Undergraduate Program

The undergraduate curriculum in Communication Sciences and Disorders is designed to provide instruction in the basic components of speech, language, and hearing sciences; the developmental trajectory of human communication and theoretical and practical aspects of speech and language therapy. With a bachelor of science degree in communication disorders, students graduate as engaged learners and critical thinkers, who exhibit basic competence in the foundations of the discipline of human communication sciences, including speech, language, and hearing. The knowledge and experience gained through this undergraduate degree prepares students for a variety of careers. Most students go on to graduate school in speech-language pathology, audiology, or other related health-care fields. Others pursue professions such as speech-language pathology assistant, school-based paraprofessional, and rehabilitation aide. Please use this link to learn more about post-graduation career options.

  • CDIS 1230 Introduction to Communication Disorders
  • CDIS 2240 Phonetics
  • CDIS 2250 Speech and Language Acquisition and Development
  • CDIS 3010 Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech Mechanism
  • CDIS 3020 Acoustics for Speech and Hearing
  • CDIS 3110 Phonological Assessment and Intervention
  • CDIS 3510 Language Assessment and Intervention
  • CDIS 3610 Introduction to Audiology (Spring only)
  • CDIS 4010 Clinical Methods in Communication Disorders
  • CDIS 4610 Aural Rehabilitation  (Fall only)
  • CDIS 4800 General Seminar
  • CDIS 4210 Practicum in Communication Disorders (elective experience)
  • CDIS 4760 Introduction to Research in Communication Sciences and Disorders (elective experience)

Students beginning to take undergraduate classes in the department will be considered as CDIS Pre-Major status. In order to be admitted into the CDIS major, students must complete the two pre-major CDIS courses: CDIS 1230 Introduction to Communication Disorders and CDIS 2250 Speech and Language Acquisition and Development. 

Please refer to the CDIS Major tab for more information on application requirements.

In order to be admitted into the CDIS major, students must complete both pre-major courses (CDIS 1230 and CDIS 2250) and application (download form). Admission to the major is restricted to those applicants meeting the following requirements:

  • combined minimum GPA of 2.5 in these courses:
    • CDIS 1230 - Introduction to Communication Disorders, and
    • CDIS 2250 - Speech and Language Acquisition and Development; and
  • completion of a speech & hearing screening; and
  • an overall GPA of 2.5 after 30 hours; and
  • submit the required CDIS major application. This form should be submitted during the semester you complete the pre-major courses. 

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

  • minimum grade of C in all CDIS courses completed; and
  • 2.5 GPA in the major; and
  • 2.5 GPA overall

All major core courses must be taken for a grade, except for those courses graded only Satisfactory (S) / Unsatisfactory (U).

Admission into the undergraduate major in CDIS does not assure admission into the Master's Program in Speech-Language Pathology.

Students interested in declaring a minor in Communication Sciences and Disorders must complete the same pre-requisite requirements as for the major:

  • combined minimum GPA of 2.5 in these courses:
    • CDIS 1230 - Introduction to Communication Disorders, and
    • CDIS 2250 - Speech and Language Acquisition and Development; and
  • completion of a speech-hearing screening exam; and
  • an overall GPA of 2.5 after 30 hours; and
  • submit the required CDIS Minor application. This form should be submitted during the semester you complete the pre-major courses. 

Note that this minor is not intended to duplicate the major; completion of the minor would not guarantee a student sufficient qualifications to apply to graduate school in speech-language pathology. However many of the courses would be helpful to an application, and could be supplemented with post-baccalaureate coursework if students choose to pursue that path. Note that many programs in audiology do not require an undergraduate degree; this minor could be of benefit to students in other majors who seek admission to programs in audiology.

Required Courses:

(3)    CDIS 1230 - Introduction to Communication Disorders
(3)    CDIS 2250 - Speech & Language Acquisition and Development
(3)    CDIS 2240 - Phonetics
(3)    CDIS 3610 - Introduction to Audiology

Choose two of the following:

(3)    CDIS 3010 - Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech Mechanism
(3)    CDIS 3020 - Acoustics for Speech & Hearing
(3)    CDIS 3110 - Phonological Assessment & Intervention
(3)    CDIS 3510 - Language Assessment and Intervention

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

  • Explain basic principles of biological and physical sciences, mathematics, and social and behavioral sciences as they relate to problems in communication sciences and disorders.
  • Apply information in basic human communication processes to disorders thereof.
  • Critically evaluate problems in human communication and its disorders.
  • Create solutions by researching, evaluating, and communicating evidence-based approaches to critical problems in communication sciences and disorders.

Accreditation and/or Program/Cluster Review

Bowling Green State University [BGSU] is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.  BGSU has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 01/01/1916. The most recent reaffirmation of accreditation was received January 10, 2023.  This constitutes the effective date of the institution's new status with HLC until the next reaffirmation in 2032-33. Questions should be directed to the Office of Institutional Effectiveness.

The Undergraduate Communication Disorders program will undergo its next Program/Cluster Review during the Academic Year 2027-28. For more information on accreditation, click here.

Professional Licensure (If applicable)

Bowling Green State University programs leading to licensure, certification and/or endorsement, whether delivered online, face-to-face or in a blended format, satisfy the academic requirements for those credentials set forth by the State of Ohio.

Requirements for licensure, certification and/or endorsement eligibility vary greatly from one profession to another and from state to state. The Undergraduate Communication Disorders program does not lead to professional licensure.

Gainful Employment (If applicable)

Under the Higher Education Act Title IV disclosure requirements, an institution must provide current and prospective students with information about each of its programs that prepares students for gainful employment in a recognized occupation.

The Communication Disorders program is not a recognized occupation that requires a Gainful Employment disclosure.

Updated: 02/28/2024 06:29AM