student talking to a child

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
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.

students in a classroom

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

Susana Keller's headshot
Susana Keller
Chair of Communication Sciences and Disorders; Program Director of Speech-Language Pathology; Assistant Professor
610-282-1100, x2163
105 Wills Hall
Separator
Joanne Niemkiewicz's headshot
Joanne Niemkiewicz
Assistant Professor
610-282-1100, x2174
220 Wills Hall
Separator
Julie Santoro's headshot
Julie Santoro
Director of Clinical Education, Assistant Professor
610-282-1100, x2287
220 Wills Hall
Separator
Reed Senter's headshot
Reed Senter
Assistant Professor
610-282-1100, x2169
218 Wills Hall
Mahdi Tahamtan's headshot
Mahdi Tahamtan
Assistant Professor
610-282-1100, x2170
219 Wills Hall
Separator

Program Pathways

Swipe below to discover more!

alt text

Bachelor’s to Master's

Learn More

Master'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:

  • Physiological Chemistry
  • Speech Sounds Disorders, Peds
  • Speech and Hearing Science
  • Evaluation and Treatment of Communication Disorders
students in classroom
students in classroom

Minor

Learn More

Minor

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:

  • Introduction to Audiology
  • Anatomy & Physiology of the Speech Mechanism
  • Phonetics
  • Speech Science
students in classroom

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.
girl showing child a book

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
Visit Admissions Tuition & Fees
girl in class

Program FAQs

College of Healthcare Professions

Recent News

View All DeSales News