B.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders
More than 40 million people in the United States have some type of communication disorder. The inability to convey one’s thoughts and feelings can take an emotional toll. The field of communication disorders is dedicated to the complexities of and science behind how we communicate – and to the care and treatment of patients, from birth to older adults, who need our help.
In Tarleton’s Communication Sciences and Disorders program, you will gain knowledge and skills in:
- Communication processes
- Characteristics of communication disorders
- Techniques and tools for evaluating speech, language, hearing and swallowing disorders
What is the Communication Sciences and Disorders field?
Communication Sciences and Disorders is a field that calls for caring and creative problem-solvers to meet the growing demand for professionals in speech-language pathology, audiology, special education, medical and other communication-related fields.
What Can You Do With Your Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders?
In order to pursue a career in Speech-Language Pathology or Audiology after graduation, a student with their Bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders has the following options:
- Graduates are able to pursue licensure as a Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant in the state of Texas. A Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant can provide treatment to those with various communication disorders under the supervision of a fully licensed Speech-Language Pathologist.
- Graduates are able to pursue a graduate degree in Speech-Language Pathology or Audiology in order to become a fully licensed Speech-Language Pathologist (M.S. CCC-SLP) or a fully licensed Audiologist (Au.D. CCC-A)
Estimated Completion
120 Credit Hours (4 years)
Application Process
Cost
Locations Available
1Some lower-level courses are offered on the Stephenville campus, but all upper-level courses will be delivered in Fort Worth
Department
College
Graduates may find employment in rehabilitation settings, with hearing aid companies, with non-profits, in hospice, home health, hospitals, or in educational settings. Transferable skills from CSD-degrees can lead graduates to careers in media, education, sales, public relations, health and human services, or in a wide variety of government agencies. This degree can lead many different directions, thus increasing the employability of our prospective graduates.
There are additional options for students to pursue graduate work, including Vocational Rehabilitation, Special Education, Counseling, Occupational Therapy, Linguistics, Social Work, or Psychology, along with many other helping-oriented professions. Other potential careers, without getting a graduate degree, include employment in a broad range of disciplines such as allied health, human services, life sciences, education, or the social sciences.
Outlook for the Communication Sciences and Disorders Field
Jobs in the communication sciences and disorders field are expected to increase 18% between 2016 and 2026, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is a much higher rate of growth than the average of 7% for all occupations. The U.S. News and World Report (using data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) ranked Speech-Language Pathologist as #4 in their “Best Health Care Jobs” and #7 in their “100 Best Jobs” for 2021.
How Much Do Communication Sciences and Disorders Graduates Make?
The median annual salary of workers in the communication sciences and disorders field was nearly $79,120 in 2019, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Why Major in Communication Sciences and Disorders?
At Tarleton, our communication sciences and disorders major will help you:
- build a foundation in the principles of science (biology, chemistry, and/or physics), statistics, and the social and behavioral sciences
- gain knowledge of communication, including cultural and linguistic bases, and the impact of developmental stages and acquired pathology on communication
- identify professional and evidence-based clinical practice issues in the field of communication disorders
Plan Your Future
Tarleton provides a variety of facilities and technology to help build your knowledge and skills in the communications sciences and disorders field. These include a state-of-the-art soundproof booth, computerized speech lab, various hearing and audio devices, and medical tools/models.
The program's faculty are constantly investing in their students' success. With the provided curriculum, faculty are here to help students become engaged citizens with the ability to identify social structures impacting client systems, and advocate for change.
Over $9 million in Tarleton and private college scholarships are provided to students each year. Various financial aid opportunities are available to support you in your pursuit of a degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders.
What Classes Will You Take as a Communication Sciences and Disorders Major?
You will complete 120 hours of coursework, including the 42-hour core curriculum. The curriculum is aligned with the three domains suggested by the American Speech–Language–Hearing Association (ASHA), which include:
- Domain 1: General Knowledge, Skills, Aptitudes, and Experiences
- Domain 2: Social, Behavioral, Biological, and Physical Science Foundations
- Domain 3: CSD Content, Knowledge, Aptitudes, and Experiences
The curriculum prepares you to acquire an entry-level job as a Speech and Language Pathologist Assistant (in Texas) or will give you the skills to enter other related professions. Additionally, the curriculum will prepare you to attend graduate school and become licensed as a Speech and Language Pathologist across the United States.
View courses for the communication sciences and disorders bachelor’s degree.