Indiana University of Pennsylvania

What you'll study

The programme combines coursework in the biological, cognitive and social aspects of human communication with supervised practical experience. Core topics include anatomy and physiology of speech and hearing, phonetics, language development across the lifespan, articulation and phonological disorders, fluency disorders, voice disorders, cognitive-communicative disorders, and basic audiology.

• Foundational sciences: courses in anatomy/physiology, neurobiology related to communication, and acoustics of speech and hearing.
• Clinical/diagnostic coursework: assessment and intervention strategies for speech, language and hearing disorders in paediatric and adult populations.
• Language and literacy: language acquisition, developmental language disorders, and links between language and literacy.
• Audiology basics: hearing screening, audiologic assessment principles and common hearing disorders.
• Research and statistics: research methods, evidence-based practice and basic statistics relevant to clinical research.
• Practicum and lab work: supervised observation and clinical experience in campus clinics or community placements; opportunities for simulated therapy and diagnostic practice.
• Electives and interdisciplinary work: classes that link communication sciences to education, psychology, special education and public health.

Students typically complete a capstone or senior seminar and are encouraged to pursue undergraduate research, internships or volunteer placements in local schools, hospitals and clinics to develop applied skills.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a high school diploma or equivalent and meet the university's general admission criteria. Recommended preparatory subjects include biology, English (composition and literature), psychology and mathematics. Evidence of strong written and oral communication skills is important.

• Successful completion of secondary-level coursework with competitive grades; specific grade expectations are set by the university admissions office.
• Recommended coursework: biology, psychology, English/composition and mathematics.
• Transfer applicants are typically assessed on college GPA and transferable credits; some programme courses may have prerequisite requirements.
• Because the programme includes clinical placements, students will need to comply with health and safety requirements for practicum settings (for example, immunisations, background checks and any required health clearances) as stipulated by placement sites.

Admission to the major or to certain practicum courses may require a separate application or declared major status; consult the department for specific progression requirements.

Career prospects

The degree prepares graduates for a range of entry-level roles in communication support, and also serves as the pre-professional pathway toward graduate training. Common career directions include:

• Progressing to a master's programme in speech-language pathology (required for clinical certification and many clinical roles).
• Preparing for doctoral training in audiology (AuD) for professional audiology practice.
• Working as a speech-language pathology assistant, audiology aide or rehabilitation technician in schools, clinics, hospitals or community agencies (often with additional certification or on-the-job training).
• Roles in special education, early intervention, community outreach, programme coordination, or support services in healthcare and educational settings.
• Opportunities in research, public health education, advocacy and non-profit organisations focused on communication disorders.

Graduates seeking clinical roles should plan for postgraduate professional education and certification appropriate to their chosen career (for example, the clinical certificate for speech-language pathologists or the professional doctorate for audiologists).

Why study at Indiana University of Pennsylvania

IUP offers a programme with a strong blend of theory, hands-on practicum and community engagement. Students benefit from on-campus clinical facilities and placements that provide real client contact under faculty supervision, and from collaboration opportunities with related departments such as education and psychology.

• Applied learning: access to a university speech‑language‑hearing clinic and local placement partnerships for supervised clinical experience.
• Faculty support: instruction from faculty with clinical and research backgrounds in communication sciences and disorders.
• Professional preparation: coursework and advising designed to meet prerequisites for graduate professional programmes and certification pathways.
• Student engagement: opportunities to join student organisations, community outreach projects and research initiatives that enhance professional development.

Prospective students should contact the department for detailed guidance on curriculum planning, practicum requirements and stepwise preparation for graduate study or employment in the communication disorders field.