Communication Sciences and Disorders Major (B.S.)

Communication Sciences and Disorders Major (B.S.)

CSD students demonstrate voice therapy technology

WHAT IS COMMUNICATION SCIENCES AND DISORDERS?

A major in communication sciences and disorders provides students with a foundation for careers helping children and adults to overcome difficulties related to speech, language and hearing. In this program, students learn about how the ability to communicate develops –including how the brain and the speech and hearing mechanisms function to support the acquisition of speech, language, social communication and cognition. Students review the array of communication disorders that can affect individuals over a lifetime, learning about diagnosis and treatment. This pre-professional degree will prepare you to successfully enter clinical or research graduate programs in areas such as audiology, speech-language pathology, cognitive science or education.

WHY STUDY COMMUNICATION SCIENCES AND DISORDERS AT UNH?

As a student in the communication sciences and disorders program at UNH, you will learn about speech, language and hearing disorders through engagement in coursework, clinical observation and research. Approximately 60 students per year are accepted into the program and this class size allows students to develop close connections with their peers as well as the faculty.An accelerated master’s program provides eligible CSD majors a direct pathway to the professional MS degree, allowing students to earn graduate credits during the senior year and shorten the length of their graduate studies.Faculty have diverse professional and academic backgrounds and are committed to providing a supportive learning environment. Students are encouraged to fully engage in the university community and to take advantage of the organizations, study abroad programs, athletics and other opportunities available to them.

POTENTIAL CAREERS

  • Speech-language pathologist
  • Audiologist
  • Consultant
  • Researcher
  • Special education teacher
  • Teacher of the deaf
  • Cognitive scientist
  • Neuroscientist
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Contact

Department of Communication Sciences & Disorders
Hewitt Hall, 4 Library Way
Durham, NH 03824

Phone: (603) 862-2110
Email: csd.department@unh.edu

  • Communication sciences and disorders undergraduate student Erin Linhares
    Wildcat
    Erin Linhares
    Hometown: Bridgewater, MA Major: Communication Sciences and Disorders Graduation Year: 2020 Looking back on your time at UNH so far, what are you most proud of and why? I am most proud of the fact that I am still graduating on time while taking two semesters off during my sophomore year of college...
    Learn More
    Wildcat
    Erin Linhares
    Hometown: Bridgewater, MA Major: Communication Sciences and Disorders Graduation Year: 2020 Looking back on your time at UNH so far, what are you most proud of and why? I am most proud of the fact that I am still graduating on time while taking two semesters off during my sophomore year of college...
    Learn More

View All Communication Sciences and Disorders Major (B.S.) Spotlights

Curriculum & Requirements

The Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders offers a Bachelor of Science degree in communication sciences and disorders. Communication Sciences and Disorders is the profession devoted to assessing and treating disorders, delays, or differences in speech, language, and hearing. In this program, students study how the ability to communicate develops as well as review an array of communication disorders that can affect individuals across the lifespan. Students learn about speech, language, and hearing through a unique model of education, observation, and research. This pre-professional degree will prepare you to successfully enter clinical or research graduate programs in areas such as audiology, speech-language pathology, cognitive science, or education.

Accelerated Master's Degree Program (AM)

The Accelerated Master’s Program (AM) provides a direct pathway to the Master of Science program for current UNH CSD majors who meet eligibility requirements. The AM program allows students to begin earning graduate credits during their senior year, shorten the length of their graduate studies, and jumpstart their careers. The AM program is designed and best suited for students who begin their CSD program as freshmen, given the required curriculum beginning in the 1st year. Students who transfer into the major may be eligible for the AM but will need individual review of their program status by the undergraduate advisor or AM program coordinator. All interested undergraduates will submit an Intent to Apply form by spring of their sophomore year. Formal application to the AM program is due on January 15th of the junior year.

Candidates for a bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders must satisfy all departmental as well as UNH Discovery and Writing Intensive requirements.

 Suggested Course Sequence

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
FallCredits
COMM 420 Survey of Communication Disorders 4
PSYC 401 Introduction to Psychology 4
BMS 507 Human Anatomy and Physiology I 0-4
LING 405 Introduction to Linguistics 4
 Credits12-16
Spring
MATH 420 Finite Mathematics 0-4
PHYS 409 Investigating Physics 4
 Credits4-8
Second Year
Fall
COMM 521 Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech and Hearing Mechanisms 4
COMM 524 Clinical Phonetics 4
COMM 401 American Sign Language I 4
PSYC 402 Statistics in Psychology 4
 Credits16
Spring
COMM 636 Speech and Hearing Science 4
COMM 522 Language Acquisition 4
PSYC 581 Child Development 4
 Credits12
Third Year
Fall
COMM 504 Basic Audiology 4
KIN 706
& KIN 707		 Neurology
and Neurology Lab		 6
 Credits10
Spring
COMM 610 Voodoo Science 4
 Credits4
Fourth Year
Fall
COMM 741 Speech-Language Pathology I 4
COMM 723 Observation Skills in Speech-Language Pathology 2
COMM 724 Senior Capstone 4
 Credits10
Spring
COMM 742 Speech-Language Pathology II 4
COMM 705 Introduction to Aural Rehabilitation 4
 Credits8
 Total Credits76-84

Students must earn a grade of C or better in all COMM courses.

Required Courses
COMM 401American Sign Language I4
PSYC 401Introduction to Psychology4
PSYC 402Statistics in Psychology4
LING 405Introduction to Linguistics4
PHYS 409Investigating Physics4
COMM 420Survey of Communication Disorders4
MATH 420Finite Mathematics4
COMM 504Basic Audiology4
BMS 507Human Anatomy and Physiology I4
COMM 521Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech and Hearing Mechanisms4
COMM 522Language Acquisition4
COMM 524Clinical Phonetics4
PSYC 581Child Development4
COMM 610Voodoo Science4
COMM 636Speech and Hearing Science4
COMM 705Introduction to Aural Rehabilitation4
KIN 706
& KIN 707		Neurology
and Neurology Lab		6
COMM 723Observation Skills in Speech-Language Pathology (satisfies 25 Observation Hours)2
COMM 724Senior Capstone4
COMM 741Speech-Language Pathology I4
COMM 742Speech-Language Pathology II4
Total Credits84
 
CSD welcomes transfer students. We are committed to helping you keep to your intended graduation timeline; however, this is dependent upon what courses you have completed before transfer. UNH undergraduates who have not declared a major and/or are interested in transferring into communication sciences and disorders (CSD) should apply directly to the department by completing an internal transfer application.  Transfer applications are accepted throughout the academic year. Acceptance into CSD is dependent upon space and the applicant's academic credentials.
Before applying, it is recommended that you review the CSD suggested course schedule.

For any questions regarding CSD curriculum please email the department at csd.department@unh.edu

Internal Transfer students - Apply Now

Domain 1: General Knowledge and Application of Foundational Principles

  • Students will demonstrate knowledge of the basic principles of general biological sciences including general human anatomy and physiology, and human neuroscience.
  • Students will demonstrate knowledge of the basic principles of physical sciences specifically in beginning physics and chemistry courses.
  • Students will demonstrate the ability to understand and apply basic statistical principles associated with data processing including measuring, controlling, and testing data and its relationship to clinical outcomes.
  • Students will demonstrate knowledge of the Social and Behavioral Sciences through analysis and investigation of human behavior through controlled naturalistic observation and disciplined scientific experimentation. Areas of study must include basic psychology, linguistics, human development, and ethnic and cultural diversity.
  • Students will demonstrate knowledge of the basic ethical principles of research and clinical practice.

Domain 2: General Knowledge and Understanding of Foundational Information Specific to CSD

  • Students will demonstrate knowledge and application of normal communication involved in speech, language, hearing, and cognition across the lifespan.
  • Students will demonstrate knowledge of the historical and philosophical tenets of CSD.
  • Students will demonstrate knowledge and application of the basic principles of disorders of speech, language, swallowing, cognition, and hearing.
  • Students will demonstrate knowledge and application of the principles of service delivery, evidence-based practice, and policies and advocacy in the discipline of CSD.
  • Students will demonstrate knowledge of how to work in intra- and interprofessional teams.
  • Students will demonstrate knowledge and application of research in the discipline of CSD.

Explore Program Details

The UNH Office of Admissions reviews applications of all incoming Freshmen who wish to major in Communication Sciences and Disorders.  Students are admitted to the program based on their academic records.  

The Office of Admissions website contains complete campus visit information and online visitor registration. It also contains admission criteria and important dates, as well as an online application.

Office of Admissions

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