BS, Communicative Disorders and Sciences

Do you want to give the gift of communication as a human right for all and positively impact lives?

Are you considering a career in speech-language pathology assistant, speech-language pathology, or audiology? 

California faces among the most significant shortages in the nation of speech-language pathologists and audiologists. Speech-language pathologists identify, evaluate, and treat infants, children, youths, adults and elderlies with speech, language, hearing, cognitive-communication and swallowing disorders, and audiologists identify, diagnose, and treat persons with hearing and balance disorders. Both professions enjoy an excellent career future outlook (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, ASHA). Our undergraduate program offers our students a uniquely integrated pathway to becoming Speech Language Pathology Assistants with one additional summer coursework.

Join us and major in Communicative Disorders and Sciences (CDS) for a fulfilling journey towards your aspiration. 

Program Overview

  • Official Title: Bachelor of Science in Communicative Disorders and Sciences
    • Undergraduate degree designation changed from BA to BS in fall 2024. 
  • Format: Cohort
  • Units: 120 units
  • Start date: Fall semester
  • Application deadline: Visit the SJSU Admissions page

Program Learning Outcomes

  • PLO 1: Describe and explain basic principles of speech, language, and hearing sciences across the lifespan, including anatomy and physiology, neurological underpinnings, and language development.
  • PLO 2: Distinguish between characteristics of human communication differences and disorders across the lifespan.
  • PLO 3: Describe evidence-based practices, research literacy and interprofessional collaboration in speech-language pathology and audiology.
  • PLO 4: Articulate essential elements of inclusive, person-centered care, including cultural responsiveness and respect for individual identity.
  • PLO 5: Explain the importance of ethical and professional behaviors, emphasizing key principles such as honesty, respect, and confidentiality in academic and workplace settings.

Curriculum and Roadmap

Curriculum. The coursework provides a solid foundation in the science of speech, language and hearing and the clinical principles of working with and advocating for diverse individuals with communication disorders.

Degree units are listed below:

  • University requirements - 38 units
  • Major preparation - 15-18 units
  • Major requirements - 42 units
    • Core courses - 36 units
    • Major electives - 6 units
  • University electives - 22-25 units

Roadmap

View our Course Roadmap to successfully complete the course requirements for this program. See CDS Roadmap Assistance for course options. Visit the SJSU Catalog for more details about individual courses.

American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) and California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC) Requirements

Undergraduate students must fulfill ASHA basic science coursework along with the CCTC-required coursework before graduating from our program.

- ASHA Requirement 1: Biological Sciences course
- ASHA Requirement 2: Social/Behavioral Sciences course (can be fulfilled by CCTC requirement)
- ASHA Requirement 3: Physical Sciences course
- ASHA Requirement 4: Statistics course
- CCTC Requirement: Human development (from birth to age 22) course

Guided Clinical Observations

To become a certified Speech Language Pathologist, 25 hours of guided clinical observation must be completed in the undergraduate or graduate program and should generally precede direct contact with clients or patients.

Most CDS undergraduate students complete 10 or more hours of guided observation through completion of EDSP 176 and our clinics. Learn more about CDS Guided Observation Policy and Procedures.

Major Electives

The program offers four elective courses, including leadership (EDSP 150), speech-language pathology assistant (EDSP 178), and two clinical practicum courses with limited spaces (EDAU and EDSP 177).

Students who enrolled in previously approved clinical practicum substitution courses should submit a course substitution form.

Graduation

After completing 90 units, CDS students must complete the online application. Please view the CDS Seniors - how to apply for graduation online for instructions.

If there are discrepancies on your record, make an appointment to see Dr. Marcella McCollum at marcella.mccollum@sjsu.edu, the CDS Undergraduate Program Coordinator. 

Career Pathways

A BS degree in Communicative Disorders and Sciences supports you to seek employment as a school audiometrist, speech-language pathology assistant (SLPA), rehabilitation aide, teacher's aide, or coach/tutor for individuals with communication disorders.

Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA). With one additional summer practicum, selected seniors in the major are eligible to become SLPAs.  

Professionals with Advanced Degrees. A master's degree is required for professional practice as a Speech-Language Pathologist, and a clinical doctoral degree (Doctor of Audiology, AuD) is required for professional practice as an Audiologist. Learn more about our MS in Speech Language Pathology and Doctor of Audiology programs.

If you do not pursue a graduate degree in either audiology or speech-language pathology, our BS in Communicative Disorders and Sciences is a solid degree that provides you a strong foundation in applied science to pursue a wide variety of career options, such as graduate study in:

Students are encouraged to talk with CDS department faculty as well as with staff at SJSU Career Center to consider other employment options.

Additional Resources

For information about financial aid opportunities, internship and job opportunities, research opportunities, and more, visit our Student Resources webpage.

To view the Program Learning Outcomes, visit our Accreditation page.