Communication Disorders Sciences and Services, Other.
Data details: Graduation rate, gender, ethnicity, and summary are for this specific degree (6-digit CIP) from IPEDS. Salary, debt, and related financial outcomes are based on the degree category (4-digit CIP) from the College Scorecard API. ← Back to search
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Debt to Income Ratio
Why Communication Disorders Sciences and Services, Other. stands out: With a debt-to-income ratio of just 46.8%, graduates of this program typically enjoy manageable student loan payments compared to their first-year earnings. This low ratio means that, on average, students who complete Communication Disorders Sciences and Services, Other. can expect to pay off their student debt faster and with less financial stress than most other fields. Programs with a DTI below 0.5 are considered excellent by financial experts, making this degree a smart investment for your future.
For example, with a median salary of $47303 and average student debt of $22135, the financial outlook for Communication Disorders Sciences and Services, Other. graduates is especially strong in .
Key Insights
Wondering if Communication Disorders Sciences and Services, Other. is right for you? This degree is designed for students who want both knowledge and practical experience. Most graduates see starting salaries near $47303, and the average student debt is $22135, with a debt-to-income ratio of 0.47—a strong position for financial independence.
With an annual graduating class of 23288 students, you’ll be part of a dynamic student body. Whether you’re looking for upward mobility, a chance to innovate, or a degree that’s respected in the job market, Communication Disorders Sciences and Services, Other. delivers. Take advantage of every resource your school offers to maximize your success!
Degree Overview
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services, Other (CIP 51.0299) is a specialized health and human services field focused on understanding, assessing, and supporting individuals with communication, speech, language, voice, fluency, and swallowing challenges that fall outside narrowly defined clinical tracks. This classification includes interdisciplinary and emerging programs related to speech-language pathology, audiology, communication sciences, and assistive communication services that do not align with a single licensure pathway.
For a degree search site, Communication Disorders Sciences and Services, Other represents human-centered healthcare, education, and accessibility. Communication is fundamental to learning, relationships, independence, and quality of life. This degree appeals to students who want a people-focused career helping children or adults communicate more effectively without necessarily pursuing a single clinical license immediately.
What Is a Communication Disorders Sciences and Services Degree?
A Communication Disorders Sciences and Services, Other degree is an interdisciplinary health-related program that explores how humans produce, perceive, and understand communication—and how those processes can be disrupted by developmental, neurological, physical, or environmental factors. Programs under the “Other” designation often emphasize foundational knowledge, applied support services, research, or emerging specializations rather than a direct licensure track.
This degree typically focuses on:
- Speech, language, and communication development
- Communication disorders across the lifespan
- Foundations of speech-language pathology and audiology
- Assessment principles and intervention strategies
- Communication accessibility and support services
Colleges and universities offer this degree to:
- Prepare students for support roles in communication and health services
- Provide a foundation for graduate study in speech-language pathology or audiology
- Train professionals for education, healthcare, or research settings
- Address growing demand for communication support and accessibility
Programs emphasize evidence-based knowledge, empathy, and applied communication skills.
What Will You Learn?
Students learn how communication develops, how it can be disrupted, and how professionals support individuals with communication challenges. You’ll study speech production, language processing, hearing, cognition, and social communication across childhood, adulthood, and aging.
The curriculum blends biological, psychological, and social perspectives. Students learn to recognize communication differences, understand diagnostic frameworks, and apply supportive strategies under supervision. While this degree does not typically confer licensure on its own, it builds a strong academic and practical foundation for advanced training or allied roles.
Students also learn ethical practice, cultural sensitivity, and person-first approaches, recognizing that communication differences exist within diverse social and cultural contexts.
Core Skills You’ll Build
Graduates typically develop skills such as:
- Understanding speech and language development—across the lifespan
- Recognition of communication disorders—speech, language, and voice
- Basic assessment and observation techniques—screening and support
- Communication support strategies—evidence-informed approaches
- Professional and therapeutic communication—client interaction
- Data collection and documentation—progress tracking
- Cultural and linguistic competence—inclusive service delivery
- Collaboration with healthcare and education teams—interdisciplinary work
These skills are valuable in clinical support, education, and research environments.
Topics You May Explore
Because this is an “Other” classification, coursework varies by institution but often includes:
- Introduction to Communication Disorders: foundational concepts
- Speech Sound and Language Development: typical and atypical patterns
- Neurological Bases of Communication: brain and behavior
- Hearing Science and Auditory Processing: sound perception
- Voice, Fluency, and Swallowing Disorders: functional challenges
- Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC): assistive tools
- Research Methods in Communication Sciences: evidence-based practice
- Clinical Observation or Practicum: supervised experience
- Ethics and Professional Issues: standards and responsibilities
Many programs emphasize preparation for graduate study or specialized certifications.
What Jobs Can You Get With This Degree?
A Communication Disorders Sciences and Services, Other degree prepares students for entry-level and support roles, as well as advanced education. Most independent clinical practice roles require graduate degrees and licensure.
Common career paths include:
- Speech-Language Pathology Assistant or Aide: supervised support
- Communication Support Specialist: education or healthcare settings
- Early Intervention Program Assistant: child development services
- Rehabilitation or Therapy Technician: clinical environments
- Research Assistant in Communication Sciences: academic or clinical research
- Special Education or Classroom Support Staff: school-based services
- Graduate Study Path: speech-language pathology or audiology programs
Career growth often depends on graduate education, certification, or specialization.
Where Can You Work?
Graduates work in environments that support communication development and accessibility:
- Schools and early childhood education programs
- Hospitals and rehabilitation centers
- Speech, hearing, and therapy clinics
- Community health organizations and nonprofits
- Universities and research institutions
- Long-term care and assisted living facilities
- Government and public health agencies
These settings emphasize teamwork and client-centered care.
How Much Can You Earn?
Earnings vary depending on role, location, and level of education.
Typical ranges include:
- Entry-level support or assistant roles: often $40,000–$55,000
- Experienced communication or therapy support professionals: commonly $55,000–$70,000
- Advanced roles after graduate study or licensure: can exceed $80,000–$100,000+
Graduate degrees in speech-language pathology or audiology significantly increase earning potential.
Is This Degree Hard?
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services, Other is considered academically rigorous but highly applied. Students must master anatomy, neuroscience, linguistics, and research concepts while also developing strong interpersonal skills. The challenge lies in integrating scientific understanding with compassionate, real-world support.
Success requires attention to detail, empathy, and a strong interest in human communication.
Who Should Consider This Degree?
This degree may be a strong fit if you:
- Are fascinated by how people communicate and learn language
- Enjoy helping children or adults overcome challenges
- Want a healthcare or education-related career
- Are considering graduate study in speech-language pathology or audiology
- Value patience, empathy, and evidence-based practice
How to Prepare in High School and College
To prepare for a communication disorders program:
- Take biology, psychology, linguistics, and health sciences courses
- Develop strong written and verbal communication skills
- Volunteer with schools, clinics, or disability support programs
- Learn about speech-language pathology and hearing sciences careers
- Maintain strong academic performance for graduate school eligibility
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services, Other (CIP 51.0299) is a meaningful and future-oriented degree for students who want to improve lives through better communication. It offers strong preparation for graduate study, growing demand in education and healthcare, and the opportunity to make a lasting impact on how individuals connect with the world. For those drawn to science, service, and human connection, this degree provides a powerful foundation in one of the most essential areas of health and development.
Personality Fit (RIASEC Profile)
Official assessment tool by the U.S. Department of Labor