Communication Sciences and Disorders
Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
Undergraduate Major
Allendale • Face to face • 120 Credits
The communication sciences and disorders major focuses on understanding and treating speech, language, and hearing disorders, preparing students for careers in speech-language pathology, audiology, and related fields.
Overview
Students learn about various communication disorders and gain practical skills through clinical placements and state-of-the-art lab experiences. The curriculum is designed to meet the prerequisites for most graduate programs in the field, ensuring students are well-prepared for advanced study and professional practice.
You will explore audiologic rehabilitation, the anatomy and physiology of speech and hearing mechanisms, and the intricacies of articulation and phonological disorders. Coursework also delves into the cognitive and social aspects of communication, fluency, feeding and swallowing, and the neurological foundations of communication. Core studies are enriched with courses in biology, physics, psychology, statistics, research methods, and foundational knowledge in education, health care, and ethics.
State-of-the-art classrooms and laboratories are located in the heart of Grand Rapids' medical mile. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 21% increase in demand for speech-language pathologists and a 10% increase for audiologists from 2021 to 2031, driven by an aging population and advances in medical care. The coursework at GVSU not only prepares you for graduate study but also fulfills the prerequisite requirements for most speech-language pathology and audiology programs.
Admission Information
Students typically apply for admission in the second semester of their sophomore year. Prerequisites include: 3.0 GPA, application form, official transcript(s) from all non-GVSU colleges/universities attended. Application forms can be found on the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) website.
College of Health Professions
Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders
Communication Sciences and Disorders
gvsu.edu/csd
500 Lafayette
Ave. NE, Suite 204
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Phone: (616)
331-5540
Fax: (616) 331-5550
Admissions and Recruitment Office
Career Opportunities
Assess and treat persons with speech, language, voice, and fluency disorders. May select alternative communication systems and teach their use. May perform research related to speech and language problems.
Top skills- Reading Comprehension
- Social Perceptiveness
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Writing
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 55,864.11 | 10% |
| $ 66,387.34 | 25% |
| $ 81,034.01 | 50% |
| $ 98,537.07 | 75% |
| $109,430.01 | 90% |
Assess and treat persons with hearing and related disorders. May fit hearing aids and provide auditory training. May perform research related to hearing problems.
Top skills- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Social Perceptiveness
- Speaking
- Active Learning
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 61,254.16 | 10% |
| $ 66,961.09 | 25% |
| $ 82,609.60 | 50% |
| $ 94,318.30 | 75% |
| $102,952.22 | 90% |
#1
University in Michigan by Employers
25%
Of Students Participate in Research or Experiential Learning with Faculty
#1
Provider of Healthcare Professionals in West Michigan
Scholarships
Grand Valley State University offers a wide variety of merit-based
scholarships. For information on all of the scholarships that are
available to students, please visit Scholarships at GVSU.
Grand Valley offers myScholarships
(a scholarship matching tool) to help admitted students match
with GVSU scholarships, as well as external scholarship opportunities.
myScholarships will prompt you to answer questions to help match you
to scholarships for which you might qualify.
Student Organizations
Getting involved and staying engaged with our vibrant campus community help you make the most of your Grand Valley experience. Attending student life events, joining a student organization, or participating in campus recreation opportunities are all fantastic ways to maximize your college years:
Career Advising
Whether you are a first-year student, a transfer student, or a current student thinking about your career options, advising is an important part of your academic journey.
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