Communication Sciences and Disorders

Students should follow the plan below for course choices.

The undergraduate program exposes students to information about

1. normal aspects of speech, language, and hearing as they relate to human communication, and
2. introductory concepts pertaining to the nature, assessment, and treatment of communication disorders.

Students complement the core major courses with various elective courses that align with their academic and career interests.

Upon successful completion of the major, students receive the Bachelor of Health Science degree. The majority of undergraduate students pursue graduate or professional training in a health field (e.g., speech language pathology, audiology or other graduate degree program); however, some students seek employment immediately after completing the BHS degree program, usually in organizations with either a health or education component.

Certified clinicians (graduate degree required) often on a team that may include psychologists, teachers, families, physical and occupational therapists, physicians, nurses, dietitians and social workers to screen, diagnose and treat individuals ranging from infants to the elderly. Professionals typically work in schools, clinics, hospitals, other health organizations and/or private practice. Communication sciences and disorders professions offer a high degree of satisfaction to their practitioners by making a significant impact on people's lives. Both speech-language pathology and audiology are growing professions with competitive salaries.

Course Requirements and Sequence

By the End of Semester Four

To be considered for admission at the junior level, students must complete these requirements:

• Minimum overall and prerequisite GPAs of 3.0
• For transfer students, AA degree or 60 transferrable credits (including general education and major prerequisites)
• 18,000 words of the writing requirement
• These courses (or their equivalents) with minimum grades of C:
  • BSC 2005 or higher
  • Additional biological science (3 credits); APK 2105C is highly recommended
    • other preferred courses include those with BSC or MCB prefix
  • Physical science (3 credits); must be physics or chemistry
  • Science lab (1 credit)
• PSB 3002 or DEP 3053 or CLP 3144; PSB 3002 is recommended strongly
• PSY 2012
• STA 2023

By the End of Junior Year

Students must have completed:

• EEX 3093 with a minimum grade of C (satisfies general education diversity)
• SPA 3003, SPA 3011, SPA 3032, SPA 3101, SPA 4004, SPA 4104, SPA 4302, SPA 4400 with minimum grades of C

By the End of the Senior Year

Students must have completed:

• 120 credits, including all prerequisites
• Remaining 9 credits of core SPA coursework (SPA 4050, SPA 4250, and SPA 4321) with minimum grades of C
• Complete 33 credits of core SPA coursework
• ENC 3254 with minimum grade of C; satisfies 6000 words of writing requirement
• PHC 4101 with minimum grade of C
• 9 credits of electives at the 3000/4000 level
• 9 credits of PHHP electives

Majors should see a department advisor to create a plan of study, which becomes the contract for graduation.

The undergraduate program provides an understanding of the expected processes involved in human communication so that students will be prepared for graduate programs where they will be immersed in dealing with atypical or pathological conditions related to speech, language, swallowing and/or hearing.

Before Graduating Students Must

• Pass the undergraduate CSD written examination.
• Complete requirements for the baccalaureate degree, as determined by faculty.

Students in the Major Will Learn to

Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)

Content

1. Explain fundamental theories and principles of basic acoustics, psychoacoustics, (neuro)anatomy and (neuro)physiology as they pertain to the normal development of speech, language and hearing.
2. Explain key concepts that pertain to the etiology and characteristics of speech, language and auditory disorders.
3. Describe basic concepts that pertain to the assessment and treatment of speech, language and auditory disorders.
4. Explain fundamental concepts that pertain to professional practice patterns and ethical standards.
5. Explain fundamental concepts that pertain to the relationship between aging and communication, the effect of culture on communication and modalities of communication.
6. Transcribe normal and disordered speech phonetically.
7. Explain the impact of disease and disability on the health of populations.

Critical Thinking

1. Apply clinical problem-solving skills to defend assessment and treatment choices.

Communication

1. Present information accurately and effectively during an oral presentation on a topic related to communication sciences or disorders.
2. Write a coherent analytical essay on a topic related to communication sciences or disorders.

Curriculum Map

I = Introduced; R = Reinforced; A = Assessed

Assessment Types

• Clinical analysis
• Case management reviews
• Exams
• Papers
• Presentations
• Additional assessments include:
  • A summative assessment
  • The undergraduate alumni survey

Applicants who should complete the SSAR:

• Attended a high school regionally accredited in the United States for at least three years.
• Attended a DODEA (Department of Defense Education Activity) school.

Applicants who should not complete the SSAR:

• Attended a secondary school located outside the United States for more than one semester.
• Studied a curriculum that did not follow the standard U.S. system.

Required: At least three full years of your most recent secondary school transcripts, including courses in progress (grades 9, 10 and 11 + senior schedule) in both the native language of instruction and a word for word certified English translation (if applicable). Unofficial transcripts are accepted electronically via the status Check Status page for the review process, while official transcripts and translations are required upon enrollment.

All applicants, regardless of citizenship, must demonstrate English proficiency. English proficiency examination results, such as TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo English Test, are encouraged for non-native English speakers, but are not required for freshman admission. SAT or ACT results are required for all freshman applicants.

• A copy of your transcript for any school you have attended with the grades you have earned
• A list of your high school activities including jobs, clubs, sports, community service, etc.
• Information about your parent(s) or guardian(s), such as educational background, occupation and employer information

Add UF as a university to receive your application and review our specific application requirements.

Fill in your profile information. Your profile is where you'll enter information that will be sent to all schools to which you apply. The University of Florida requires the following sections:

• Information about who you are and how to contact you, your address, citizenship, high school and family information
• Current-year coursework
• Honors and distinctions
• Activities and experiences

Complete the UF Supplement. This includes a few additional short-answer questions so that we can learn more about you when reviewing your application.

Complete the essay questions. The essay helps our admissions staff get to know you better. Use this space to tell us something about yourself that we wouldn’t learn elsewhere in your application. And remember, the best essay topic for you is going to be the one that you are most excited to write about.

Once you have submitted your application, a link will appear on your status page to create your Student Self-Reported Academic Record (SSAR). List your high school courses and grades exactly as they appear on your transcript. You must complete the SSAR by December 1 for your application to be complete. If you begin the SSAR separately before submitting your UF application, be sure to link it to your application once your application has been submitted.

Submit your test scores to UF no later than December 15. You may either self-report your SAT and/or ACT scores through your application status page or send official scores from the testing agency. Since accuracy is critical, students who choose to self-report should have a copy of their SAT/ACT score report(s) available to reference when submitting their scores. Because UF superscores both the SAT and ACT, we encourage you to submit scores for all SAT or ACT tests you have taken. If admitted, students who have self-reported their scores in the admissions process will be required to submit official scores from the testing agency to UF by May 1. UF Institutional Codes:

You may request to begin your studies in either the Summer B or Fall term. The term requested DOES NOT affect the consideration of your application. If you are admitted, we will try to offer you the term you requested, but space limitations may mean you receive an offer for a different term.

When you submit your application, pay the $30 nonrefundable fee by credit card unless you qualify for a fee waiver. In both the Common and Coalition applications, you can indicate in the profile section if you qualify for a fee waiver.

You will receive an email 24-48 hours after submitting your application with instructions to create your MyAdmissions application status credentials. Once completed, you can log in to the MyAdmissions app status portal to keep track of your application status and the materials that UF has received. This is also where you will find the link to create your SSAR.