9 Top Universities Offering Bachelor’s in Communication Sciences and Disorders (2025 Rankings)
More than 40 million people in the United States have some type of communication disorder. A bachelor’s in communication sciences and disorders could be your first step to make a real difference in people’s lives.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists Speech-Language Pathologists among the fastest growing professions in the country. On top of that, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) projects that by 2050, one in four people will be living with some degree of hearing loss. As many as one in 10 will need rehabilitation. This growing need makes a communication sciences and disorders degree both practical and rewarding.
Saint Xavier University’s success shows the career potential in this field. Their speech-language pathology program has achieved remarkable results – 100% of graduates are hired within one year of graduation. The program’s students have maintained a perfect 100% Praxis Exam pass rate. Finding the best communication sciences and disorders undergraduate programs is significant to your future success.
Let’s get into nine leading universities that offer a bachelor of science in communication sciences and disorders. This piece will help you make an informed decision about where to pursue your degree.
Saint Xavier University
Saint Xavier University stands out among communication sciences and disorders programs. Students get a detailed foundation and hands-on clinical training. The program gets you ready for graduate study and gives you exceptional undergraduate experiences that encourage both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
Saint Xavier University program overview
Saint Xavier University’s bachelor’s in communication sciences and disorders teaches you the basics of human communication. You’ll study how speech and language develop through anatomical, physiological, neurological, psychological, developmental, linguistic, and acoustic foundations. This framework helps you understand normal communication and various disorders.
The program teaches you about biological and physical sciences that relate to speech, language, hearing, and swallowing. You’ll learn to analyze speech and language disorders that need clinical help. Critical thinking and strong written and oral communication skills are the most important competencies you’ll need as a future speech-language pathologist.
Clinical experience
Saint Xavier’s bachelor of science program gives undergraduates a chance to get clinical experience. Many programs save clinical practice for graduate students, but Saint Xavier lets qualified undergraduates work with real clients.
You’ll start with 25 hours of guided observation to learn about clinical settings before working with clients. Students who do well academically can work in the on-campus Ludden Speech and Language Clinic. This free clinic helps community members of all ages who have communication disorders.
Faculty members with Clinical Competence Certificates from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association supervise your clinical work. This early exposure gives you an edge when you apply to graduate programs.
Faculty and curriculum
The program’s faculty are experts in speech and language disorders at every age. 67% of Communication Sciences and Disorders faculty hold doctoral degrees. Small class sizes make it easy to connect with professors and classmates. This creates a supportive place to learn.
The four-year academic plan includes courses like:
- Introduction to Communication Disorders
- Anatomy and Physiology of Speech and Hearing Mechanisms
- Speech Science
- Language Disorders in Children
- Clinical Methods in Speech-Language Pathology
This well-laid-out approach builds your knowledge step by step to prepare you for graduate work. You’ll develop habits that help you keep learning – a key quality in healthcare.
Accreditation and licensure
The Council on Academic Accreditation of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) accredits the program’s academic and clinical curriculum. This means the program meets high standards for professional practice.
The curriculum meets Illinois State Board of Education requirements. You can work with students who have speech-language impairments in public schools through the Professional Educator License with Speech-Language Pathology Non-Teaching certificate. The program also meets Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation licensing requirements.
The results speak for themselves. 100% of Saint Xavier’s speech-language pathology graduates find jobs within a year. Graduate students have a perfect 100% Praxis Exam pass rate. These numbers show the exceptional preparation you’ll get in the bachelor’s program for communication sciences and disorders.
Abilene Christian University (ACU Online)
ACU Online’s bachelor’s in communication sciences and disorders program stands out with its Christ-centered approach. Students can build careers helping the estimated 40 million Americans who live with communication disorders.
Program overview
The online Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders at ACU gives you the foundation you need for graduate studies in speech-language pathology or audiology. Students learn everything in human communication, including:
- Speech, language, and hearing development
- Role and function of communication
- The body’s structure and function
- Common disorders and assessment techniques
The program’s blend of faith with teaching makes it special. Students develop compassion and dedication to serving others. ACU sees this field as a chance to minister rather than just a career path. The program’s results speak for themselves – about 95% of students who apply to graduate programs get into their preferred choice.
Clinical training
Students get hands-on experience through structured practicums at ACU. The university’s Center for Speech, Language and Learning serves as a training ground. Graduate students provide treatment services under licensed and certified speech-language pathologists’ supervision.
The center helps students learn about detailed evaluations using formal and informal testing methods. They become skilled at assessing, diagnosing, and treating various disorders including:
- Articulation and phonological processing
- Language delays and disorders
- Fluency and voice disorders
- Swallowing (dysphagia)
- Cognitive-linguistic disorders
Students build confidence working with actual clients while getting expert guidance from qualified supervisors.
Faculty and support
Christian scholars who love speech-language pathology make up ACU’s faculty. Each instructor brings both clinical experience and teaching expertise to the classroom. They blend instruction with personal mentoring to help students tackle future career challenges.
ACU gives online students detailed academic support, including:
- One-on-one and group tutoring
- Writing Center assistance
- Speaking Center consultations
- Degree progress evaluation tools
- Career development resources
These resources help students succeed in this challenging program. ACU creates a supportive learning environment and promotes a community of like-minded professionals.
Career preparation
Speech-language pathologist jobs will grow by 19% in coming years, with 171,400 positions opening yearly nationwide. This makes ACU’s program a great starting point for your career. The bachelor’s degree lays groundwork for graduate study, which you’ll need for certification in speech-language pathology or audiology.
Students learn to meet prerequisites that satisfy American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) certification standards. ACU’s Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program has 20+ years of accreditation and offers a next step for graduates.
Graduates can work in various settings, including:
- Medical and treatment centers
- Public schools
- Private clinics
- Universities
- Hospitals
ACU graduates consistently succeed in finding jobs or advancing to higher degrees in this growing healthcare field.
University of Florida
The University of Florida, ranked 7th among public universities according to US News and World Report 2025 rankings, offers an outstanding bachelor’s in communication sciences and disorders through its Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences. Students get a perfect blend of academic rigor and clinical training to build successful careers helping people with communication challenges.
Program overview
UF’s bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders builds a solid foundation in human communication processes related to speech, language, hearing, and swallowing. Students learn about normal communication throughout life, the speech mechanism’s anatomy and physiology, and various communication disorders.
The curriculum focuses on two main areas:
- Normal aspects of communication – understanding typical development and functioning of speech, language, and hearing
- Introduction to communication disorders – learning about assessment and treatment approaches
This program serves as a stepping stone to graduate studies and gives you the foundational skills to understand complex speech, language, and hearing processes. You’ll explain fundamental principles of anatomy, acoustics, neuroanatomy, and neurophysiology as they relate to communication function.
Clinical opportunities
Students get unique clinical exposure through programs like the UF Screen Team. The team provides free speech, language, and hearing screening services to children in early intervention programs, daycares, and schools throughout north central and northeast Florida. This hands-on experience serves the community while building practical skills.
The UF Reading Disabilities Program offers another great chance to help people with reading and writing difficulties. Speech-language pathology graduate students train here while meeting community needs. These experiences help develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills needed for clinical practice.
Clinical education at UF emphasizes evidence-based, practical learning at many practicum sites on or near campus. Students develop the knowledge and skills to deliver quality clinical services to people from all backgrounds in different settings.
Faculty and research
The department’s core team includes distinguished faculty led by Department Chair Dr. Charles Ellis. Many faculty members conduct state-of-the-art research in various specialties. The department has experts in fluency disorders, voice disorders, language disorders, and audiology.
Program leaders include specialists like Dr. Karen Hegland (Master’s Program Director) and Dr. Hollea Ryan (Audiology Program Director). Dr. Candice Adams-Mitchell serves as Program Director for Undergraduate Studies.
Faculty research includes specialized areas like the Genetics of Auditory and Visual Perception and Plasticity Lab. Students learn from professionals who actively advance the field through their scholarly work.
Graduate pathways
After completing your bachelor’s degree, UF offers excellent graduate opportunities through its Master of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders program. This five-semester, full-time program combines classroom learning with varied clinical experiences.
The program’s success shows in its results:
- 9% of students complete the program within the expected timeframe
- 100% pass rate on the Praxis examination
- 7% employment rate in the profession
The master’s program has accreditation from the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. This ensures education meets high professional standards.
Graduates find careers in hospitals, schools, clinics, and private practice. Whatever career path you choose, UF’s bachelor’s degree in communication sciences and disorders lays the groundwork for professional success in this rewarding field.
Boston University
Boston University’s Bachelor of Science in Speech, Language & Hearing Sciences program ranks among the top communication sciences and disorders programs in the country. Students get exceptional preparation for careers in speech-language pathology and audiology.
Program overview
The bachelor’s in communication sciences and disorders program at Boston University helps students learn about human communication sciences and disorders. Students build a solid foundation in processes crucial for any career in this field. BU’s Sargent College ranks #5 in the nation for their graduate Speech-Language Pathology Program according to U.S. News & World Report. Undergraduate students work with top-tier faculty who teach at both graduate and undergraduate levels.
The BS in Speech, Language & Hearing Sciences curriculum blends specialized coursework in communication disorders with a broad liberal arts foundation. Students get a competitive edge when applying to graduate programs. This advantage matters since most students want to continue their education beyond the bachelor’s level.
Clinical practicum
The program’s standout feature lets students get hands-on clinical experience. Students observe and assist at Sargent College’s Academic Speech Language & Hearing Center and the Aphasia Resource Center. These experiences expose them to various patients and communication disorders. The in-house clinics serve as training grounds where students get practical experience under expert supervision.
The clinical curriculum spans four or five semesters. Students develop a broad range of evaluation and treatment skills. They interact with clients of all ages from different linguistic and cultural backgrounds in various settings. Boston’s reputation as a medical hub lets BU students volunteer at prestigious facilities like Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston Children’s Hospital, and Boston Medical Center.
Curriculum highlights
The curriculum’s core courses cover:
- Communication and linguistics
- Phonetics
- Anatomy and physiology
- Speech science
- Language acquisition
The program adds a strong liberal arts foundation in humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. This mix helps students develop critical thinking and communication skills they need for graduate studies and professional practice.
Small undergraduate class sizes help students build close relationships with professors, advisors, and classmates. In spite of that, students access all academic resources, campus life opportunities, and activities of a renowned urban university and research institution.
Student outcomes
The program shows its value through impressive outcomes. Most program graduates who apply to graduate school get accepted into excellent programs, both at BU and elsewhere. The graduate program shows strong results with:
- 17% average program completion rate over three years
- 97% average pass rate on the Praxis examination over three years
These numbers show how well Boston University prepares its students. Graduates succeed whether they stay at BU or explore opportunities elsewhere. BU’s reputation and its excellent Speech-Language Pathology program create great career prospects in this growing field.
University of Iowa
The University of Iowa has one of the oldest speech pathology and audiology programs in the country. The university led groundbreaking systematic teaching and research in this field. Ranked 5th nationally for speech-language pathology by U.S. News & World Report, Iowa’s program gives students exceptional preparation for a bachelor’s in communication sciences and disorders.
Program overview
The undergraduate Bachelor of Arts in speech and hearing science program focuses on normal processes of speech, hearing, and language. We designed the curriculum to prepare students for advanced study. Students build knowledge about physical processes and biological substrates that support normal audition, perception, and speech production.
The program starts with foundational coursework where students learn:
- Normal speech and language development
- Anatomical and physiological aspects of communication
- Basic principles of acoustics and neurophysiology
The program helps students meet prerequisites for graduate education in speech-language pathology or audiology. This graduate education serves as the minimum requirement for professional qualification.
Clinical experience
Iowa’s clinical training benefits from the university’s position as the most complete health sciences center in Iowa. The Wendell Johnson Speech and Hearing Clinic serves both university students and the general public, providing students hands-on experience.
Students access clinical opportunities at several affiliated sites:
- University of Iowa Health Care’s Department of Otolaryngology
- UIHC Combined Speech and Swallowing Services
- Child psychiatry speech and hearing services
- VA Iowa City Health Care
These settings help students work with various speech, hearing, and language disorders under expert supervision.
Faculty expertise
Distinguished faculty members actively work on innovative research in the department. Faculty members specialize in areas from speech disorders to complex auditory research. The program’s experts study motor speech disorders, language development, stuttering, and hearing loss.
The faculty’s steadfast dedication to teaching and research creates an environment where students learn from active field contributors while developing clinical and research skills.
Licensure preparation
Students receive proper preparation for licensure paths by meeting academic requirements for certification through the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. The master’s program’s graduates meet all requirements for ASHA’s clinical certification and State of Iowa’s licensure.
The curriculum meets requirements for the Initial Professional Service License with endorsement number 237, B-21 Speech Language Pathologist. This license allows graduates to work as speech-language pathologists for children from birth to age 21.
The program’s structure helps students complete professional education course requirements and clinical experiences needed for licensure in various practice settings.
University of Washington
The University of Washington’s Bachelor of Science in Speech and Hearing Sciences program ranks #5 nationwide according to U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 rankings. This complete degree prepares students to pursue clinical practice and research careers in communication sciences and disorders.
Program overview
UW’s B.S. in Speech and Hearing Sciences builds on scientific and theoretical frameworks that help students understand human communication and its disorders. Students learn how biology, cognition, environment, and culture shape communication processes. The program delves into neurological, behavioral, physical, and anatomic-physiological foundations of speech, language, hearing, and swallowing.
Students must submit a separate application after enrolling at UW because this is a capacity-constrained major. The admission requirements include:
- Minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA (competitive applicants typically have 3.0+ in prerequisites)
- Completion of 75 credits before application
- Prerequisite coursework in statistics, social science, biology, physics/chemistry, and linguistics
Clinical practicum
The UW Speech & Hearing Clinic serves as the primary training ground where students work with over 1,000 clients each year. Students get hands-on experience with assessment and treatment of communication disorders throughout their education.
Clinical practicums develop skills in:
- Evaluation through chart reviews, interviews, screenings, and diagnostic planning
- Intervention by establishing treatment goals and collecting data
- Professional interaction with clients, families, and other healthcare providers
Most intensive clinical experiences take place during graduate studies at UW, which differs from some undergraduate programs.
Curriculum strengths
Students build a deep foundation in communication sciences’ fundamental concepts. The program develops critical thinking, problem-solving, and evidence-based decision-making skills. Language analysis covers auditory, phonetic, phonological, morphological, and syntactic properties.
UW stands out from peer institutions by offering research opportunities through faculty labs. Students can participate in independent study projects.
Graduate success
Student outcomes show the program’s excellence. Recent graduate cohorts achieved:
- 100% Praxis examination pass rate for three consecutive years
- 3% three-year completion average
- High placement rates for graduate school admissions
The program’s strong reputation helps graduates advance to higher degrees or find work as SLP assistants, audiology technicians, or special education aides. UW’s prominent position among West Coast speech-language pathology programs creates outstanding opportunities for bachelor’s in communication sciences and disorders graduates.
Purdue University
Purdue University stands out as one of the best schools in the nation with its Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences (SLHS) program. Students pursuing a bachelor’s in communication sciences and disorders receive a rock-solid foundation here. The program delivers detailed coverage of human communication science and the disorders that affect it.
Program overview
The SLHS undergraduate major at Purdue helps students learn about why we can hear sounds, understand language, speak clearly, and swallow safely. Students build essential knowledge about evaluation, treatment, and the latest research in human communication disorders. The program’s home in Lyles-Porter Hall gives students access to audiology clinics, speech-language and swallowing clinics, and cutting-edge research labs. This combination lets students grasp both theory and real-world clinical practice during their studies.
Clinical training
Clinical education is important for Purdue’s communication sciences and disorders degree. Students get exceptional opportunities to learn about speech-language pathology and audiology through the M.D. Steer Speech, Language, and Swallowing Clinic and Audiology Clinic. They start with original clinical observations for coursework and can later apply for independent study credits (SLHS 49000) to volunteer for a full semester. Clinical faculty members must approve these experiences to ensure proper supervision throughout.
Faculty and research
The department boasts a mix of experts including audiologists, speech-language pathologists, engineers, linguists, neuroscientists, physiologists, and psychologists. Research labs cover several specialties:
- Aphasia Brain Injury Communication and Cognition Lab
- Child Language Research Laboratory
- Voice Lab—Sivasankar Research Group
- Auditory Electrophysiology Laboratory
The department currently holds two NIH training grants that support graduate education, showing its strong research reputation.
Career outcomes
A bachelor of science in communication sciences and disorders from Purdue opens doors to various career paths and advanced study options. Graduates thrive as speech-language pathology assistants, registered behavioral therapists, and behavioral therapists. Many choose to pursue graduate programs in speech-language pathology, audiology, or related fields. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports an impressive median salary of $84,140 for Speech Language Pathologists in 2022, showing the financial rewards of this career path after graduate school.
University of Texas at Austin
The Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences at The University of Texas at Austin offers a bachelor’s degree in communication sciences and disorders. Students learn about communication processes and disorders through their lifespan.
Program overview
UT Austin’s Bachelor of Science in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences lets students choose from tracks in speech-language pathology, audiology, and education of the deaf/hearing-impaired. The program helps students build knowledge about speech, language, and hearing challenges and teaches new treatment methods. Students need to complete 120 semester hours while studying normal communication development and disordered processes.
Clinical experience
Students train at the University Speech and Hearing Center where they must watch 25 hours of sessions before working with clients. These observations include feedback sessions, therapy discussions, and written documentation. ASHA-certified faculty members guide students as they learn to help clients of all ages with their communication needs.
Curriculum and electives
The program combines specialized courses with general education requirements. Speech/language pathology and audiology students must take 33 semester hours in their major. Students focusing on deaf/hearing-impaired education need 34 hours. Core courses include:
- Communication Disorders Introduction
- Speech and Hearing Mechanism Anatomy
- Phonetics
- Developmental Language Science
Graduate school readiness
The school’s Master of Science in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences has accreditation from the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology. This helps graduates get ASHA certification and state licenses. Students learn from faculty who conduct breakthrough research in speech-language pathology and audiology.
University of Wisconsin–Madison
The University of Wisconsin-Madison offers a distinguished bachelor’s in communication sciences and disorders that naturally leads to professional practice. The program holds full accreditation from the Council on Academic Accreditation of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.
Program overview
UW-Madison’s Communication Sciences and Disorders major covers speech-language pathology, audiology, and normal aspects of speech, hearing, and language. We designed the program for students who want to become clinical speech-language pathologists or audiologists, and it requires graduate-level education for professional certification. The curriculum combines biological, physical, social, and behavioral sciences to meet ASHA certification requirements.
Clinical practicum
Many students take CS&D 371 Pre-Clinical Observation to earn ASHA observation hours before applying to graduate programs. Students get supervised clinical experiences that count toward clinical certification and state licensure. Clinical rotations align with ASHA certification guidelines and focus on diagnosis, treatment, documentation, and patient education.
Faculty and mentorship
UW-Madison’s Faculty Mentoring Program has encouraged meaningful professional relationships since 1989. The program pairs tenure-track assistant professors with tenured faculty who share similar academic interests to provide structured departmental guidance.
Licensure and certification
The program meets educational requirements for ASHA certification, Wisconsin state licensure, and teacher certification in school settings. Students can get certified in all 50 states, District of Columbia, and U.S. territories.
Choose Your Bachelor’s in Communication Sciences and Disorders
Your first significant step toward a career helping millions of Americans with communication challenges starts with picking the right bachelor’s program in Communication Sciences and Disorders. This piece explores nine outstanding universities that offer detailed education in speech, language, and hearing sciences. These programs share key elements that prepare students for success while featuring their own unique advantages.
The best undergraduate programs give students clinical observation opportunities through on-campus facilities like Saint Xavier’s Ludden Speech and Language Clinic or through the universities’ community partnerships with Purdue and Boston University. You’ll get hands-on experience to use theoretical knowledge and develop important clinical skills before graduate school.
Expert faculty members make these programs exceptional. The University of Iowa and University of Washington have internationally known researchers who push the field forward with breakthrough findings. ACU Online’s program takes a different approach by combining faith-based teaching methods with scientific principles.
Your program choice must have proper accreditation. The Council on Academic Accreditation of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) makes sure programs meet the standards needed for professional practice. These universities also show great results in graduate placement, Praxis exam passing rates, and job outcomes.
Speech-language pathologists will see their career prospects grow by 19% in the coming years, according to BLS projections. A graduate degree is standard to get clinical certification, but your bachelor’s degree builds the base for this rewarding career path.
This field offers more than job security – it lets you change lives every day. You can help children develop language skills, support adults recovering from stroke, or work with people who have hearing impairments. Everything starts with choosing an undergraduate program that matches your career goals and personal values.