Career Options

Career paths

Most graduates from our bachelor of science program continue their education in graduate school. The two most common careers they choose require at least an advanced degree. These are:

  • speech-language pathologist with the Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP) working in a hospital, school, community health center, or private practice—requires a master’s degree
  • audiologist with the Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-A) working in a hospital, school, community health center, or private practice—requires a Doctor of Audiology (AuD) degree

However, your possible career paths go beyond the speech, language, and hearing sciences. Since communication is fundamental to virtually every human activity, an undergraduate degree in SLHS is an excellent foundation for many fields that require a background in science and health, good communication skills, and analytical ability.

Other fields and graduate programs include:

  • special education
  • social work
  • rehabilitation or mental health counseling
  • epidemiology or other public health (MPH) concentration
  • health or general education
  • health law
  • teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL)
  • early intervention (EI) specialist
  • medical school

Boston University’s academic reputation—and the strong liberal arts background built into the SLHS program—give our students a competitive edge when applying to graduate schools.
If you plan to earn an advanced degree, we can help you select courses for the best chance of admission to your desired graduate program.

Besides careers in speech, language, or hearing, our graduates often work in research and development, marketing and promotion, or sales for companies in clinical, education, health care, or rehabilitation areas including:

  • textbooks and reference books
  • educational tests and materials
  • augmentative communication devices
  • voice recognition and production systems
  • assistive listening devices and hearing aids
  • therapy materials
  • communications software and technology
  • specialized health equipment

Other related fields include:

  • job coaching
  • academic advising
  • community outreach programs
  • clinical assistant and support staff
  • clinical intake specialists
  • technology support
  • group home staff
  • youth mentoring
  • employment search firms
  • family assistance programs