Students studying Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) acquire foundational knowledge in the bases of communication, hearing, swallowing, and typical development across the lifespan, and the clinical management of children and adults with communication and/or swallowing disorders. The Communication Sciences and Disorders major leads to careers in either of two disciplines; Speech-Language Pathology or Audiology. Both of these career choices require successful completion of a graduate degree to enter clinical practice. Additionally, the CSD major can prepare students to become a speech-language pathology assistant for those individuals who choose not to pursue a graduate degree. For more information about career options associated with this major, go to www.asha.org.

Concordia University Wisconsin offers two CSD major options:

1) Students may pursue a four-year undergraduate degree in CSD and apply to graduate programs in either Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) or Audiology in the Fall of their fourth year.  After completing a bachelor's degree in CSD, the Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology typically takes two additional years. The Clinical Doctorate of Audiology (AuD) typically takes three additional years and is not available at CUW at this time.

2) Alternatively, the Dual Degree direct admission program in Communication Sciences & Disorders and Speech-Language Pathology is structured so that students complete their undergraduate and graduate coursework at Concordia University Wisconsin in a total of 5 years.  Students complete the majority of the 120 credits required for the bachelor's degree in the first three years. The final 11 required credits of the undergraduate degree consist of the first 11 credits of the CUW Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program, during the summer of the third year. The bachelor's degree is completed at the end of that summer term, after which students continue with the remaining five semesters of the M.S. SLP program. This option is not available for students interested in audiology.  Students must maintain a 3.0 GPA in all CSD classes and must maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 in all undergraduate coursework to continue in the accelerated program. If students do not consistently meet these requirements, they will be placed on probation and may be advised to move to the four-year, traditional pathway without direct admission. 

Mission Statement

The Speech-Language Pathology department is dedicated to the missions of Concordia University Wisconsin and the School of Health Professions and is focused on developing independent life-long learners with strong critical thinking and communication abilities. In addition, the Speech-Language Pathology program aims to prepare students for the opportunities and rigors of a vocation positively impacting communicatively challenged individuals and their families by providing outstanding academic/clinical education, as well as community outreach. The Speech-Language Pathology program also aims to support the continuing education needs of practicing clinicians to ultimately have a positive impact on individuals with communication and/or swallowing challenges. This professional education is grounded in faith, excellence, and service to others. 

Program Learning Outcomes

By fulfilling all of the course requirements for Bachelor's of Science in Communication Science and Disorders, students will demonstrate:

1. Effective knowledge and skills to incorporate the complex relationship between faith, learning, and practice in the areas of Communication Sciences and Disorders.
2. Effective verbal and written professional skills.
3. Knowledge in basic speech, language, communication, and swallowing processes.
4. A functional understanding of evidence-based prevention, evaluation, and intervention practice for speech, language, hearing, communication, and swallowing disorders.
5. Culturally competent, professional interaction skills with patients, families, and other health care professionals.
6. Ethical and professional behavior in clinical care through service learning, clinical observation, and/or the provision of clinical services in the CUW Speech, Language and Hearing clinic.

Curriculum

Communication Sciences and Disorders Required Courses

SLP Dual Degree for Communication Sciences and Disorder majors

Plan - 4 Year CSD Pre-SLP or Pre-Audiology

Plan - SLP Dual Degree for Communication Science Disorders majors

ASHA designated courses meet  prerequisite standards for ASHA SLP certification.

Course options and schedule are subject to change.