Department of Speech Pathology & Audiology

The field of Speech Pathology and Audiology is concerned with disorders of speech, language and hearing. A Speech-Language Pathologist is trained to diagnose and treat language and speech disorders. An audiologist is trained to provide diagnostic hearing assessment and aural habilitation and rehabilitation services.

The Department offers the Bachelor of Science degree in both Speech Pathology and Audiology and the Master of Science degree in Speech Pathology. The Bachelor’s degrees provide background in theoretical and clinical areas necessary for graduate study. The Master's degree provides professional training for a career in Speech Pathology.  The entry level degree for Audiology will change to a clinical doctorate (AuD) beginning January 1, 2007. Students with Bachelor's degrees in Audiology can apply to AuD programs at other institutions.  The California State University System cannot offer a stand alone clinical doctorate.  A partner has not been found with whom Sacramento State can offer a joint degree at the present time.  Students with Bachelor degrees in Speech Pathology from other institutions may apply to enter the program as graduate students, although some adjustments in their programs may be necessary. 

Employment in Speech Pathology requires both a Master's degree and a credential or license. Completion of the Master's degree provides the training necessary for students to qualify for the California State License as a Speech Pathologist or the Clinical Rehabilitative Services credential for working as a Speech-Language Pathologist in the public schools, and the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association's Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech Pathology. (Other experience and exams are also required before the license and Certificate are granted; these will be described below under "Additional Information.") The Department also offers the Special Class Authorization, an extension of the Clinical Rehabilitative Services credential required to teach a classroom of language-disordered children.

A Bachelor’s degree in Speech Pathology or Audiology can lead to other careers in health and education related fields.  The broad yet challenging nature of the bachelor’s degree in speech pathology or audiology prepares students for fields requiring backgrounds in human development, communication, health and education.  Some graduates have pursued graduate work in the fields of special education, counseling and rehabilitation as well as careers in health insurance industry, career advising and government health programs.