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    Dec 08, 2025  
2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog

Communication Sciences and Disorders


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OVERVIEW OF DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

Minimum number of credits required to graduate: 120

Minimum Cumulative GPA required to graduate: 2.0

Minimum Grade requirements for courses to count toward major: None.

Other GPA requirements to graduate: CSD majors require a cumulative 2.0 in all CSD courses taken.

Required Course(s) for fulfilling Capstone Experience: CSD 490  

Contact Information:  Jane Puhlman, Undergraduate Program Coordinator, Office 308 Dunn Hall, Telephone (207) 581-2008, Email: jane.puhlman@maine.edu; Michelle Moore, Program Chair, Office 310, Dunn Hall, Telephone (207) 581-2404, Email: michelle.moore@maine.edu


The study of Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) encompasses the examination of human communication, its development and disorders. Communication is a fundamental aspect of what makes us human, and is essential to learning, work, and social interaction. Communication disorders can impact the way individuals hear, speak, and use language. These disorders range from simple sound substitutions to total impairment of the ability to communicate with others. A speech, language, or hearing disorder can affect every aspect of a person’s life.

A major or minor in CSD is ideal for students who want to make a profound impact on how people communicate and connect with others. This field is particularly well-suited for those with interests in areas like life science, cognitive science, psychology, linguistics, education, or healthcare. Students who study CSD gain a comprehensive foundation in speech, language, and hearing sciences that prepares them for careers or further graduate study in audiology, speech-language pathology, education, and health care, among others. For information about CSD professions and programs at UMaine, visit the Department website: https://umaine.edu/comscidis/.  

The Bachelor of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders

In addition to courses within the Department of CSD, students in the CSD major must complete coursework in biological and physical sciences, statistics, and behavioral and/or social sciences. To provide CSD majors with foundational knowledge across the lifespan, students will complete coursework focused on both child development and aging. An additional ethics course is also required, preparing students to work ethically and effectively with a wide range of individuals across the lifespan and with varied abilities.

The Department offers numerous experiential learning, service, and research opportunities both in and outside the classroom. Students are encouraged to take advantage of these chances to work closely with our faculty and engage in diverse hands-on experiences. To learn more about the opportunities available and recommended courses, please visit our website or contact the undergraduate program coordinator or your academic advisor.

Required Courses for Students in Communication Sciences and Disorders Major


Courses external to the Department of CSD


Students must take at least one 3+-credit course in each of the following content areas. These courses can be counted toward General Education requirements. See ASHA guidelines for specific requirements about these external (i.e. non-CSD) courses.  Please check with your academic advisor if you have questions:

  • PSY 100 - General Psychology  Credits: 3
  • One course in Statistics Credits: 3
  • One course in Biological Science Credits: 3-4
  • One course in Physics or Chemistry Credits: 3-4

Students also are required to complete:


An in-depth study in a specific area and additional coursework in child development, adult and aging, cultural diversity, writing and research, communication, and 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 the completion of a minor or second major.  In-depth study coursework must be approved by the student’s academic advisor.

Additional Coursework:


Beyond the courses taken to satisfy your General Education requirements, you must take at least one 3+-credit course in each of the following content areas. At least 12 of the credit hours must be at 200-level or higher.

Child Development Content:

Adult and Aging Content:

Writing and Research Content*

Communication Content:

Ethics

 One additional course that meets the “ethics” general education requirement that IS NOT already counted as a requirement for the University of Maine general education requirement or the major.

Suggested Course Sequence for the BA in CSD


First Year-First Semester


First Year-Second Semester


  • Credits: 3
  •  Course from Minor or Area of Concentration Credits: 3
  • General Education  Course Credits: 3
  • Course from Additional Required Coursework Credits: 3
  • Math Credits: 3

Second Year-First Semester


Second Year- Second Semester


Third Year-First Semester


Third Year-Second Semester


Fourth Year-First Semester


Fourth Year-Second Semester


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