It can be difficult to determine which major is right for you. In fact, many students struggle with this issue and find themselves changing majors one or more times before finally walking across the stage to receive their diploma. But, if you’re looking for a rewarding career, one that will enable you to have a major impact on the lives of others, a communication disorders degree may be exactly what you’re looking for.
What Does it Mean to Major in Communication Disorders?
A communication disorders degree program focuses on the fundamentals of understanding language, speech and the hearing process, as well as how to diagnose specific disorders. Communication disorder graduates may choose to pursue a graduate program in audiology or speech pathology, or they can pursue career paths as a:
Many people who choose to pursue a communication disorders degree have often witnessed the effects of a disorder on a family member or friend or have been affected by a disorder themselves. There are many types of communication disorders, including:
Communication disorders can be the result of birth defects and may be evident at birth, while others may not manifest until a child becomes a toddler. Communication disorders can severely affect older adults such as those who are recovering from a stroke or those who are living with dementia. Communication disorders can also be caused by psychological trauma and chemical imbalances in the brain. Still, others may be the result of trauma, such as being in close proximity to an explosion, or result from an injury such as an accident or fall, or they may be caused by a disease.
Benefits of Choosing a Degree in Communication Disorders
A career in communication disorders has many benefits. Some of them include:
It’s a Rewarding Career
A degree in communication disorders provides you with the tools and skills you’ll need to help others overcome the isolation of not being able to communicate. From individuals who are born with a communication disorder to those who lose abilities due to an illness or injury to those who have dementia, you’ll have the opportunity to work with a wide range of patients who are experiencing communication difficulties for varied reasons. In addition to compensation, your reward includes their gratitude and witnessing their joy as you assist them on their journey to understanding and communicating with others and their surroundings.
You'll Make a Difference in the Lives of Others
With a degree in communication disorders, you’ll have lots of opportunities to make a difference in the lives of your clients and their families. From helping a child overcome a speech impediment to helping a stroke victim regain lost abilities to helping someone overcome articulation issues, a career in communication disorders provides you with the tools and skills you need to open up a whole new world of understanding for someone else.
Helps You Empower Others
You’ll make a difference in the lives of the clients with which you work directly, as well as the lives of the parents of any children you’re able to help. The parents of children with communication disorders generally have a long list of questions and fears that you’ll be able to help them work through. You’ll empower these parents, providing them with ideas and the information they need to help their child succeed.
Lots of Education Opportunities
For those who want to further their careers or expand their knowledge base in communication disorders, there are plenty of opportunities to do so. From obtaining a master's degree to taking classes that enable you to specialize in a particular field, there’s no shortage of educational opportunities to further your studies.
There are Many Employment Options
A degree in communication disorders allows you to pursue a number of different career paths in a number of different environments, including schools, hospitals, senior living communities, rehabilitation centers, research labs and clinics. Additionally, after receiving the proper credentials, you may choose to be self-employed with your own private practice, seeing clients in your office or in their homes.
Common career choices in the field of communication disorders include:
Speech-language educators work as teachers at all levels. They raise awareness of communication disorders, as well as teaching others how to diagnose and treat communication disorders.
Audiologists work with individuals who have hearing difficulties. They help rehabilitate the hearing impaired, including the selection and fitting of hearing aids, as well as working with the client to prevent further hearing loss.
Speech-language pathologists diagnoses communication disorders and create/implement effective treatment plans. They also help families and teachers of clients adjust to the presence of a communication disorder. These professionals may also take part in research projects, developing new methods for diagnosing and treating communication disorders.
Special education instructors help those with communication disorders learn how to communicate with their peers and teachers. They make it possible for these students to learn and succeed in traditional school environments.
Speech therapists help those with speech disorders gain coordination of or strengthen the muscles needed to correctly pronounce sounds and words.
Children’s hearing specialists specialize in pediatric communication disorders, working with children and their families.
Clinical supervisors are responsible for the oversight of various types of clinics, organizing and managing the clinics, making sure they run smoothly and effectively. They ensure each patient receives the care and attention they require. They're also responsible for the hiring of competent pathologists.
Private practitioners work as therapists, consultants or clinicians, serving a small community of individuals.
Communication Disorder Training at Geneva
Geneva College’s communication disorders major is the first step towards receiving the training and credentials you’ll need for a rewarding career in this field. Our program also provides an excellent foundation for those who choose to pursue a graduate program. Our approach is based on the premise of reflecting Jesus’ compassion as you bring healing and hope into the lives of individuals who suffer from various speech, language and swallowing disorders.
If you’d like to learn more about obtaining a degree in communication disorders and any other profession that will enable you to serve wholeheartedly and faithfully in your life’s work or want to learn more about a biblically-based, Christ-centered education at Geneva, we’d love to chat with you. For more information on how Geneva College can help you pursue your education goals, please phone us at 855-979-5563 or email web@geneva.edu.
Opinions expressed in the Geneva Blog are those of its contributors and do not necessarily represent the opinions or official position of the College. The Geneva Blog is a place for faculty and contributing writers to express points of view, academic insights, and contribute to national conversations to spark thought, conversation, and the pursuit of truth, in line with our philosophy as a Christian, liberal arts institution.
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