Communication Sciences and Disorders Major

Communication Sciences and Disorders Major

IN THIS SECTION

Learn how to help people effectively communicate.

Explore typical communication processes and how differences and disorders affect everyday life.

You will develop the ability to think critically, evaluate data, engage in scientific reasoning, and write and present professionally. With this degree you will be ready for a career in a helping profession, or you can continue on to graduate school to become a speech-language pathologist or audiologist. Whether you want to work alongside an autistic child, help students learn to read in the classroom, or help individuals stay part of the conversation as they age, this degree will help you achieve your goals.

What you will do:

  • Understand how humans learn to communicate with each other
  • Apply scientific principles to the basics of diagnosing and treating speech, language, and hearing disorders
  • Observe real-life clinical intervention in the on-campus Speech-Language-Hearing Center
  • Explore the connections among culture, language, and society
  • Participate in faculty research initiatives on topics such as fluency disorders, hearing loss, adult language disorders, cognitive disorders, and autism, among others
  • Discover the positive impact you can have on the lives of people who have difficulty communicating with others
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the etiology, characteristics, assessment, prevention, and intervention of communication disorders
  • Gain knowledge and skills of the science underlying human communication, including anatomy and physiology, speech science, phonetics, language science, and hearing science

This program will immerse you in an academically rigorous and challenging course of study. You will learn about the normal development and processes of speech, language, and hearing, as well as its disorders across the lifespan. In addition to the courses offered within the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, you will take courses in biological sciences, physical sciences, behavioral sciences, and mathematics.

The curriculum allows you the opportunity to study abroad or be part of the National Student Exchange. The second semester of year one or the first semester of year two or three are good choices for these pursuits. You must plan your semester away with your department advisor at least one year in advance to assure that you complete your major requirements in a timely manner.

Explore sample courses in this program.
CD-100 Introduction to Human Communication and Its Disorders
Nature and causes of organic and functional speech/language and hearing problems, general awareness of diagnostic and therapeutic techniques.
3 credits
CD-103 Language Science
Introduction to basic linguistic knowledge including theoretical areas of pragmatics, semantics, syntax, morphology, and phonology in a multicultural perspective.
3 credits
CD-110 Anatomy and Physiology of Speech and Hearing
Normal anatomy and physiology of the speech and hearing mechanisms with emphasis on respiration, phonation, resonance, articulation, and audition.
3 credits
CD-115 Normal Development of Speech and Language
An in-depth coverage of the normal acquisition and development of speech and language, including phonology, morphology, syntax, and semantics.
3 credits
CD-201 Hearing Science
Basic information to understand concepts in audiology: physical concepts, acoustics, psychoacoustics, measurement of sound and speech perception theories.
3 credits
CD-202 Speech Science
Basic information to understand concepts in speech: physical and psychophysical bases, linguistic and psycholinguistic aspects, and clinical instruments.
3 credits
CD-205 Phonetics
The study of English speech sounds, their articulation and acoustic characteristics, and speech transcription using the International Phonetic Alphabet.
3 credits
CD-230 Neuroscience for Communication Sciences and Disorders
Structure and function of the nervous system and its relation to normal and disordered speech, language, and hearing.
3 credits
CD-301 Directed Observations
Beginning aspects of clinical issues including objectives, rapport, and timing. Therapy/diagnostic sessions are viewed and highlighted by the instructor.
2 credits
CD-305 Introduction to Audiology
Introduction to audiometric testing techniques and interpretation as related to ear pathologies.
3 credits
CD-310 Language Disorders
Examination of the processes interfering with normal language acquisition and the disorders that disturb established language skills in children and adults.
3 credits
CD-320 Speech Disorders
Study of the theoretical bases of articulation, voice, and fluency disorders. Etiology, characteristics, evaluation, and rehabilitation of these disorders.
3 credits
CD-400 Introduction to Aural Rehabilitation
Study of the theoretical bases of the characteristics, evaluation, and treatment of individuals with hearing impairment across the life span.
3 credits
CD-401 Advanced Directed Observations
Advanced aspects of clinical issues including procedures and material selection. Therapy/diagnostic sessions are viewed and highlighted by the instructor.
2 credits
CD-410 Professional Guidelines and Skills
Exploration of topics related to career preparation, personal wellness, and professional practice in communication sciences and disorders and allied fields.
3 credits
CD-475 Selected Topics in Communication Sciences and Disorders
Selection of topics of mutual interest to the student and faculty. Timely topics and issues are covered.
3 credits

Honors program

The Communication Sciences and Disorders Honors Program is intended for outstanding students within the major. Students completing the requirements will graduate with departmental honors. Applicants must submit a letter of application to the Communication Sciences and Disorders Undergraduate Committee, a research proposal, and a letter of support from a faculty sponsor. Applications are due November 1 for spring semester and April 1 for fall semester.

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