Communication Sciences and Disorders

The study of Communication Sciences and Disorders involves the examination of human communication, its development and disorders. The ability to communicate may be our most distinctive characteristic as a species. 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 of 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.

The undergraduate program in Communication Sciences and Disorders at the University of Maine provides a general education in speech, language, and hearing sciences. In addition it prepares students for graduate study in the professions of speech-language pathology, audiology, and related fields.  The Master’s program in Communication Sciences and Disorders at the University of Maine is accredited by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.

The Bachelor of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders
Majors must complete coursework in biological and physical sciences, mathematics or statistics, behavioral and/or social sciences, basic normal communication and swallowing processes and nine credits in non-departmental cognate areas including PSY 100. A list of acceptable courses is available from the Department. Students taking department courses to satisfy requirements within the Communication Sciences and Disorders major must have a C (2.0) or better in each course.

Students also are required to complete nine semester credits in the following areas (at least one course in two of the three areas):

1. Statistics and computer science,
2. Writing, and
3. Language and critical thinking

These nine credits help students develop useful tools for studying communication behaviors. A list of specific courses that may be used to satisfy this and other requirements is available at the department office in Dunn Hall, Room 336.

All students in Communication Sciences and Disorders are expected to take advantage of the laboratory and service opportunities provided through the department’s scientific laboratories as well as through the Conley Speech, Language and Hearing Center.  Opportunities exist for students to observe clinical work, and develop research skills.  Students are encouraged to speak with the department chair for more information.