Communication Disorders and Sciences

Degree Type
Degree/Major
Area of Interest
Health and Human Services
Degree Level
Undergraduate
College
College of Nursing and Health

The Communication Disorders and Sciences program is 54 to 57 credits of core coursework that will build an understanding of the biological, physical, social, and linguistic aspects of communication. Through facility mentorship, coursework, and clinical observations students will develop an understanding of what happens when communication is impaired.

Policy

Students majoring in CDS must maintain a CDS grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 to continue in and graduate from this program. The CDS GPA is based on all grades earned in the required and elective courses taken in CDS and required support courses. Any student whose overall CDS GPA falls below 2.9 will be placed on probation for one semester and a remediation plan will be put into place. If the CDS GPA is not raised during that semester, the student may not enroll in further CDS courses. An earned letter grade of a D or lower in any CDS or CDS support course will not be credited toward the CDS major.
 

Learning Outcomes
  • Demonstrated knowledge of statistics as well as the biological, physical, and social/behavioral sciences
  • Demonstrated introductory knowledge of basic human communication processes, including the appropriate biological, neurological, acoustic, psychological, developmental, linguistic and cultural bases
  • Demonstrated ability to integrate information pertaining to normal and abnormal human development across the life span
  • Demonstrated introductory knowledge of American Sign Language and Deaf Culture
  • Twenty-five (25) hours of guided observation of SLP clinical and/or educational practice.
     
    Complete one Franciscan Values and Traditions course (VUSM-100 level course). Transfer or re-entry students may have one or two mission seminars waived based on the number of transfer or completed credits.
    Complete one Living in a Diverse World course. Transfer or re-entry students may have one or two mission seminars waived based on the number of transfer or completed credits.
    Complete one Social Justice and Equity course.
    Complete one The Ethical Life course (VUSM-400 level).
    Complete three credits of historical analysis.
    Complete three credits of literary analysis.
    Complete four credits of scientific reasoning in the natural sciences.
    Complete three credits of scientific reasoning in the social sciences.
    Complete three credits of artistic engagement.
    Complete three credits of theological inquiry.
    Complete three credits of integrating faith and practice.
    Complete three credits of philosophical and moral inquiry.
    Complete 11 credits of natural science and/or mathematics. (Courses that qualify for Scientific Reasoning in the Natural Sciences or Quantitative Literacy credit within the LIVE program may also count toward the total.)
    Complete a minimum of 40 upper division credits (300/400).
    Complete a minimum of 120 college-level credits.