Speech Language Pathology/Communication Sciences & Disorders Major?

[jessjlstar]

I am looking forward to becoming an OT in the distant future, but I need some advice; I don't know what to major in. A fellow SDNer suggested Speech Pathology to me. Is this a wise major, or should I pursue a "typical" OT major (Psych, Exercise Science, Bio)?

Please, feel free to give any suggestions! 🙂

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[jewel11786]

Speech pathology/communications is a major to become a speech pathologist. Honestly what you major in to become a OT doesn't really matter if you are applying for a master degree in OT. If you will be applying for a 5 year BA/MS program in OT, the school you apply to may have specific guidelines for their program. If you plan on getting your bachelors degree first I'd recommend exercise science, health science, biology, psych or sociology, as these fields are related to OT. You should be able to knock out the pre-reqs required for OT master programs as well which usually require intro to psych, abnormal psych, developmental psych, 2 semesters of anatomy and physiology, intro to sociology, statistics, and occasionally physics. Be sure to research OT program requirements before graduating so you can get these done out of the way. Hope this helps. Good luck!

 

[jessjlstar]

Speech pathology/communications is a major to become a speech pathologist.

I understand this, but I really love the classes for speech pathology. However, I think OT is better suited for my personality. I actually like the idea of becoming both an OT and SLP. The dual certification seems great.

 

[Johann00]

Am I the only one confused? Why would you major is speech pathology if you don't intend to become a speech pathologist? That would be a waste of your time, money, and effort.

College is too expensive to go through it willy-nilly taking classes that you "find interesting". Get your degree, drink some beer, graduate, and get a job.

 

[prodigiousflame]

I feel like the speech therapy undergrad degree would make the person seem confused about what they really wanna do.

 

[jessjlstar]

Yeah, I understand what you guys are saying. I have changed my route; I am now considering the following: Psychology major with a minor in Sociology and Biology (and/or Exercise Science), Sociology major with a minor in Psychology, Biology, and Human Ecology, a Psychology/Sociology double major with a minor in Human Ecology and Biology, or a Psychology/Exercise Science double major with a minor in Biology.

 

[Sunny324]

Yeah, I understand what you guys are saying. I have changed my route; I am now considering the following: Psychology major with a minor in sociology and Biology (and/or Exercise Science), Sociology major with a minor in Psychology, Biology, and Human Ecology, a Psychology/Sociology double major with a minor in Human Ecology and Biology, or a Psychology/Exercise Science double major with a minor in Biology.

Wow, that is a complicated plan! If you take on more than one or two areas of study, you'll just be scratching the surface of these disciplines without becoming an expert in anything. And it doesn't look impressive; it looks unfocused.

You really only need one major. Really. Take the intro classes for all those things and major in what interests you the most. Pick up another major or minor later down the line if you have the time or desire (after making sure you get those pre-reqs in).

 

[jewel11786]

Yeah, I understand what you guys are saying. I have changed my route; I am now considering the following: Psychology major with a minor in Sociology and Biology (and/or Exercise Science), Sociology major with a minor in Psychology, Biology, and Human Ecology, a Psychology/Sociology double major with a minor in Human Ecology and Biology, or a Psychology/Exercise Science double major with a minor in Biology.

I agree with Sunny. I went through college intending to double major and then minor and realized it was difficult. I ended up graduating with a degree only a degree in Sociology after switching between Biology and Earth Science, because my mind was in too many places. While I think some people can do it if they plan it out right, do you really want to pack your schedule beyond full while in your undergrad for majors or minors you may not really need in the end? After starting OT school I would never waste my time trying to major in too many different areas because I'm way too busy. OT school really requires time commitment and I'd advise you to relax a little and enjoy a little freedom before grad school, find a major that interests you and maybe one minor later on. Get your pre-reqs out of the way and maybe take an extra class or two to prepare your for OT, like gross anatomy or kinesiology if your school offers it.

 

[jessjlstar]

After starting OT school I would never waste my time trying to major in too many different areas because I'm way too busy. OT school really requires time commitment and I'd advise you to relax a little and enjoy a little freedom before grad school, find a major that interests you and maybe one minor later on. Get your pre-reqs out of the way and maybe take an extra class or two to prepare your for OT, like gross anatomy or kinesiology if your school offers it.

I understand. I am probably going to major in Psychology. And, because I want to take Physiology of Exercise, Kinesiology, and Care/Prevention of Athletic Injuries, I probably will minor in Exercise Science. 👍

 

[Sunny324]

I understand. I am probably going to major in Psychology. And, because I want to take Physiology of Exercise, Kinesiology, and Care/Prevention of Athletic Injuries, I probably will minor in Exercise Science. 👍

That sounds like a great plan for an aspiring OT. 🙂

 

[BHSUStudent]

I understand. I am probably going to major in Psychology. And, because I want to take Physiology of Exercise, Kinesiology, and Care/Prevention of Athletic Injuries, I probably will minor in Exercise Science. 👍

Well having been a Psychology major, I can tell you first hand, that there is a lot of continuity between Psych and OT. What I mean is that your education will just naturally seem to flow into OT since it originated from Psychiatry/Psychology.

Like others have said, you don't want to have too many majors/minors. You also don't want to switch too often. It's best to pick something now, get your degree done, and move on to OT. I've heard of people racking up 100k as an undergrad. The reality is that you should be taking courses that you will need for the work force, not purely for enjoyment (though a few fun electives here and there shouldn't hurt). I've seen 3D crafting courses listed as prereqs for some MOT programs.

With a Psych however, there's pretty much no backing out. There is hardly any demand for people with a Bachelor's in Psychology, so you will have to go to a graduate program afterwards. Make sure you get high grades.

 

[jessjlstar]

With a Psych however, there's pretty much no backing out. There is hardly any demand for people with a Bachelor's in Psychology, so you will have to go to a graduate program afterwards. Make sure you get high grades.

This is what I'm worried about! I know that I want to do OT or forensic psychology (both fields interest me, so obviously psychology is the most relevant degree), but I'm worried that if I don't get accepted, I will have no job opportunities! 😱

 

[prodigiousflame]

yeah but what job opportunities would you have if you majored in the others? Exercise science--personal trainer? Bio---lab research? You can assist with research as a psych major as well. Sociology?? What would you do with that? Honestly you're in a very good place. I WISH I knew what I wanted to do before undergrad. Now that you know your ultimate goal you can take all the necessary steps and get solid stats regardless of your major. I think you're worrying for nothing.

 

[rcludo]

This is what I'm worried about! I know that I want to do OT or forensic psychology (both fields interest me, so obviously psychology is the most relevant degree), but I'm worried that if I don't get accepted, I will have no job opportunities! 😱

I have a BA in Psychology, and I got a decent research job not long after graduation. I have several psych major friends and they all have jobs as well, some directly in the psych field, and some indirectly related. I don't think psych means no job opportunities. But you should try to get into a psych research lab if they have one at your school, I think my experience with that made my degree much more valuable.

 

[BHSUStudent]

I have a BA in Psychology, and I got a decent research job not long after graduation. I have several psych major friends and they all have jobs as well, some directly in the psych field, and some indirectly related. I don't think psych means no job opportunities. But you should try to get into a psych research lab if they have one at your school, I think my experience with that made my degree much more valuable.

Well, there are going to be outliers. The statistical majority would have a hard time without getting a master's.

yeah but what job opportunities would you have if you majored in the others? Exercise science--personal trainer? Bio---lab research? You can assist with research as a psych major as well. Sociology?? What would you do with that? Honestly you're in a very good place. I WISH I knew what I wanted to do before undergrad. Now that you know your ultimate goal you can take all the necessary steps and get solid stats regardless of your major. I think you're worrying for nothing.

I heard that the bachelor's degree has become the new high school diploma. So a lot of those degrees might not net much anyway, but I am not really sure.