Communication Sciences and Disorders

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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.

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.

Required Courses for Students in Communication Sciences and Disorders Program

Departmental Courses:

CSD 130 - Introduction to Communication Sciences and Disorders Credits: 3
CSD 291 - Introduction to Scholarship and Inquiry in Communication Sciences and Disorders Credits: 1
CSD 301 - Introduction to Clinical Audiology Credits: 3
CSD 380 - Early Language Development Credits: 3
CSD 381 - Later Language Development Credits: 3
CSD 383 - Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech Mechanism Credits: 3
CSD 481 - Phonological Development and Phonetics Credits: 4
CSD 484 - Introduction to Speech Science Credits: 3
CSD 487 - Disorders of Speech and Language Credits: 3
CSD 490 - Senior Capstone: The Clinical Process I Credits: 4
CSD 491 - Senior Capstone: The Clinical Process II Credits: 3

Courses external to the CSD department:

LBR 200 - Information Literacy Credits: 3
PHY 105 - Descriptive Physics Credits: 4
PSY 100 - General Psychology Credits: 3
one course in Statistics

one course in Biological Science Credits: 3-4

Students also are required to complete:

In-depth Study in a specific area and Additional coursework in Communication, Diversity, and/or Ethics.

In-depth Study:

In-depth study involves at least 12 semester credit hours (with at least 9 at 200-level or higher) in a specific area. This may be accomplished through completion of a minor or second major. In-depth study coursework must be approved by the student’s academic advisior.

Additional Coureswork:

Additional coursework includes 9 semester credit hours (beyond courses taken to satisfy General Education) in two of the following three areas: 1) Commications, 2) Diversity, 3) Ethics. A list of possible courses that fulfill this requirement is available in the department office.