Communication Sciences and Disorders Major

Saint Joseph’s University’s Bachelor of Arts 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
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What Sets Our Program Apart

  • Our faculty include speech-language pathologists and audiologists who are actively working with clients in their respective fields and who bring real life experiences and knowledge into their classrooms. Our program offers robust course options, diverse perspectives, engaged faculty and one-on-one attention where all students who are known personally. 

    Additionally, our students get to know one another well both inside and outside of the classroom. They study together, encourage one another in academic and informal settings.

  • This program prepares students for grad school programs and for future certification by the Council for Clinical Certification in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CFCC). 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-language pathology or audiology provides many opportunities to participate in those pursuits. Speech-language pathologists can become nationally certified by completing a master's degree from an accredited graduate program (or a graduate program in candidacy for accreditation) and passing the Speech-Language Pathology Praxis Exam, among other requirements. 

  • 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.
     

  • 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.

  • 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.
     

  • 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, healthcare and therapy. Settings are typically in schools, hospitals, clinics or private practice. Students have also pursed academic degrees in audiology, education, social work and public health. 

Careers in communication sciences and disorders often include:

  • Speech Language-Pathologist (with master’s degree)
  • Audiologist (with doctoral degree)
  • Educational Assistant
  • Rehabilitation Aide
  • Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
  • Work in Assistive Technology

Program Details

  • View required courses for this program in the academic catalog. Please contact us if you have any questions about the program curriculum.

  • Affordable tuition rates can be found on our tuition and fees website.*

    *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.

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-language pathology 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

  • A master's in speech-language pathology is the most frequently pursued degree after obtaining a bachelor's in communication sciences and disorders.
     

  • According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, speech-language pathologists earn a median salary of $84,140 per year, and audiologists earn a median salary of $82,680 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

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