Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders

A Healthcare Discipline With a Bright Future

Communication influences all human activity. The Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders at UT Tyler provides a solid foundation in the basic sciences that pertain to normal processes of speech, language, hearing and swallowing, including the biological, physical, social and linguistic sciences.

Additionally, the program introduces students to the various disorders of communication and swallowing, including speech sounds disorders, language disorders, stuttering, voice disorders and hearing loss. Students also complete 25 observation hours in SLP and learn how to develop treatment plans and goals for treating speech and language disorders in children and adults.

As such, students who earn the degree can work immediately as speech-language pathology assistants and have all they need to pursue graduate studies in speech-language pathology, audiology or speech and hearing science.

Why Major in Communication Sciences and Disorders at UT Tyler?

Communication Sciences and Disorders majors complete a comprehensive and rigorous program of study that prepares them to make a real difference in the lives of community members from birth through old age. In addition to readily finding high-paying jobs, one of the most rewarding aspects of this career is that specialists get to see the difference they make in the lives of the children and adults they serve, whether those individuals have difficulty with speech production, comprehension, voice, language or swallowing.

The field offers a wide variety of options and job settings. A person can work as a generalist (treating multiple disorders), or specialize in a single disorder or population (e.g., treatment of social communication disorder or speech sound disorders, for example.).

Our program’s strengths include:

• Comprehensive Program of Study: Complete one of the best and most comprehensive CSD programs of study in the United States. Develop a solid foundation in the basic sciences pertaining to human communication and swallowing, develop analytical and problem-solving skills and integrate academic knowledge with clinical practice in meaningful ways.
• Experienced and Dedicated Faculty: Learn from faculty who have extensive clinical experiences and impressive scholarship records. All faculty are certified in speech-language pathology and licensed in Texas.
• Real-World Training: Apply your knowledge and gain professional experience through partnerships with medical and education facilities within the East Texas community.
• Mentoring: Receive mentoring from Communication Sciences and Disorders faculty, who work closely with students and provide the nurturing support and guidance they need to accomplish their academic and career goals.
• Tutoring: Become a peer tutor or receive free-of-charge tutoring from a CSD student who achieved top grades. Tutoring is offered 1:1 or within small groups. Students request it as needed in areas that they feel they need support. If you end up becoming a tutor, you will be paid per hour.
• Undergraduate Research: Complete research-focused projects while working side-by-side with dedicated faculty who care about your success. You will also have opportunities to present at local and national conferences. The university provides financial support to help student researchers with travel and accommodation expenses.
• High-Impact Learning: Grow professionally and personally through community engagement, networking and being a member of the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association (NSSLHA).

Curriculum

Majors in communication sciences and disorders build a strong foundation in the sciences pertaining to speech, language, hearing and swallowing. The curriculum examines conditions related to speech sounds, fluency, language and hearing.

Core courses include:

• COMD 1306 Introduction to Communication Sciences and Disorders
• COMD 2310 Introduction to APA Style and Research Writing
• COMD 2311 Phonetic Description of Speech
• COMD 2357 Anatomy and Physiology of Speech and Swallowing
• COMD 2358 Anatomy & Physiology of Hearing and Language
• COMD 2359 Speech Science
• COMD 3313 Hearing Science
• COMD 3314 Linguistics for Speech Language Pathology
• COMD 3318 Language Acquisition and Development
• COMD 3341 Introduction to Audiology
• COMD 3350 Neurological Foundations of Speech, Language and Hearing
• COMD 4367 Introduction to Language Disorders in Children
• COMD 4369 Clinical Procedures and Observation in Communication Disorders
• COMD 4370 Introduction to Speech Sound Disorders
• COMD 4372 Introduction to Voice and Fluency Disorders
• COMD 4373 Introduction to Aural Rehabilitation

In addition, students select one class in each of these areas:

• Developmental Psychology
• General Linguistics
• Introductory Biology
• Introductory Chemistry OR Physics
• Statistics

Suggested electives include:

• Introduction to Clinical and Counseling Psychology
• Medical Terminology
• Motor Development
• Persuasive Communication
• Public Speaking
• Principles of Epidemiology

Communication Sciences and Disorders Major Requirements

Visit the Rehabilitation Sciences Department

What Can You Do With a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders?

U.S. News & World Report consistently includes speech-language pathology among its top career paths. In 2023, speech-language pathology ranked No. 11 in Best Healthcare Jobs, with a median salary of $79,060. The Bureau of Labor Statistics also lists speech-language pathologists as one of the fastest-growing professions in the country.

The BS in Communication Sciences and Disorders is a pre-professional degree that primarily prepares students to pursue a master’s in speech-language pathology or audiology; work as speech-language pathology assistants (SLPAs); or pursue related careers in educational, health and other related fields. Learn more about American Speech-Language-Hearing Association certification and state licensure.