There’s a growing need for speech-language pathologists and audiologists to support people with speech, language, hearing, feeding, swallowing, and balance issues. Many students discover these fields through personal experiences, often when they or a loved one needs these services. Others come to the field after earning a bachelor’s degree.

By 2030, California alone will need 750 more audiologists. The state is also facing a significant shortage of speech-language pathologists in schools, hospitals, nursing homes, and private practices.

Dr. Heather Thompson, Professor and Chair of the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at CSU Sacramento, says, “This is an incredibly rewarding career with great job prospects and a meaningful impact on the community.”

To meet this demand, Sac State’s College of Continuing Education (CCE) offers the Second Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSAD2B) program. Launched in 2014, this accelerated 16-month program is designed for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field. Over 160 students have graduated from the program, going on to complete advanced training in speech-language pathology or audiology.

Dr. Thompson emphasizes that students should choose a program that offers in-person clinical training. While many online programs exist, they can be expensive and may lack the hands-on experience that is crucial for becoming a successful professional. At Sacramento State, students get to train at on-campus clinics, working directly with clients under expert supervision.

The CSAD2B program includes 46 units of coursework and 100+ hours of clinical fieldwork. Students also gain the qualifications needed to apply to graduate programs in speech-language pathology or audiology. Many students go on to pursue advanced degrees and some even return to teach at Sacramento State.

Interested students can complete their coursework in just four semesters, and in the final semester, they get valuable clinical experience. For those interested in audiology, there’s an “off-ramp” option to enter a Doctor of Audiology program early, making the process even faster and more affordable.

For more information about the CSAD2B program and the professions, visit the Department’s webpage: CSAD2B Program.