B.A. in Communication Sciences and Disorders

Program Overview

The B.A. in Communication Sciences and Disorders at West Chester University provides a comprehensive understanding of the field, covering topics from anatomy and physiology to speech and hearing disorders. The program includes 120 credits, with a focus on clinical principles and professional issues. Graduates are prepared for careers as speech-language pathologists, audiologists, and other professionals in the field.

Program Outline

Outline:

Content:

The B.A. in Communication Sciences and Disorders program at West Chester University provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the field of communication sciences and disorders. The program covers a wide range of topics, including:

• Anatomy and physiology of the speech and hearing mechanisms
• Speech and language development
• Phonetics
• Neurology of speech and hearing
• Speech and voice disorders
• Language disorders
• Hearing disorders
• Professional issues in communication sciences and disorders

Structure:

The program consists of 120 credits, including 36 credits of general education requirements, 51 credits of major requirements, 9 credits of related areas, and 12 credits of electives.

Course Schedule:

The following is a sample course schedule for the B.A. in Communication Sciences and Disorders program:

Year One

• Fall: Introduction to Communicative Disorders, Anatomy of Speech and Hearing Mechanisms, First Year Experience, Effective Writing I, Foreign Language 101
• Spring: Speech and Hearing Science, Introduction to Linguistics, Introduction to Psychology, 200-Level WRT Course, Foreign Language 102

Year Two

• Fall: Speech and Language Development, Professional Issues in Communication Sciences and Disorders, Behavioral & Social Science Gen Ed, Speaking Emphasis Gen Ed, Foreign Language 201 or Culture Cluster
• Spring: Neurology of Speech & Hearing, Language Disorders, Science Gen Ed (BIO), Humanities Gen Ed, Foreign Language 202 or Culture Cluster

Year Three

• Fall: Speech & Voice Disorders, Humanities Gen Ed, Science Gen Ed (CHE or PHY), Culture Cluster (if needed; and/or Interdisciplinary Gen Ed)
• Spring: Area 2 Human Communication, Area 4 Human Development, Speaking Emphasis Gen Ed, Arts Gen Ed

Year Four

• Fall: Clinical Principles in Communicative Disorders, Area 1 Research Skills, Interdisciplinary Gen Ed, Elective, Elective
• Spring: Hearing Disorders, Area 5 Human Behavior and Services, Area 6 Human Abnormalities, Speaking Emphasis Gen Ed (300/400-Level), Elective

Individual Modules:

• CSD 101: Introduction to Communicative Disorders provides an overview of the field of communication sciences and disorders, including the history, scope of practice, and ethical considerations.
• CSD 106: Anatomy of Speech and Hearing Mechanisms examines the anatomy and physiology of the speech and hearing mechanisms, including the respiratory, laryngeal, velopharyngeal, and auditory systems.
• CSD 203: Speech and Hearing Science explores the acoustic, aerodynamic, and physiological aspects of speech and hearing production and perception.
• CSD 204: Speech and Language Development examines the typical development of speech and language from infancy through adolescence, including the acquisition of phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics.
• CSD 207: Introduction to Phonetics provides an introduction to the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) and the phonetic transcription of speech sounds.
• CSD 208: Neurology of Speech & Hearing examines the neurological bases of speech and hearing, including the anatomy and function of the central and peripheral nervous systems.
• CSD 329: Speech & Voice Disorders explores the causes, symptoms, and treatment of speech and voice disorders, including articulation disorders, fluency disorders, and voice disorders.
• CSD 333: Language Disorders examines the causes, symptoms, and treatment of language disorders, including aphasia, dyslexia, and specific language impairment.
• CSD 346: Hearing Disorders explores the causes, symptoms, and treatment of hearing disorders, including conductive hearing loss, sensorineural hearing loss, and tinnitus.
• CSD 337: Professional Issues in Communication Sciences and Disorders examines the ethical, legal, and professional issues related to the practice of communication sciences and disorders.
• CSD 350: Clinical Principles in Communicative Disorders provides an introduction to the clinical assessment and treatment of communication disorders.

Assessment:

Students in the B.A. in Communication Sciences and Disorders program are assessed through a variety of methods, including:

• Exams
• Quizzes
• Papers
• Presentations
• Clinical observations

Teaching:

The B.A. in Communication Sciences and Disorders program is taught by a team of experienced faculty members who are dedicated to providing students with a high-quality education. The faculty members use a variety of teaching methods, including:

• Lectures
• Discussions
• Demonstrations
• Hands-on activities
• Clinical experiences

Careers:

Graduates of the B.A. in Communication Sciences and Disorders program are prepared for a variety of careers in the field of communication sciences and disorders, including:

• Speech-language pathologist
• Audiologist
• Teacher of the deaf and hard of hearing
• Speech-language pathology assistant
• Audiology assistant