The Major

The curriculum leading to a bachelor’s degree in Communication Disorders provides a broad introductory background to the normal process of speech, hearing, language, and related functions, as well as a basic understanding of communicative pathologies and familiarization with the various approaches to their assessment and treatment. The academic coursework prepares students to pursue a graduate degree in the field.

In addition to required academic courses, students are urged to take advantage of the observational experience, in accordance with established clinical policies offered by the department’s clinical facilities, which are sufficiently equipped to allow for videotape or direct observation by students of clinical diagnosis and treatment of a variety of communicative pathologies.

Students are strongly advised to consult with the Undergraduate Program Advisor about the content and sequence of their curriculum, especially where the choice and sequencing of electives are concerned.

Note: In addition to the curriculum requirements outlined below, all students must have their speech and hearing evaluated. The purpose of this speech and hearing evaluation is to detect communication problems requiring more complete evaluation and possible remediation. Evaluation results do not affect the student’s status as a Communication Disorders major.

1. Departmental Requirements
211 Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech and Hearing Mechanism
310 Phonetic Processing
311 Introduction to Hearing Science
312 Introduction to Speech Science
313 Introduction to Audiology
315 Speech and Language Disorders
330 Writing in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology
401 Speech and Language Development
416 Clinical Procedures
530 Neurological Bases of Speech, Language and Hearing

2. Extra-Departmental Requirements
PHYSICS 114 Theory of Sound
PSYCH 350 Child Behavior and Development or
HUMANDEV 270 Child Development
LINGUIST 201 Introduction to Linguistic Theory
Statistics course (see advisor)

3. Electives
496K Clinical Observation
520 Counseling in Communication Disorders
540 Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorders
560 Language and Learning Disabilities
580 Cognitive Bases of Language Functions
591D S-Treatment Technology in Communication Disorders
591E S-SLP Assistants in the School

Total number of credits required for the major in Communication Disorders is 42.

Suggested Schedule

Freshmen
Fall or Spring
COMM-DIS 210 Introduction to Communication Disorders
PSYCH 100 Introductory Psychology
General Education Requirements

Sophomores
Fall
COMM-DIS 210 Introduction to Communication Disorders
COMM-DIS 211 Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech and Hearing Mechanism
PSYCH 350 Child Behavior and Development or
HUMANDEV 270 Child Development
Non-departmental electives (2)
Spring
COMM-DIS 310 Phonetic Processing
PHYSICS 114 Theory of Sound
LINGUIST 201 Introduction to Linguistics
Non-departmental electives (2)

Juniors
Fall
COMM-DIS 311 Introduction to Hearing Science
COMM-DIS 315 Speech and Language Disorders
COMM-DIS 330 Writing in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology
Non-departmental electives
Spring
COMM-DIS 312 Introduction to Speech Science
COMM-DIS 313 Introduction to Audiology
COMM-DIS 330 Writing in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (if not taken in the fall)
COMM-DIS 401 Speech and Language Development
COMM-DIS 496K Clinical Observation
Non-departmental electives
Statistics course

Seniors
Fall
COMM-DIS 416 Clinical Procedures
COMM-DIS 496K Clinical Observation (if not taken previously)
COMM-DIS 530 Neurological Bases of Speech, Language and Hearing
Departmental electives
Non-departmental electives
Spring
COMM-DIS 496K Clinical Observation (if not taken previously)
Departmental electives
Non-departmental electives