What Can You Do With a Communication Disorders Degree in 2025?

by Imed Bouchrika, Phd

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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What careers can you pursue with a communication disorders degree?

Communication disorders degree graduates can work in roles that directly support individuals with speech, language, and hearing challenges or in positions that influence policy, education, and research. The career path you choose will depend on your education level, skills, and professional goals.

Here are some of the most common and rewarding career options:

• Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA): Supports licensed speech-language pathologists in delivering therapy and managing treatment plans. Learn more about the benefits of being a speech pathologist.
• Audiology Assistant: Helps audiologists with hearing tests, equipment preparation, and patient education. This role allows you to work directly with patients and gain hands-on experience in audiology.
• Research Assistant: Contributes to studies on speech, hearing, and language disorders in academic or clinical settings. This role is ideal for those interested in data collection and analysis.
• Corporate Communication Trainer: Designs and delivers training programs to improve communication skills in professional environments. They may work with executives to enhance workplace collaboration.
• Early Intervention Specialist: Works with infants and toddlers to address developmental communication delays. They collaborate closely with families to create personalized intervention plans.
• Hearing Aid Specialist: Fits and maintains hearing aids while providing guidance on their use. They also educate clients on hearing health and device care.

With such a broad range of options, a communication disorders degree can be the foundation for a fulfilling and flexible career. Your path can be clinical, educational, research-based, or advocacy-focused, depending on the impact you want to make.

How does a communication disorders degree compare to a speech-language pathology degree?

A communication disorders degree offers a broader foundation, often at the undergraduate level. A speech-language pathology degree is more specialized, preparing you for professional clinical practice. While the two degrees are closely related, they serve different purposes and prepare you for distinct career paths.

Here’s how they differ in scope, level, and career outcomes:

Communication Disorders Degree

• Usually offered at the bachelor’s level, serving as a foundation for graduate study in fields like speech-language pathology or audiology.
• Covers a broad range of topics including speech, language, hearing, and swallowing disorders.
• Prepares graduates for support roles, such as speech-language pathology assistant, audiology assistant, or rehabilitation aide.

Speech-Language Pathology Degree

• Offered at the master’s level and required for licensure as a speech-language pathologist.
• Focuses heavily on diagnosis, treatment, and clinical practice for speech and language disorders.
• Includes extensive clinical training and practicums, often in hospitals, schools, or rehabilitation centers.

For those seeking flexibility and accessibility, online communication disorders degree programs can be an excellent starting point before moving into a specialized graduate program. 

What skills will you develop in a communication disorders degree?

The best part of earning a communication disorders degree? Gaining skills that are both practical and impactful. You’ll learn how to help individuals improve their communication while also building competencies valued across many industries.

Here are some of the key skills you’ll gain throughout the program:

• Clinical Assessment Skills: Learn how to evaluate speech, language, hearing, and swallowing abilities using standardized tools and observation.
• Therapeutic Techniques: Gain strategies for creating and implementing treatment plans tailored to individual client needs.
• Communication and Interpersonal Skills: Build strong relationships with clients, families, and colleagues to support treatment and care.
• Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving: Analyze symptoms, identify causes, and develop effective intervention strategies.
• Cultural Competency: Understand and respect the influence of cultural and linguistic diversity on communication.
• Communication Research Literacy: Learn how to interpret scientific studies about communication, apply evidence-based practices, and contribute to research initiatives.
• Technical Proficiency: Use diagnostic tools, therapy software, and assistive technologies to enhance treatment outcomes.
• Documentation and Record-Keeping: Maintain accurate, detailed records that meet professional and legal standards.

Developing these give you a competitive edge in a variety of professional settings, from healthcare to education. We recommend exploring our breakdown of the speech language pathologist job outlook if you plan to advance in that direction.

For your visual reference, below is a breakdown of the key skills communication disorders graduates need to advance into specialized roles such as SLPs:

What industries are hiring communication disorders degree graduates in 2025?

A communication disorders degree can open doors in a variety of industries. These roles are not limited to clinical practice; they also span education, research, and public service. Your skills can be applied in settings that directly improve communication health or support related fields.

Here are some of the top industries employing communication disorders degree graduates in 2025:

• Elementary and Secondary Schools: Help students who have speech or language challenges. Explore our list of accelerated elementary education degree online programs if you wish to focus on this path.
• Offices of Other Health Practitioners: Assist specialists like audiologists and occupational therapists. Provide therapy support, assessments, and patient education.
• General Medical and Surgical Hospitals: Aid patients recovering from illness or injury affecting communication. Collaborate with healthcare teams to improve outcomes.
• Rehabilitation Centers: Deliver therapy to restore speech and language abilities. Track patient progress and adjust treatment plans as needed.
• Research Institutions: Support studies on communication disorders. Collect data and help translate findings into practice.
• Non-Profit Organizations: Advocate for individuals with communication challenges. Organize programs and connect communities with resources.
• Corporate Training Firms: Create communication skills workshops for professionals. Teach techniques to improve speaking, listening, and voice care.
• Public Health Agencies: Develop prevention and awareness campaigns. Partner with community groups to improve communication health.

These industries highlight the wide-ranging demand for communication disorders professionals, from schools to healthcare to public service. In fact, career outlook data in related fields—such as psychology—shows that roles supporting human behavior and communication are consistently in demand, with applied psychology salary ranges reflecting how specialized expertise can translate into competitive earnings across diverse industries.

The chart below breaks down the most common types of disorders among American students ages 3–21, where speech and language impairments make up the second largest category at 19%:

How much can you earn with a communication disorders degree?

From helping children find their voice to guiding patients through recovery, the work is deeply meaningful. Not to mention, it pays well, too. Salaries in this field vary widely, shaped by your experience, specialization, and workplace. With the right skills, you could be earning well above the national average.

Here’s a breakdown of potential earnings at different levels:

• Top Earners: Professionals in the highest pay bracket can make around $124,500 annually. This tier often includes those with years of experience, advanced certifications, or leadership positions.
• 75th Percentile: Earning about $98,500 per year, these professionals typically have strong experience and may work in specialized or high-demand settings.
• Average: The typical salary for communication disorders graduates is $85,648. This reflects a mix of entry-level and mid-career professionals.
• 25th Percentile: At $65,500 per year, these salaries usually represent entry-level roles or positions in lower-paying regions.

Earning potential grows with experience, advanced training, and specialization. These figures can help you set clear career goals and map out your professional growth. And because communication expertise is transferable across fields, some graduates even explore opportunities similar to strategic communications degree jobs, where skills in messaging, advocacy, and leadership can command strong salaries in healthcare, education, or corporate settings.

Which certifications should you consider after earning a communication disorders degree?

According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (2024), millions of Americans face communication challenges, including 2 million with aphasia, over 3 million who stutter, and about 38 million with hearing difficulties. Specialized certifications can help you better serve these groups and advance your career.

Here are some certifications worth exploring after completing your degree:

• Board Certification in Fluency and Fluency Disorders (BCF): Focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of stuttering and related speech disorders. Ideal for SLPs who want to specialize in fluency challenges.
• Board Certification in Child Language (BCS-CL): Validates advanced knowledge in assessing and treating language disorders in children. Perfect for those working in schools or pediatric care.
• Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders (BCS-S): Specializes in evaluating and treating swallowing difficulties, often seen in hospital or rehabilitation settings. Highly valued in medical speech-language pathology.
• Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Certification: Trains you to work with patients who rely on non-verbal communication tools. Essential for roles supporting individuals with severe speech impairments.
• Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP): If you pursue a master’s in SLP, this certificate is essential for demonstrating that your clinical skills meet the highest professional standards. It’s often required for many advanced SLP positions.

Earning one (or several) of these certifications can set you apart as an expert and expand your career possibilities into specialized roles in clinics, schools, hospitals, or remotely.

What graduate programs can I pursue with a communication disorders degree?

A communication disorders degree can be the foundation for advanced study. Graduate programs help you specialize, expand your skills, and increase your career potential.

Here are some top graduate programs worth considering:

• MA in Speech-Language Pathology (SLP): This program prepares you for licensure as an SLP through advanced coursework. You’ll gain extensive hands-on experience to work with patients across the lifespan.
• MA in Special Education: This degree equips you to implement strategies for students with communication challenges. Explore our list of accelerated online master's degree special education programs for your reference.
• Master’s in Communication Sciences and Disorders: A broader approach that encompasses speech, language, and hearing sciences. You’ll have the option to focus on either clinical practice or research pathways.
• Master’s in Public Health (MPH): This program focuses on addressing communication disorders through prevention, education, and policy change. It’s ideal for those who want to impact community health on a larger scale.
• Ph.D. in Speech and Hearing Science: This research-intensive program is for those interested in advancing the field through discovery and innovation. It can lead to roles in academia, clinical research, or leadership positions.
• Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.): Designed for those pursuing careers as audiologists, this program covers hearing and balance disorders in depth. Clinical training ensures you’re ready to treat patients of all ages.

Graduate study can open new career paths, qualify you for leadership roles, and strengthen your expertise in serving individuals with communication challenges. For example, some graduates explore what can you do with a master's degree in reading and literacy, since it overlaps with language development, comprehension, and educational strategies—areas that are closely tied to communication disorders and student success.

What are the alternative career paths for communication disorders graduates?

A communication disorders degree can lead to more than just clinical roles. The skills you gain—communication, problem-solving, and empathy—are valued in many fields. These paths let you apply your expertise in unique ways.

Here are some alternative career options to explore:

• Assistive Technology Specialist: Supports individuals in using devices that aid communication, such as speech-generating tools or software. Often collaborates with schools, healthcare providers, and rehabilitation centers.
• Voice-over Artist: Uses vocal skills to narrate audiobooks, commercials, or educational materials. Strong voice control and clarity are essential for success.
• Health Communications Specialist: Creates and shares health-related information for the public, often working for hospitals or government agencies. Ensures messages are clear, accessible, and culturally sensitive.
• Intercultural Communication Consultant: Trains individuals and organizations to navigate language and cultural differences in global settings. Often works in corporate, educational, or diplomatic environments.
• Educational Content Developer: Designs learning materials that support literacy, language development, and comprehension skills. May work for publishing companies, e-learning platforms, or education nonprofits.

If you’re interested in exploring the business side of communication, a fast track online business communication degree can be a great option. It equips you with skills to excel in corporate environments, marketing, and leadership roles, while letting you complete your studies in less time.

What is the job outlook for communication disorders degree graduates?

The career outlook for communication disorders graduates is highly promising. Demand for skilled professionals is rising faster than the national average. This trend is expected to continue well into the next decade.

Here are some key projections shaping the field:

• Strong Growth Rate: Employment of communication disorders graduates and SLPs is projected to grow 18% from 2023 to 2033.
• Consistent Annual Openings: About 13,700 openings for communication disorders professionals and SLPs are expected each year. Many will come from replacing retirees or those leaving the profession.
• Aging Baby Boomer Population: As more older adults experience conditions like strokes or dementia, the demand for rehabilitation and speech therapy services will increase.
• Growing Pediatric Needs: Increased recognition of disorders such as stuttering in children is driving the need for early intervention. Specialists who focus on young patients will find expanding opportunities.
• Support for Autism Communication Skills: With autism diagnoses rising, more professionals will be needed to help children develop communication and social interaction abilities.

Overall, graduates entering the field can expect strong employment prospects and meaningful career opportunities. The profession’s steady demand ensures a rewarding path for those passionate about helping others communicate effectively.

What emerging industry trends are shaping communication disorders careers in 2025?

The communication disorders field is evolving rapidly with technology, demographics, and clinical approaches driving change. Innovations are improving both accessibility and treatment outcomes. These trends are reshaping how professionals deliver care and expand their skill sets.

Here are some of the most impactful developments shaping the field today:

• AI Speech Therapy Assistants: AI-powered tools like Jessica (Better Speech, 2024), provide personalized speech therapy by analyzing speech patterns, identifying problem areas, and recommending targeted exercises.
• Telehealth Therapy Expansion: Corporate partnerships like Super Duper Publications and Coviu are creating interactive, clinically rigorous therapy experiences online (Newswire, 2024).
• Advances in AAC Technology: Modern augmentative and alternative communication devices are more intuitive and cloud-connected, boasting features like eye-tracking technology and speech generation (ASHA, n.d.).
• Specialized Post-Stroke Rehabilitation: Innovative therapies like melodic intonation and functional connectivity methods are designed to restore communication skills after stroke or brain injury (PubMed, 2025).
• Focus on Aging-Related Communication Disorders: With the aging population, there’s heightened attention on managing conditions such as Parkinson’s and dementia-related speech loss (Coherent Market Insights, 2025).

The demand for professionals who can adapt to these trends will only grow. Staying informed and up-to-date with industry know-hows will ensure your skills remain relevant and in demand. In fact, many career paths in healthcare communication are beginning to overlap with broader roles, such as technical communication degree jobs, where skills in simplifying complex information, using digital tools, and adapting messaging for diverse audiences are highly valued. This crossover highlights how versatile communication expertise has become across multiple industries.

Here’s What Professionals Have to Say About Their Communication Disorders Degrees

Other Things You Need to Know About Communication Disorders Degree

How long does it take to complete a communication disorders degree?

Most bachelor’s degrees in communication disorders take about four years of full-time study. Some online programs may offer accelerated tracks that can shorten this timeline. Part-time enrollment may extend completion by one to two years.

What is the difference between a B.A. and a B.S. in communication disorders?

A B.A. in communication disorders emphasizes a broader liberal arts foundation with more humanities and social science courses. A B.S. focuses on science and research, including subjects like biology or statistics. Both paths prepare students for graduate study and careers in speech, language, and hearing fields.

Do you need to complete a clinical practicum for a communication disorders degree?

Most undergraduate communication disorders programs include observation hours but not full clinical practicums. These are reserved for graduate study, where hands-on training with clients becomes essential. At the master’s level, practicums or externships are required for professional certification.

What technology or tools do you learn to use in a communication disorders degree?

Students gain hands-on experience with technologies that support assessment and therapy in the field. These tools prepare graduates to work effectively in modern clinical and educational settings:

• Speech analysis software: Used to evaluate speech patterns and diagnose disorders.
• Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices: Support clients with limited or no verbal communication.
• Telepractice platforms: Enable remote therapy and client consultations.
• Digital therapy apps and tools: Provide interactive exercises for speech and language practice.