COURSE CURRICULUM

The Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders requires students to complete a structured curriculum consisting of prerequisite and upper-division coursework that prepares them for careers or graduate study in speech-language pathology and audiology. The program begins with required major prerequisite courses totaling 13 units. These foundational courses introduce students to key concepts related to human behavior, development, and communication. Students study Human Development to understand how individuals grow and change throughout the lifespan, along with Introduction to Statistics to develop skills in analyzing and interpreting data. Introductory Psychology provides a basic understanding of human behavior and mental processes, while American Sign Language introduces students to visual communication and deaf culture. These prerequisite courses build the academic foundation necessary for advanced study in the field.After completing the prerequisites, students move into the 43 units of upper-division coursework focused on communication sciences and disorders. In the first semester, students study the physics of sound and phonetics, the anatomy and physiology of the speech mechanism, and language science and development, which together provide the scientific and biological basis of human communication. In the second semester, coursework focuses on developmental and neurogenic language disorders, speech sound development and disorders in children, and an introduction to audiology. Students also participate in supervised field observations and research in speech-language pathology and audiology, which help them connect theory with real-world clinical practice.During the third semester, students explore topics such as voice and fluency disorders, autism spectrum disorders, clinical issues and methods, and assessment procedures used to evaluate communication disorders. The final semester emphasizes applied and specialized areas including medical speech pathology, aural rehabilitation, and communication disorders in multicultural populations. These courses prepare students to understand communication difficulties across diverse groups and medical conditions.Overall, the program requires a total of 56 units and is designed to provide both theoretical knowledge and practical exposure. Through its combination of scientific study, clinical awareness, and research experience, the curriculum prepares students for further professional training or graduate programs in communication sciences and related fields.