Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders

Communication disorders encompass a wide range of issues in speech, language and hearing. While some infants are born with them, others develop them due to trauma, work environment, medical issues or old age.Learn about human communication processes and how to use problem-solving skills to diagnose and provide interventions for communication disorders. If you are passionate about helping people with communication disorders, have a high level of patience and excellent listening skills, you will likely find a career in this field to be a good fit for you. You will be trained to diagnose and provide the appropriate interventions for treating these challenges in people of all ages, whether in a classroom, rehabilitation center, hospital or other setting. You will also develop a strong foundation of theoretical knowledge and hands-on experiences, equipping you for graduate study and a rewarding career in speech and language pathology, audiology, exceptional student education, nursing and other service-related professions. This degree program follows the guidelines set forth by the American-Speech-Language Association for an undergraduate program of this type, ensuring that you are highly prepared for your future career.

Program Details

24 hours of major core
42 hours of a specialization
56 hours of general education

Total credit hours — 122

Sample Core Courses

• Multicultural Aspects of Communication (CSDS 3003) — This course is an overview of the five components of language (phonology, morphology, semantics, syntax and pragmatics) related to global use of language specific to demographics/populations. This course will examine the influence culture has on the use of language and communication. Sociological perspectives and a Christian worldview will be discussed as related to linguistics.
• Hearing Disorders and Interventions (CSDS 3023) — This course is an exploration into hearing disorders identification and interventions. The course focuses on the theories and practices of identifying, intervening and communicating about language disorders. Anatomy related to hearing will be discussed.
• Diagnostic Methods (CSDS 3063) — This course is a procedural guide for the evaluation of speech, language and hearing disorders in children and adults, with effective utilization of available assessment materials. The course focuses on appropriate administration and interpretation of specific speech, language, and hearing assessments.
• Perspectives of the Deaf (CSDS 4013) — This course examines the sociological issues concerning the deaf community’s interactions with and among various people groups. The social and psychological meanings of deafness, the deaf community, the education of deaf children, sign languages and historical trends will be explored.