Communication Disorders, Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

Combine the Dynamic Fields of Healthcare and Education into a Rewarding Career 

Be prepared to improve the lives of those with communication or swallowing disorders with Eastern Kentucky University’s Bachelor of Science in Communication Disorders (CD). Gain knowledge of communication processes, how to assess and treat speech, language, & swallowing disorders, and the role of communication professionals in healthcare and school settings. Graduates of the CD “Preprofessional” Program are prepared to start a career as a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLP-A) or continue their studies in Speech-Language Pathology or Audiology.

Undergraduate preparation in CD is prerequisite to advanced academic and clinical preparation at the graduate level. Upon completion of the master's degree in this field, students are eligible to become certified at the national level, as well as to be fully licensed by Kentucky to practice as a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP). Kentucky permits an individual with a bachelor’s degree in CD to work as a licensed Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLP-A) in public school settings only.

Admission to Communication Disorders Program

Any student who is accepted by Eastern Kentucky University’s Admissions Office may declare their major as Pre-Communication Disorders. The student will be assigned to a program advisor and will be classified as a “Pre-CD” major. However, Pre-CD status does not guarantee admission into the CD undergraduate program. Pre-CD majors will be restricted to enrollment in the following major courses: CSD 275 Introduction to Communication Disorders, CSD 311 CSD in Healthcare Systems, and CSD 360 Speech and Language Development.

To apply for admission to the CD undergraduate program, students must meet the following minimum criteria:

1. At least 40 credit hours earned on 100-level courses or higher,
2. GPA of at least 3.0 overall (on a 4.0 scale) for semester credit hours completed, and
3. ACT composite score of at least 21 (or equivalent SAT Score).

The CD Program requires a state criminal history background check approved¹ by the College of Education and Applied Human Sciences as a condition of admission. Under certain circumstances, a national criminal background check may be required as a condition of admission. Admitted students must earn a grade of "C" or higher in CSD 275 (Introduction to Communication Disorders) or an equivalent transferred course BEFORE registering for the sequence of CSD courses listed for the Junior year. Although CSD 275 is not a prerequisite for applying for program admission, it is a prerequisite for other CSD courses. If a student has not completed CSD 275 at the time of admission, the course must be taken during the summer semester before starting the CSD course sequence. Students must earn a grade of “C” or higher in all CSD major courses and supporting courses. Transfer students do not have to be enrolled in university courses at the time of submitting an application for admission. The CD program admits 30 new undergraduate students each year. Applicants are ranked by the GPA x ACT composite score. The most qualified applicants are admitted. Application forms are available at https://www.eku.edu/ctp/csd/undergraduate-program/. Completed applications and all required documentation must be submitted by February 14.

It should be noted that enrollment in the graduate program in Communication Disorders is also limited. Admission into the undergraduate program does not guarantee admission into the graduate program. Refer to the Graduate Catalog for information on admission to the graduate program.

An additional state criminal background check approved¹ by the College of Education and Applied Human Sciences is required prior to beginning CSD 374 Practicum in Speech Pathology or may be required at additional points in the program. Under certain circumstances, a national criminal background check may be required prior to beginning CSD 374 Practicum in Speech Pathology. Students must purchase professional liability insurance prior to enrollment in CSD 374 Practicum in Speech Pathology, CSD 474 Advanced Practicum in Speech Pathology, and CSD 541 School Services in Communication Disorders. Further, that insurance coverage must be maintained throughout enrollment in these courses.

¹

“Approved” is a formal review process of the criminal records report. Any misrepresentation of facts, by omission or addition, may result in the denial of admission to the Communication Disorders Program or enrollment in CSD 374 Practicum in Speech Pathology.

Program Requirements

CIP Code: 51.0201

Major

E

Course also satisfies an Essential Education element. 3 hours are included within the Essential Education requirement above. 

¹

“Approved” is a formal review process of the criminal records report. Any misrepresentation of facts, by omission or addition, may result in the denial of admission to the Communication Disorders Program or enrollment in CSD 374 Practicum in Speech Pathology.

²

Not all STA courses count towards Essential Education. Review the catalog to see if additional Essential Education courses may be needed.

Key:

E

Course satisfies an Essential Education element.

*

Course must be taken in semester indicated.

Upper division courses: All students are required to have a minimum of 39 hrs. upper division (300-level or above) courses distributed throughout Major/Supporting/Gen Ed/Free Electives categories.

Communication Disorders B.S.