5 Research Topics for a Speech-Language Pathology Program
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- There is high demand for speech-language pathologists in the U.S.
- One way to set yourself apart from other aspiring speech pathologists is to earn a master’s degree.
- Most master’s programs require you to conduct research in your desired field.
- Research topics in speech-language pathology often involve working with people with speech impediments.
Speech disorder diagnoses are becoming more common, with one study reporting a 110% increase in diagnoses among infants from 2018 to 2022.
It should therefore be no surprise that the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts 19% growth for speech pathologist jobs by 2032. Colleges will need to train more students to become speech pathologists in the coming years to keep up with demand.
The most direct pathway you can take to become a speech pathologist is to earn a master’s in speech-language pathology. Doing so will likely push you to select a research topic in the field.
Featured Online Speech Pathology Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
5 Research Topics in Speech-Language Pathology to Consider
Choosing a research topic can be an important step in your journey to becoming a speech pathologist. Research topics in speech-language pathology programs can allow you to explore areas of the field that interest you.
Acquired Language Disorders
More than 795,000 people in the U.S. suffer a stroke each year, and another 90,000 are diagnosed with Parkinson's.
These are just two conditions that could cause acquired language disorders, but they impact the lives of millions of people around the world. By researching acquired language disorders, you may be able to help people manage the condition. It can also prove fruitful if, after college, you eventually aim to practice with clients living with the disorder.
Language Learning in Adults
According to some surveys, about a quarter of adults in the U.S. don’t speak a second language, but wish they did.
With that in mind, researching how adults can learn second or third languages could be incredibly valuable for people across the country. As apps like Duolingo rise in popularity, there is still plenty of room to examine the effectiveness of such programs and how adults can supplement their learnings.
Learning a second language can also help your career; understanding how to help people learn a new language could result in additional job opportunities, such as interpreting and translating.
Augmentative and Alternative Communication
Over 2 million people who cannot verbally communicate — either some or all of the time, use an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) device to speak.
Still, as much as people use these devices, there are limitations. AACs are pivotal in allowing people with verbal disabilities to communicate. Speech pathologists can work to make these devices more effective through research. Improvements in the technology, or in how we understand the limitations of AACs, could provide quality of life improvements for people who rely on the device.
Speech Therapy for Children With Cleft Lip
Cleft lip and cleft palate can hinder speech development in children, and in the U.S. about one in every 1,600 babies is born with both.
Speech pathologists and speech therapists are often tasked with working with these children to overcome the obstacles their cleft palate may present. By researching this issue, you may be able to uncover best practices and share your findings to help speech therapists. In turn, they can better do their jobs in treating these children.
Impact of Hearing Loss on Speech
When someone experiences hearing loss, this can negatively affect their speech. Whether someone is born deaf or develops deafness later in life, researching the effects of hearing on someone’s ability to speak can provide valuable insight into the condition.
If there are ways that people can limit the impact of hearing loss on their speech, research may uncover best practices. Research may also include looking into how therapy and other techniques can improve someone’s speech.
How to Choose a Research Area
Choosing a speech-language pathology research topic is similar to choosing any research topic at the graduate school level. The key to ensuring your research isn’t a grind is to dial in on topics that you personally find interesting.
You’ll likely spend hundreds of hours over multiple years focused on this one topic, so be sure it’s something you can envision yourself working on without getting worn down or bored by the subject matter.
Next, you’ll want to identify a faculty member who shares or supports your interest in the topic.
It’s worth noting that you may have to look outside your undergraduate school to find faculty to support your research area. It is fairly common to pursue a graduate degree from an institution where you didn’t earn your bachelor's degree.
Featured Online Speech Pathology Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Frequently Asked Questions About Research Topics For Speech Pathologist Programs
What is the best undergraduate major for speech pathology?
A bachelor's degree in speech pathology, or communication sciences and disorders (CSD), is a great starting point to becoming a speech pathologist. CSD programs focus on the science of human communication. That includes studies on how language and communication are affected by an impairment.
How much do speech-language pathologists make?
According to the BLS, the annual median pay for a speech-language pathologist was $84,140 in 2022. Salaries for speech pathologies can vary significantly depending on the work setting. Speech pathologists at nursing and residential care facilities tend to make the most with a $101,320 median annual salary.
How long does it take to earn a master's degree in speech-language pathology?
Most master's degree programs take approximately 18 months to two years to complete. That timeline includes both coursework and research responsibilities. You may be able to find an accelerated program to fast-track your master's degree. Many of these programs can be completed in as little as 12 months.
