College of Health and Human Services

Communication Disorders

200 Health Center, 372-2515

Speech-language pathologists and audiologists specialize in the study and treatment of human communication disorders. They work in a variety of professional settings such as public and private schools, hospitals, community clinics, universities, nursing homes and other health care facilities, as well as in private practice. Speech-language pathologists and audiologists work with all ages, from infants to the elderly.

The minimum entry-level qualification for professional practice in the fields of speech-language pathology and audiology is a master's degree. The undergraduate curriculum in communication disorders is designed to provide instruction in the basic components of the discipline and to prepare the student for entrance into a graduate training program in communication disorders or other related fields.

The undergraduate student will study the basic speech and hearing sciences and the normal human communication process, as well as the theoretical and practical aspects of therapy. Clinical observations are required and a clinical methods class will prepare the student for beginning work with clients. The school practicum experience occurs at the graduate level; however, it is strongly recommended that students take the necessary coursework for school certification at the undergraduate level. These courses can be taken as electives.

Admittance to the undergraduate major is restricted to those applicants meeting the following requirements:

1. A minimum GPA of 2.5 in CDIS 223, 224 and 225 with no grade lower than a "C";
2. Completion of a speech-hearing screening exam;
3. An overall GPA of 2.5 after 30 hours.

For a student to maintain a CDIS major once admitted, the student must have:

1. Minimum grade of "C" in all CDIS courses completed;
2. 2.5 GPA in the major;
3. 2.5 GPA overall

All major core courses must be taken for a grade, except for those courses graded only "S/U."

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the baccalaureate degree, students in communication disorders are expected to:

• Demonstrate knowledge of basic principles of biological and physical sciences, mathematics, and social and behavioral sciences;
• Demonstrate the ability to analyze, synthesize and evaluate information in basic human communication processes and disorders thereof;
• Apply critical thinking and analysis to issues in communication disorders relating theoretical foundations to clinical practice;
• Observe and critically evaluate clinical work in communication disorders;
• Demonstrate qualifications for post baccalaureate work in at least one of the following:
  1. entry into a health and human service profession not requiring a graduate degree;
  2. entry into a graduate program in allied health or related fields; or
  3. entry into a graduate program in communication disorders.

Suggested program

• First year
  • BIOL 205 (5)
  • ENG 112 or equivalent (3-6)
  • MATH 120 or 128 (5)
  • CDIS 223, 224 (6)
  • CDIS 225 (3)
  • Humanities and arts (3)
  • International perspective course (3)
• Second year
  • IPC 102 (3)
  • PHYS 101 or 201 (3-5)
  • CS 100 or 101 (3)
  • PSYC 201 (4)
  • EDFI 302 (3)
  • CDIS 301, 311 (7)
• Third year
  • EDIS 431 (3)
  • SOC 369 or PSYC 270 (3-4)
  • PSYC 303 (3)
  • GERO 101 or SOC 404 (3)
  • CDIS 351, 302 (7)
  • Social science (3)
  • General education elective (3)
  • Natural science (3)
• Fourth year
  • REHB 401 (3)
  • PSYC 304 (2)
  • PSYC 309 or GERO 330 (4)
  • PSYC 405 (3)
  • EDSE 324 or 459 (3)
  • CDIS 361, 401 (7)
  • Cultural diversity (3)

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