What is Communication Sciences and Disorders ? Communication sciences and disorders (CSD) prepares students for professions that help people who have difficulty speaking and hearing. The study of communication disorders involves understanding the development of speech, language and hearing, as well as learning how to diagnose and treat communication disorders in adults and children. Class size in departmental courses at the undergraduate level is approximately 40 students per class, and there are 17 professors of speech/language pathology and audiology. Undergraduate students may join the National Student Speech-Language-Hearing Association (NSSLHA), which is the national pre-professional membership organization of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) for students interested in the study of communication sciences and disorders. The membership cost is minimal and includes reduced fees to the ASHA convention, other educational meetings and access to professional publications. The local UC undergraduate NSSLHA chapter meets monthly for informal sessions about the professions, often including a guest speaker. It is an active chapter with strong student participation. NSSLHA participates in many fundraisers and philanthropy projects.

Career Possibilities A bachelor of science in communication disorders is a pre-professional degree that prepares students for graduate work in either audiology or speech/language pathology. Students are prepared for a variety of other graduate programs as well, including social service, special education and health care. A master's degree is necessary for professional certification and licensure as a speech-language pathologist, and a doctoral degree is required to be certified as an audiologist. Graduates find careers in hospitals, speech and hearing clinics, schools, educational programs for children with disabilities, the armed services, private practices and governmental health agencies.