The undergraduate program in Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) is a pre-professional course that provides the essential background for students to pursue graduate work in Speech-Language Pathology or Audiology. Graduate degrees at the master's or doctoral level are necessary to work as speech-language pathologists or audiologists. These individuals work as

• professionals to assist people who have communication disorders
• teachers, clinical supervisors, and/or researcher in universities
• administrators and leaders in healthcare or educational settings

There is a nationwide shortage of speech-language pathologists and audiologists so they are in strong demand for jobs. Learn more about what speech-language pathologists and audiologists do. The undergraduate major can be pursued as a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) option. There are several differences in the course requirements for these two degree programs. Students are expected to consult the Undergraduate Catalog for details about course requirements. Most undergraduate courses are only offered once a year so students need to plan carefully.

A major in CSD also prepares a student to pursue research in communication sciences and disorders through the Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy) program. Research is essential in order to understand more about how humans communicate and the problems that can interfere with their communication. There is also a strong demand for individuals who have graduate research training in the field. A major in CSD also provides an excellent background for students who want to pursue careers in related areas, such as special education, deaf education, medicine, dentistry.

Prerequisite Information

See the Undergraduate Catalog for information about the courses to take for a major in Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD). A number of the courses have prerequisites that students need to know about to ensure smooth and efficient progress through the major. Most undergraduate courses are only offered once a year so students need to plan carefully.