What is Communication Sciences and Disorders?
Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) is the study of normal and disordered aspects of speech, language, hearing, and swallowing. It is centered around the basic science of human communication including biological, physical, social, and linguistic aspects. CSD is the foundation for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology.
Why Study Communication Sciences and Disorders at Grand Valley?
- Student Centered. You can expect a collaborative experience and agency over your own education. The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Communication Sciences and Disorders at GVSU curriculum is purposely designed to prepare our undergraduates for admission into a graduate program in Speech-Language Pathology or Audiology.
- Research Opportunities. Our faculty have varied specialties, which provides our students with unique learning experiences. Though we are student-centered, our faculty continue to push their field forward with research projects, and this allows us to provide research opportunities at an undergraduate level.
- Graduate Preparation. Traditionally, CSD students go on to complete a graduate program in Audiology or Speech-Language Pathology, but our program curriculum provides the groundwork for success in other graduate programs. The education and skills you will acquire while in the CSD program are transferrable to many professions and can give unique perspectives to real world challenges.
Program Overview
Students pursuing 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 speech-language pathology; a doctorate degree in the case of audiology). Applicants for graduate study in SLP must complete a prescribed curriculum of foundational information prior to initiating the graduate degree. The coursework included in our CSD program will fulfill the prerequisite requirements of most SLP graduate programs and prepare students for graduate study. Although not always required for graduate study in audiology, many programs prefer that their applicants have some or all of the courses included in the CSD major. The curriculum also provides an excellent background for students who will pursue graduate study in related disciplines.
Students who wish to enroll in GVSU’s prescribed CSD curriculum as part of their baccalaureate degree must declare and complete the requirements of the CSD curriculum. Students admitted to the CSD major will be admitted to either the 4-semester (traditional track) sequence of courses or 2-semester* (fast-track) sequence of courses.
Admissions Process
Application Deadline: January 15th
Undergraduate students who wish to enroll in the CSD major or complete the graduate prerequisite courses must apply for admission to the CSD program by completing the Secondary Admission Application. Questions about admissions and applications can be directed to Dr. Wil Rankinen, [email protected].