Communication Disorders
Speech-Language Pathology
The program in Communication Disorders has three major goals: 1) prepare professionals for service careers in speech-language pathology, 2) provide direct services to the communicatively handicapped of San Antonio, and 3) conduct research in the field of communication sciences and disorders.
The Communication Disorders Program consists of undergraduate and graduate training programs, the provision of speech, language and hearing services through the Harry Jersig Center both on campus and at selected off-campus locations, and the pursuit of new knowledge through research in various endeavors including the Child Language Research Lab.
The purpose of the baccalaureate degree program is to prepare students for a graduate program in speech-language pathology or audiology by:
- Providing an introduction to the range of study in the field of communication disorders
- Providing a foundation of the normal process of speech, language and hearing
- Creating an awareness of professional issues related to employment and cultural diversity
Since the baccalaureate degree provides basic information on communication processes, there is limited exposure to the assessment and therapeutic aspects of communication disorders. The master's level program in speech-language pathology prepares graduates for careers as speech-language pathologists and is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.
Note: A Biliterate (English/Spanish) Certificate is available to Communication Disorders majors. Contact the Biliterate Certificate Programs Office for more information.
Communication Disorders - BA
This major requires a minor in PSYC or other discipline approved by advisor.
Total number of hours required for this degree:
128 hours
Total number of hours (not including prerequisites) in major:
39 semester hours
Required courses in this major:
CDIS 2400, CDIS 3320, CDIS 3412, CDIS 3311, CDIS 3343, CDIS 4411, CDIS 3362, CDIS 4351, CDIS 4315, CDIS 4340, CDIS 4341, CDIS 5360
Total number of advanced hours required in major:
35 semester hours
Suggested sequence of courses for Communication Disorders
Freshman Year
FALL |
|
|
SPRING |
|
3 hrs |
|
3 hrs |
||
4 hrs |
|
4 hrs |
||
3 hrs |
|
3 hrs |
||
3 hrs |
|
4 hrs |
||
Elective course |
3 hrs |
|
RLST course |
3 hrs |
Total |
16 hrs |
|
Total |
17 hrs |
Sophomore Year
FALL |
|
|
SPRING |
|
4 hrs |
|
BIOL 1422 |
4 hrs |
|
3 hrs |
|
Sophomore literature |
3 hrs |
|
3 hrs |
|
Fine Arts course |
3 hrs |
|
3 hrs |
|
PSYC elective (minor) |
3 hrs |
|
Elective course |
3 hrs |
|
Elective course |
3 hrs |
Total |
16 hrs |
|
Total |
16 hrs |
Junior Year
FALL |
|
|
SPRING |
|
4 hrs |
|
CDIS 3311 |
3 hrs |
|
3 hrs |
|
3 hrs |
||
4 hrs |
|
4 hrs |
||
PSYC elective (minor) |
3 hrs |
|
3 hrs |
|
Elective course |
3 hrs |
|
Elective course |
3 hrs |
Total |
17 hrs |
|
Total |
16 hrs |
Senior Year
FALL |
|
|
SPRING |
|
3 hrs |
|
3 hrs |
||
3 hrs |
|
3 hrs |
||
3 hrs |
|
3 hrs |
||
PSYC 3000+ |
3 hrs |
|
PSYC elective |
3 hrs |
Elective course |
3 hrs |
|
Elective course |
3 hrs |
Total |
15 hrs |
|
Total |
15 hrs |
The following components are required in all degrees:
General education, values and skills, major, minor (if required), foundation courses (if required), validation of computer literacy, and validation of overall advanced and institutional hours.
Prescribed sequence of courses, if any:
Sequence of CDIS courses for a student who enters at the undergraduate level as a freshman or transfer student:
Fall semester of junior year: CDIS 2400, 4320, 3412, Submission of admission packet to the CDIS UG program must be made by the second Monday in October. Students cannot continue in the CDIS sequence unless admitted to the program
Spring semester of junior year: CDIS 3311, 3343, 4411
Fall semester of senior year: CDIS 3362, 4351, 4315
Spring semester of senior year: CDIS 4340, 4341, 5360
Acceptable minor fields:
Psychology
18 semester hours (6 advanced) in Psychology or a discipline approved by the faculty. All CDIS majors are required to take PSYC 3381 Statistics even if approved for a different minor.
Requirements for Admission to the Undergraduate Program in Communication Disorders
Formal application to the Undergraduate Program in Communication Disorders is required for all students working toward the Bachelor of Arts degree in CDIS. Application is made through the departmental office in Jersig 120, when the following requirements have been met:
- Completion of or concurrent enrollment in, a minimum of 60 semester hours and the following foundation courses: ENGL 1313, ENGL 1314, 3 semester hours of sophomore literature, MATH 1304, PSYC 1305 and BIOL 1421. Completion or concurrent enrollment in the following courses in the major: CDIS 2400, CDIS 3412 and CDIS 3320
- Students are required to take a Physical Science course as CDIS requirements. Available courses that meet this requirement include PHSC 1411 or 1412, PHYS 1401, CHEM 1401.
No grade lower than a C in any foundation course listed above. Students may not take these foundation courses Pass/Fail.
- A cumulative grade point average of 2.75 or higher
- A grade point average of 3.0 or better for all completed CDIS coursework
Procedure for Applying to the CDIS Undergraduate Program
Each candidate for admission must submit for review by the CDIS faculty a portfolio in the form of a packet with materials arranged in the following order:
- Completed data card (form provided)
- A current unofficial transcript showing all coursework providing evidence of a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 and a minimum CDIS GPA of 3.0, with no grades lower than C for foundation courses
- A one-page, typed description highlighting college, volunteer or community experiences that influenced the applicant's interest in interest in speech-language pathology
- Names and e-mail addresses of faculty members expected to submit letters of recommendation
The candidate will request written recommendations from two instructors of completed foundation courses. The candidate will provide recommendation forms to the instructors, and the instructors will submit the completed forms directly to the CDIS Department.
Portfolios and letters of recommendation are due in the CDIS Department Office on the second Monday in October for spring semester entry into the undergraduate program. Portfolios submitted after this date may not be accepted. If students fail to meet the deadline, they may be required to reapply the following year. Late portfolios will only be accepted with special permission from the chair of the CDIS Department. Students will be informed before early registration as to their status.
Standards for Remaining in the CDIS Undergraduate Program
- A minimum overall GPA of 2.75
- No grade lower than a C in any CDIS courses
- A minimum CDIS GPA of 3.0
- Students may not take specified foundation courses or courses in the minor Pass/Fail
Students who fail to meet these minimum standards for eligibility will not be allowed to continue in the CDIS Program. A student may retake a class to improve their grade only once and will not be allowed to enroll in any additional CDIS classes until they regain eligibility by meeting the standards listed above. A student who is able to regain eligibility must re-apply for admission. Applications for readmission will be accepted in both fall and spring semesters.