The Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders with initial teacher certification is a pre-professional program in speech-language pathology and audiology that includes coursework beyond the basic degree program. It prepares students for supervised entry-level employment in the school setting within New York State. Students who follow the major sequence, satisfy minimum course and GPA requirements, and obtain specified competencies meet the requirements established by the New York State Department of Education for initial certification as a Teacher of Students with Speech and Language Disabilities (TSSLD). The program prepares students for graduate study in speech-language pathology, audiology, or deaf education.
Students who meet GPA and other requirements are provided opportunities to apply their knowledge through work in the campus Speech and Hearing Clinic, as well as through off-campus experiential learning opportunities. Students in the certification program also complete a student teaching experience.
Students seeking initial TSSLD certification must take NYS teacher certification exams prior to student teaching. The state of New York requires that all persons working in the school setting, including teachers, be fingerprinted prior to entering the school setting. Students who earn the initial teacher certification must obtain a master’s degree in speech-language pathology, pass the PRAXIS exam, satisfy work requirements, and convert the initial certificate to a professional certificate within five years in order to remain employed in the school setting.
Student Learning Outcomes
1. CSD undergraduates demonstrate knowledge of basic human communication processes, including their biological, neurological, acoustic, psychological, developmental, linguistic, and cultural bases.
2. CSD undergraduates demonstrate knowledge of the nature of speech, language, hearing, and communication disorders and differences, including their etiologies, characteristics, anatomic/physiological, acoustic, psychological, developmental, linguistic, and cultural correlates.
SLO for the optional clinical/teacher certification track:
1. CSD undergraduates who complete the clinical/initial New York State teacher certification track demonstrate entry-level knowledge and skills related to prevention, assessment, and intervention for children with communication disorders in school settings.
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