to develop a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) program that will begin in summer 2027. The developing program is an opportunity for McDaniel undergraduate students interested in becoming licensed speech-language pathologists to earn both their bachelor's and master's degrees on the Hill. Students in the Health Sciences – SLHS specialization can work with their advisor and the program director of the M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology program to develop a study plan that will lead to a smooth transition to completion of both the bachelor’s and master’s degree. Learn about McDaniel’s 4+2 Pathway in Speech-Language Pathology.   

Many McDaniel students have gone on to graduate and professional programs in allied health fields. Allied health advising can begin as early as the first semester on campus or whenever a student first decides to pursue a health-related career. Advisors work individually with students to build their McDaniel Plan.

Speech-Language and Hearing Sciences — sometimes also referred to as communication sciences and disorders — refers to the study of how we speak and hear, and how physiological systems for speaking and hearing can affect other functions like balance and swallowing. It also refers to the study of disorders that affect these processes and the methods for identifying and treating them. 

Within the discipline, there are two main specializations: audiology and speech-language pathology. Audiology focuses on the study and treatment of hearing and balance disorders. Speech-language pathology focuses on identifying, assessing, and treating speech and language problems as well as swallowing disorders.

How to become a speech-language pathologist or audiologist:

Professionals in the field of speech-language and hearing sciences typically select from three professional roles: 

• Audiologist
• Speech-language pathologist
• Speech, language, and hearing scientist

But there's still a lot of career variety! Professionals in audiology and speech-language pathology may work in health care, K-12 schools, private practice, or as educators at colleges and universities. Speech, language, and hearing scientists are typically in research and lab settings. 

Advanced degrees are required to become an independent professional in the field of speech and hearing sciences. Speech-language pathologists are required to have a master's degree (M.A. or M.S.), audiologists must have a clinical doctoral degree (AuD), and speech, language, and hearing scientists must have a doctorate degree (Ph.D.). 

Some master's and doctoral programs may not require applicants to have an undergraduate degree in the area of communication sciences and disorders or Speech-Language and Hearing Sciences, but will still require certain prerequisite courses for eligibility. It's important to consider pursuing an undergraduate program that prepares you with the appropriate prerequisites for your educational and career goals.

McDaniel College's Health Sciences specialization in Speech-Language and Hearing Sciences prepares you for graduate study in audiology, speech-language pathology, and the sciences of speech, language, and hearing. 

McDaniel is also a developing an M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology with a 4+2 pathway for undergraduates at McDaniel who are interested in a master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology.

Additional resources:

• Student Resources from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.
• What Do Hearing and Speech Professionals Do?
• Pre-Professional Resources from the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association