Three hours lecture/discussion and one three-hour laboratory per week. An introduction to biological sciences. Covers ecological and evolutionary concepts, energetics, genetics, meiosis, speciation, and characterization of life and life forms with a focus on evolutionary adaptations of organisms to their environments. Includes an ecological and evolutionary survey of all biological kingdoms. This is an introductory course for science majors. Offered spring and fall semester. NS

Three hours lecture and discussion/one three-hour lab per week. This introduction to biological science provides an overview of macromolecules, cell biology, energetics, genetics, and evolutionary survey of animal diversity with a focus on mammalian body systems. This is an introductory course for science majors. Offered fall and spring semester. NS

This course is a continuation of BIOL-104 and will build on the concepts learned in BIOL-104 and apply them to understanding body systems including; the endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic, digestive, respiratory, urinary, and reproductive systems. Prerequisite: C or higher in BIOL-104. Restricted to nursing, dietetics, and communication disorders sciences students only. Offered every fall and spring.

Designed for new students intending a course of study in biology and neuroscience, and/or one of the health science pre-professional programs such as pre-medicine, pre-dentistry, pre-physical therapy, or pre-pharmacy. The emphasis will be on development of effective learning skills and techniques to have success in college courses and in pursuit of science-related careers.

Anatomy and Physiology is the study of the structure and function of the body. This course will provide an understanding of the human body from individual cells to tissues and organs to whole organism. This course will introduce the cell as the basic unit of life, tissue structure, and organ systems including integumentary, skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems. Restricted to nursing, nutrition, and communication disorders and sciences students only. Offered every fall and spring.

Five hours lecture/lab each week Exploration of broad themes in the natural sciences through a biological perspective. This course is intended for elementary education majors and emphasizes how the concepts introduced in the course can be incorporated into the classroom. Major concepts addressed include ecosystems, evolution, characterization of life and life forms, overview of human systems, cell biology, and the scientific process. This course will not be applied to a biology major or minor. Offered every spring. NS

This course is designed to provide additional support for students enrolled in BIOL-114 whose placement score indicates they would benefit from extra support. The course will meet in a laboratory environment for one hour per week and will focus on topics presented in BIOL-114. These topics include the endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic, digestive, respiratory, urinary, and reproductive systems. Graded credit/no credit. Credits not applicable toward graduation.

This course is designed to provide additional support for students enrolled in BIOL-104 whose placement score indicates they would benefit from extra support. The course will meet in a laboratory environment for one hour per week and will focus on topics presented in BIOL-104. These topics include foundational concepts of human anatomy and physiology such as relationships between form and function, homeostasis, anatomical terminology, cells and tissues, as well the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems. Graded credit/no credit. Credits not applicable toward graduation.

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BS in Communication Disorders and Sciences

Build an understanding of the biological, physical, social, and linguistic aspects of communication.
Communication Disorders Class
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Priority admission to Viterbo’s MSSLP Program
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Research Opportunities

Earning your bachelor’s degree is the first step toward becoming a licensed speech-language pathologist, and we are here to support you along the way. In our small, welcoming cohorts, you will join a close-knit community where innovative teaching and faculty mentorship bring the study of communication development and disorders to life.  

Through coursework, clinical observations, and relevant, hands-on learning, you will build the skills and confidence to succeed in a master’s program. Our program’s strength lies in preparing you for a heart-centered career, helping others to find their voice and engage with the world. 

Why Study this Program at Viterbo? 

  • Priority MS-SLP Admission: Viterbo Communication Disorders and Sciences graduates who meet program requirements receive priority admission into the Master of Speech-Language Pathology (MS-SLP) program. 
  • Interdisciplinary Education: Students gain an early edge in collaborative care through ASL coursework and interprofessional simulations. By working alongside peers in nursing, social work, and dietetics, you’ll master the coordinated care dynamics used in real-world schools and hospitals. 
  • Clinical Observation: Build a professional foundation with 25 hours of clinical observation. You will observe the evaluation and treatment of communication disorders across the lifespan through a mix of guided video sessions and community placements. 

Viterbo Graduates go on to become:  

  • Speech Language Pathologists (Graduate study required) 
  • Audiologist (Graduate study required) 
Communication Disorders Story Block

Speech-Language Pathology Comes Full Circle for Viterbo Student Lydia Tully

Viterbo Communication Disorders and Sciences major Lydia Tully is making the most of her educational opportunities.
READ MORE
Madilynn Tesmer

Communications Disorders Major Madilynn Tesmer is Driven to Help

Transferring from a larger school to Viterbo University turned out to be a great decision for Madilynn Tesmer, who is majoring in communications disorders.
READ MORE
Patti Johnstone

Patti Johnstone on a Mission with Speech-Language Pathology Program

As a Loma Linda University freshman, Patti Johnstone struggled to find her passion until one day when she wandered into the building that housed the speech and audiology department. There, on closed circuit TV, she observed a s...
READ MORE
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Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology

Gain the knowledge and clinical experience to support individuals with communication and swallowing disorders.
Swallow Study
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100 Percent
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High Praxis® Pass Rates

Accreditation Statement Student Outcomes

Viterbo’s Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology is a year-round, 58-credit program completed in five or nine semesters. Students combine face-to-face coursework with supervised clinical experiences in local schools and health care settings while studying speech, language, cognitive-communication, voice, and swallowing disorders. Mentorship from ASHA-certified professionals prepares graduates for certification and careers supporting individuals with communication disorders. 

    Why Study This Program at Viterbo

    1. Two-Year Program with Clinical Experience: Full-time students complete the 59-credit master’s in five semesters through face-to-face coursework paired with supervised clinical experiences in local schools and health care facilities, gaining training in assessing and treating a range of communication disorders across the lifespan. 
    2. Preparation for Certification and Licensure: Our program meets the requirements for the ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP) and Wisconsin state licensure for medical and/or educational practice as a speech-language pathologist. 
    3. Focus on diverse communities: Build knowledge and skills for compassionate patient and family-centered care with coursework that includes Deaf culture and care for diverse populations.  

    Viterbo graduates go on to become:  

    • School-Based Speech-Language Pathologists who support students' academic success and social communication within K-12 environments. 
    • Medical SLPs specialized in treating complex swallowing and cognitive-communication disorders in acute care, rehabilitation, and skilled nursing facilities. 
    • Birth-to-Three Providers who deliver essential early intervention services and family-centered coaching within the natural home environment. 
    • Private Practice Clinicians providing tailored, diagnostic, and therapeutic services to individuals across the lifespan in outpatient settings. 
    Communication Disorders Story Block

    Speech-Language Pathology Comes Full Circle for Viterbo Student Lydia Tully

    Viterbo Communication Disorders and Sciences major Lydia Tully is making the most of her educational opportunities.
    READ MORE
    Madilynn Tesmer

    Communications Disorders Major Madilynn Tesmer is Driven to Help

    Transferring from a larger school to Viterbo University turned out to be a great decision for Madilynn Tesmer, who is majoring in communications disorders.
    READ MORE
    Patti Johnstone

    Patti Johnstone on a Mission with Speech-Language Pathology Program

    As a Loma Linda University freshman, Patti Johnstone struggled to find her passion until one day when she wandered into the building that housed the speech and audiology department. There, on closed circuit TV, she observed a s...
    READ MORE
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