Audiology and Speech-language Pathology

Post-baccalaureate degree: AuD or MS/MA in Speech Language Pathology

Audiologists are licensed health-care professionals who provide patient-centered care in the prevention, identification, diagnosis, and evidence-based treatment of hearing, balance and other auditory disorders for people of all ages. Hearing and balance disorders are complex with medical, psychological, physical, social, educational, and employment implications. Treatment services require audiologists to have knowledge of existing and emerging technologies, as well as interpersonal skills to counsel and guide patients and their family members through the rehabilitative process.

Speech-language pathologists provide vital services across the lifespan to prevent, evaluate and treat disorders in speech, spoken and written language, social communication, cognition, voice, fluency, and swallowing. They work in collaboration with clients, families, and other professionals to improve the quality of life for children and adults with communication and swallowing disorders.

Academic and Career Information - updated 2020 (PDF)

Minimum Prerequisites for Admission

Audiology: the following prerequisites must be completed prior to matriculation in an audiology program:

  • baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution
  • each program has its own prerequisites: check specific school for prerequisites details. Some schools will not accept AP credit for prerequisites.
  • general course prerequisites:
    • human anatomy and physiology, one year
    • general biology, one year
    • physics, one year
    • behavioral science, one year
    • English, one year
    • statistics, one course
  • strongly recommended courses:
    • communication sciences
    • disorders relevant to the study of audiology

Speech-language Pathology: Depending on the program, between 8-18 courses from the field of speech science are requisite for applying to a speech language pathology program. Majoring in speech-language pathology is highly recommended due to the high number of prerequisites, although as long as prerequisite courses are fulfilled any major can apply to a program. General course prequisites may include Speech Science, Phonetics, and Basic Clinical Audiology.

Test Needed

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) may be required for admission to graduate degree programs in audiology and speech-language pathology. Not all institutions require an examination for admission.

Professional Associations

Application Service

California Audiology Schools

Page Summary

General Education

We recommend that all pre-health students enroll in courses that meet the particular general education requirements to help develop a broad understanding of the health professions in relation to other disciplines of study. Review our General Education Recommendations (PDF) for additional information.