Why is speech pathology so popular now?

Cannot decide on a major: Speech Pathology & Audiology or Special Education?

• I am torn between two different majors. I cannot decide between Speech Pathology or Special Education. I observed both classroom settings at my mom's school yesterday and am leaning more towards Special Education but the school I want to go to only offers SE as a master's level program, and I'll only be an undergraduate. They do have Speech Pathology as an undergraduate-level program. I really have an attachment for special needs children and that's why I believe SE is the right way for me. Although, I do observe that you work with majority of special education students as a speech-language pathologist in an school setting? Any opinions would be great. Thanks!

• Answer:

  I know that sometimes you don't have a choice about what school to go to (paying out-of-state tuition is just awful), but if you're sure about special education, find a way! Special education teachers are great people to have around. But if you're really interested in SLP and only want to work with the special needs population, that's something you can do, too. It's not even a stretch. Lots of SLPs work with specialized populations (like individuals who stutter or have voice disorders), and not just in schools. Some specialize in AAC, which involves setting up alternative communication systems for individuals who are nonverbal; others focus on lower-functioning kids or those with autism spectrum disorders. While school SLPs see a wide range of issues, they don't have much time to spend on any one kid, so children with more significant needs typically see another SLP outside of school anyway. I guess what I'm saying is, do what you think you'll really enjoy - either way, you will be able to serve children with special needs. People like you are welcome pretty much anywhere! And since SLPs need a master's degree to practice, you could even do your B.A. degree in special education and come back to to the master's in speech pathology later if you changed your mind. So, there's that :).