Communication Disorders: Pre-Audiology
Through the services they provide, audiologists improve people’s lives by working to prevent hearing loss and balance disorders, assess hearing and balance, and treat hearing disorders.
Students in the pre-audiology track of the Communication Disorders major will complete a set of courses that prepare them for entry into a graduate program in audiology. In addition to the foundational courses in hearing science, audiology, and management of hearing loss (aural rehabilitation), students advance their pre-audiology preparation through courses in psychology, aging and health.
Students also complete guided observations and initial clinical experiences related to the profession of audiology. An audiology doctoral degree (Au.D.) is required as entry level preparation in audiology and completing the B.A. degree is the first step.
An undergraduate major in communication disorders provides students with the pre-professional foundation they need to ultimately pursue a career as an audiologist. Individuals may work in a variety of settings, including schools, health care, and even private practice.
Continuation
Nearly 100% of our undergraduate students go on for graduate study in either speech-language pathology or audiology.
Opportunities
Our undergraduate students have opportunities to work one-on-one with clinical instructors and faculty in the Roy Eblen Speech and Hearing Clinic, Scottish Ritecare Early Language Program, and faculty research labs.
Growth
The number of speech pathologist jobs will increase 25% – much higher than average – from 2019 to 2029, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Find out More
Have questions or want more information? Fill out the form to the right and someone from the department will contact you directly. To receive general university information from UNI’s admissions office, please visit Request More Info About UNI.
Opportunities to Get Involved
Our department prides itself on providing students with a strong academic foundation and hands-on experience.
Each student will complete 25 hours of observation both on-campus and in the community with audiologists or speech-language pathologists, visiting classrooms at a local school, trip to a cadaver lab, and clinical experiences in the Roy Eblen Speech & Hearing Clinic.
Students frequently work in small groups with each other and have the opportunity to work with faculty or clinical supervisors. These experiences are rated highly by our graduating students.