Program Overview

Communication Disorders and Sciences

About the Major

The communication disorders and sciences program prepares students to understand, assess, and treat individuals who are experiencing challenges in speech, language, literacy, communication, cognition, and swallowing. Students learn to address these challenges across diverse ethnic, cultural, linguistic, social, and economic backgrounds. The program emphasizes the ability to apply empirical evidence, logic, and a scientific perspective to the process of enhancing communication skills in meaningful and ecologically valid contexts.

The goals of the communication disorders and sciences program are based on the belief that the ability to communicate effectively is a fundamental right of all human beings. When this right is compromised, society suffers along with the individual.

Program Details

• The large majority of courses in the major are upper division and focus in the following areas:
  • The anatomic-physiological bases of speech, language, and hearing
  • The physical properties of speech (acoustics and phonetics)
  • The role of biology, cognition, environment, and culture in language acquisition
  • The development of speech and language
  • Speech, language, and hearing disorders across the lifespan
  • Assessment and treatment procedures for individuals with speech, language, and hearing disorders
  • Professional issues in speech-language pathology and audiology

Career Opportunities

Students pursuing a degree in communication disorders and sciences are typically interested in pursuing graduate work in speech pathology or audiology. Some students pursue a graduate degree in areas like special education and early intervention, or work as a speech pathology assistant or in an allied field.

Admission Requirements

• First-Year
  • Deadlines
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• Transfer
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• International
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Degree Options

• Undergraduate degrees: BA or BS