BA & BGS Degrees
Degree Options: BA vs. BGS in Speech-Language-Hearing
Students pursuing a major in Speech-Language-Hearing at the undergraduate level can choose between two degree options: the Bachelor of Arts (BA) or the Bachelor of General Studies (BGS). Both degrees require the same core coursework in the major, which integrates knowledge from psychology, biology, linguistics, anatomy, and physiology, as well as courses in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.
What’s the Difference?
- Bachelor of Arts (BA):
Emphasizes a liberal arts foundation and requires foreign language proficiency, along with additional coursework in writing, mathematics, and laboratory science. - Bachelor of General Studies (BGS):
Offers flexibility and breadth, requiring students to complete either a minor, a co-major or double major, or two certificate programs in another field.
Both degree paths require a minimum of 35 credit hours in Speech-Language-Hearing major courses. Students may also choose to enhance their education by pursuing a minor or certificate programs related to communication and communication disorders.
Learn more about major requirements via the course catalog.
Accelerated MA Program
To practice as a speech-language pathologist (SLP), a master’s degree is required. KU’s Accelerated MA program allows qualified undergraduate students majoring in Speech-Language-Hearing: Sciences and Disorders to earn both their bachelor’s and master’s degrees in just five years. By counting up to 12 graduate credit hours toward both degrees, students can fast-track their education and clinical training to meet ASHA certification standards and begin their careers as licensed SLPs.
Hands-On Research and Clinical Experience
As an undergraduate in our program, you’ll have opportunities to participate in groundbreaking interdisciplinary research. Topics include:
- Neurological mechanisms of speech and their use in brain-machine interfaces
- Noise reduction in cochlear implants
- The genetics of language
- Word learning mechanisms
- Human speech perception
- Communication development in children with developmental disabilities
Learn more about undergraduate research opportunities.
Gain Real-World Experience at the Schiefelbusch Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic
As a student in KU’s Speech-Language-Hearing program, you'll gain valuable hands-on experience at the Schiefelbusch Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic which is a highly respected facility located right on the KU Lawrence campus.
The clinic serves children and adults from the university and surrounding communities, offering comprehensive care for people with communication disorders. It also plays a central role in your clinical education.
At the clinic, you’ll work closely with expert faculty supervisors, all of whom hold the Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). You’ll be part of a collaborative training environment where clinical staff and patients’ families work alongside you to support learning and growth.
Why It Matters for Your Career
The clinic has two main goals:
- To provide high-quality, inclusive services to individuals with communication challenges
- To offer professional clinical training for students preparing for careers in speech-language pathology or audiology
KU’s clinical faculty are also nationally recognized leaders who bring cutting-edge practices into your training, including:
- Inclusive strategies for school-based speech-language pathologists
- Culturally responsive care for Native American and underserved communities
- Home and community-based interventions that make a real impact
Through your clinical experience, you'll develop the confidence, skills, and cultural awareness needed to succeed in today’s dynamic professional settings.