Communication Sciences and Disorders: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Communication Sciences and Disorders is a rigorous, science-based discipline dedicated to understanding the biological, psychological, and physical foundations of human communication. The program prepares students to analyze, assess, and intervene in speech, language, hearing, and cognitive communication disorders resulting from illness, trauma, or developmental challenges. Graduates are equipped to contribute to clinical practice, research, and the advancement of diagnostic and therapeutic technologies.
- Language Science: Explores the structure, acquisition, and processing of spoken and written language, including phonology, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics.
- Hearing Science: Investigates the physiology and mechanics of auditory perception, sound processing, and the impact of hearing loss on communication.
- Speech and Voice Science: Focuses on the anatomical and physiological mechanisms underlying speech production, vocal quality, resonance, and voice disorders.
- Biology of Communication: Examines the neural, genetic, and physiological systems that support speech and language functions across the lifespan.
- Behavioral Linguistics: Studies how language behavior is shaped by environmental, cognitive, and social factors, particularly in developmental and acquired disorders.
- Psychology: Applies psychological principles to understand the emotional, cognitive, and social aspects of communication impairments and their impact on individuals and families.
- Diagnostic and Rehabilitative Strategies: Develops evidence-based approaches for identifying communication disorders and designing personalized intervention plans using clinical assessment tools and therapeutic techniques.
- Technological Applications: Integrates emerging technologies—such as assistive devices, speech-generating systems, and digital assessment platforms—into clinical and research contexts.
Communication Sciences and Disorders Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Communication Sciences and Disorders Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Communication Sciences and Disorders degrees, including Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary, Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 423,240 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1071 | $105,620 | $51,760 - $239,200 | 229,720 | N/A |
| Speech-Language Pathologists 29-1127 | $95,410 | $60,480 - $132,850 | 178,790 | $45.87 |
| Audiologists 29-1181 | $92,120 | $61,930 - $129,830 | 14,730 | $44.29 |
Salary Comparison
Communication Sciences and Disorders Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $74,777 in Louisiana to $129,010 in District of Columbia—a 73% difference. The highest-paying states include District of Columbia, Arkansas, and California. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 423,240 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Communication Sciences and Disorders by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 100 institutions offering Communication Sciences and Disorders programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Communication Sciences and Disorders is found at Baylor University (307 graduates), Utah State University (USU) (234 graduates), Arizona State University, Digital Immersion (206 graduates), California State University (CSUN), Northridge (205 graduates), and California State University (CSUF), Fullerton (180 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 6,598 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Admissions | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baylor University |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
307 |
SAT: 1210-1400 ACT: 27-32 |
Waco, Texas | Private | baylor.edu |
| Utah State University (USU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
234 |
SAT: 1060-1300 ACT: 20-28 |
Logan, Utah | Public | usu.edu |
| Arizona State University |
Bachelor's
|
206 | N/A | Scottsdale, Arizona | Public | asu.edu |
| California State University (CSUN) |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
205 | N/A | Northridge, California | Public | csun.edu |
| California State University (CSUF) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
180 | N/A | Fullerton, California | Public | fullerton.edu |
| Pennsylvania State University |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
158 |
SAT: 1220-1400 ACT: 27-32 |
University Park, Pennsylvania | Public | psu.edu |
| California State University |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
147 | N/A | Sacramento, California | Public | csus.edu |
| California State University |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
141 | N/A | Los Angeles, California | Public | calstatela.edu |
| University of Wisconsin (UWEC) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
138 | ACT: 21-27 | Eau Claire, Wisconsin | Public | uwec.edu |
| The University of Texas |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
135 |
SAT: 1230-1490 ACT: 27-33 |
Austin, Texas | Public | utexas.edu |
| University of Colorado Boulder (CU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
112 |
SAT: 1230-1420 ACT: 28-33 |
Boulder, Colorado | Public | colorado.edu |
| The University of Texas |
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
109 |
SAT: 1170-1410 ACT: 25-32 |
Richardson, Texas | Public | utdallas.edu |
| Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
105 | N/A | Lubbock, Texas | Public | ttuhsc.edu |
| University of Houston (UH) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
100 |
SAT: 1150-1330 ACT: 23-28 |
Houston, Texas | Public | uh.edu |
| Northern Arizona University (NAU) |
Bachelor's
|
98 | N/A | Flagstaff, Arizona | Public | nau.edu |
| University of Georgia (UGA) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
93 |
SAT: 1160-1390 ACT: 25-32 |
Athens, Georgia | Public | uga.edu |
| Arizona State University Campus Immersion (ASU) |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Doctorate (R)
|
91 | N/A | Tempe, Arizona | Public | asu.edu |
| California State University |
Bachelor's
|
91 | N/A | Fresno, California | Public | fresnostate.edu |
| MGH Institute of Health Professions (MGH IHP) |
Master's
Doctorate (P)
|
86 | N/A | Boston, Massachusetts | Private | mghihp.edu |
| University of Oregon (UO) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
85 |
SAT: 1130-1360 ACT: 22-30 |
Eugene, Oregon | Public | uoregon.edu |
| State University of New York |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
81 |
SAT: 1170-1340 ACT: 24-29 |
New Paltz, New York | Public | newpaltz.edu |
| Maryville University of Saint Louis |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
|
80 | N/A | Saint Louis, Missouri | Private | maryville.edu |
| Wayne State University (WSU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
77 |
SAT: 1040-1260 ACT: 21-28 |
Detroit, Michigan | Public | wayne.edu |
| University of Arizona |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
75 |
SAT: 1160-1420 ACT: 21-30 |
Tucson, Arizona | Public | arizona.edu |
| Appalachian State University (App State) |
Bachelor's
|
74 |
SAT: 1100-1280 ACT: 21-27 |
Boone, North Carolina | Public | appstate.edu |
| Pennsylvania Western University (PennWest) |
Bachelor's
|
71 |
SAT: 940-1170 ACT: 20-26 |
California, Pennsylvania | Public | pennwest.edu |
| Georgia Southern University |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
70 |
SAT: 980-1160 ACT: 18-23 |
Statesboro, Georgia | Public | georgiasouthern.edu |
| Elmhurst University |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
70 |
SAT: 960-1210 ACT: 23-28 |
Elmhurst, Illinois | Private | elmhurst.edu |
| Saint Louis University (SLU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
69 |
SAT: 1210-1430 ACT: 26-31 |
Saint Louis, Missouri | Private | slu.edu |
| Minnesota State University |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
67 | ACT: 22-25 | Mankato, Minnesota | Public | mnsu.edu |
| California State University (CSUEB) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
64 | N/A | Hayward, California | Public | csueastbay.edu |
| University of Rhode Island (URI) |
Bachelor's
|
64 |
SAT: 1030-1270 ACT: 26-31 |
Kingston, Rhode Island | Public | web.uri.edu |
| San Francisco State University (SFSU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
63 | N/A | San Francisco, California | Public | sfsu.edu |
| University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) |
Bachelor's
|
63 |
SAT: 1020-1210 ACT: 21-29 |
University, Mississippi | Public | olemiss.edu |
| The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
63 |
SAT: 910-1110 ACT: 16-22 |
Edinburg, Texas | Public | utrgv.edu |
| Texas State University (TXST) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
63 |
SAT: 980-1190 ACT: 19-26 |
San Marcos, Texas | Public | txst.edu |
| Bowling Green State University (BGSU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
62 |
SAT: 1020-1230 ACT: 20-26 |
Bowling Green, Ohio | Public | bgsu.edu |
| The University of Montana (UM) |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
Bachelor's
|
60 | ACT: 23-28 | Missoula, Montana | Public | umt.edu |
| University of Massachusetts |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
|
58 |
SAT: 1300-1480 ACT: 29-33 |
Amherst, Massachusetts | Public | umass.edu |
| University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (UWSP) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
58 | ACT: 20-25 | Stevens Point, Wisconsin | Public | uwsp.edu |
| University of Northern Iowa (UNI) |
Bachelor's
|
56 |
SAT: 860-1210 ACT: 20-26 |
Cedar Falls, Iowa | Public | uni.edu |
| University of the Pacific (UOP) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
55 |
SAT: 1160-1420 ACT: 23-31 |
Stockton, California | Private | pacific.edu |
| Kansas State University (K‑State) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
55 |
SAT: 1040-1260 ACT: 20-27 |
Manhattan, Kansas | Public | k-state.edu |
| Bridgewater State University (BSU) |
Bachelor's
|
55 |
SAT: 1040-1230 ACT: 18-27 |
Bridgewater, Massachusetts | Public | bridgew.edu |
| Grand Valley State University (GVSU) |
Bachelor's
|
55 |
SAT: 940-1190 ACT: 21-28 |
Allendale, Michigan | Public | gvsu.edu |
| University of Maryland (UMCP) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
54 |
SAT: 1370-1520 ACT: 32-35 |
College Park, Maryland | Public | umd.edu |
| Western Carolina University (WCU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
54 |
SAT: 1050-1260 ACT: 20-26 |
Cullowhee, North Carolina | Public | wcu.edu |
| Central Michigan University (CMU) |
Bachelor's
|
53 |
SAT: 960-1210 ACT: 21-27 |
Mount Pleasant, Michigan | Public | cmich.edu |
| Michigan State University (MSU) |
Bachelor's
|
53 |
SAT: 1150-1350 ACT: 26-31 |
East Lansing, Michigan | Public | msu.edu |
| Stephen F Austin State University (SFASU) |
Bachelor's
|
53 |
SAT: 980-1160 ACT: 18-25 |
Nacogdoches, Texas | Public | sfasu.edu |
| Eastern Illinois University (EIU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
52 | SAT: 890-1110 | Charleston, Illinois | Public | eiu.edu |
| University of Minnesota (UMD) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
52 |
SAT: 1128-1335 ACT: 23-28 |
Duluth, Minnesota | Public | d.umn.edu |
| CUNY Queens College |
Bachelor's
|
52 | SAT: 1100-1320 | Queens, New York | Public | qc.cuny.edu |
| Texas A & M University |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
52 | SAT: 980-1160 | Kingsville, Texas | Public | tamuk.edu |
| Northern Illinois University (NIU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
50 | N/A | Dekalb, Illinois | Public | niu.edu |
| Wichita State University (WSU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
50 |
SAT: 970-1250 ACT: 18-26 |
Wichita, Kansas | Public | wichita.edu |
| University of South Dakota (USD) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
49 |
SAT: 1110-1330 ACT: 19-25 |
Vermillion, South Dakota | Public | usd.edu |
| University of Wisconsin-River Falls (UWRF) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
49 | ACT: 19-25 | River Falls, Wisconsin | Public | uwrf.edu |
| Montclair State University |
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
48 | SAT: 940-1225 | Montclair, New Jersey | Public | montclair.edu |
| University of Washington (UW) |
Bachelor's
Doctorate (R)
|
47 | N/A | Seattle, Washington | Public | washington.edu |
| Ohio University (OHIO) |
Bachelor's
|
46 |
SAT: 1100-1290 ACT: 22-28 |
Athens, Ohio | Public | ohio.edu |
| San Jose State University (SJSU) |
Bachelor's
|
45 | N/A | San Jose, California | Public | sjsu.edu |
| Kean University |
Bachelor's
|
45 | SAT: 1020-1198 | Union, New Jersey | Public | kean.edu |
| Minot State University (MSU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
45 |
SAT: 930-1180 ACT: 18-24 |
Minot, North Dakota | Public | minotstateu.edu |
| Chapman University |
Master's
|
44 |
SAT: 1250-1430 ACT: 28-32 |
Orange, California | Private | chapman.edu |
| University of Kansas (KU) |
Bachelor's
Other Award
|
43 |
SAT: 1050-1290 ACT: 21-27 |
Lawrence, Kansas | Public | ku.edu |
| Texas A & M International University (TAMIU) |
Bachelor's
|
42 |
SAT: 920-1130 ACT: 16-20 |
Laredo, Texas | Public | tamiu.edu |
| University of Wisconsin |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
42 | ACT: 18-24 | Whitewater, Wisconsin | Public | uww.edu |
| California State University |
Bachelor's
|
41 | N/A | Chico, California | Public | csuchico.edu |
| Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
40 |
SAT: 850-1030 ACT: 16-21 |
Cape Girardeau, Missouri | Public | semo.edu |
| California Baptist University (CBU) |
Bachelor's
|
38 | N/A | Riverside, California | Private | calbaptist.edu |
| University of Maine (UMaine) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
38 | N/A | Orono, Maine | Public | umaine.edu |
| University of Minnesota (UMN) |
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
38 |
SAT: 1310-1480 ACT: 27-31 |
Minneapolis, Minnesota | Public | twin-cities.umn.edu |
| Truman State University |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
37 |
SAT: 1126-1318 ACT: 23-29 |
Kirksville, Missouri | Public | truman.edu |
| University of Vermont (UVM) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
37 |
SAT: 1250-1420 ACT: 29-32 |
Burlington, Vermont | Public | uvm.edu |
| Georgia State University |
Master's
|
36 |
SAT: 1040-1280 ACT: 19-26 |
Atlanta, Georgia | Public | gsu.edu |
| Biola University |
Bachelor's
|
35 |
SAT: 1130-1360 ACT: 24-30 |
La Mirada, California | Private | biola.edu |
| New Mexico State University (NMSU) |
Bachelor's
|
35 |
SAT: 885-1110 ACT: 17-24 |
Las Cruces, New Mexico | Public | nmsu.edu |
| Ithaca College (IC) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
35 |
SAT: 1190-1370 ACT: 27-31 |
Ithaca, New York | Private | ithaca.edu |
| North Carolina Central University (NCCU) |
Master's
|
35 |
SAT: 980-1100 ACT: 17-18 |
Durham, North Carolina | Public | nccu.edu |
| Western Kentucky University (WKU) |
Bachelor's
|
34 |
SAT: 820-1010 ACT: 16-20 |
Bowling Green, Kentucky | Public | wku.edu |
| West Texas A & M University (WTAMU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
34 |
SAT: 960-1160 ACT: 18-24 |
Canyon, Texas | Public | wtamu.edu |
| University of Nebraska (UNK) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
33 |
SAT: 970-1150 ACT: 18-25 |
Kearney, Nebraska | Public | unk.edu |
| University of North Dakota (UND) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
33 | N/A | Grand Forks, North Dakota | Public | und.edu |
| Western Washington University (WWU) |
Bachelor's
|
33 |
SAT: 1110-1350 ACT: 23-29 |
Bellingham, Washington | Public | wwu.edu |
| University at Buffalo (UB) |
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
32 |
SAT: 1210-1380 ACT: 27-32 |
Buffalo, New York | Public | buffalo.edu |
| Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
32 | N/A | San Antonio, Texas | Private | ollusa.edu |
| Texas Woman's University (TWU) |
Bachelor's
|
32 | N/A | Denton, Texas | Public | twu.edu |
| Butler University |
Bachelor's
|
31 |
SAT: 1180-1360 ACT: 26-31 |
Indianapolis, Indiana | Private | butler.edu |
| Saint Cloud State University (SCSU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
29 |
SAT: 970-1280 ACT: 18-25 |
Saint Cloud, Minnesota | Public | stcloudstate.edu |
| Portland State University (PSU) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
29 | N/A | Portland, Oregon | Public | pdx.edu |
| Lebanon Valley College (LVC) |
Bachelor's
|
29 | SAT: 1093-1300 | Annville, Pennsylvania | Private | lvc.edu |
| Samford University |
Bachelor's
|
27 |
SAT: 1070-1260 ACT: 23-29 |
Birmingham, Alabama | Private | samford.edu |
| Northwestern University |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
27 |
SAT: 1490-1560 ACT: 33-35 |
Evanston, Illinois | Private | northwestern.edu |
| Southern Illinois University |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
27 |
SAT: 910-1140 ACT: 20-27 |
Carbondale, Illinois | Public | siu.edu |
| Western Illinois University (WIU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
27 | N/A | Macomb, Illinois | Public | wiu.edu |
| Albizu University |
Bachelor's
|
27 | N/A | San Juan, Puerto Rico | Private | albizu.edu |
| Saint Mary's College |
Bachelor's
|
23 |
SAT: 1100-1310 ACT: 25-30 |
Notre Dame, Indiana | Private | saintmarys.edu |
| University of Oklahoma (OUHSC) |
Bachelor's
|
23 | N/A | Oklahoma City, Oklahoma | Public | ouhsc.edu |
| Augustana College |
Bachelor's
|
22 |
SAT: 1010-1250 ACT: 21-28 |
Rock Island, Illinois | Private | augustana.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Communication Sciences and Disorders programs
How much can I earn with a Communication Sciences and Disorders degree?
Salaries for Communication Sciences and Disorders graduates vary by role and location. Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary earn a median of $105,620 annually, while Speech-Language Pathologists earn around $95,410. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in District of Columbia average $129,010 compared to $74,777 in Louisiana. Approximately 423,240 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Communication Sciences and Disorders programs?
Currently 160 accredited institutions offer Communication Sciences and Disorders degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Baylor University (307 graduates), Utah State University (USU) (234 graduates), and Arizona State University, Digital Immersion (206 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Communication Sciences and Disorders growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 4,604 in 2010 to 7,097 in 2023-24. This represents a 54% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Communication Sciences and Disorders degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary, Speech-Language Pathologists, and Audiologists. Related occupations employ approximately 423,240 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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