Communication Sciences and Disorders
More than 25 million Americans have speech, language or hearing disorders that interfere with daily communication. The department of communication sciences and disorders educates students planning to become speech-language pathologists or audiologists and who will become specialists in diagnosing and treating communication problems. Professionals in communication sciences and disorders will work in a variety of employment settings with individuals of all ages. Communication disorders commonly encountered are articulation, fluency, voice and language disorders and hearing impairment.
Clients often have diagnosed medical or educational problems such as cleft palate, learning disabilities, brain damage, vocal abuse, mental retardation, behavioral disorders, stroke or cerebral palsy. Since communication is the most human characteristic and influences learning, working and interacting with others, a speech-language pathologist or audiologist improves the quality of life of a person with a communication disability. Specialists work with clients to develop their full potential as communicators. Speech-language pathologists and audiologists also are concerned with and study communication development and disorders so that better diagnostic and treatment procedures can be established.
Why study communication sciences and disorders?
- It is an exciting helping profession that changes constantly as new discoveries are made.
- The job market is growing most rapidly with populations in the elderly and infant age ranges, but many jobs are available with school-age children and younger adults. Graduates are sought after by employers and valued for their competency. The reputation of this program is excellent.
- Although students enter the major with many of the following qualifications, these characteristics are enhanced through studying communication sciences and disorders: intelligence and common sense, desire to work with and help people, scientific curiosity, appreciation for individual differences, sense of humor, empathy, assertiveness, and good written and oral communication.
- Prepare for graduate studies. The master’s degree is regarded by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association as the educational preparation needed for employment as a speech-language pathologist. Those with master’s degrees are eligible for national certification and are considered to be fully qualified for employment in Wisconsin.
- Preparation for a variety of jobs. People with undergraduate degrees in communication sciences and disorders are well prepared to perform many types of jobs successfully, not just to function as speech-language pathologists and audiologists. Skills and knowledge developed through the study of this major assist individuals to function as effective parents and contributing citizens.
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Learn about the advantages of studying communication sciences and disorders at UW-Eau Claire. |
Career options
Employment for a speech-language pathologist or audiologist may involve:
- Diagnosis and treatment of communication disorders
- Consulting with other professionals about clients
- Counseling clients and their families
- Writing diagnostic and progress reports
- Administration of clinical/educational programs
- Researching communication development and disorders
- Teaching future professionals
Career environments
- Hospitals
- Medical clinics and centers
- Preschool programs
- Public schools
- Universities
- Schools for the deaf
- Nursing homes
- Community and government agencies
- Private practices
UndergraduateJuly 24, 2007ommunication sciences and disorders offers:
Majors
- Communication Sciences and Disorders – comprehensive major; requires no minor
- Communication Sciences and Disorders – standard major
- Master’s degree – speech-language pathology
High school preparation
- Students who want to study communication sciences and disorders would benefit from course work in English composition, public speaking, foreign languages (Spanish or American Sign Language encouraged), natural sciences (biology and physics preferred), microcomputer operation and applications, psychology and sociology.
- Volunteer experiences that involve working with people, particularly disabled individuals, are encouraged.
- All students who enroll at UW-Eau Claire are required to have a minimum of 17 college preparatory units including:
– 4 years of English (at least 3 composition and literature)
– 2 years of a single foreign language
– 3 years of math (algebra, geometry, 1 advanced college preparatory math)
– 3 years of natural science
– 3 years of social science (1 must be world or American history)
– 2 additional units in the areas already mentioned or other academic areas
Freshman course work (sample first year)
Fall semester
- CSD 150, Introduction to Communication Sciences and Disorders, 3 credits
- Engl 110, Introduction to College Writing, 5 credits
- General education electives, 7 credits
Spring semester
- CSD 262, Phonetics: Theory and Application, 2 credits
- Sped 200, Introduction to Special Education, 3 credits
- General education electives, 10 credits
Suggestion
– 4 years of English (at least 3 composition and literature)
– 2 years of a single foreign language
– 3 years of math (algebra, geometry, 1 advanced college preparatory math)
– 3 years of natural science
– 3 years of social science (1 must be world or American history)
– 2 additional units in the areas already mentioned or other academic areas
If you are interested in this program, talk with an adviser in communication sciences and disorders as early as possible in your college career.
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