Speech-Language-Hearing - Sciences and Disorders University of Kansas

Overview

The Speech-Language-Hearing - Sciences and Disorders programme at the University of Kansas provides a comprehensive scientific foundation for students interested in human communication. This undergraduate course integrates diverse perspectives from biology, linguistics, and psychology to understand the complexities of speech and hearing.

Students can choose between two distinct degree pathways depending on their academic goals. The Bachelor of Arts focuses on a traditional liberal arts foundation with foreign language requirements, while the Bachelor of General Studies offers greater flexibility for those wishing to pursue a minor or double major in a complementary field.

The curriculum requires a minimum of 35 credit hours specifically dedicated to major-specific subjects.

Why Speech-Language-Hearing - Sciences and Disorders at the University of Kansas?

The university is home to the Schiefelbusch Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic, a highly respected facility located directly on the Lawrence campus. This clinic serves as a central hub for clinical education, allowing students to observe and support high-quality services for children and adults with communication challenges.

Undergraduates benefit from working alongside expert faculty who hold the Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. The training environment is collaborative and inclusive, focusing on culturally responsive care for underserved communities and modern, home-based intervention strategies.

Research is a cornerstone of the institutional experience, with opportunities for students to engage in interdisciplinary projects. Current areas of investigation include the genetics of language, noise reduction in cochlear implants, and the neurological mechanisms used in brain-machine interfaces for speech.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: USD 30177 per year
• National fee: USD 30177 per year
• Local fee: USD 11298 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum integrates knowledge from the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. Modules may include:

• Speech-Language-Hearing
• Psychology
• Biology
• Linguistics
• Anatomy
• Physiology
• Humanities
• Social Sciences
• Natural Sciences

Careers with Speech-Language-Hearing - Sciences and Disorders

Graduates are prepared for a variety of professional paths within the healthcare and education sectors. Many students use this degree as a stepping stone toward becoming a licensed speech-language pathologist or an audiologist, which typically requires further postgraduate study.

The programme offers an accelerated pathway for qualified students to earn both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in five years. This fast-track option is designed to meet professional certification standards, enabling graduates to enter the workforce quickly as skilled practitioners in schools, clinics, or hospitals.

Beyond clinical practice, the skills developed during the course are applicable to roles in research, disability advocacy, and community health. The focus on cultural awareness and communication development ensures that graduates are well-equipped to support diverse populations in various professional settings.