The program in Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) contributes to the liberal education of the student by providing learning experiences about the nature, development, and effective use of human communication. The purpose of this program is to provide students with a basic foundation in communication sciences and an introduction to the field of human communication disorders. In addition, this program prepares students for graduate education in a variety of fields, including speech-language pathology and audiology.
The program in Communication Sciences and Disorders leads to a broad-based bachelor's degree in human communication, its development, and its disorders. Coursework in the program introduces students to the anatomical, physiological, neurological, psychological, developmental, linguistic, and acoustic bases of speech and language behavior. Upper-level courses introduce students to the nature, assessment, and management of select communication disorders. The undergraduate program provides a foundation for students who intend to complete graduate study in speech-language pathology or audiology; who are considering further study in related areas, such as education, special education, or counseling; or who are preparing for other careers in the public or private sectors.
Students who choose to prepare for graduate study in speech-language pathology or audiology and who demonstrate strong academic capability will engage in observation and 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 (ASHA). Speech-language pathologists and audiologists, who must hold an appropriate degree and certification/licensure per ASHA, practice in a variety of settings: public schools, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, university clinics, special education and early childhood centers, and private practice. Communication Sciences and Disorders also offers a Master of Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology. Information regarding this program is available in the graduate catalog. Students applying to graduate programs should be aware that a grade point average of 3.0 tends to be the minimum required for admission into most graduate programs in the area of Communication Sciences and Disorders.
Communication Sciences and Disorders Learning Outcomes
This program of study will provide students with knowledge of:
- the principles of anatomical and physiological sciences as they apply to the development of speech, language, hearing, and swallowing processes.
- basic human communication and swallowing processes and their normal development.
- speech and language disorders and how these may warrant clinical intervention.
- contemporary professional issues and current research in the field of speech-language pathology.
- the process and role of critical thinking and oral and written language skills.
Requirements for the Program in Communication Sciences and Disorders
To obtain the Bachelor of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders, students complete courses in the major and supporting courses. Most of the second group are taken as part of the general education curriculum. All courses in the major are three credit hours unless otherwise noted.
Supporting Courses (16 credit hours)
These must be successfully completed.
- Behavioral/Social Science course
- PSYCH 101: Introduction to Psychological Science
- PSYCH 200: Child Development OR PSYCH 199: Lifespan Development
- Biological Science course
- BIOL 101: Principles and Methods of Biology
- BIOL 200: Human Biology and BIOLB 200: Human Biology Lab
- Physical Science course
- CHEM 106: Chemistry Essentials OR PHYS 101: Physics for Nonscientists is recommended
- Statistics course
- MATH 135: Introduction to Statistics
Admission to the Undergraduate Program in Communication Sciences and Disorders
Students can declare a major in Communication Sciences and Disorders. Undergraduate students must maintain a cumulative 2.0 grade-point average.
Required Courses (41 credit hours)
- CSDI 202: Professional Writing in Communication Sciences and Disorders (2 credit hours)
- CSDI 204: Introduction to Communication Disorders (3 credit hours)
- CSDI 205: Phonetics (3 credit hours)
- CSDI 206: Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech and Hearing Mechanism (4 credit hours)
- CSDI 207: Speech Science (3 credit hours)
- CSDIL 207: Speech Science Lab (1 credit hour)
- CSDI 301: Speech Sound Development and Disorders (3 credit hours)
- CSDI 305: Development of Language in the Young Child (3 credit hours) (prerequisite PSYCH 199 OR 207)
- CSDI 306: Language Disorders in Children (3 credit hours)
- CSDI 307: Introduction to Audiology (3 credit hours)
- CSDI 308: Aural Rehabilitation (3 credit hours)
- CSDI 309: Neuroscience of Communication (3 credit hours)
- CSDI 315: Fluency, Voice, and Resonance (3 credit hours)
- CSDI 317: Multicultural Aspects of Communication (3 credit hours)
- CSDI 370: Senior Seminar (1 credit hour)
Elective Courses
- CSDI 214: Language, Culture and Society (3 credit hours)
- CSDI 310: Clinical Methods (3 credit hours)
- CSDI 310: Additional fees to complete clinical work will apply.
- CSDI 355: Clinical Practicum (2 credit hours)
- CSDI 355: Clinical Practicum is reserved for students who have successfully completed CSDI 310.
- CSDI 395: SpTp: Spanish Phonetics (3 credit hours)
Transfer Students
Transfer students must meet the same requirements for admission to and completion of the CSD major. A maximum of 15 credit hours in the major may be transferred into the CSD program at Saint Xavier University.
Course Retake Policy
Students are allowed to repeat a course once and may repeat only one course in the program in Communication Sciences and Disorders. Grades of D and F do not count towards successful completion of the undergraduate program in CSD.
Direct Admission Policy for SXU's Graduate Program in Speech-Language Pathology
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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
The School of Nursing and Health Sciences reserves the right to amend policies, procedures and other program information as necessary. All changes will be communicated promptly.