Audiology

Communication Sciences and Disorders is a dynamic field dedicated to supporting individuals with communication and hearing challenges. Professionals in this field help people of all ages improve their quality of life by addressing speech, language and hearing issues. At the University of Arkansas, students can explore two primary career paths within Communication Science and Disorders: Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology.

Audiologists are professionals who provide evaluations and treatment for individuals with hearing, balance and other auditory disorders across the lifespan. The entry-level degree to work as an audiologist is a clinical doctoral degree (Au.D.). With training, you can work as an audiology assistant or audiology technician, provided that you meet any additional requirements by the state in which you decide to practice.

Audiologists work in a variety of settings including, but not limited to, schools, hospitals, private practice groups, rehabilitation centers and research centers. The American Speech Language Hearing Association is a national professional and credentialing organization for speech-language pathologists and audiologists. ASHA's website has resources for undergraduate and graduate students interested in the field of communication disorders. The largest professional organization for audiologists is the American Academy of Audiology.