Communication Sciences and Disorders, A.S. - CPS, CPSO

Undergraduate

Communication Sciences and Disorders

Explore an intensive curriculum focused on speech and language disorders, complemented by supervised field experiences across various settings.
Degree
Associate of Science
Location
Online
Courses
16*
Credit
60 hrs.*
Full-time
Varies (Transfer up to 44 credits)
Part-time
Varies (Transfer up to 44 credits)
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College of Professional Studies

The online Associate in Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders at the University of New Hampshire offers an intensive curriculum focused on speech and language disorders, complemented by supervised field experiences across various settings. This 60-credit program prepares students to apply for certification as Speech Language Pathology Assistants through the New Hampshire Allied Health Speech Language Pathology Governing Board and aligns with the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association's guidelines. 

Available exclusively to residents of New Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts, and Vermont, the program is designed for those seeking a flexible, fully online education.

*Number of courses and course credit hours may vary, please reach out to your academic advisor for exact requirements.

College of Professional Studies

What is Communication Sciences and Disorders?

The Associate of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders offers an intensive course of study in speech and language disorders, including supervised clinical experience in a variety of settings. Upon completion of the Associate of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders degree program, the graduate is eligible to apply for certification as a Speech Language Pathology Assistant to the New Hampshire Allied Health Speech Language Pathology Governing Board. The program is designed to meet guidelines of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Speech Language Pathology Assistant courses are also available without the Associate of Science degree for those not seeking certification.

Why study Communication Sciences and Disorders at UNH College of Professional Studies?

In this associate program, your intensive course of study will include supervised clinical experience in a variety of settings. This degree prepares you to apply for certification as a Speech Language Pathology Assistant to the New Hampshire Allied Health Speech Language Pathology Governing Board. The program meets the guidelines of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. This program is available only to students who live in New Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts, and Vermont. See Availability in Your State for full details.

Potential Career Areas

  • Speech Language Pathology Assistant

Curriculum & Requirements

01
Program Description
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The Associate in Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders offers an intensive course of study in the area of speech and language disorders, including supervised field experience in a variety of settings. Upon completion of the Associate in Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders degree program, the graduate is eligible to apply for certification as a Speech Language Pathology Assistant to the New Hampshire Allied Health Speech Language Pathology Governing Board. The program is designed to meet guidelines of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Speech Language Pathology Assistant courses are also available without the Associate in Science degree for those not seeking certification.

If you reside in another state, please check with the appropriate agency to determine if this program meets requirements in that state.

02
Degree Plan
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This degree plan is a sample and does not reflect the impact of transfer credit or current course offerings. UNH CPS Online undergraduate students should develop individual academic plans with their academic advisor during their first year at UNH.

Sample Course Sequence

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
FallCredits
COM 460 Interpersonal Communication and Group Dynamics 4
ENG 420 The Writing Process 4
SLA 500 Role of the Speech-Language Assistant 4
General Education Course 4
 Credits16
Spring
CRIT 501 Introduction to Critical Inquiry 4
MTH 402
or MTH 504
or MTH 510
 Math for Our World
or Statistics
or Pre-Calculus
 4
SLA 501 Survey of Communication Disorders 4
SLA 502 Anatomy and Physiology of Speech and Hearing 4
 Credits16
Second Year
Fall
SLA 503 Articulation and Phonological Disorders 4
SLA 504 Introduction to Audiology and Aural Rehabilitation 4
SLA 506 Language Acquisition 4
SLA 550 Clinical Practicum I 2
 Credits14
Spring
SLA 555 Clinical Practicum II 6
COM 480 Visual Communication 4
General Education Course 4
General Education Course 4
 Credits18
 Total Credits64
03
Requirements for the Program
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Degree Requirements

Minimum Credit Requirement: 60 credits
Minimum Residency Requirement: 16 credits must be taken at UNH
Minimum GPA: 2.0 required for conferral*
Core Curriculum Required: General Education Program

Major, Option, and Elective Requirements as indicated.
*Major GPA requirements as indicated.

General Education Program Requirements

A minimum grade of D- is required in all General Education coursework. Students are allowed a maximum of one course overlap between the Major and General Education areas.

ENG 420The Writing Process4
COM 460Interpersonal Communication and Group Dynamics4
COM 480Visual Communication4
CRIT 501Introduction to Critical Inquiry4
Select one of the following:4
MTH 402
Math for Our World
MTH 504
Statistics
MTH 510
Pre-Calculus
Knowledge of Human Behavior & Social Systems: PSY 5254
Knowledge of the Physical & Natural World4
Knowledge of Human Thought & Expression4
Total Credits32

Major Requirements

A minimum grade of C- is required in all Concentration coursework.

Major in Communication Sciences and Disorders
SLA 500Role of the Speech-Language Assistant4
SLA 501Survey of Communication Disorders4
SLA 502Anatomy and Physiology of Speech and Hearing4
SLA 503Articulation and Phonological Disorders4
SLA 504Introduction to Audiology and Aural Rehabilitation4
SLA 506Language Acquisition4
SLA 550Clinical Practicum I2
SLA 555Clinical Practicum II6
Total Credits32
04
Student Learning Outcomes
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Program Learning Outcomes

Students will have the opportunity to:
  • Gain knowledge, field experience, and core technical skills within the field of speech language pathology assisting.
  • Meet professional standards in keeping with state and national guidelines for competency and ethics.
05
Disclosures
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Communication Sciences and Disorders (A.S.)

Location/Delivery: College of Professional Studies [Online Program]

This program is designed to prepare graduates for professional licensure/certification as follows:

Speech Language Pathology Assistant

New Hampshire Allied Health Speech Language Pathology Governing Board

The University of New Hampshire has determined this program meets the educational requirements for licensure/certification in:1
Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont

Additional information and related resources are available on the Office of the Registrar's website.

1

State specific post-education requirements are subject to change. Students are responsible for confirming these requirements in their state of residence and intended practice.

Understand Speech and Language Disorders

If you already hold an associate or bachelor’s degree, we can provide a credit-efficient pathway to an Associate in Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders and certification as a Speech Language Pathology Assistant.

This program is available only to students who live in New Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts, and Vermont. See Availability in Your State for full details.

Course Highlights

  • Role of Speech-Language Assistant
  • Survey of Communication Disorders
  • Anatomy and Physiology of Speech and Hearing
  • Articulation and Phonological Disorders
  • Introduction to Audiology and Aural Rehabilitation
  • Clinical Practicum I
  • Clinical Practicum II
  • Clinical Practicum III
  • Clinical Practicum IV
  • Language Acquisition
  • ...and more!

Key Benefits of UNH CPS Online

01
Advantages
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  • 100% online courses – Learn from anywhere with flexible scheduling.
  • 8-week terms – Move toward your goals faster.
  • Affordable tuition – Among the lowest in New England and nationwide.
  • Nationally ranked – Best Online Bachelor’s Programs and Best Online Bachelor’s for Veterans by U.S. News & World Report.
  • Regionally accredited – By the New England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE).
  • Generous transfer credit policy – About 89% of our students transfer in; we specialize in maximizing your previous college coursework and other college-level learning.
  • Credit for prior learning – Earn credit for relevant work experience, military training, and other learning outside the classroom.
  • Rolling admissions – Apply anytime and start in the term that works for you.
  • No GMAT or GRE required – Streamlined admissions process.
  • Expert faculty – Instructors are subject matter experts who share real-world experience to help you apply what you learn to your career goals.
  • Career advising for life – Available to all students, alumni, and even prospective students exploring their options.
02
Admissions Requirements
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  • Completion of our free, online application for admission
  • High school diploma, completion of a high school education in a homeschool setting under state law, or demonstrate high school equivalency.
    • Successful completion of one of the following exams will be required for demonstrating high school equivalency: the GED, HiSET, or TASC
03
Availability in Your State
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This program is available only to students who live in New Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts, and Vermont. 

Credit for What you Know

Your Prior Learning Counts

Many of our students can demonstrate college-level knowledge gained from military, workplace and volunteer-based training, and experiences. We are experts at helping students demonstrate learning and earning academic credit.