Communication Disorders Bachelor’s Degree | Geneva College

BA Major • Minor

Communication Disorders

Pursue a career helping others with their language, hearing, and swallowing disorders in educational and medical settings as a communication disorders major

The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Communication Disorders degree program at Geneva College prepares you with the foundational knowledge needed to enter graduate study. Through a compassionate curriculum and hands-on experiences aiding others with communication disorders, you emerge equipped for a career helping children and adults in diverse settings, becoming a speech-language pathologist or audiologist who has a love for God and a heart for helping people live richer lives.

Geneva’s communication disorders major provides the foundation to enter graduate study and earn your American Speech-Language-Hearing certification.

Clinical Experience

Train alongside local certified speech-language pathologists in schools, hospitals, nursing homes, or private clinics

Geneva Chapter of NSSLHA

Engage in service opportunities and peer mentorships with other students

Prepare for Advanced Studies

Fulfill prerequisite courses required for top graduate programs in communication disorders or speech-language pathology

Cooperative Programs

Three local universities have reserved admission exclusively for Geneva students

Key Communication Disorders Courses

Sign Language

Learn basic vocabulary and sentence structure of American Sign Language to assist in working with diverse populations.

Introduction to Audiology

Study sound, the ear, hearing disorders, and treatments in this intro course designed for future speech-language pathologists or audiologists.

Phonetics

Explore the science of speech-sound production, perception, and transcription.

Neurological Foundations of Language and Cognition

Examine the way the brain affects communication, cognition, and swallowing, including how to assist adults with communication disorders.

Experienced & Accomplished Faculty

Our communication disorders is a comprehensive program that covers cognitive and communicative development from birth to adulthood.

Courses cover five main areas including:

  • speech sound
  • language
  • fluency
  • voice
  • neurogenic communication disorders

All communication disorders courses are taught with a biblical perspective that that communication disorders are not a mistake or an unfortunate chance, but a creative act of God, as part of His inspired plan (Exodus 4:11). Providing services that help individuals achieve their greatest created potential is our calling, and this gives meaning to the work that we do. 

Communication disorder students and faculty provide over 60 hours of free speech-language therapy to individuals in the community.

Each component of the program prepares students to apply these newfound skills to a graduate degree program in speech-language pathology/speech therapy or audiology.

NOTE: The BA in Communication Disorders program does not guarantee entry into a graduate program in the field of speech-language pathology, nor does it guarantee state licensure from the ASHA (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association).

To become a speech-language pathologist or speech therapist in the state of Pennsylvania, students must complete the following:

  • Their master’s degree from an accredited academic program
  • A clinical practicum
  • Supervised professional experience
  • A passing score on the speech-language pathology exam

Students seeking additional information on the Pennsylvania licensing requirements for speech-language pathologists should visit ASHA.

The communication disorders major prepares students for graduate work while giving them a Christian perspective.
  1. Students will be prepared for graduate work in the area of communication disorders.
  2. Students will model as professional clinicians, the compassion of Jesus in working with people disabled by communication disorders.

Career Outcomes

The curriculum for the communication disorders program positions students to enter a master’s program and earn their ASHA certification.  Students who apply their bachelor’s toward a graduate degree have ample opportunities in speech-language pathology, as recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the job outlook to grow by 19% into 2032.

94%

of Geneva graduates from the communication disorders degree program in the past ten years gained acceptance into the top ten speech-language pathology programs across the nation.

100%

of communication disorders majors at Geneva participate in internships, research, or related applied learning.

$84,140

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, speech-language pathologists earn a median annual wage of $84,140.

“My time as a Geneva Communication Disorders student was truly a life changing experience. Not only did I discover speech language pathology, but I also got to experience God’s love through my professors and assignments. While learning all of the different aspects of speech, we also focused on seeing people the way that God sees people. Finally, I learned the importance of kindness in our field as I got to work one on one with children from all different backgrounds during my Clinical Experience. I can honestly say I feel well prepared for graduate school and am so thankful for my time in the program.” Jenae Brendle ‘20

Prepare for Communication Disorders Careers

Your BA in Communication Disorders serves as a foundation for graduate study in speech-language pathology or audiology, preparing you for the following professions:
  • Audiologist
  • Audiology Assistant
  • Communication Disorders Professor
  • Communication Disorders Research Assistant
  • Special Education Teacher
  • Speech-Language Pathologist
  • Speech-Language Pathology Assistant

Further your impact...

  • Earn your master’s or doctorate degree to provide valuable research as you continue studying speech and hearing sciences.
  • Open your own speech therapy practice and give back to your community.
  • Work in schools for blind and deaf students or help special needs children through swallow therapy.

Tell Me More

Discover more about our Communication Disorders program

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