College of Healthcare Professions
Bachelor of Arts/Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders
Impact lives with a communication sciences and disorders degree from DeSales, and be prepared to be a compassionate, patient-first provider. Learn to prevent, diagnose, and treat common disorders through evidence-based practice in speech-language therapies, or in careers in education, business, or social services.
Program Details
- Official Degree Name
- Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts
- Format
-
In Class-Day
- Credit Hours
- 132
- Program Start
- Fall Semester
- Application Deadline
- Apply Anytime
- Average Time to Degree
- 4-5 Years
Patient-First, Research-Backed. That’s the DeSales Difference.
Learn the practice of speech-language pathology through innovative teaching and research. Gain experience through mentored professional practice. Become an ethically-centered speech-pathologist who cares deeply and models compassion for patients, or develop expertise to explore other ways to use communication science in varied professions.
At DeSales, we offer a traditional Bachelor of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders and the accelerated Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders to the Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (3+2) program. Here, you’ll develop an understanding of clinical processes that will prepare you for graduate work. You’ll work with diverse populations and become an advocate for change.
The department also offers a minor in communication sciences and disorders.
Program Highlights
Learn More in Less Time
- If your goal is to be a speech-language pathologist, choose our fast-paced 3+2 B.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders to M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology program. This path is for students who want to begin their career as a speech-language pathologist as soon as possible. You’ll graduate with both degrees in five years.
Personal Support
- We’re here for you. Campus resources like faculty mentorship, academic support, mental health services, and more are at your fingertips.
Leadership and Character Development
- Did you know St. Francis de Sales is the patron Saint of the deaf? He developed a method for teaching the catechism to a young deaf person, The generous spirit of de Sales is alive and well on campus, and our professional and service opportunities are sure to set you apart as a future speech pathologist.
What Will You Study?
Gaining confidence in clinical settings begins in the classroom. Our dynamic courses are taught by experts.
Courses you’ll take include:
- Neuroscience of Communication
- Speech Sound Disorders
- Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech Mechanism
- Phonetics
- Language Development
- Clinical Processes in Speech-Language Pathology
Meet the Faculty
Program Pathways
Swipe below to discover more!
Bachelor’s to Master's
Learn MoreMaster's in 5 Years
Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology
Earn your B.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders and an M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology in just five years. This program’s intensive curriculum is designed for high-achieving students. Ideal candidates are confident in their career choice and enjoy academic challenge.
Please note: This program requires a two-step admissions process, meaning, after initial acceptance to the University, qualified applicants must be invited to interview with the program.
Required Courses Include:
Minor
Learn MoreMinor
Communications Sciences and Disorders
The CS&D minor is a great addition to any degree. Students in the Health Communication, Neuroscience, and Psychology programs will find exceptional value in using knowledge and skills to integrate scientific inquiry and evidence-based clinical reasoning into everyday practice.
Required Courses Include:
Outcomes & Careers
Upon completion of the program, you will:
- Use your knowledge and skills to apply science and evidence-based reasoning. Address the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of communication and swallowing disorders.
- Be prepared to adapt in the complex healthcare environment of today. Learn to lead and thrive in inter-professional collaborations.
- Advance innovations in clinical practice. Implement cross-disciplinary efforts to improve the quality and delivery of services.
Admission Requirements
- Application Fee: None
- Transcripts: Official High School Transcript
- Standardized Tests: Test-optional, however, an Admissions Interview may be requested
- Recommendations: 1 letter of recommendation
Program Highlights
Program FAQs
We encourage you to apply early in your senior year. We use a rolling admissions system. This means you will be notified promptly about your admissions status—usually within four weeks of our receipt of your completed application.
Priority deadline for scholarship consideration is December 1 of your senior year.
The DeSales University Center for Communication Sciences and Disorders, located in Wills Hall, includes the speech-language pathology program's on-campus clinical training site for master's level students.
The Center has state-of-the-art facilities for assessment and treatment services. This includes providing speech, language, feeding/swallowing, and voice services to the broader Lehigh Valley community.
Vision
To be recognized as a leader in the advancement and practice of speech-language pathology through innovative teaching and research, mentored professional practice, and ethical preparation enabling students to construct new ideas and to lead lives of impact.
Mission
To provide a transformative learning experience consistent with the University’s core values of gentleness, humility, gratitude, hospitality and wisdom.
Program Goals
Students and graduates will:
- use their knowledge and skills to integrate scientific inquiry and evidence-based clinical reasoning into everyday practice, addressing
- the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of communication and swallowing disorders
- be prepared to adapt and lead in the complex and dynamic healthcare environment of today and tomorrow through inter-professional collaborations
- advance innovations in clinical practice through implementation science and cross-disciplinary efforts to improve the quality and delivery of services.
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