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undergraduate

Communication disorders


What is a communication disorders major?

Communication disorder education focuses on the application of biomedical, psychological, and physical principles to the study of the scientific bases, development, and treatment of speech, language, hearing, and cognitive communication problems caused by disease, injury, or disability. Specific course topics include language science, hearing science, speech and voice science, biology of communication, behavioral linguistics, psychology, and applications to the development of diagnostic and rehabilitative strategies and technologies. Subsets include communication science, audiology, and speech language pathology.

20%

of students said great professors were a highlight of this major.

60%

of students found this major to be difficult.

30%

of students said they were motivated to select this major because it fit their passion & interest.

100%

of students and alumni plan on being or are currently employed in an occupation related to this major.

How much do communication disorders majors make?

median average salary

$64,000/yr

The national average salary for communication disorders graduates in the United States is $64,000 per year. Those in the top 10 percent make over $115,000 a year, while the bottom 10 percent make under $24,000 a year. While salary ranges can vary by role, industry, and location, communication disorders graduates typically make between $42,500 and $85,000 per year.

How popular is communication disorders as a major?

Each year, around 5,060 students obtain a bachelor’s degree and around 20 students obtain an associate degree in communication disorders. In 2021, 5,285 students received a bachelor's degree and 13 students received an associate degree. This is 7% more communication disorders majors than there were in 2020. Communication disorders is one of the most popular majors within health professions.

Advice from communication disorders majors

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Chapman University
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