FAQs About Communication Sciences & Disorders

What is a speech-language pathologist?
Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) have a broad role to prevent, assess and treat communication and swallowing disorders in children and adults. Areas of specialty may include:

Articulation
Voice and resonance
Fluency
Receptive language and expressive language
Reading and writing
Social pragmatics
Cognitive-linguistic functioning

Feeding and swallowing
Aural rehabilitation for the deaf and hard of hearing
Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC)
Accent modification
Other communication enhancement

What can I do after the CSD major, minor or post-bacc program?
Upon completion of the program, you may apply for state licensure as an SLP assistant (SLPA) without any further education, as the CSD program at Gordon is made up of the coursework and practicum experience required by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. SLPAs typically perform tasks prescribed, directed and supervised by ASHA-certified Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs). While SLPAs can work in a wide variety of settings, most are employed in schools or private practices.

How do I become an SLP?
The entry-level degree for a licensed and certified SLP is a master’s degree. The coursework necessary to complete a CSD program at Gordon is made up of classes typically required as pre-requisites to matriculation into a graduate program in SLP at most local and regional accredited college and university programs. So upon completing coursework, you may choose to apply to graduate school. Once you’re a licensed SLP, you may find employment in:

Early intervention
Public schools
Private schools
Centers for special education
Private practices and outpatient centers
Acute care hospitals

Rehabilitation hospitals
Skilled nursing facilities
Home health
Telemedicine
Colleges and universities

What are my career options after completing a CSD major, minor or post-bacc?
Some students with a CSD major, minor or post-bacc also choose to pursue other careers in related health or education fields. Some require further education beyond a bachelor’s degree, but others do not. Some related professions include:

Audiology
Special education
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy
Occupational or physical therapy
Recreational or music therapy
Rehabilitation aides
Nursing

Social work
Radiology technician
Personal care attendant
Classroom/teaching assistants
Patient and family advocates
Hospital unit coordinator
Interpreter services

Where can I learn more about the field of CSD?

The American Speech-Language and Hearing Association’s (ASHA’s) Information for Students
Information including videos broadly useful to all Communication Sciences & Disorders professions. Especially relevant for those considering graduate school after graduation.

ASHA’s Associate Center
Especially relevant for those considering SLP Assistant licensure after graduation.

The Massachusetts Board of Registration for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology
Contains information and applications for licensure in SLP or SLPA in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

National Student Speech-Language and Hearing Association (NSSLHA)
Inspires, empowers, and supports students in the field of CSD to engage in leadership opportunities, grow professionally, and excel in their futures.

Jenks Library for Communication Sciences and Disorders
Gordon College's resources and guides for CSD students.