The study of Communication Sciences and Disorders involves the examination of human communication, its development and disorders. Human communication is essential to learning, work, and social interaction. Communication disorders affect the way people talk and understand. These disorders range from simple sound substitutions to total impairment in the ability to use language. Impaired communication can affect every aspect of a person’s life. Students who study communication sciences acquire a broad general background relevant to careers or graduate study in such fields as speech-language pathology, audiology, education, and health care.
Undergraduate Entrance Requirements in Years (as established by the College)
A high school diploma with the following specific courses:
The required high school academic course of study, combined with academic electives, should equal at least 17 credits.
To ensure current mathematical skills, students should take a mathematics course during their senior year of high school.
General Education Requirements for Current Students
Every University of Maine academic program is based upon a strong foundation in the liberal arts and sciences. The University’s goal is to ensure that all of its graduates, regardless of the academic majors they pursue, are broadly educated persons who can appreciate the achievements of civilization, understand the tensions within it, and contribute to resolving them. This component of every program is called general education, and it amounts to about one-third of every program. The design of general education at the University of Maine is meant to be flexible within the broad goals it seeks to achieve. It affords each student many ways of meeting its requirements, which, in addition to its English requirement, fall into six broad categories: Human Values and Social Context, Science, Ethics, Mathematics, Writing Competency and Senior Capstone.
All UMaine students must complete these general education requirements, which are counted in the total credit hours required for graduation and may be contained in the Major Requirements as well.
General Education Categories and Requirements
ENG 101 College Composition
18 credits Human Values and Social Context area (at least 3 credits
must be taken within each sub-category; a single course may satisfy more than 1 sub-category). Categories include: Western Cultural Tradition, Social Context & Institutions, Cultural Diversity & International Perspectives, Population & the Environment, Artistic & Creative Expression
For details on the General Education Requirements, click on the following link:
http://www.catalog.umaine.edu/content.php?catoid=37&page=rpp_general_education.html
Requirements for Departmental Majors
Students must complete coursework in biological and physical sciences, statistics, behavioral or social sciences, basic normal communication and swallowing processes, and nine credits in non-departmental cognate areas including PSY 100. Students also are required to complete nine semester credit hours in the following areas beyond General Education requirement courses (at least one course in two of the three areas): Communication, Cultural Diversity and International Perspectives, and Ethics. These nine credits help students develop useful tools for studying communication behaviors. A list of acceptable courses for the major requirements is available in the department office in Dunn Hall.
An approved minor or In-depth Study of at least 12 semester credit hours (with at least nine at 200 level or higher) in a specific area is also required.
Required Courses Within the CSD Department:
Required Courses Outside the CSD Department:
Additional Coursework:
At least 9 semester credit hours (beyond courses taken to satisfy General Education requirements) in 2 of the following 3 areas:
Additional Offerings in CSD:
CSD Course Offerings for the 2011 – 2012 Academic Year
Fall 2011
Spring 2012
CSD Sample Course Rotation of Major Courses(for students declaring the major in their first year)
First Year-First Semester
First Year-Second Semester
Second Year-First Semester
Second Year-Second Semester
Third Year-First Semester
Third Year-Second Semester
Fourth Year-First Semester
Fourth Year-Second Semester
This is a sample only, and your program of study should be reviewed with your advisor each semester. Some courses listed in the junior year could be taken in your senior year. Please remember that in your senior year you will be completing a formal project, and it is important to have knowledge in as many CSD areas as possible in order to complete this project. CSD 101 & 102 American Sign Language I & II can be taken at any time. CSD 497 Special Topics in Communication Sciences and Disorders and CSD 498 Directed Study in Communication Sciences and Disorders provide an opportunity for students to pursue special studies or research projects with faculty. These courses are available to juniors and seniors; participation is subject to faculty approval.
Requirements for a Minor in CSD (18 credits)
The Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders offers an undergraduate minor. The opportunity to complete minor studies in CSD may appeal to students majoring in English, Education, Biology, Human Development, Music, Anthropology, Foreign Languages, Theatre, Social Work, Nursing, and other disciplines. In addition to providing students with the opportunity to engage in concentrated study in the field of Communication Sciences and Disorders, a minor in CSD may provide the student with the necessary coursework to pursue graduate study in the fields of speech-language pathology and/or audiology.
A minor in CSD will consist of CSD 130 – Introduction to Communication Sciences and Disorders. Credits: 3 and 15 additional credit hours of CSD courses. Students must earn a minimum of C (2.0) in each course applied to the minor. A minimum of 12 CSD credit hours must be taken at the University of Maine. The Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders must approve all transfer courses applied to the minor.
Career Opportunities in Communication Sciences and Disorders
Learn more about career opportunities in Communication Sciences and Disorders: http://www.asha.org/careers/