Communication Sciences and Disorders to Speech-Language Pathology (3+2 year program), Bachelor's , Master's
Overview
The Bachelor of Science (BS) in Communication Sciences and Disorders (CS&D) at DeSales is 3+2 Program that will prepare you to become a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) in 5 years.
Starting as a Communication Sciences and Disorders major, you'll have the opportunity to transition into the Master of Science (MS) in Speech-Language Pathology program during your fourth year of study, upon meeting the academic requirements.
This fast-paced program requires a commitment to an intensive lock-step curriculum. Designed for high-achieving students, this "honors"-type program is ideal for students confident in their career choice who enjoy the challenge of rigorous scientific studies.
Please note: The accelerated 3+2 Program requires a two-step admissions process. This includes academic acceptance to the University, followed by an invited interview with the CS&D program for qualified applicants.
Throughout your learning experience and after graduation:
- you'll use your knowledge and skills to integrate scientific inquiry and evidence-based clinical reasoning into everyday practice, addressing the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of communication and swallowing disorders.
- you'll be prepared to adapt and lead in the complex and dynamic healthcare environment of today and tomorrow through inter-professional collaborations.
- you'll advance innovations in clinical practice through implementation science and cross-disciplinary efforts to improve the quality and delivery of services.
Admissions Requirements
At DeSales, we not only look at your past academic achievement but also your potential for future growth to determine your admission.
We find that students who have demonstrated significant achievement within a demanding curriculum are best suited for academic life at DeSales. Quality of academic performance plays a critical role in the admissions decision making process. This helps indicate a student's potential for academic growth going forward. We welcome applications from all qualified students regardless of race, religion, sex, national, or ethnic origin.
Application Checklist
- Application Fee: None
- Transcripts: Official High School Transcript
- Standardized Tests: Test-optional, however, an Admissions Interview may be requested
- Recommendations: Completed Guidance Counselor Form and Teacher Recommendation Form
- Please refer to the Program Specific Requirements section for any requirements specific to this program
All materials can be mailed to:
DeSales University Admissions Office
2755 Station Ave.
Center Valley, PA
* SAT scores are highly recommended for students applying for the Nursing and Health Science programs. Please refer to the Program Specific Requirements section for any requirements specific to this program.
Additional recommendations
High School Academics - Remember, there is no single preferred high school academic program, but a college preparatory course of study is highly recommended. Here's an example:
- Four years of English
- Three or four years of college preparatory mathematics
- A minimum of two years of modern, foreign, or classical language
- At least two laboratory science courses
Visiting DeSales - A personal, on-campus interview is strongly recommended, but is not required. We encourage you to visit so that you'll have a chance to learn more about DeSales, and we'll have the opportunity to learn more about you, too.
Learn more about Undergraduate Admissions & Aid
When to Apply
We encourage you to apply early in your senior year. We use a rolling admissions system, which means you will be notified promptly about your admissions status—usually within four weeks of our receipt of your completed application.
Priority deadline for scholarship consideration is December 1 of your senior year.
Curriculum
CS&D Major Courses
- Introduction to Communication Sciences & Disorders (3 credits)
- Language Science (Linguistics) (3 credits)
- Language Development (3 credits)
- Introduction to Audiology (3 credits)
- Anatomy & Physiology of the Speech Mechanism (4 credits)
- Phonetics (3 credits)
- Speech Sound Disorders (3 credits)
- Speech Science (4 credits)
- Neuroscience of Communication (3 credits)
- Intro to Communication Disorders (3 credits)
- Intro to Clinical Processes in Speech-Language Pathology (3 credits)
- Eval & Treatment of Communication Disorders + Writing Lab (4 credits)
Other ASHA Required Courses
- Introduction Biology I (4 credits)
- Probability & Statistics (3 credits)
- Introduction to Psychology (3 credits)
- Physiological Chemistry (5 credits)
Academic Catalogs
Graduation Requirements
View the graduation requirements and example schedule for this programFaculty
Facilities
The DeSales University Center for Communication Sciences and Disorders (CCSD), located in Wills Hall, includes the Speech-Language Pathology program's on-campus clinical training site for master's level students.
The Center has state of the art facilities offering assessment and treatment services that include speech, language, feeding/swallowing, and voice and is available to the broader Lehigh Valley community.
As part of graduate programming, students work with diverse client populations across the lifespan at the Center. Graduate students complete their first-year practicum experiences in the clinic. Each student clinician is assigned one client for the Fall, then two to four clients for each of the Spring and Summer semesters. By beginning at the CCSD, students obtain clinical practicum experience under the direct supervision of PA licensed, American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) certified Speech-Language Pathologists with specialized training for the supervision of new clinicians. Students work collaboratively with faculty and peers to develop goals and objectives for therapy and create therapy plans for clients using a variety of materials and cutting-edge technology within the Center.
A core purpose of the Center is to introduce students to hands-on therapeutic techniques in Speech-Language Pathology by providing a supervised learning experience that also serves the University and surrounding community. The pro-bono clinic provides access to speech therapy for individuals who may not be able to receive services otherwise. We aspire to build and sustain a welcoming community in which all perspectives are heard and valued.
Clinic Services
The Center for Communication Sciences and Disorders provides a comprehensive range of screening, diagnostic and therapy services to pediatric and adult individuals with communication and swallowing difficulties.
Our services include: initial speech, language and swallowing screenings, comprehensive diagnostic evaluations and individual and group therapy sessions. Weekly therapy sessions are typically scheduled for one or two 45-minute sessions. Group therapy and caregiver support services are also available.
Evaluations are conducted on an individual basis. As a result of the evaluation, a client may be enrolled in therapy, referred for additional testing, or referred to other resources.
A Speech-Language Pathology student works on feeding skills with a pediatric client.
Referrals
Physicians, teachers, school administrators, nurses, parents, counselors, or the clients themselves may make referrals to the clinic.
Hours of operation, appointment scheduling, and other information may be obtained by calling 610-282-2143 or by email at speechclinic@desales.edu.
Tuition & Fees
DeSales can help make your college expenses affordable through a combination of grants, loans, student employment, and scholarship resources.
View a comprehensive list of financial aid forms and undergraduate program information sheets
Cost of attendance for undergrads for 2024-2025
Resident Students
Direct Costs
Tuition - $45,000
Room and Board - $13,800
Mandatory Fees - $1,800
One-time Orientation Fee for First-Year students and Transfers - $200
Total = $60,800 (including first-year/transfer fees)
Estimated Indirect Costs
Books/Supplies - $1,711
Personal Expenses - $4,605
Total cost for resident students: $67,116
Commuter Students
Direct Costs
Tuition - $45,000
Mandatory Fees - $1,400
One-time Orientation Fee for First-Year students and Transfers - $200
Total = $46,600 (including first-year/transfer fees)
Estimated Indirect Costs
Books/Supplies - $1,711
Personal Expenses - $4,605
Transportation Costs - $1,908
Living Expenses - $2,298
Total cost for commuter students: $57,122
Off-Campus*
Direct Costs
Tuition - $45,000
Mandatory Fees - $1,400
One-time Orientation Fee for First-Year students and Transfers - $200
Total = $46,600 (including first-year/transfer fees)
Estimated Indirect Costs
Books/Supplies - $1,711
Personal Expenses - $4,605
Transportation Costs - $1,908
Living Expenses - $9,192
Total cost for off-campus students: $64,016
*First-year students are required to reside on campus or commute from home.
Parking Fee - $100
View a comprehensive list of financial aid forms and undergraduate program information sheets
Dual Degree Undergraduate-to-Graduate Programs
If you are enrolled in an undergraduate-to-graduate degree program — for example a 5-year, 3+2, 3+3, program — the undergraduate tuition and fees apply only to the undergraduate portion of the program. As you progress into the graduate phase of your program, graduate tuition and fees apply. Please see your respective graduate program for more information.
The financial aid process may appear overwhelming at first glance, but don't worry, we'll help you through it.
Accepted students are automatically considered for scholarships upon receipt of a completed application and are awarded regardless of financial need. Funds for scholarships are limited, so we do encourage students to apply early.
Our comprehensive financial aid packages carefully explain the types and amounts of assistance —including federal, state, and institutional — that you may be eligible for to help cover education related expenses.
Total cost of attendance includes estimates for tuition, fees, room, board, books, and personal, transportation, and living expenses.
You can estimate your total cost of attendance with our Net Price Calculator
St. Francis de Sales: The patron saint of hearing and the deaf
St. Francis de Sales serves as an inspiration for modern day Speech-Language Pathologists. In 1605, he developed a system for communicating with a deaf and mute young man by using signs he formed with his hands and fingers, thereby anticipating the creation of sign language by several centuries. His desire to connect with and understand this young man serves as a wonderful reminder for healthcare practitioners that we can enable healing by treating our patients with dignity.
CAA Accreditation
The Master of Science (M.S.) education program in speech-language pathology (residential) at DeSales University is a Candidate for Accreditation by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 2200 Research Boulevard, #310, Rockville, MD 20850, +1 (800) 498-2071 or +1 (301) 296-5700. Candidacy is a “preaccreditation” status with the CAA, awarded to developing or emerging programs for a maximum period of 5 years. The program was awarded a candidacy accreditation status on February 19, 2022, by the CAA. This candidacy accreditation cycle is effective February 1, 2022 through January 1, 2027.
