Communication Sciences and Disorders Major (M)

Students studying Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) acquire foundational knowledge in the bases of communication, hearing, swallowing, and normal development across the lifespan, and the clinical management of children and adults with communication 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.

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. 

CSD Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the CUW major in Communication Sciences & Disorders, students will have demonstrated:

  • Effective knowledge and skills to incorporate the complex relationship between faith, learning, and practice in the areas of Communication Sciences and Disorders.
  • Effective verbal and written professional skills.
  • Knowledge in basic speech, language, communication, and swallowing processes.
  • A functional understanding of evidence-based prevention, evaluation, and intervention practice for speech, language, hearing, communication, and swallowing disorders.
  • Culturally competent, professional interaction skills with patients, families, and other health care professionals.
  • 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.
  • Completion of 25 required hours of clinical observation.

Curriculum

The undergraduate major in Communication Sciences and Disorders requires successful completion of 120 credit hours. This degree requires 49 credit hours within the major (courses offered within the Speech-Language Pathology Department), 45 credit hours in the common core, and 27 credit hours for minor and/or electives. The required courses in the major are listed on the table below.

Core Requirements 145
Major Requirements49
Electives26
Minor:Optional
Total Hours120
Communication Sciences and Disorders Required Courses
Introduction to Communication Sciences and Disorders (elective, highly recommended-3 cr)
CSD 210Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech, Swallowing, and Hearing Mechanism3
CSD 220Clinical Phonetics3
CSD 230Foundations of Cognition and Language3
CSD 240Speech and Language Development3
CSD 250Hearing Science3
CSD 260Speech and Language Disorders in Children3
CSD 270Multicultural Populations3
CSD 300Kinesiology & Motor Learning3
CSD 310Audiology3
CSD 320Speech Science3
CSD 330Speech and Language Disorders in Adults3
CSD 410Aural Rehabilitation3
CSD 420Clinical Methods & Observation3
CSD 430Service Delivery & Ethics3
CSD 460School Methods3
CSD 470Neurological Bases of Communication3
CSD 475Senior Seminar1
Total Hours49

Communication Sciences and Disorders is a 120 credit major.

Clinical Practice/Practicum

CSD 450 Clinical Practicum, a course that involves contact with actual clients in a clinical setting, is an elective course for selected seniors. Students wishing to enroll in CSD 450 Clinical Practicum must have completed a minimum of 90 credit hours and have a minimum overall GPA of 3.25 prior to enrollment in this course. Additionally, students must complete 25 ASHA-approved clinical observation hours prior to the start of CSD 450.

Leveling Program

The Leveling Program is intended for students who possess a bachelor’s degree in a major other than CSD and who are interested in qualifying for graduate study in Speech-Language Pathology. The Leveling Program in SLP is nationally recognized as a means of completing the requisite education to prepare a student for graduate study in SLP. The CUW Leveling Program requires interested students to complete 30 credit hours (10 courses) in the CSD major in one year of study prior to entering a graduate SLP program. Completion of the Leveling Program does not guarantee a student admission to a graduate program.

Required Courses for Leveling Program
CSD 210Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech, Swallowing, and Hearing Mechanism3
CSD 220Clinical Phonetics3
CSD 230Foundations of Cognition and Language3
CSD 240Speech and Language Development3
CSD 250Hearing Science3
CSD 260Speech and Language Disorders in Children3
CSD 310Audiology3
CSD 320Speech Science3
CSD 330Speech and Language Disorders in Adults3
CSD 420Clinical Methods & Observation3
Total Hours 30