Communication Sciences and Disorders, B.S. - CHHS, UNH

Undergraduate

Communication Sciences and Disorders

Explore multiple aspects of communication development—from speech and language processes to hearing and cognitive science.
Degree
Bachelor of Science
Location
Durham, NH
Courses
21*
Credit
128 hrs.*
Full-time
4 yrs.
Part-time
varies
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Communication Sciences & Disorders

The Communication Sciences and Disorders degree at UNH offers comprehensive training in understanding and treating human communication challenges. Here you'll be able to explore multiple aspects of communication development—from speech and language processes to hearing and cognitive science. 

With a focus on hands-on clinical observations, research opportunities, and foundational coursework, our program prepares you for graduate studies in audiology, speech-language pathology, or related fields. Through intensive study and practical experience, you'll develop the essential skills needed to help individuals of all ages overcome communication challenges and improve their quality of life.

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

Department of Communication Sciences & Disorders

Key Links

Tuition Costs

Contact Cards

Kathryn Greenslade
Associate Professor
Kathryn.Greenslade@unh.edu
Hewitt Hall, Durham, NH 03824
(603) 862-3287

WHAT IS COMMUNICATION SCIENCES AND DISORDERS?

A major in Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) provides students with a foundation for careers helping children and adults to overcome difficulties related to speech, language, and hearing. In this program, students learn how the ability to communicate develops including how the brain and the speech and hearing mechanisms function to support the acquisition of speech, language, social communication, and cognition. Students review communication disorders that can affect individuals over a lifetime and learn about their diagnosis and treatment. This pre-professional degree will prepare you to successfully enter clinical or research graduate programs in areas such as audiology, speech-language pathology, cognitive science, or education.

WHY STUDY COMMUNICATION SCIENCES AND DISORDERS AT UNH?

As a student in the Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) program at UNH, you will learn about speech, language, and hearing disorders through engagement in coursework, clinical observation and research. Approximately 60 students per year are accepted into the program and this class size allows students to develop close connections with their peers and the faculty. Faculty have diverse professional and academic backgrounds and specialized expertise. They are committed to providing a supportive learning environment. Students are encouraged to fully engage in the university community and to take advantage of the organizations, study abroad programs, athletics, and other opportunities available to them.

POTENTIAL CAREERS

  • Speech-language pathologist
  • Audiologist
  • Consultant
  • Researcher
  • Special education teacher
  • Teacher of the deaf
  • Cognitive scientist
  • Neuroscientist

Curriculum & Requirements

01
Program Description
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The Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders. Communication Sciences and Disorders is the profession devoted to assessing and treating disorders, delays, or differences in speech, language, and hearing. In this program, students study how the ability to communicate develops as well as review an array of communication disorders that can affect individuals across the lifespan. Students learn about speech, language, and hearing through a unique model of education, observation, and research. This pre-professional degree will prepare you to successfully enter clinical or research graduate programs in areas such as audiology, speech-language pathology, cognitive science, or education.

CSD welcomes transfer students. We are committed to helping you keep to your intended graduation timeline; however, this is dependent upon what courses you have completed before transfer. UNH undergraduates who have not declared a major and/or are interested in transferring into communication sciences and disorders (CSD) should apply directly to the department by completing an internal transfer application. Applications may be submitted any time during the academic year. Acceptance into CSD is dependent upon space and the applicant's academic credentials. Before applying, it is recommended that you review the degree plan.

For any questions regarding the CSD curriculum please email the department at csd.department@unh.edu. 

02
Degree Plan
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Sample Degree Plan

This sample degree plan serves as a general guide; students collaborate with their academic advisor to develop a personalized degree plan to meet their academic goals and program requirements.

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
FallCredits
COMM 420 Survey of Communication Disorders 4
PSYC 401 Introduction to Psychology 4
BMS 507 Human Anatomy and Physiology I 4
LING 405 Introduction to Linguistics 4
 Credits16
Spring
MATH 420 Finite Mathematics 4
PHYS 409
or CHEM 411
 Investigating Physics
or Introductory Chemistry for Life Sciences
 4
 Credits8
Second Year
Fall
COMM 521 Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech and Hearing Mechanisms 4
COMM 524 Clinical Phonetics 4
PSYC 402 Statistics in Psychology 4
 Credits12
Spring
COMM 636 Speech and Hearing Science 4
COMM 522 Language Acquisition 4
PSYC 581 Child Development 4
 Credits12
Third Year
Fall
COMM 504 Basic Audiology 4
KIN 706
& KIN 707		 Neurology
and Neurology Lab		 6
COMM 798 Special Topics 4
 Credits14
Spring
COMM 707 Language Science 4
 Credits4
Fourth Year
Fall
COMM 741 Pediatric Speech and Language Disorders: Foundations in Clinical Decision-Making 4
COMM 723 Observation Skills in Speech-Language Pathology 2
COMM 724
or COMM 799
 Senior Capstone
or Honors Thesis
 4
 Credits10
Spring
COMM 742 Neurological Foundations of Communication Disorders Across the Lifespan 4
COMM 705 Introduction to Aural Rehabilitation 4
 Credits8
 Total Credits84
03
Requirements for the Program
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Degree Requirements

Minimum Credit Requirement: 128 credits
Minimum Residency Requirement: 32 credits must be taken at UNH
Minimum GPA: 2.0 required for conferral*
Core Curriculum Required: Discovery & Writing Program Requirements
Foreign Language Requirement: No

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

Major Requirements

Candidates for a bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders must satisfy all departmental as well as UNH Discovery and Writing Intensive requirements.

Students must earn a grade of C- or better in all COMM courses.

Required Courses
PSYC 401Introduction to Psychology4
PSYC 402Statistics in Psychology4
LING 405Introduction to Linguistics4
PHYS 409Investigating Physics4
or CHEM 411 Introductory Chemistry for Life Sciences
COMM 420Survey of Communication Disorders4
MATH 420Finite Mathematics4
COMM 504Basic Audiology4
BMS 507Human Anatomy and Physiology I4
COMM 521Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech and Hearing Mechanisms4
COMM 522Language Acquisition4
COMM 524Clinical Phonetics4
PSYC 581Child Development4
COMM 636Speech and Hearing Science4
COMM 705Introduction to Aural Rehabilitation4
KIN 706
& KIN 707		Neurology
and Neurology Lab		6
COMM 707Language Science4
COMM 723Observation Skills in Speech-Language Pathology (satisfies 25 Observation Hours)2
COMM 741Pediatric Speech and Language Disorders: Foundations in Clinical Decision-Making 4
COMM 742Neurological Foundations of Communication Disorders Across the Lifespan4
Required Breadth Course
Select one course from the following:3-4
ASL 435
American Sign Language I
COMM 744
Seminar in Advanced Child Language Acquisition
COMM 798
Special Topics
Capstone
COMM 724Senior Capstone4
or COMM 799 Honors Thesis
Total Credits83-84
04
Student Learning Outcomes
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Program Learning Outcomes
  • Students completing required COMM courses will have an understanding of the theories underlying speech, language, and hearing disorders.
  • All CSD students will have a capstone experience which integrates their cumulative learning.
  • Students will be introduced to evidence-based practice (EBP) as it relates to the professions of speech language pathology and audiology.
  • The Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) undergraduate curriculum aligns with the American Speech Language Hearing Association (ASHA) standards. Students completing required COMM courses will have the foundational knowledge to meet ASHA standards.
  • Students completing required COMM courses will have the academic preparation to apply to either SLP or Audiology graduate programs.

Explore Program Details

01
Incoming Freshman
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The UNH Office of Admissions reviews applications of all incoming Freshmen who wish to major in Communication Sciences and Disorders. Students are admitted to the program based on their academic records.  

The Office of Admissions website contains complete campus visit information and online visitor registration. It also contains admission criteria and important dates, as well as an online application.

 

Office of Admissions

02
Transfer Students
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CSD welcomes internal transfer applicants. Prior to submitting an application, students are encouraged to review the major requirements and the CSD suggested course schedule. If accepted, every effort will be made to help transfer students stay on track for their intended graduation date, but this is not guaranteed.

Guidelines: 
1. A GPA of 3.0 or higher.
2. Students with a Cumulative GPA below 3.0 are welcome to apply, but must meet an additional requirement of a final grade of B or above in COMM 420 prior to an acceptance decision.
3. Each application is reviewed on an individual basis. Exceptions to the guidelines may occur at the discretion of the Undergraduate Committee.
4. Applications may be submitted any time during the academic year.

03
Advanced Degree Programs
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Students interested in our Communication Sciences and Disorders Major major may also be interested in these advanced degree offerings:

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