Communication Sciences
and Disorders

Bachelor of Science

Few professions are more rewarding than those aimed at helping the millions of people impacted by speech or hearing disorders. ACU’s Bachelor of Science in Communication Disorders will prepare you for graduate school and, ultimately, a satisfying career as a speech-language pathologist or audiologist. If you have a passion to make a dramatic difference in the lives of people young and old, ACU’s CSD degree will ignite the fire within you.

Few professions are more rewarding than those aimed at helping the millions of people impacted by speech or hearing disorders. ACU’s Bachelor of Science in Communication Disorders will prepare you for graduate school and, ultimately, a satisfying career as a speech-language pathologist or audiologist. If you have a passion to make a dramatic difference in the lives of people young and old, ACU’s CSD degree will ignite the fire within you.

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August 1

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Are you interested in Communication Sciences and Disorders?

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Ignite your passion at ACU!

Video overview for ACU's Communication Sciences and Disorders program

In ACU’s CSD program, we integrate faith with our teaching. You’ll learn about communication, from birth to the elderly; about disorders such as autism, cleft palate, genetic syndromes, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s; and how to professionally and effectively communicate with patients and their families. You’ll gain knowledge both in and out of the classroom from faculty mentors who are passionate about helping others and view their work as a ministry.

B.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders

Degree Details

These are the important details you will need to keep in mind as you prepare your application and degree plan.

Tracks & Related Degrees

Standard Track (BS)

Enquire about these related degrees:

 

Required Hours

University Hours: 56
Major Hours: 48
Electives: 24

Total Required:  128 credit hours*

*Based on track selection

Example Coursework

  • Phonetics with Lab
  • Speech Science
  • Audiology
  • Speech Sound Disorders
  • Neurological Bases of Communication
  • Pre-Clinical Experience

View the catalog for a complete listing of courses.

Minor Available

No
While ACU does not offer a minor in this study, explore all of the available minors at the button below. We encourage you to contact the department, for further assistance on finding a minor that will fit well with this degree.

Undergraduate Minors

Career Options

Consider the wide range of exciting careers available with a degree in communication sciences and disorders.

  • Intercultural Communication
  • Introduction to Speech-Language Pathology
  • Language Development and Disorders
  • Intervention for Speech and Language Disorders in Schools

See more below!


What is Speech-Language Pathology?

Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are certified, licensed professionals who work in healthcare and educational settings to assist patients with communication and swallowing difficulties. SLPs must have master’s degrees in order to obtain certification by the American-Speech-Language-Hearing Association, as well as state licensure to practice. They work with individuals across the lifespan, from neonatal intensive care units to memory care/Alzheimer’s care facilities – and every place in between where people need help to communicate.

What is Audiology?

Audiologists provide a variety of testing and rehabilitation services across the lifespan. This can include hearing evaluations, newborn hearing screening and diagnostic testing, balance evaluations, fitting hearing aids and providing follow-up care. These services can be provided in an outpatient clinic, private practice, school/university setting, ENT (ear, nose and throat physician) clinic, and more. An audiologist might prefer to work with all age groups or choose to focus on pediatric or geriatric patients. The Doctorate of Audiology (AuD) is the entry-level degree for an audiologist. The degree plan consists of three years of academic and clinical instruction followed by a fourth-year externship.

What is a Speech and Hearing Scientist?

A speech, language and hearing scientist is a professional who works as a researcher, scientifically exploring aspects within the field of communication sciences and disorders. Their unique knowledge of the CSD field, combined with their training in scientific research, can be used collaboratively with other professionals to research and develop new products. Typically, these professionals must earn a PhD, with the CSD bachelor’s degree as an admission requirement.

Careers and Outcomes

Get Involved – Student Opportunities

Our CSD majors obtain practical experience by working at the Center for Speech, Language and Learning, a professional clinic located at ACU’s Duncum Center. You’ll also experience:

  • Service-learning projects, working hand in hand with faculty mentors
  • Membership in the National Student Speech-Language-Hearing Association and participation in on-campus projects and events
  • Membership in the Texas Speech-Language-Hearing Association and attendance at the annual state convention
Student Opportunities

Career Opportunities

The B.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders opens a variety of career opportunities.

  • As a speech-language pathologist, you’ll diagnose, treat and help prevent disorders related to speech, language, communication and swallowing in individuals of all ages, from infants to the elderly.
  • As an audiologist, you’ll study normal and impaired hearing, as well as prevention of hearing loss. You’ll also identify and assess hearing problems, and help rehabilitate individuals with hearing and balance disorders.
  • You also have job opportunities in a variety of medical and treatment centers after completing your undergraduate degree, including a career as a speech-language pathology assistant.

Approximately 95% of our students who apply to graduate programs across the country are admitted to a graduate program of their choice, including the ACU M.S. degree program in speech-language pathology.