As a linguistics major at Saint Joseph’s University, you will study how languages work, where they come from, how they are used in society, how they are learned and how they change over time. You have the option of concentrating in Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) or Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL).
Communication Sciences and Disorders Major
Saint Joseph’s University’s Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) provides undergraduate students with the preparation necessary to apply to speech-language pathology graduate programs. Some of the courses offered in the communication sciences and disorders major include:
- Linguistics
- First language acquisition
- Psycholinguistics
- Phonetics
- Speech & hearing sciences
- Speech development & disorders
- Communication disorders
- Audiology
- Anatomy & physiology of speech & hearing
- Research in speech-language pathology
What Sets Our Program Apart
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Our faculty include speech therapists and audiologists who are actively working with clients in their respective fields and who bring real life experiences and knowledge into their classrooms. Saint Joseph’s linguistics program provides students with individual attention. Our program offers robust course options, diverse perspectives, engaged faculty and one-on-one attention for all students who are known personally. Our students get to know one another well both inside and outside of the classroom. They study together, encourage one another and enjoy each other in academic and more informal settings.
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This program prepares students for grad school programs as well as for future American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) certification. Our graduates are regularly accepted into speech-language pathology graduate programs and are current practitioners in their respective fields.
Saint Joseph’s has a long-standing tradition of serving the community. A career in speech therapy or audiology provides many opportunities to participate in those pursuits. Speech therapists and audiologists must receive certification by completing a master's level degree and passing the Speech-Language Pathology Praxis Exam.
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Students are required to complete 25 speech-language pathology observation hours as part of this major. We provide students with resources on where they can be completed.
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Saint Joseph’s University has an articulation agreement in place with Salus University. As a result, students who successfully complete the communication sciences and disorders major at Saint Joseph’s University with a GPA of 3.5 or higher may apply for admission to Salus University’s Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program. This new agreement is the 4+2 (four years of undergraduate plus two years Master of Science) SLP program.
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The communication sciences and disorders major is housed in Saint Joseph’s linguistics program, providing students with unique extracurricular options. This sets students apart from other CSD majors whose degrees are typically housed in Schools of Health, etc.
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The communication sciences and disorders major is rooted in the liberal arts and prepares students for personal excellence, professional success and engaged citizenship in related fields. Classes are aimed at helping students think deeply about caring for the whole person, not just addressing their communication needs.
What Can I Do With a Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders?
Graduates often go on to pursue careers working with children or adults in language, health care and therapy in schools, hospitals, clinics or private practice. Careers often include:
- Speech Therapist (with master’s degree)
- Audiologist (with doctoral degree)
- Educational Assistant
- Rehabilitation Aide
Program Details
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View required courses for this program in the academic catalog. Please contact us if you have any questions about the program curriculum.
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The full tuition for a Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders for students entering fall 2023 is $51,140.
*Pricing does not include room and board, health insurance or any professional, clinical or transportation fees. Visit our Tuition & Fees page for a detailed breakdown.
Financial aid in the form of scholarships, federal and state grants, loans and graduate assistantships as well as discount eligibility may be available to you to help offset the cost of your degree. Explore your options on our financial aid page.
Why Study Communication Sciences and Disorders in Philadelphia?
As the nation’s sixth most populated city, Philadelphia offers an abundance of opportunities for students interested in pursuing communication sciences and disorders, speech therapy and audiology. There are a variety of settings in which students can complete their required observation hours as well as investigate graduate school options.
Admission Information
To apply for the communication sciences and disorders major, Saint Joseph's University accepts the Common Application and Saint Joseph's Application.
First-year applications open on August 1 each year, with Early Decision, Early Action and Regular Decision options. Transfer applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Learn more about the application process here.
Frequently Asked Questions
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A Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology is the most frequently pursued degree after obtaining a bachelor's in communication sciences and disorders, which provides preparation for the Speech-Language Pathology Praxis Exam.
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According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, speech-language pathologists earn a median salary of $79,060 per year, and audiologists earn a median salary of $78,950 per year.*
*Students must attend graduate school to become a speech-language pathologist or audiologist -
Students are encouraged but not required to take Sign Language either as their GEP language requirement or as electives. Additionally, students often double major and/or minor in:
- Linguistics
- Linguistics-TESOL Concentration
- Spanish
- Italian
- French
- Chinese (Minor)
- Autism Studies
- Health Sciences
- Psychology
- Sociology
Related Programs
The Department of Psychology offers courses in all of the major subfields of psychology, as well as a clinical concentration of courses in support of those who are interested in pursuing careers in clinical psychology, counseling psychology and related mental health fields.
The autism behavioral studies program at Saint Joseph's University has a strong focus in behavioral analysis, health policy and more. Many students choose to learn from experts at the University's Kinney Center of Autism Education.