CSD_BHS - Communication Sciences and Disorders

About this Program

• College: Public Health and Health Professions
• Degree: Bachelor of Health Science
• Credits for Degree: 120
• Contact: HPNP 4180 Undergraduate Student Services Academic Advising | Email

To graduate with this major, students must complete all university, college, and major requirements.

Students in the Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) program should follow the course sequence outlined below for optimal academic progression. The undergraduate program provides foundational knowledge in two key areas:

1. Normal Aspects of Communication: Students will learn about the typical development and functioning of speech, language, and hearing, and how these processes contribute to human communication.
2. Introduction to Communication Disorders: Students will be introduced to the nature, assessment, and treatment of various communication disorders, laying the groundwork for future study in the field.

In addition to core courses, students are encouraged to select electives that align with their academic interests and career goals. These electives provide opportunities to explore specialized topics within the field of communication sciences and disorders.

Upon successful completion of the program, students will earn a Bachelor of Health Science (BHS) degree. While many students choose to continue their education in graduate or professional programs (e.g., speech-language pathology, audiology, or related health fields), some opt to enter the workforce immediately after earning their BHS degree. Graduates who seek employment often find opportunities in health and educational settings.

Certified clinicians in the field typically work as part of interdisciplinary teams, which may include psychologists, educators, physicians, nurses, social workers, and other healthcare professionals. These teams collaborate to screen, diagnose, and treat individuals across the lifespan—from infants to the elderly. Communication sciences and disorders professionals work in diverse settings, including schools, clinics, hospitals, private practice, and other healthcare environments.

Both speech-language pathology and audiology are expanding fields with strong job prospects, competitive salaries, and high levels of job satisfaction, as practitioners have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals with communication challenges.

Course Requirements and Sequence

By the End of Semester Four

To remain on track for the major, students must complete these requirements:

• Minimum overall and critical tracking GPAs of 3.0
• For transfer students, AA degree or 60 transferrable credits (including general education and major prerequisites)
• 24,000 words of the Writing Requirement
• These courses (or their equivalents) with minimum grades of C:
  • BSC 2005 or higher
  • Additional biological science (3 credits); APK 2105C is highly recommended
    • other preferred courses include those with BSC or MCB prefix
  • Physical science (3 credits); must be physics or chemistry
  • Science lab (1 credit) (satisfied by APK 2105C lab if APK 2105C is completed to satisfy additional biological science requirement)
• Additional Social and Behavioral Science course (3 credits); courses in Sociology, Anthropology, or Psychology are recommended
• PSY 2012
• STA 2023

CSD Major Graduation Requirements

Students must have completed:

• EEX 3093 with a minimum grade of C
• 30 credits of SPA coursework (SPA 3003, SPA 3011, SPA 3101, SPA 4004, SPA 4104, SPA 4302, SPA 4400, SPA 4050, SPA 4250, and SPA 4321) with minimum grades of C
• PHC 4101 with minimum grade of C
• 120 credits, including all prerequisites and electives

Majors should see a department advisor to create a plan of study, which becomes the contract for graduation.