Communicative Disorders

School/College: L&S and Education


Field of Study

The study of three complex aspects of human behavior: speech, language and hearing. This discipline developed primarily out of concern for people with disorders in the process of communication, but now encompasses a whole range of basic sciences (e.g. general and neuroanatomy, linguistics, cognitive neurosciences, acoustics, child development) for complete expertise.

Possible Careers

Speech-language pathologist or audiologist in schools, clinics, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, government agencies, universities, or private practice; speech scientist; hearing scientist; university professor.

Special Opportunities & Additional Information

  • Supervised diagnostic and therapeutic experiences are provided for qualified students.
  • A master's degree is required for employment as a speech/language pathologist; admission to a master's program is highly competitive.
  • A Ph.D. or Au.D. is required for employment as an audiologist.
  • Interested students should consult with a departmental advisor prior to enrolling in courses for their sophomore year. Students planning to major in Communicative Disorders through the School of Education should also arrange for advising through Educational academic Services (608-262-1651).
  • Beginning the major the junior year may add one or two semesters to the undergraduate program.(It is usually possible for L&S students to complete the 11 classes for our major in 2 years.)
  • A course in statistics, e.g., Stat 301 or Psych 210, is required. Selected courses in psychology, humanities, ethnic studies, and physical or natural sciences are also required.

Selected Required Courses

Intro Biology:
Zoology 101 optional
Calculus:
None
General Chemistry:
None
Organic Chemistry:
None
Physics:
Physics 103 or 109 optional

Recommended Course Sequence for Freshman Year

There are no required courses to be taken during the freshman year, although students may wish to elect Com Dis 110. Ideally students should also take Linquistics (101 or 301) and Physics (103 or 109) or Zoology (101) before starting the core major sequence in the sophomore year.

Advisor

  • Call departmental office for referral to an advisor.

Departmental Office