BS in Communication Disorders

What will I study as a Communication Disorders major?

We'll cover the normal bases of speech, language, hearing and swallowing disorders. You’ll learn basic clinical methods and have the opportunity to observe practicing clinicians working with both child and adult clients with communication and swallowing disorders. The Communication Disorders major may be taken in conjunction with any minor, if the student wishes to have a minor concentration.

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Why should I choose Communication Disorders at SHU?

The Communication Disorders major curriculum employs case studies, problem-based learning approaches, cooperative learning, and laboratory experiences. Clinical education, designed to meet Council for Clinical Certification requirements of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) for 25 clock hours of supervised clinical observation, will consist of interactions with expert clinical supervisors working in field placements for all aspects of SLP practice. Students may also participate in speech, language, and hearing screening activities at community agencies. Sacred Heart University is one of the few universities, and the only one in Connecticut, that offers Communication Disorders, OT, PT and Education degrees. This creates the unique opportunity for students to work with colleagues in allied professions prior to graduation.

Is a major right for me?

A major in Communication Disorders, along with the listed foundational and recommended courses, will prepare you to enter any U.S. graduate program in either Speech-Language Pathology or Audiology. To enter this career, you must be a strong communicator and have a sincere interest in helping people who have significant communication challenges. Scientific aptitude, patience, emotional stability, tolerance and persistence are necessary, as well as resourcefulness and imagination. Other essential traits include a commitment to work cooperatively with others and the ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

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What are the admission requirements?

The Communication Disorders program accepts students following their second semester of Undergraduate course work. Requirements for admission into the major include a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 and a minimum grade of C in the following courses: Introduction to Communication Disorders (CMD 200) and Introduction to Communication Disorders Lab (CMD 201), Concepts in Biology I (BI 111) and Concepts in Biology I Lab (BI 113) and Introduction to Psychology (PS 110).

Freshmen interested in applying to the Communication Disorders program can contact Assistant Clinical Professor Caitlin Zimyeski, Ed.D, CCC-SLP, for program information. 

Dual Degree Program Options for Communication Disorders Majors

Sacred Heart University’s dual degree programs provide a defined pathway for incoming freshmen to move seamlessly from an undergraduate to a graduate degree.

While some of our dual degree programs require specific undergraduate majors, others are open to almost all undergraduate disciplines. Apply to a dual degree program as an incoming freshman and you’ll have the opportunity to be admitted directly into the graduate program of your choice at the same time as your admission as an undergraduate student. Students are encouraged to reach out to your admissions counselor to discuss dual degree options.

3+2 Accelerated Program

Students usually complete the CMD major as a four-year bachelor’s degree program. Students have the option of completing the major as part of a three-year accelerated 3+2 BS to MS in Speech-Language Pathology.

Learn more about the 3+2 Accelerated Program.

What facilities are available to me?

Students majoring in Communication Disorders will be able to use the simulation laboratory, human anatomy laboratory and activities of daily living laboratory in the College of Health Professions.

What co-curricular activities are available?

Communication Disorders students are encouraged to join NSSLHA (National Student Speech Language Hearing Association) and CSHA (Connecticut Speech-Language-Hearing Association).

Accreditation

The Master of Science (MS) education program in speech-language pathology (residential) at Sacred Heart University is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 2200 Research Boulevard, #310, Rockville, MD 20850, 800-498-2071 or 301-296-5700.

The Master of Science (MS) education program in Speech-Language Pathology at Sacred Heart University is accredited by the Connecticut Office of Higher Education. These accreditations allow the program to matriculate and graduate students who, upon successful completion of the program, will meet all requirements for national certification and state licensure as Speech-Language Pathologists. Our program for teacher endorsement has also been approved by the Connecticut State Department of Education, making graduates eligible to serve as SLPs in Connecticut public schools.