Communication Sciences and Disorders - Major

The major in communication sciences and disorders provides a strong foundation in communication and basic speech and hearing sciences. As part of a pre-professional program in speech-language pathology and audiology, students explore the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of disorders of speech, hearing, and language to prepare for graduate study in speech-language pathology, audiology, and other fields. Students who follow the major sequence and satisfy course requirements and competencies, and who meet major GPA requirements, may apply to do closely-supervised clinical work in the on-campus Speech and Language Clinic or in off-campus experiential learning opportunities.

Certification as a Teacher of Students with Speech & Language Disabilities (TSSLD) is the credential needed to work as a speech-language therapist in schools in New York State.  Students who fulfill pre-requisites and meet GPA requirements may complete some preparatory coursework and clinical experience in the CSD undergraduate program. Student teaching and related coursework for initial certification as a TSSLD is an option in the Nazareth College graduate program in speech-language pathology. 

Combined BS/MS Speech-Language Pathology

A five-year combined BS/MS in speech-language pathology is available to highly qualified undergraduate students who are also seeking the graduate degree.  Application to this accelerated program takes place in the junior year.  A minimum major GPA of 3.4, successful completion of a clinical semester, and other requirements must be met for admission.  Graduate coursework begins in the last semester of the senior year, allowing students to complete the B.S. and M.S. degrees in 12 semesters, rather than the 13 semesters required by the traditional undergraduate and graduate programs. The graduate phase of this program will begin in the spring semester of 2018. Note - students in this program will retain undergraduate scholarships and financial aid through the first four years of the program, after which graduate charges apply (exception is the PELL grant, which must be pro-rated to reflect only UG credits of registration).

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.
3. CSD undergraduates who participate in clinical experiences demonstrate knowledge and skills related to prevention, assessment, and intervention for individuals with communication disorders.