Undergraduate Degree Requirements

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

A high school diploma with the following specific courses:

  • 4 credits of English
  • 2 credits of Algebra I and Algebra II
  • 2 credits of Foreign Language
  • 1 credit of Laboratory Biology
  • 1 credit of Chemistry or Physics
  • 2 credits of Social Studies

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 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 credits required for graduation and may be contained in the Major Requirements as well.

General Education Categories and Requirements

  • ENG 101 (College Composition)
  • 18 credits in Human Values and Social Context (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, and Artistic & Creative Expression
  • 2 courses in Science
  • 1 course in Ethics
  • 6 credits in Mathematics (including statistics and computer science, only 3 credits in computer science can count toward this requirement)
  • 2 courses which are designated as Writing Intensive (1 must be within the major)
  • 1 Capstone Experience, where the student integrates the components of his or her undergraduate training to perform at a professional level. The capstone experience is usually completed during the senior year.

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 nondepartmental areas including psychology. 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.

An approved minor or area of in-depth study of at least 12 credits (with at least nine at 200 level or higher) in a specific area is also required.

Required Courses

  • CSD 100: Majoring in Communication Sciences and Disorders (Fall)
  • CSD 130: Introduction to Communication Sciences and Disorders (Fall & Spring)
  • CSD 300: Clinical Observation in Communication Sciences and Disorders (Spring)
  • CSD 201: Introduction to Clinical Audiology (Fall)
  • CSD 280: Language Development (Spring)
  • CSD 283: Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech Mechanism (Fall)
  • CSD 382: Phonological Development and Phonetics (Fall)
  • CSD 482: Neuroscience for Communication Disorders (Fall)
  • CSD 484: Introduction to Speech Science (Spring)
  • CSD 487: Disorders of Speech and Language (Spring)
  • CSD 490: Senior Capstone: The Research Process (Fall)
  • CSD 491: Senior Capstone: The Clinical Process (Spring)

Required Non-CSD Courses

  • PSY 100: Introduction to Psychology
  • LBR 200: Information Literacy
  • 1 course in Physical Sciences
  • 1 course in Statistics
  • 1 course in Biological Sciences

Additional Coursework
At least 9 credits (beyond courses taken to satisfy General Education requirements) in 2 of the following 3 areas: 1) Communication, 2) Diversity, and 3) Ethics.

Program Outcomes

Upon completion of an undergraduate degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders, students will be able to:

  • Explain typical processes of speech, language and listening
  • Compare assessment strategies used for individuals with speech, language and hearing disorders
  • Identify intervention strategies for individuals with speech, language and hearing disorders
  • Specify the anatomy and physiology required for successful speech, language, listening and thinking skills
  • Organize and then orally deliver information related to typical and atypical aspects of speech, language, hearing and communication, giving appropriate consideration to audience, context and format.
  • Communicate effectively in written formats to clearly and coherently present information in the discipline of communication sciences and disorders
  • Summarize peer reviewed research studies and draw conclusions about topics such as typical speech/language processes or speech/language disorders

Sample Course Rotation (for students declaring the major in their first year)

This is a sample course sequence only, and your program should be reviewed with your advisor each semester.

Requirements for a Minor in CSD (18 credits)

The Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders offers an undergraduate minor. The opportunity to complete a minor 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 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, and 15 additional credits of CSD courses. Students must earn a minimum of C (2.0) in each course applied to the minor. A minimum of 12 CSD credits 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 by visiting the website below.

http://www.asha.org/careers/