Communication Disorders

Career Opportunities

A Master's Degree is traditionally regarded as the entry-level degree for the practice of speech-language pathology.  Successful completion of a graduate program is required for the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) certificate of clinical competence in Speech Language Pathology (CCC-SLP).  To practice in NYS public schools, a teaching certificate for Teaching Students with Speech and Language Disabilties (TSSLD) is required from the New York State Education Department (NYSED). 

    

New York State Office of Professions (NYSOP) licenses speech-language pathology to practice. The Department's graduate programs meet the academic and clinical requirements for professional certification and licensures as defined by ASHA, NYSED, and NYSOP.

The employment outlook for graduates with a Master’s Degree is extremely favorable. Graduates of the program at SUNY New Paltz are employed in schools, hospitals, private practices and clinics. Virtually all graduates of the program find employment in the field, and the demand for speech-language pathologists is expected to exceed the supply in the foreseeable future. Many graduates eventually assume leadership roles in healthcare facilities and have continued their education by earning doctoral degrees.

     

Link to recently graduated Master's Degree students' data:

Graduate Student Outcomes

 

 

 

 

An undergraduate degree in Communication Disorders is also a stepping stone to a career in Audiology. Audiologists assess and treat people of all ages with all types of hearing loss and hearing disorders. According to the American Academy of Audiology, most audiologists have a doctor of audiology (AuD) degree. Some also have a PhD or ScD in the area of hearing and balance sciences. Like SLPs, Audiologists must be licensed to practice in the United States. In addition to private practice, audiologists work in hospitals, clinics, universities, K-12 schools, and government and military agencies. For more information, visit Audiology.org. For a list of schools offering degrees in audiology, visit Audiology Education.

     American Academy of Audiology Logo
 

 

In addition, Communication Disorders majors may find career opportunities in these areas:

Human Services
Special Education
Early Intervention
General Education
Adult Education
Education Law
Health Law

     

Rehabilitation
Mental Health
Public Health
Counseling
Health Care
Voice Coaching
Literacy Specialist

     

Clinical Materials and Equipment
Clinical Education Products
Educational Programming
Employment Services
Assistive Listening Devices
Therapy: Occupational, Recreation,
    Art, Music, and Dance