University of North Texas 
Audiologist vs. Speech-Language Pathologist
Audiologist: "Audiologists are health-care professionals who provide patient-centered care in the prevention, identification, diagnosis, and evidence-based treatment of hearing, balance, and other auditory disorders for people of all ages. Hearing and balance disorders are complex with medical, psychological, physical, social, educational, and employment implications. Audiologists provide professional and personalized services to minimize the negative impact of these disorders, leading to improved outcomes and quality of life" (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 2018).
Speech-Language Pathologist: A Speech-language pathologist is someone who works "to prevent, assess, diagnose, and treat speech, language, social communication, cognitive-communication, and swallowing disorders in children and adults" (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 2018).
Programs in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology at UNT
Undergraduate and Graduate programs in the Department of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology can be found here.
FAQs
Will the B.S. in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology allow me to practice as an Audiologist or Speech-Language Pathologist?
No, the Au.D. is required to be a practicing audiologist. The M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology is required to be a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist. The Bachelor's in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology is a pre-professional degree for persons wishing to pursue graduate study in speech-language pathology and audiology.
Do I need a B.S. in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology to earn an M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology or Doctor of Audiology, Au.D.?
No, a Bachelor's Degree in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology is not required
for the Master's of Science in Speech-Language Pathology or the Doctor of Audiology
at UNT. However, if you have earned a bachelor's degree in another field, you must
take leveling courses to be considered for admission to the SLP Master's program. Click on the above link
to learn more about this path.
Note: Leveling courses are not required for the Doctor of Audiology degree.
What courses do I need to complete the B.S. in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology?
Click here to view degree requirements for the B.S. degree.
Note: Each student's four year plan is different, especially if dual credit or AP credit
will apply towards degree requirements. Please visit with an advisor/counselor for
the College of Health and Public Service to further discuss your individual four-year
plan.
What are the characteristics of a strong application to graduate-level programs in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology?
Admission to graduate programs in Audiology and Speech-Language are quite competitive due to the limited number of seats that are available. Below you will find areas of a strong application. Read more about UNT's program outcomes.
Does the Department of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology offer scholarships?
Yes! For more information about scholarships within our department, please visit the following webpage.
Who can help me create a plan for these career paths?
For additional information about a B.S. in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology, please contact our advisor in the College of Health and Public Service: 940-565-4115 or Cris.Buxton@unt.edu. To schedule an appointment, please visit unt.navigate.eab.com.
If you have a bachelor's degree in another field, visit the ASLP website for more information and email questions to aslpadvising@unt.edu.
References
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (2018). Learn about the CSD professions: audiology. Retrieved from https://www.asha.org/Students/Audiology/.
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (2018). About speech-language pathology. Speech-Language Pathologists. Retrieved from https://www.asha.org/Students/Speech-Language-Pathologists/.
Bureau of Labor Statistics (2018). Speech-language pathologists. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/speech-language-pathologists.htm