Communication Disorders Sciences and Services: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services encompasses the study of speech, language, and hearing impairments across the lifespan, with a focus on assessment, diagnosis, and intervention strategies. This interdisciplinary field prepares professionals to support individuals facing challenges in communication, enabling improved quality of life through evidence-based practices.
- Speech Science: Explores the physiological and acoustic foundations of speech production, including articulation, voice, and resonance.
- Language Development and Disorders: Investigates typical and atypical language acquisition, with emphasis on disorders affecting comprehension, expression, and pragmatic use of language.
- Hearing and Auditory Processing: Focuses on the anatomy and physiology of the auditory system, hearing loss detection, and the impact of auditory impairments on communication.
- Neurological Bases of Communication: Examines how brain function influences speech, language, and hearing, particularly in conditions such as aphasia, dysarthria, and apraxia.
- Diagnostic and Assessment Techniques: Trains in standardized tools and procedures used to identify and evaluate communication disorders across diverse populations.
- Intervention and Therapy Methods: Covers evidence-based strategies for treating communication disorders, including individualized treatment planning and progress monitoring.
- Professional Ethics and Practice Standards: Emphasizes ethical conduct, cultural competence, and adherence to regulatory frameworks in clinical and educational settings.
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Communication Disorders Sciences and Services 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 |
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services 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 Disorders Sciences and Services by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 18 institutions offering Communication Disorders Sciences and Services 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 Disorders Sciences and Services is found at University of New Hampshire (UNH), Main Campus (63 graduates), Arizona State University Campus Immersion (ASU) (57 graduates), Utah State University (USU) (26 graduates), University of Memphis (UofM) (16 graduates), and College of Our Lady of the Elms (Elms College) (13 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 228 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 | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of New Hampshire (UNH) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
63 | Durham, New Hampshire | Public | unh.edu |
| Arizona State University Campus Immersion (ASU) |
Master's
Other Award
|
57 | Tempe, Arizona | Public | asu.edu |
| Utah State University (USU) |
Bachelor's
|
26 | Logan, Utah | Public | usu.edu |
| University of Memphis (UofM) |
Postbac Cert.
|
16 | Memphis, Tennessee | Public | memphis.edu |
| College of Our Lady of the Elms (Elms College) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
13 | Chicopee, Massachusetts | Private | elms.edu |
| Howard University (HU) |
Master's
|
11 | Washington, District of Columbia | Private | howard.edu |
| Thiel College |
Bachelor's
|
11 | Greenville, Pennsylvania | Private | thiel.edu |
| University of Southern Mississippi (USM) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
8 | Hattiesburg, Mississippi | Public | usm.edu |
| Ouachita Baptist University (OBU) |
Bachelor's
|
7 | Arkadelphia, Arkansas | Private | obu.edu |
| University of New Hampshire College of Professional Studies |
Associate's
|
5 | Manchester, New Hampshire | Public | cps.unh.edu |
| University of South Alabama (USA) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
3 | Mobile, Alabama | Public | southalabama.edu |
| Gordon College |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Wenham, Massachusetts | Private | gordon.edu |
| California State University (CSUF) |
Postbac Cert.
|
1 | Fullerton, California | Public | fullerton.edu |
| California State University |
Postbac Cert.
|
1 | Los Angeles, California | Public | calstatela.edu |
| Georgia State University |
Other Award
|
1 | Atlanta, Georgia | Public | gsu.edu |
| University of Kansas (KU) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
1 | Lawrence, Kansas | Public | ku.edu |
| University of Louisiana (UL Lafayette) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
1 | Lafayette, Louisiana | Public | louisiana.edu |
| The University of Montana (UM) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
1 | Missoula, Montana | Public | umt.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Communication Disorders Sciences and Services programs
How much can I earn with a Communication Disorders Sciences and Services degree?
Salaries for Communication Disorders Sciences and Services 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 Disorders Sciences and Services programs?
Currently 18 accredited institutions offer Communication Disorders Sciences and Services degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include University of New Hampshire (UNH), Main Campus (63 graduates), Arizona State University Campus Immersion (ASU) (57 graduates), and Utah State University (USU) (26 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 Disorders Sciences and Services growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 229 in 2010 to 228 in 2023-24. This represents a 0% decrease overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with consistent demand, 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 Disorders Sciences and Services 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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