College of Healthcare Professions
Bachelor of Arts/Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders
Impact lives with a communication sciences and disorders degree from DeSales, and be prepared to be a compassionate, patient-first provider. Learn to prevent, diagnose, and treat disorders through evidence-based practice in speech-language therapy, or apply these skills across careers in education, corporate speaking, or performing arts.
Program Details
- Official Degree Name
- Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts
- Format
-
In Class-Day
- Credit Hours
- 132
- Program Start
- Fall Semester
- Application Deadline
- Apply Anytime
- Average Time to Degree
- 4-5 Years
Patient-First, Research-Backed. That’s the DeSales Difference.
Learn the practice of speech-language pathology through innovative teaching and research. Gain experience through mentored professional practice. Become an ethically-centered speech-pathologist who cares deeply and models compassion for patients, or develop expertise to explore other ways to use communication science in varied professions.
At DeSales, we offer a traditional Bachelor of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders and the accelerated Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders to the Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (3+2) program. Here, you’ll develop an understanding of clinical processes that will prepare you for graduate work. You’ll work with diverse populations and become an advocate for change.
St. Francis de Sales, the patron Saint of the deaf, developed a method for teaching the catechism to a young deaf person. The generous spirit of de Sales is alive and well on campus. Our professional and service opportunities are sure to set you apart as a future speech pathologist.
The department also offers a minor in communication sciences and disorders. Students in majors including Education, Neuroscience, Nursing, Psychology, and Theater will find exceptional value in this minor.
Program Highlights
Options with B.S. or B.A. tracks
- If your goal is to be a speech-language pathologist as quickly as possible, choose our accelerated 3+2 B.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders to M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology program. This path is for students who can thrive with a fast-paced course load. You’ll graduate with both degrees in five years.
- If your goal is to double major, or take a minor, choose our B.A. in Communication Sciences and Disorders track. This path allows for more flexibility in your schedule to take additional classes that complement a degree in CSD like Education, Spanish, Psychology, and Theater.
Personal Support
- Low student to faculty ratio ensures opportunities for mentoring and networking from 1st year to graduate school and into careers.
Clinical Experience Available on Campus
- Our University Speech-Language Clinic features state-of-the-art facilities where students build their clinical skills by practicing assessment and treatment services that include speech, language, feeding/swallowing, and voice with children and adults while under supervision.
State-of-the-Art Labs
- We use cutting edge technology in our 20,000 ft. Advanced Simulation Labs and Human Gross Anatomy Lab, where students learn the medical side of communication disorders that are treated in healthcare settings.
Popular Sign Language Electives
- Many students, including those from other departments, are interested in our American Sign Language 1 and American Sign Language 2 classes as electives.
What Will You Study?
Gaining confidence in clinical settings begins in the classroom. Our dynamic courses are taught by experts.
Courses you’ll take include:
- Neuroscience of Communication
- Speech Sound Disorders
- Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech Mechanism
- Phonetics
- Language Development
- Clinical Processes in Speech-Language Pathology
Meet the Faculty
Program Pathways
Swipe below to discover more!
Bachelor’s to Master's
Learn MoreMaster's in 5 Years
Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology
Earn your B.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders and an M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology in just five years. This program’s intensive curriculum is designed for high-achieving students. Ideal candidates are confident in their career choice and enjoy academic challenge.
Please note: This program requires a two-step admissions process, meaning, after initial acceptance to the University, qualified applicants must be invited to interview with the program.
Required Courses Include:
Minor
Learn MoreMinor
Communications Sciences and Disorders
The CS&D minor is a great addition to any degree. Students in the Health Communication, Neuroscience, and Psychology programs will find exceptional value in using knowledge and skills to integrate scientific inquiry and evidence-based clinical reasoning into everyday practice.
Required Courses Include:
Outcomes & Careers
Upon completion of the program, you will:
- Use your knowledge and skills to apply science and evidence-based reasoning. Address the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of communication and swallowing disorders.
- Be prepared to adapt in the complex healthcare environment of today. Learn to lead and thrive in inter-professional collaborations.
- Advance innovations in clinical practice. Implement cross-disciplinary efforts to improve the quality and delivery of services.
Admission Requirements
- Application Fee: None
- Transcripts: Official High School Transcript
- Standardized Tests: Test-optional, however, an Admissions Interview may be requested
- Recommendations: 1 letter of recommendation
- (For 3+2 Program) An interview with program faculty is required
Program Support
Program FAQs
We encourage you to apply early in your senior year. We use a rolling admissions system. This 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.
In year one of the graduate phase, student clinicians gain experience in the DeSales University Center for Communication Sciences and Disorders (CCSD), located in Wills Hall.
The CCSD has state-of-the-art facilities for assessment and treatment services. This includes providing speech, language, feeding/swallowing, and voice services to the broader Lehigh Valley community.
In year two of the graduate phase, students participate in external placements in a variety of different settings, such as school districts, hospitals, private practice, etc.
Vision
To be recognized as a leader in the advancement and practice of speech-language pathology through innovative teaching and research, mentored professional practice, and ethical preparation enabling students to construct new ideas and to lead lives of impact.
Mission
To provide a transformative learning experience consistent with the University’s core values of gentleness, humility, gratitude, hospitality and wisdom.
Program Goals
Students and graduates will:
- use their 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
- be prepared to adapt and lead in the complex and dynamic healthcare environment of today and tomorrow through inter-professional collaborations
- advance innovations in clinical practice through implementation science and cross-disciplinary efforts to improve the quality and delivery of services.
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-
610-282-1100 x1277 -
admiss@desales.edu -
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