Course Overview!

The Bachelor of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) at Cleveland State University is a comprehensive program focusing on both normal and impaired communication and swallowing across the lifespan. Students explore the auditory system, speech mechanisms, language processing, cognitive communication, and the social and cultural aspects of communication, alongside clinical methods for identification and remediation of disorders. The curriculum integrates knowledge from multiple disciplines, including psychology, anatomy, physiology, linguistics, physics, engineering, and education. While a master's degree is required to become a Speech-Language Pathologist and a doctorate for Audiology, this undergraduate major provides a strong foundation in critical thinking and analysis, opening doors to various career paths in schools, hospitals, clinics, research settings, and related industries. The program develops strong analytical and critical thinking skills, practical application of theory, research and evaluation skills, and top-tier communication abilities.

Course Structure

The Communication Sciences and Disorders BA requires 120 credit hours, with 43 specifically dedicated to the major. Core courses cover phonetics, introduction to communication disorders and audiology, American Sign Language I, clinical methods, speech and language development, the anatomy and physiology of speech and hearing, a survey of communication sciences and disorders, clinical practica in speech-language pathology and audiology, aural rehabilitation, audiometry, speech and hearing science, and a senior capstone portfolio. Students may also participate in an upper division honors program offering research, clinical experience, or cultural competency tracks. Honors programs include a research track with advanced research and writing, a clinical track involving cooperative education and a graduate-level course, and a cultural competency track focusing on cultural competency in healthcare and related areas. Specific course requirements within each track are detailed in the provided college catalog.