What Can You Do with a Bachelor’s in Speech Pathology?

Why Study Speech Language Pathology at the Undergraduate Level?

When deciding whether to major in speech pathology, you may consider the questions listed below. This is not a comprehensive list of questions or factors to keep in mind—there may be many more to explore. Be sure to conduct thorough research as you set out on the path to obtaining your Bachelor of Speech Pathology.

• Am I collaborative? The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) shares that SLPs often work as part of collaborative, interdisciplinary teams. Even though client work may be solo at times, SLPs are often part of care teams.
• Am I compassionate? Perhaps you were drawn to this major because of a personal experience. Having empathy may be useful to you as a speech language pathology professional. On any given day, you may work with patients whose life experiences are entirely different from your own. Demonstrating genuine compassion for their struggles may help you to provide the quality care they need.
• Am I a people person? Those with careers in speech language pathology work with many different individuals (e.g., patients, teachers, physicians, audiologists, psychologists, social workers, physical and occupational therapists, rehabilitation counselors, and more). If this element of the job piques your interest, a career in speech language pathology may be a fit for you. Equally, if it’s a turnoff, you may want to consider alternative career paths.

In reviewing what it takes to become a speech pathologist, think about the motivation behind it all. And if you do decide to complete a bachelor’s in speech language pathology program, you may use that opportunity to gain insight into trends in the field.

Bachelor’s in Speech Pathology vs Bachelor’s in Occupational Therapy

While researching different undergraduate programs, you may reach a fork in the road: Should I pursue speech pathology or occupational therapy?

Both fields attract those who want to help others improve the overall quality of life. However, there are differences between the two professions. As their job title suggests, speech language pathologists focus on treating speech, language, swallowing, fluency, voice, and cognitive disorders (see our guide to common speech disorders). Occupational therapists, on the other hand, work in a different area of practice, and our comparison of the two careers covers the differences in duties, education, and work settings.

According to ASHA’s 2016 scope of practice for speech language pathology, SLPs work across the lifespan and use alternative/augmentative communication (AAC) technologies with people who cannot consistently communicate verbally. An SLP typically does not practice in every area of clinical service, and SLPs also conduct and participate in research. The document also describes SLPs collaborating with classroom teachers on strategies that help students access the curriculum and coaching families and early intervention providers on communication strategies.

What Does a Communication Disorders Major Entail?

At the undergraduate level, ASHA says most communication sciences and disorders (CSD) programs include coursework in the biological, social/behavioral and physical sciences, along with statistics, and that these courses also serve as common prerequisites for graduate study.

Course titles and sequences vary by program, and ASHA notes that not all institutions have an undergraduate major in CSD, so compare the curriculum of each program you are considering.

ASHA’s overview of the undergraduate degree lists service learning, undergraduate research and community engagement among the experiences students may have, and names critical thinking, written and oral communication, evidence-based decision-making and cultural competence among its skills. Which experiences are available depends on the program, and a bachelor’s degree does not by itself authorize you to provide clinical care.

What Types of Jobs Can You Get with a Bachelor’s in Speech Pathology?

After earning a bachelor’s in communication sciences and disorders (CSD), the most common next step is graduate study: ASHA calls the undergraduate CSD degree the most common pathway into audiology and speech language pathology graduate programs. Where their state allows, graduates may also work as a speech language pathology assistant (SLPA), but eligibility, scope of practice, and supervision rules vary by state.

Speech language pathologist (SLP). According to ASHA’s scope of practice, speech language pathologists diagnose and treat communication and swallowing disorders across the lifespan. To become an SLP, you generally need to earn a master’s degree in speech language pathology and meet your state licensure requirements (which may include an exam and supervised post-graduate experience). Many SLPs also pursue ASHA certification (CCC-SLP), which has its own requirements, such as the Praxis exam and a supervised Clinical Fellowship of at least 36 weeks and 1,260 hours. ASHA’s 2027 certification standards take effect on August 1, 2027, so check which standards apply when you plan to apply. For the step-by-step process, see our guide to CCC-SLP requirements.

Speech language pathology assistant (SLPA). ASHA’s scope of practice for SLPAs describes support services provided under the supervision of an SLP and excludes diagnosing, but state law controls what SLPAs may do. Because requirements and allowed duties vary widely, and ASHA notes that not every state permits SLPAs to be used, be sure to check the rules for the state where you plan to work. ASHA’s assistant certification (C-SLPA) lists a bachelor’s degree in communication sciences and disorders as one education pathway, alongside prerequisite coursework and at least 100 hours of supervised clinical fieldwork.

Since ASHA’s scope of practice lists schools and health care among the settings where SLPs work, you may look for related roles in those environments. ASHA’s overview of the undergraduate degree says CSD graduates work in sectors that include education, health and human services, and government. The roles below are examples of related support jobs in those sectors, not ASHA-endorsed pathways. Job titles, requirements, and allowed duties vary by state and employer, and these roles are not a substitute for SLP licensure.

Examples of related roles:

• Special education paraprofessional (paraeducator)/teacher’s aide. Works in school settings supporting students in the classroom.
• Early intervention (EI) program assistant or service coordinator assistant. Works with early intervention programs, families and providers.
• Rehab aide/therapy aide (hospital, outpatient rehab, or skilled nursing). Works in health care settings alongside therapy teams.
• Clinic coordinator/intake specialist/patient care coordinator (ENT, pediatrics, neurology, rehab). Works in health care settings on scheduling, referrals and records.
• Voice coach. Coaches clients on communication goals such as clarity, projection, and accent or dialect. This is not clinical voice treatment, which is part of SLP practice.

Skills You Can Build in a Speech Pathology Bachelor’s Degree

A bachelor’s degree in communication sciences and disorders (CSD) may prepare you for graduate study and for work in speech pathology careers or other fields, and help you build transferable skills. The exact skills you gain will vary by program and experiences. ASHA’s overview of the undergraduate degree names the following among them:

• Written and oral communication. Applied across the physical, biological, cognitive, linguistic and social sciences.
• Critical thinking. Applied to questions about communication and its disorders within an interdisciplinary framework.
• Evidence-based decision-making. Using evidence to inform decisions.
• Cultural competence. Working in diverse settings.
• Professional ethics. Including the regulatory and institutional aspects of providing services.

Remember, a bachelor’s degree alone does not qualify you to practice independently as a speech language pathologist, but it can provide a strong foundation for graduate study and related entry-level roles.

Is a Bachelor of Speech Pathology in Demand?

Demand is one factor to weigh as you decide whether to major in speech language pathology, and it looks different for each role a bachelor’s degree can lead to. Because a bachelor’s degree alone does not qualify you to work as an SLP, the figures below describe SLPs, who generally hold a graduate degree, rather than bachelor’s-level roles.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS data), speech language pathologists in the U.S. had a median annual wage of $97,870 in May 2025, compared with $50,980 for all occupations. BLS estimated employment of 183,390 speech language pathologists. The 10th percentile wage was $62,900 and the 90th percentile wage was $134,160. The gap between the 10th and 90th percentile wages shows how widely pay ranges, and these percentile wages are not entry-level or guaranteed figures.

Should You Do an Accelerated BS to MS in Speech Pathology Program?

Before applying to speech pathology school, you might wonder: What about getting an accelerated BS to MS? Is that a worthwhile option? The truth is, there’s no right answer. Each path has its pros and cons—and the “best” choice for you depends on a number of personal factors.

A combined or accelerated bachelor’s-to-master’s track, where a program offers one, is meant to shorten the path to a master’s degree. ASHA’s planning guidance describes the master’s in speech language pathology as generally two years of full-time study after a CSD undergraduate degree, but it does not describe a standard combined track, so ask each program for its actual schedule and admission conditions.

As you compare tracks, ask how the combined schedule affects your course choices, whether continuing into the master’s phase is guaranteed or competitive, and how long the full sequence will take. The answers will help you decide whether the faster path fits your goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you be a speech language pathologist with a bachelor’s degree?

No. According to ASHA, working as an SLP requires a graduate degree, so a bachelor’s degree is a starting point rather than the finish line. The most common route is a CSD bachelor’s degree, then a master’s program in speech language pathology, followed by the supervised Clinical Fellowship and the state licensure steps described above.

Can you work as an SLPA with a bachelor’s degree?

Possibly. ASHA lists a bachelor’s degree in communication sciences and disorders as one education pathway to its assistant certification, but ASHA also notes that not every state permits SLPAs to be used, and requirements vary by state. Check the rules for your state before you plan around this route.

Do you need a CSD major to apply to a master’s program in speech language pathology?

Not always. According to ASHA, each graduate program determines whether applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in CSD, and applicants with other majors may be required to complete prerequisite coursework before starting graduate courses.