Communication Sciences and Disorders

The communication sciences and disorders major includes didactic and experiential activities for students to learn foundation skills necessary for success in professions such as speech-language pathology, audiology and communication sciences, all of which require graduate degrees.

Overview

Students should follow the plan below for course choices.

• Junior/senior advising is available in the department. Students whose last names begin with A-M should see Betsy Vinson in 347 Dauer Hall; Students whose last names begin with N-Z should see Dr. Scott Griffiths in 339 Dauer Hall.
• Freshman/sophomore advising is available in person in G-205 HPNP Complex, via email at advising@phhp.ufl.edu and via phone at 352-273-6400, option 1.

The undergraduate program exposes students to three major areas: audiology, phonetics and speech-language pathology. In addition, students complement core courses with electives to round out their academic skills and interests.

Upon successful completion of the major, students receive the Bachelor of Health Science degree. While the majority of students pursue graduate or professional training in a health field (e.g., speech language pathology, audiology or other graduate degree program), some students seek employment in organizations with a health component after completing the BHS degree program.

Certified clinicians (graduate degree required) often work with a team of psychologists, teachers, families, therapists, physicians, nurses, dietitians and social workers to screen, diagnose and treat individuals ranging from infants to the elderly. Professionals typically work in schools, clinics, hospitals, other health organizations and/or private practice. Communication sciences and disorders professions offer a high degree of satisfaction to their practitioners by making a significant impact on people's lives. These are growing professions with competitive salaries.

Course Requirements and Sequence

By the end of semester four, students must have completed all college requirements:

• 60 credit hours
• All general education except diversity
• All math requirements (MAC 1140 or above recommended)
• 18,000 words of the writing requirement
• These courses (or their equivalents) with minimum grades of C:
  • BSC 2009 or higher
  • Additional biological science (3 credits); APK 2105C is recommended
  • Physical science (3 credits); CHM 2045 or PHY 2004 is recommended
  • Science lab (1 credit)
• PSB 3002 or DEP 3053 or CLP 3144; PSB 3002 is recxommended strongly
• COM 1000 or SPC 2300 or SPC 2608
• PSY 2012
• STA 2023

By the end of semester five, all students must also have completed:

• LIN 2210
• EEX 3093 with a minimum grade of C (satisfies general education diversity)

By the end of the senior year, students must have completed:

• 120 credit hours, including all prerequisites
• 30 hours of core SPA coursework with minimum grades of C
• ENC 3254 with minimum grade of C; satisfies 6000 words of writing requirement
• PHC 4101 with minimum grade of C
• 12 credits at the 3000/4000 level
• 9 credit hours of PHHP electives

Majors should see a department adviser to create a plan of study, which becomes the contract for graduation.

To graduate with this major, students must complete all university, college and major requirements.

Critical Tracking

Equivalent critical tracking courses as determined by the State of Florida Common Course Prerequisites may be used for transfer students.

Semester 1

• 2.0 GPA on all college level coursework from all institutions
• Complete BSC 2009 or higher or PSY 2012 with minimum grade of C
• Complete 9 hours of general education coursework

Semester 2

• 2.3 GPA on all college level coursework from all institutions
• Complete COM 1000 (or SPC 2300 or SPC 2608) with minimum grade of C
• Complete BSC 2009 or higher or PSY 2012 with minimum grade of C
• Complete 9 additional hours of general education coursework for a total of 18

Semester 3

• 2.7 GPA on all college level coursework from all institutions
• Complete STA 2023 with minimum grade of C
• Complete 1 additional tracking psychology course (PSB 3002, DEP 3053 or CLP 3144) or 3 credits of physical science (CHM 2045 or PHY 2004 recommended) with minimum grade of C
• LIN 2210 recommended this semester if available, with minimum grade of C
• Complete science lab with minimum grade of C or S
• Complete 9 additional hours of general education coursework for a total of 27

Semester 4

• 2.7 GPA on all college level coursework from all institutions
• 2.7 critical tracking GPA based on all attempts
• Complete all critical tracking courses with minimum grades of C
• Complete all general education courses (GE) except diversity (GE-D)
• Complete the math requirement and 18,000 words of the writing requirement

Semester 5

• 2.7 prerequisite and overall GPA on college-level coursework from all institutions
• Complete EEX 3093 and LIN 2210 with minimum grades of C

Recommended Semester Plan

To remain on track, students must complete the appropriate critical-tracking courses, which appear in bold. Students are required to complete HUM 2305 The Good Life (GE-H) in semester 1 or 2.