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Communication Sciences and Disorders, BA

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College of Humanities and Social Sciences

What Is the Study of Communication Sciences and Disorders?

Communication Sciences and Disorders includes two disciplines, Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, which have developed out of a concern for people with communication disorders. The academic and clinical curriculum at the undergraduate level includes a wide range of courses and clinical practicum opportunities. Students study normal communication processes and disorders. Courses in normal processes include Language Development, Speech Acoustics, Hearing Science, and Anatomy and Physiology. Courses regarding disorders cover Language Disorders, Phonological Disorders, and Hearing Disorders, for example. The undergraduate education prepares students to pursue a graduate degree. A master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology or a clinical doctorate degree in Audiology and certification at the national level are required to engage in professional practice.

Why Should I Consider this Major?

Many people easily talk with family, friends, and colleagues everyday. Although we often take language, speech, and hearing for granted, these processes are extraordinarily complex. Furthermore, anyone at any age can be affected by illness or injury that will impair the ability to talk or hear. In fact, one out of every six Americans has a communication disorder. Each one can be helped in some way by a speech-language pathologist, audiologist, or speech, language, and hearing scientist.

Grounded in the latest scientific theories and research, CSD students learn to assess and treat persons with communication disorders—from infants to the elderly. In labs students have access to state-of-the-art equipment and analysis procedures as they study sound, speech, language, and hearing. Speech-language pathologists and audiologists make a positive contribution to people’s lives. With the changing makeup of our population comes the need for speech-language-hearing professionals who are skilled in working in a complex and diverse society. For people with the proper education and flexibility, employment prospects are excellent. Opportunities and challenges await you!

How to Declare:

Admissions: To declare the major, students must have completed the following requirements:

  • Completed at least 75 credits
  • Successfully completed or be currently enrolled in CSD 251
  • Achieved a Western GPA (based on at least 12 credits) of 2.7 or higher (A grade of at least B- (2.7) in each of the core courses (CSD 251, 352, 354, and 356) may substitute for the overall 2.7 GPA)

Application deadlines: Students must begin the lock-step major in the fall quarter (usually the junior year) in order to complete the series of required courses within two years.

Advising Tips: Enroll in CSD 251 to learn more about this major.
Students must complete at least one course in Biological Sciences, Physical Sciences, and Mathematics during undergraduate study to meet certification requirements. Contact a CSD undergraduate advisor with questions.

Coursework

  • CSD 251 - Introduction to Communication Disorders
  • CSD 352 - Anatomy and Physiology of Speech Mechanisms
  • CSD 353 - Speech Science
  • CSD 354 - Speech and Language Development in Children
  • CSD 356 - Phonetics
  • CSD 361 - Language Disorders, Birth to Five
  • CSD 371 - Hearing Science
  • CSD 372 - Hearing Disorders
  • CSD 373 - Introduction to Phonology
  • CSD 450 - Neuroanatomy for Speech Pathology and Audiology
  • CSD 451 - Language Disorders II
  • CSD 457 - Clinical Processes
  • CSD 458 - Application of Clinical Processes to CSD
  • CSD 459 - Lab: Beginning Clinical Practice in Speech- Language Therapy
  • CSD 462 - Audiometric Testing
  • CSD 463 - Aural Rehabilitation
  • CSD 486 - Infants and Children With Hearing Loss
  • CSD 488 - Hearing Loss in Adulthood
  • LIBR 403 - Research Tutorial
  • Total of 2 credits of either:
    • CSD 301 - Writing Lab
    • CSD 401 - Writing Lab
  • Electives under departmental advisement
  • Required minor

Notable Alumni

Amy Krewdl Gentzkow

Speech Pathology Program Manager, VA Puget Sound Health Care System

M.A.

Michael Mallahan

Director and Owner, Hearing & Balance Lab, Mill Creek, WA

Au.D

Sample Careers

  • Speech-Language Pathologist
  • Speech-Language Scientist
  • Government/Industry Consultant
  • Audiologist
  • Hearing Scientist
  • Clinic Administrator

Department

  • Communication Sciences and Disorders

Contact

Undergraduate Advisors:

Eva Baharav
360-650-3157
AI 378
Eva.Baharav@wwu.edu

Rieko Darling
360-650-3143
AI372
Rieko.Darling@wwu.edu

Kimberly Peters
360-650-3206
AI 386
Kimberly.Peters@wwu.edu

Transfer Advisor:

Rieko Darling
360-650-3143
AI 372
Rieko.Darling@wwu.edu

Department Office:

AI 394, 360-650-3885

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