1. What courses are required to earn a degree in Communication Sciences Disorders?
The Bachelor of Science degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders is comprised of 120 credits. Thirty-seven of those credits are Communicative Disorders classes. This
link to the provides you with a thorough explanation of the undergraduate coursework.
2. How many years will it take me to earn a degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders?
Students beginning this major during the freshman year typically complete the major in four years.
3. Can I study abroad for a semester and still complete the major in four years?
There is a window of opportunity during the sophomore year to study abroad and still complete the major in four years. Due to the sequential nature of the CSD courses, studying abroad at any other point in time may result in an additional year to complete the major. Many CSD students opt for study abroad experiences during the summer or other break periods, when it does not interfere with progress in the major.
4. Will the bachelor's degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders prepare me to get a job as a speech-language pathologist or audiologist upon graduation?
No. The B.S. degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders is considered a pre-professional degree. The B.S. degree prepares a student for graduate school, but not for a professional job
5. Are there courses I should take in high school to help me prepare for the major in Communication Sciences and Disorders?
High school students should focus on courses in biology, physics, chemistry, psychology, mathematics and communication.
6. Are there jobs or volunteer activities I should involve myself in during high school to help me prepare for the major in Communication Sciences and Disorders?
Volunteer work with all ages is encouraged, as is job shadowing of speech-language pathologists and audiologists.
7. What types of careers will I be able to pursue with a degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders?
After earning a graduate degree in speech-language pathology or audiology, there are job opportunities with a wide range of age groups in a wide variety of settings. Explore this link to our professional association, the
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association to learn more.
8. What is the job outlook for these careers?
According to a report from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology are ranked among the top 30- out of 700- fastest growing occupations, with the number of Audiology positions expected to climb by 45% and the number of Speech-Language Pathology positions to grow by 39%, from 2000- 2010.
9. What if I don’t know whether I want to work in a medical or school setting, or become a speech-language pathologist or an audiologist?
Since the B.S. degree is a pre-professional degree, a student does not have to decide speech-language versus audiology until the senior year of college. During the undergraduate program, students study all aspects of both professions, observe clinic in both areas, and can job shadow or interview working professionals. All of these activities help students to decide which career paths to pursue.
10. Why should I study Communication Sciences and Disorders at UWSP?
UWSP offers a diversified faculty and staff who are committed to the highest quality of teaching and supervision. Unique components of the program include undergraduate clinical practicum experience, clinical observation rooms that allow undergraduate students to observe seniors and graduate students conduct therapy, an active student speech, language and hearing association, a state of the art Augmentative Communication Lab, a Speech and Hearing Science Lab, and a Comprehensive Hearing Aid Dispensing Program.
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