Internships for Undergraduate Communication Sciences & Disorders (CSD) Majors

If you are a bachelor’s student in Communication Sciences & Disorders (CSD), you’re likely thinking about how to gain experience before graduate school. While clinical internships require graduate-level training and licensure, there are plenty of internship opportunities that can help build relevant skills, explore career paths, and gain exposure to the field.

These opportunities will allow you to develop interpersonal, professional and advocacy experiences, all of which can strengthen your resume for graduate programs in CSD and related disciplines, and future job applications.

Internship Opportunities

The following internship titles focus on research, professional development, and advocacy. These roles do not involve direct client care, making them perfect for undergraduate students:

Research & Academic Support Internships

  • Speech, Language & Hearing Sciences Research Intern – Assist faculty or research labs studying speech, language, or hearing disorders. Help with data collection, literature reviews, and organizing research projects related to communication disorders, language acquisition and bilingualism.

Administration & Outreach Internships

  • Speech. Language and Hearing Clinic Administrative Intern – Support community clinics, or nonprofit organizations offering speech-language or hearing services through office management.
  • Nonprofit Communications & Advocacy Intern – Support organizations that advocate for individuals with speech, language, and hearing disorders. This includes community health and disabilities services programs for children and adults.

Early Childhood & Education-Related Internships

  • Early Childhood Program Intern – Support early childhood education centers by working on enrichment activities and program development.
  • Education Program Intern– Assist with curriculum design, learning materials, and student engagement in schools.
  • Special Education Program Intern – Help with classroom support, assistive technology, and communication-focused activities in special education settings.
  • Literacy Intern– Support literacy development programs, designed for children or adults in school and community-based agencies.

Hearing-Related Internships

  • Audiology Office Administrative Intern – Work in an audiology practice or hearing clinic in a non-clinical role, assisting with patient education materials, scheduling, and office management.
  • Assistive Technology Program Intern – Work with organizations that provide communication aids for individuals with speech and hearing challenges.

Gaining Experience with Key Populations

Beyond internships, gaining experience working with populations you may serve as an SLP or Audiologist is incredibly valuable. These positions allow you to develop relevant interpersonal and professional skills and explore career paths. These part-time roles are ideal for college students looking to gain hands-on experience while balancing coursework.

1. Children & Adolescents

Many SLPs work with children who have speech and language delays, learning disabilities, or social communication challenges. Gaining experience with children can help you better understand their developmental needs.

Relevant Part-Time Jobs:

  • Early Childhood Education Aide – Work in preschools or daycare centers, supporting language enrichment activities and assisting children with communication development.
  • Special Education Teaching Assistant – Provide classroom support for students with communication challenges, assisting with adaptive learning activities.
  • After-School Program Assistant – Support children and adolescences in after-school programs.
  • Library Assistant – Help with reading programs for children, focusing on literacy and early language development.
  • Substitute Teaching – work in school districts in primary and secondary grades.
  • Summer Camp Counselors – work with typically developing children or summer camp programs designed specifically for children with special needs.
  • Coaching/Teaching children – work with typically developing children and adolescence.

2. Adults

Many adults require speech-language support due to stroke, traumatic brain injury (TBI), or degenerative diseases. Working in an administrative or supportive capacity in these settings provides insight into aging and adult communication challenges.

Relevant Part-Time Jobs:

  • Community Health & Disability Support Assistant – Work with disability support organizations, helping to coordinate educational events and resources.
  • Rehabilitation Center Administrative Assistant – Support the daily operations of rehab centers that assist individuals recovering from strokes or brain injuries.
  • Nonprofit Program Assistant – Assist in planning and promotion of community outreach programs.

3. Older Adults (Geriatric Population)

Older adults, especially those with dementia or other cognitive-communication impairments, often require communication support. Non-clinical roles in senior care settings can provide valuable exposure to this population.

Relevant Part-Time Jobs:

  • Resident Activities Assistant – Work in continuing care communities to provide enriching cognitive and language activities for residents.
  • Senior Living Communities – Jobs within these communities provide experience in working with the geriatric population.
  • Adult Day Care Program Assistant – Work in day care centers for older adults, assisting with speech-friendly activities that support social interaction and communication.

4. Individuals with Hearing Loss

Many SLPs and Audiologists work with individuals experiencing hearing loss. Supporting accessibility programs or working with advocacy organizations can help you gain insight into the needs of this population.

Relevant Part-Time Jobs:

  • Audiology Office Administrative Assistant – Work in an audiology practice or hearing center assisting with scheduling, patient education materials, and outreach efforts.

5. Non-Verbal Individuals & Augmentative Communication Users

Some individuals rely on Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices due to conditions like cerebral palsy, ALS, or severe speech impairments. Supporting these individuals in educational or assistive technology settings can be valuable experience for aspiring SLPs.

Relevant Part-Time Jobs:

  • Special Education Classroom Assistant (AAC Focus) – Provide support in classrooms where students use AAC devices, helping with communication activities and device implementation.
  • Assistive Technology Lab Administrative Assistant – Help maintain assistive technology labs on college campuses or in nonprofit organizations, assisting with user support and research initiatives.

Opportunities to serve the Community through Volunteering

State and National Speech, Language and Hearing associations hold annual conventions where volunteers are needed.  These opportunities can be found on association websites under annual convention links. 

Community Based events focused on helping agencies and foundations with fundraising and outreach programs (e.g., Alzheimer’s Association, Parkinson Foundation, Easter Seals) seek volunteers to assist in event related needs (e.g., supporting charity races). 

Where to Find These Opportunities

📌 Handshake – Contains internship opportunities specific to communication sciences. University of Redlands students can filter by “Internship”, “Part-time job”, and major “Communication Sciences and Disorders”.
📌 ASHA (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association) – Offers resources on non-clinical experiences.
📌 Local Nonprofits & Public Health Agencies – Many organizations focus on literacy, speech advocacy, and disability support.
📌 Educational & Research Institutions – University research labs often look for undergraduate assistants.
📌 Libraries & Community Centers – Programs related to literacy and communication development often welcome interns.

Final Thoughts

As a CSD bachelor’s student, gaining non-clinical experience can set you apart in graduate school applications and help you refine your career goals. Whether through research, education, nonprofit work, or advocacy, these experiences will provide valuable insight into the field of speech-language pathology and audiology.

Start exploring these opportunities today, and take the first step toward a rewarding career!

This resource was developed in collaboration with the University of Redlands Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders and the Office of Career and Professional Development.