Communication Sciences and Disorders - Major

Major: Communication Sciences and Disorders
Degree awarded: Bachelor of Science
Total credit hours: 79-80
Internship/Practicum opportunities: Clinical practicum at Thiel’s on-campus Center for Speech-Language Services enables students to apply theory to practice at the undergraduate level

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Online Academic Catalog Details / Required Courses

About the Communication Sciences and Disorders Major

The Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) major at Thiel College serves the higher education needs of pre-professionals as they advance their careers and reach toward their personal enrichment goals.

This interdisciplinary curriculum readies students to compete for admission to graduate school and prepare for a career in the professions of speech-language pathology, audiology, and research. Upon graduation, students will:

Demonstrate understanding of speech and hearing science principles including anatomy, physiology, and neuroanatomy.
Establish an understanding of normal speech development and function across the lifespan including hearing, feeding, and swallowing.
Display an understanding of normal language development and function across the lifespan including cognition and literacy.
Report their understanding of the role of cultural linguistic differences in normal communication.
Use state-of-the-art equipment that will help you get ready for your future career.
Display professional writing skills for entry into a graduate program or workforce.

Communication Sciences and Disorders Curriculum

At Thiel College, students complete 39 hours of CSD courses, along with 40-41 hours of interdisciplinary study, including courses in the nature and development of language, sign language, speech and hearing science, and neuroscience disorders and diseases.

Visit our Academic Catalog (2025-2026) for course listings.

Scholarship Opportunities

Thiel College offers scholarships to students for reasons such as academic success, community service or involvement, exemplary leadership and more! The scholarships available to communication sciences and disorders majors include:

Marion G. Resch Science Scholarship at Thiel College
The Maenpa Family Biotechnology Endowed Scholarship Fund at Thiel College
J. Scott Morrison Endowment for Science and Religion
TWC Amelia Earhart Scholarship
Dr. Sonya M. Wilt Endowed Scholarship
Irene Wintersteen Memorial Science Scholarship

Visit our Financial Aid page to learn more about the types of aid available to students.

Clubs & Organizations

It's easy to get involved on campus! Joining a student club or organization is an excellent way to meet others and gain leadership experience. A communication sciences and disorders major might be interested in the following clubs and orgs:

National Student Speech Language and Hearing Association
Sigma Xi (Scientific Research Society)
Beta Beta Beta (National Biology Honorary)
Nu Rho Psi (National Neuroscience Honorary)

Visit our Campus Life page to see a full list of student clubs and organizations.

Alumni & Careers

Thiel College graduates with a degree in speech-language pathology are in demand! Graduates can work in different fields such as:

Educational facilities
Hospitals
Nonresidential health care facilities
Residential health care facilities
Private practice

Thiel graduates have gone on to pursue rewarding careers as speech and language pathologists, teachers and clinical assistants. Jackson Memorial Hospital (Miami, FL), Chardon High School (Chardon, OH), Blue Cross of Western PA (Pittsburgh, PA), Mercer Co. Behavioral Health Commission (Sharon, PA), Good Samaritan Hospital Home Care (Goshen, NY), and Frederick County Public Schools (Frederick, MD) are among the many employers hiring Thiel graduates.

Learn More About Thiel’s Communication Science and Disorders Major

Becoming a speech-language pathologist requires a combination of education and practical experience because the field demands not only theoretical knowledge about communication disorders but also the ability to apply that knowledge in real-world situations by assessing clients, developing treatment plans, and delivering interventions effectively, which can only be fully developed through supervised clinical practice. Thiel’s undergraduate degree in communication science and disorders combines a comprehensive curriculum and hands-on learning opportunities give students a transformative education.

The Master of Science (M.S.) education program in speech-language pathology (residential, distance) at Thiel College is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 2200 Research Boulevard, #310, Rockville, MD 20850, (800) 498-2071 or (301) 296-5700.