The major in Communication Disorders (CD) requires 10 courses (40 credits) and includes the prerequisites for graduate study in Communication Sciences and Disorders (Speech-Language Pathology or Audiology). Undergraduate coursework in CD also provides opportunities for students to earn the 25 guided, clinical observation hours required for graduate-level clinical work and the Certificate of Clinical Competence in SLP (see asha.org).
Undergraduate CD courses emphasize culturally-sustaining frameworks and practices, preparing students to engage in multicultural-multilingual settings. The ASL requirement introduces students to Deaf culture, and many CD students also complete the minor in Hearing and Deafness. The minors Health and Society, Psychology, Sociology and Anthropology, Science, or a double-major in Health and Social Change also pair well with the CD major.
Graduates with a Bachelor of Science in CD can work as an SLP assistant, audiology assistant, rehabilitation aide, early childhood educator, special education paraprofessional, or disability advocate.