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 pathologist in schools in New York State. Undergraduate CSD students who fulfill prerequisites and meet GPA requirements may complete some of the preparatory coursework and clinical experiences required for this credential. Student teaching and other related coursework for initial TSSLD certification is completed as part of the course and clinical requirements of the Nazareth College graduate program in speech-language pathology.

Direct Admit B.S./M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology  

A five-year combined Direct Admit 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 3.5, successful completion of two clinical semesters, and demonstration of professional skills and college-level writing are required 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 13 semesters, rather than the 14 semesters required by the traditional undergraduate and graduate programs combined. 

Student Accounts and Financial Aid Note:  During the first four years of this program, full-time enrolled students will be charged full-time undergraduate tuition and fees and they will continue to receive all eligible Nazareth College undergraduate scholarships. All federal financial aid (Direct Loans, Parent PLUS loans, PELL grant, SEOG, Perkins, etc.) and NYS financial aid (NYS TAP, NYS Merit, etc. ) eligibility will be based solely upon undergraduate coursework required for undergraduate degree completion, particularly during the spring semester of the senior year.  After the completion of the senior year, and after a BS.CSD degree has been conferred, the student will be charged graduate tuition and fees and they will be eligible for graduate federal student aid only; Nazareth College undergraduate scholarships will no longer be awarded.

Student Learning Outcomes

1. CSD undergraduates demonstrate knowledge of basic human communication and swallowing processes, including the appropriate biological, neurological, acoustic, psychological, developmental, and linguistic and cultural bases.
2. CSD undergraduates demonstrate knowledge of communication and swallowing disorders and differences, including the appropriate etiologies, characteristics, and anatomical/physiological, acoustic, psychological, developmental, and 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.