Communication Sciences and Disorders Major (B.S.)
https://www.unh.edu/program/bachelor-science/communication-sciences-disorders
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.
Degree Requirements
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.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| PSYC 401 | Introduction to Psychology | 4 |
| PSYC 402 | Statistics in Psychology | 4 |
| LING 405 | Introduction to Linguistics | 4 |
| PHYS 409 | Investigating Physics | 4 |
| or CHEM 411 | Introductory Chemistry for Life Sciences | |
| COMM 420 | Survey of Communication Disorders | 4 |
| MATH 420 | Finite Mathematics | 4 |
| COMM 504 | Basic Audiology | 4 |
| BMS 507 | Human Anatomy and Physiology I | 4 |
| COMM 521 | Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech and Hearing Mechanisms | 4 |
| COMM 522 | Language Acquisition | 4 |
| COMM 524 | Clinical Phonetics | 4 |
| PSYC 581 | Child Development | 4 |
| COMM 636 | Speech and Hearing Science | 4 |
| COMM 705 | Introduction to Aural Rehabilitation | 4 |
| KIN 706 & KIN 707 | Neurology and Neurology Lab | 6 |
| COMM 707 | Language Science | 4 |
| COMM 723 | Observation Skills in Speech-Language Pathology (satisfies 25 Observation Hours) | 2 |
| COMM 741 | Pediatric Speech and Language Disorders: Foundations in Clinical Decision-Making | 4 |
| COMM 742 | Neurological Foundations of Communication Disorders Across the Lifespan | 4 |
| Required Breadth Course | ||
| Select one course from the following: | 3-4 | |
| American Sign Language I | ||
| Seminar in Advanced Child Language Acquisition | ||
| Special Topics | ||
| Capstone | ||
| COMM 724 | Senior Capstone | 4 |
| or COMM 799 | Honors Thesis | |
| Total Credits | 83-84 | |
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.
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| 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 |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| MATH 420 | Finite Mathematics | 4 |
| PHYS 409 or CHEM 411 | Investigating Physics or Introductory Chemistry for Life Sciences | 4 |
| Credits | 8 | |
| 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 |
| Credits | 12 | |
| Spring | ||
| COMM 636 | Speech and Hearing Science | 4 |
| COMM 522 | Language Acquisition | 4 |
| PSYC 581 | Child Development | 4 |
| Credits | 12 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| COMM 504 | Basic Audiology | 4 |
| KIN 706 & KIN 707 | Neurology and Neurology Lab | 6 |
| COMM 798 | Special Topics | 4 |
| Credits | 14 | |
| Spring | ||
| COMM 707 | Language Science | 4 |
| Credits | 4 | |
| 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 |
| Credits | 10 | |
| Spring | ||
| COMM 742 | Neurological Foundations of Communication Disorders Across the Lifespan | 4 |
| COMM 705 | Introduction to Aural Rehabilitation | 4 |
| Credits | 8 | |
| Total Credits | 84 | |
- 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.