Program Information
Education
Most of the subject matter covered in this major is also offered in the majority of other undergraduate programs in speech-language pathology in the country, although some of these courses are not offered at other institutions for undergraduate credit. The intent is to provide an outstanding preparatory experience for GVSU students that goes above and beyond what many other institutions provide.
Required Courses for CSD Major
- STA 215 – Introductory Applied Statistics Credits: 3
- AHS 301 – Introduction to Health Care Research Credits: 3 or PSY 300 – Research Methods in Psychology Credits: 3
- PHY 200 – Physics for the Life Sciences Credits: 4
- BIO 120 – General Biology Credits: 4
- PSY 101 – Introductory Psychology Credits: 3
- EDF 315 – Diverse Perspectives on Education Credits: 3
- AHS 321 – Ethical and Legal Responsibilities in Health Care Credits: 3
- CSD 100 - Introduction to Communication Disorders** Credits: 3
- CSD 200 – Introduction to Hearing Science** Credits: 3
- CSD 220 – Communication Development** Credits: 3
- CSD 302 – Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech and Hearing Mechanism* Credits: 3
- CSD 304 – Phonetics* Credits: 3
- CSD 306 – Speech Science* Credits: 3
- CSD 309 – Basic Audiology* Credits: 3
- CSD 401 – Neurological Foundations of Communication Disorders* Credits: 3
- CSD 404 – Audiologic Rehabilitation* Credits: 3
- SLP 405 – Clinical Methods* Credits: 3 (Capstone course)
- SLP 407 – Pediatric Language and Articulation Disorders* Credits: 2
- SLP 421 – Motor Speech and Fluency Disorders* Credits: 2
- SLP 422 – Dysphagia and Voice Disorders* Credits: 2
- SLP 420 – Adult Language and Cognitive Communication Disorders* Credits: 2
*Permit required, as course requires admission to the program to enroll
**You are encouraged to take these courses your Freshman or Sophomore year
Careers in Communication Sciences and Disorders
A Communication Sciences and Disorders degree is the pathway to becoming an Audiologist or a Speech-Language Pathologist. Students who choose to pursue a career in speech-language pathology (SLP) or audiology need to know that the entry-level into the practice of either profession is a graduate degree (a master's degree in the case of SLP; a doctorate in the case of audiology).
Majoring in CSD will also provide you with an excellent background to apply to other Graduate programs in related disciplines. Other common graduate degrees CSD majors go on to pursue and excel are in education, healthcare and healthcare management, and social work.
If you are looking to join the workforce right after graduation, CSD graduates are uniquely positioned to succeed in many different careers.
CSD Employment Opportunities
These positions may require additional training/certification/licensing
Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant (SLPA)
Audiologist Assistant (AA)
Paraprofessional
Registered Behavior Technician (ABA Therapy)
Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA)
Child Life Specialist
Rehabilitation Aide
Nursing Assistant/CNA
ESL Teacher