Program Overview

In mid-February, SLHS was given approval to change the undergraduate and graduate degrees from BA and MA in Communicative Disorders to BA and MA in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences. This is an historic change and the first for the CSU as other State programs are still characterized as Communicative Disorders. It will be in effect for students graduating in December, 2006.

The School of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences offers a B.A. in Liberal Arts and Sciences with a major in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences. Students may also minor in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences..

Speech and language pathology, audiology, and education of the hearing impaired are professions which identify, help, and study persons with communicative disorders. Those entering these professions should possess a strong motivation to help individuals with genetically, physically, or psychologically caused communication problems. Preparation involves acquiring the knowledge and skills necessary to assume responsibility for assessment, education and rehabilitation of persons with speech, language, and hearing disorders. The School is committed to preparing speech-language- hearing professionals to meet the challenges of a racially, ethnically, and linguistically diverse society.

The bachelor's degree serves as the basis for graduate and professional study in communicative disorders. There are no employment opportunities for holders of the bachelor's degree. A master's degree, national certification and state licensure or school credential are needed for professional practice in speech-language pathology or education of the deaf. For practice in audiology, a professional doctorate (AuD) is expected.

The undergraduate curriculum is broad, involving coursework on normal and disordered speech, language, and hearing, as well as clinical procedures. All communicative disorders majors cover a set of general studies in early course work (19 units) before specialization (36 upper division units). Students interested in the communicative disorders program are advised to take college level courses in anatomy, biology, psychology, English, physiology, linguistics, physics, and mathematics. Studies leading to private practice, hospital work, industrial work, work in school settings, or preparation for the master's degree are similar in many ways; it is the area of specialization that serves to differentiate courses of study.

The communicative disorders minor is open to all majors but is strongly recommended for those in special education or the social and behavioral sciences who wish to broaden their competencies in a related applied discipline.

The master's degree is an advanced degree for those wishing to work professionally as a speech-language pathologist, speech and hearing scientist, and/or deaf educator. A professional doctorate is required for those wishing to work professionally as an audiologist.

Positions in speech, language, and hearing sciences are available in many public and private settings working with persons with speech, language, and hearing, deaf-blind disorders. Graduates with certification or licensure work in rehabilitation centers, schools, hospitals, research, and university teaching and research centers. Career opportunities are particularly good for minority, bilingual or bicultural persons.