There are nine essential skills you should have in order to find, acquire, maintain, and grow within a job.

Essential skills build through majoring in Speech, Language, Hearing Sciences include:

• Career Development
• Professionalism & Work Ethic
• Critical Thinking

Click here to learn more about each essential skill.

Students graduating in Speech, Language, Hearing Sciences often find themselves working as clinical-service providers, speech-language pathology assistants/audiology assistants, and rehabilitation aides/behavioral therapists. 

Click here to explore career opportunities by major.

Students who choose to pursue a graduate degree often consider:

• Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology (offered by MSU Denver as well as CU Boulder and University of Northern Colorado).
• Clinical doctorate in audiology (offered by CU Boulder and University of Northern Colorado)

Click here to learn more about applying to graduate school.

Major milestones consist of activities students should complete during their first year, middle years and last year at MSU Denver. These milestones will help prospective and current students explore major and career options and create a year-by-year plan to integrate curricular (what happens inside the classroom), co-curricular (what happens inside and outside the classroom, and non-curricular (what happens outside the classroom) experiences. For example, milestones might list specific classes student should take at specific times along their journey or may suggest when students should participate in research opportunities with faculty members.

Simply put, Major Milestones are meant to enhance your student experience and set you up for success.

To use this tool to the fullest, follow these steps

1. Click on your year in school from the list below.
2. Read the steps listed in each category: Cultivate, Engage and Prepare.
3. Complete any necessary steps listed.
4. Check out further resources by connecting with your academic advisor, the Classroom to Career Hub, and your department faculty.

All options listed below are available in-person and online unless noted otherwise.

• Attend orientation and register for classes.
• Meet with your Academic Advisor.
• Complete FAFSA/CASFA/COF and the General Scholarship Application.

• Join a student organization and get connected to support on campus.
• Declare a major, (explore our fully online programs!) or meet with an exploratory advisor to learn about options.
• Attend signature events on campus (Convocation, Fall Fest, Spring Fling, etc.).

• Visit the SLHS Department and Bookhardt Family Speech-Language Clinic in Central Classroom Building.
• Review elective course offerings with a faculty advisor to enhance core curriculum within SLHS.
• Explore resources offered by the Auraria Library including research guides and citation manuals.

• Participate in University and College welcome weeks.
• Follow the SLHS Department on social media.
• Join MSU Denver’s local chapter of the National Student Speech, Language, Hearing Association (NSSLHA).

• Peruse the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association’s website.
• Talk with faculty about career options in SLHS.
• Attend departmental and NSSLHA-sponsored events on careers within the speech, language, hearing sciences disciplines.

• Consider adding a minor or certificate to your chosen major.
• Explore resources like the tutoring program or the writing center.
• Get familiar with MSU Denver’s Academic Planning Tool.

• Explore student leadership on campus and volunteering in your community.
• Earn credit and gain experience through an internship, study abroad, or community-engaged learning.
• Attend identity or interest-based campus events like the Richard T. Castro speaker series.

• Connect with the Undergraduate Research and Scholarship program.
• Attend an in-person Career Fair to network and secure a professional headshot.
• Connect with the Classroom to Career Hub (C2Hub) for opportunities for professional mentoring and job shadowing.

• Review requirements for clinical certification with a faculty advisor.
• Learn about SLHS’ senior experience options.
• Explore ASHA Leader for research and practice advancements in communication sciences and disorders.

• Explore study-abroad opportunities.
• Form a study group with SLHS classmates.
• Check out programs offered by the Gina and Frank Day Health Institute, including the Health Scholars program.

• Attend departmental and NSSLHA-sponsored events on careers within the speech, language, hearing sciences disciplines.
• Search institutions that have graduate programs in Speech, Language, Hearing Sciences using ASHA’s EdFind.
• Attend graduate school information sessions offered by the SLHS department and/or Graduate Studies Office.

• Meet with your advisor to complete remaining graduation requirements.
• Ready to Graduate? Check out this guide from the registrar!
• Attend or present in-person at a major-specific or industry-specific conference or networking event.

• Attend in-person alumni and campus-wide networking events.
• Submit a proposal to present in-person at the Undergraduate Research Conference.
• Seek to collaborate with local civic organizations.

• Finalize your portfolio of relevant projects and skills.
• Attend in-person career-focused events with an industry-ready resume.
• Identify needs for Professional Certifications or MCAT/LSAT etc. and prepare for professional school admissions.
• Prepare and submit applications for jobs, graduate school, or relevant post-grad training.

• Complete Senior Experience.
• Present Senior Experience Capstone Project at departmental colloquia and/or undergraduate research conferences.
• Apply for an undergraduate teaching assistantship or tutoring position.

• Volunteer in Bookhardt Family Speech-Language Clinic or local community.
• Attend a professional conference or state convention.
• Run for a leadership position on NSSLHA’s executive board.

• Submit application to graduate school or authorization as a speech-language pathology assistant through Colorado Department of Education.
• Explore scholarship opportunities for graduate students.
• Join NSSLHA’s national chapter.