B.A. in Communication Sciences and Disorders

Students who choose to prepare for graduate study in speech-language pathology or audiology and who demonstrate strong academic capability may be eligible for clinical practicum in the on-campus Ludden Speech and Language Clinic. This clinic serves persons of all ages with communication disorders.

Student practicum experiences are directly supervised by faculty who hold the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Students have the opportunity to earn treatment hours before they begin their graduate programs in speech-language pathology and benefit from these experiences. Clinic experience allows students to explore their clinical interests firsthand. Additionally, it helps students clarify their career goals and make informed decisions about their future professional path.

At SXU, students in Communication Sciences and Disorders are formed as compassionate, confident professionals. Through early clinical experiences, hands-on practicum opportunities, and close faculty mentorship, students connect learning with service from the very beginning. Our strong student organizations -- including an active NSSLHA chapter -- provide opportunities for leadership, service, and professional networking beyond the classroom. Our nationally benchmarked NSSE results reflect a community where students feel engaged, supported, and challenged to grow. By senior year, students are not only prepared for graduate study -- they are grounded in purpose and ready to make an impact.

• Students will demonstrate knowledge of the principles of biological and physical sciences as they apply to the development of speech, language, hearing and swallowing processes.
• Students will examine basic human communication and swallowing processes and their normal development.
• Students will analyze certain speech and language disorders and how these may warrant clinical intervention.
• Students will interpret and evaluate contemporary professional issues and current research in the field of speech-language pathology.
• Students will demonstrate competence in critical thinking and in oral and written language skills.

Saint Xavier University combines classroom learning with application-based learning to produce well-rounded clinicians.

• Direct Admission -- Students who graduate from the CSD undergraduate program in good academic standing may be eligible for direct admission into SXU's Master's in Speech-Language Pathology program. In a field where graduate admissions are highly competitive nationwide, this pathway provides a meaningful advantage by offering clarity and a streamlined transition into graduate study.
• Early Clinical Exposure -- Seniors have the opportunity to participate in a clinic practicum, gaining hands-on therapy experience before graduate school.
• More Than Observation -- Students may complete up to 25 observation hours through designated coursework, integrating real-world insight with academic learning.
• Engaged Learning Environment -- Nationally benchmarked NSSE results reflect strong student engagement, meaningful faculty interaction, and academic challenge.
• Faculty Who Know Your Name -- Small class sizes and intentional mentorship foster confidence, growth, and individualized support.
• Leadership Through NSSLHA -- An active student chapter provides opportunities for professional networking, service, advocacy, and conference involvement.
• Purpose-Driven Formation -- Students graduate grounded in compassion, ethical leadership, and readiness to serve diverse communities.

A CSD minor enhances majors in education, psychology, nursing, social work, pre-med, and related fields by equipping students with foundational knowledge of speech, language, cognition, and swallowing disorders. Graduates enter their professions better prepared to recognize communication differences, collaborate across disciplines, and serve individuals with complex needs. Communications Sciences and Disorders minors must complete CSDI 204 and an additional 15 credit hours of communication sciences and disorders coursework. If you're interested in this minor, meet with the department chairperson and plan a course of study that fits your needs and interests.

Minor Requirements

Please review the program requirements and course descriptions in the SXU Academic Catalog for more detailed information.

Direct Admission Policy for Senior Status Students in the Undergraduate CSD Program

Direct admission to the graduate program in Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) is available for students who meet specific criteria.

Requirements for Admission

1. Students with senior status in the undergraduate CSD program must achieve a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 across all coursework completed at the college/university level and a minimum GPA of 3.0 across all CSD courses.
   1. If a student has withdrawn (W) in a CSD course, direct admission may be granted; however, it is conditional upon the student repeating the same course and maintaining the GPA requirements of this policy once the course is completed.
2. Admission is conditional based on completion of the bachelor's degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders at Saint Xavier University. However, all CSD coursework must have been completed at an accredited institution.

Procedure for Admission

Students who wish to be admitted into the SXU graduate program do not need to complete a formal application through the Common Application System (CSDCAS).

In the spring of junior year, the Director of CSD Programs will notify the cohort of the Direct Admission policy and provide the Direct Admission submission deadline. Interested students will submit unofficial transcripts from all institutions of higher education attended to the Program Director.

Students who submit by the submission deadline will be considered for direct admission and will be sent an acceptance or denial letter by the Director of CSD Programs. Students who meet the eligibility criteria and wish to reserve their place in the graduate class must submit a $500 non-refundable deposit by January 15 of the final undergraduate year.

Important Notes

Students who meet the conditions outlined in Section 1A of this policy are advised to explore alternative pathways for graduate school admission (via the CSDCAS application), as direct admission to the SXU Graduate Program in Communication Sciences and Disorders is conditional and not guaranteed.

Students with a documented record of academic dishonesty or violations of the University's Student Code of Conduct are ineligible for direct admission consideration.

Final authority for all admission decisions rests with the Director of CSD Programs.