Communication Sciences and Disorders

Program Overview

The field of Communication Sciences and Disorders is concerned with prevention, evaluation, treatment, and research in human communication and its disorders. Whichever aspects of the profession you follow, you have the satisfaction of knowing that you are providing much needed services to individuals with communication disorders.

CSU, Chico’s Communication Sciences and Disorders program is envisioned to be a model training program for developing the highest quality professionals, and to be a model clinical facility, recognized throughout the California North state for high-quality speech-language and hearing services. The program prepares undergraduate and graduate students for careers in this diverse and rewarding field. Both BS and MS programs in communication sciences and disorders are offered. The undergraduate program provides the necessary prerequisites for entrance into graduate programs, while the master’s degree requirements meet the standards for certification in speech-language pathology by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), licensure in speech-language pathology by the California Speech-Language Pathology, Audiology and Hearing Aid Dispensers Board, and the Speech-Language Pathology Services Credential from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.

The program enjoys a reputation for academic excellence on campus and throughout the state. Faculty members have varied areas of research interest and clinical expertise, such as child language acquisition, literacy, typical aging, clinical supervision, acquired adult neurogenic disorders, autism spectrum disorders, and disorders of fluency, voice, and phonology, and the auditory system. A special feature of CSU, Chico's program is the rapport between faculty members and students. Because of the residential character of the campus, faculty are accessible. The professional, yet relaxed, atmosphere and opportunities for one-on-one interaction with faculty members enhance student opportunities for learning within the curriculum.

A wide selection of courses is taught at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Following several lower division courses that satisfy GE areas, such as science and math foundations, human development, and sign language, the major coursework typically begins at the junior year. Basic coursework at the undergraduate level includes phonetics, speech and hearing science, anatomy and physiology, acoustics and psychoacoustics, child language and articulation, aural rehabilitation, assessment of hearing loss, and organic disorders of speech and language. While undergraduate courses are focused primarily on preparing students for graduate education in the fields of speech-language pathology and audiology, the varied skills acquired through the academic experience can be applied to many careers, particularly those working with special populations.

 After being accepted into the graduate program, students take part in diagnostic and clinical practica as well as academic seminars specifically designed to enhance scientific inquiry and clinical expertise in speech and hearing disorders. Outside practicum placement opportunities are diverse and include work in hospitals and other medical facilities, private practice and public schools. Supervision of students at both on and off-campus sites facilitates applied clinical learning, which results in high quality, evidence-based speech, language and hearing services to the public.

The Communication Sciences and Disorders program welcomes interested individuals to contact us for further information. CMSD offices are located in the Aymer J. Hamilton building adjacent to Modoc Hall; Clinic Office in AJH 100 and Faculty Offices in AJH 130.

The Communication Sciences and Disorders program provides equal opportunity for all qualified students, and prohibits illegal discrimination based on age, race, religion, color, citizenship, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital or veteran status, and physical or mental impairment.

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