The Communication Disorders and Sciences major involves studies in the disciplines of speech and hearing sciences, audiology and speech-language pathology. The undergraduate program offers an emphasis in either Audiology or Speech-Language Pathology, and the graduate program offers an emphasis in Speech-Language Pathology.

There are special requirements for admission to the major. Undergraduate instruction is divided between a Pre-Clinical and a Clinical Phase. There are no preadmission requirements for the department’s Pre-Clinical Phase. All entering undergraduate and post-baccalaureate undeclared majors are regarded as Pre-Clinical Phase students. Once junior level or higher academic standing is achieved, Pre-Clinical Phase students must complete CD 405, 410, 415 and 442 or the equivalent in order to apply for Clinical Privileges at the CSUN Language, Speech and Hearing Center as part of the Clinical Phase of instruction. Course equivalents for CD 405, 410, 415 and 442 must be submitted for review and approval by a faculty advisor and the department chair. Application for the Clinical Phase is made during the semester in which the Pre-clinical Phase courses are in progress of completion.

Please note that satisfactory completion of Pre-clinical Phase courses includes a grade of “B” or better in each of the four classes. Enrollment in clinical courses (e.g., CD 465, 475, 469A or 469O) is not permitted without department approval of Clinical Privileges. Evaluation for admission to Clinical Privileges includes a faculty assessment of academic and clinical potential, supported by letters of recommendation, academic transcripts and satisfactory completion of the Pre-clinical Phase courses.

Once admitted to Clinical Privileges, the student is regarded as a Clinical Phase student and should consult an academic advisor regarding the area of major emphasis (undergraduate Speech-Language Pathology, undergraduate Audiology or post-baccalaureate undeclared majors emphasizing Speech-Language Pathology), proper course sequencing and prerequisites for advanced courses. If a student is denied admission to Clinical Privileges or if such privileges have been suspended or revoked, it is possible to complete the baccalaureate degree as a nonclinical major by substitution for all client-contact courses. Substitution for client-contact courses must be approved by a faculty advisor and the department chair.

Instructions, due dates and application forms for Clinical Privileges are available in the department office. Clinical Phase students are advised that Clinical Privileges may be suspended or revoked at any time by the department for failure to attain a grade of “B” or better in all clinical courses (e.g., CD 465 et seq., 475 et seq., 469A, 469O, 668 and 672AB), for violations of ethical conduct or state licensure regarding client care, for academic probation beyond one semester, or for failure to adhere to the regulations and policies of the CSUN Language, Speech and Hearing Center or of the department. Further information on Pre-Clinical and Clinical Phase components of the department’s programs is offered during scheduled monthly student orientation sessions.

1. Lower Division Required Courses (11 units)

BIOL 101/L General Biology and Lab (3/1)
BIOL 211 Human Anatomy (2)
BIOL 212 Laboratory Studies in Human Anatomy (1)
MATH 140 Introductory Statistics (4)

2. Upper Division Required Courses (38 units)

CD 405 Phonetics (3)*
CD 410 Hearing Science (3)*
CD 415 Speech and Language Development (3)*
CD 442 Speech Science (3)*
CD 445 Audiometry and Hearing Conservation (3)
CD 446 Auditory Habilitation (3)
CD 451 Phonologic and Articulatory Disorders (3)
CD 462 Language Disorders I (3)
CD 469A Diagnostic Methods in Communication Disorders (3)
CD 469O Observation in Communication Disorders (1)
CD 485 Augmentative and Alternative Communication (3)
ENGL 302 Introduction to Modern Grammar (3)
PHYS 305/L Physics of Music and Laboratory (3/1)

*Pre-clinical phase courses.

3. Emphasis Courses (8-9 units)

Choose either (a) Speech-Language Pathology Emphasis or (b) Audiology Emphasis.

a. Speech-Language Pathology Emphasis (8 units)

CD 450 Fluency and Disorders of Fluency (3)
CD 465 Clinical Practicum in Speech Pathology I (2)
CD 480 Early Speech-Language Intervention (3)

b. Audiology Emphasis (9 units)

CD 465 Clinical Practicum in Speech Pathology I (2)
CD 471 Advanced Audiology (3)
CD 475 Clinical Practicum in Audiology I (2)
CD 576 Clinical Practicum in Audiology II (2)

4. General Education (48 units)

Undergraduate students must complete 48 units of General Education as described in this Catalog.
The department will accept its own Lower Division requirements or if equivalents have been taken to satisfy GE requirements. These courses also will satisfy department requirements for the major. Please note that some of the department’s Lower Division requirements may also satisfy GE requirements.

Special Requirements

In addition to degree requirements, the undergraduate course of study must fulfill requirements for successful application to graduate school, as well as provide some of the introductory required courses for professional certification, state licensure and credentialing.

Total Units for the Major/Emphasis: 57-58

General Education Units: 48

Additional Units: 7-10

Total Units Required for the Degree: 120