BA (Hons) Communication Sciences and Disorders

The BA (Hons) Communication Sciences and Disorders program at Western Washington University is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of communication sciences, including the study of language development, speech production, voice disorders, and hearing impairments. The program emphasizes hands-on learning through practicum experiences and collaborative projects with local organizations. Students in this program will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue careers in speech-language pathology, audiology, or related fields.

Additional Information

The program is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology, Speech-Language Pathology, and Hearing and Balance Disorders. Students who complete this program are eligible to sit for the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP) or the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology (CCC-A).

Experience Collaborative Learning at Western Washington University

Western Washington University offers a unique learning environment that fosters collaboration and creativity among students. The university's small class sizes and low student-to-faculty ratio provide an intimate setting for students to engage with their professors and peers. Additionally, the university's location in Bellingham, Washington, provides easy access to natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities.

Communication Sciences and Disorders includes two disciplines, Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, which have developed out of a concern for people with communication disorders. The academic and clinical curriculum at the undergraduate level includes a wide range of courses and clinical practicum opportunities. Students study normal communication processes and disorders. Courses in normal processes include Language Development, Speech Acoustics, Hearing Science, and Anatomy and Physiology. Courses regarding disorders cover Language Disorders, Phonological Disorders, and Hearing Disorders, for example. The undergraduate education prepares students to pursue a graduate degree. A master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology or a clinical doctorate degree in Audiology and certification at the national level are required to engage in professional practice.

Many people easily talk with family, friends, and colleagues every day. Although we often take language, speech, and hearing for granted, these processes are extraordinarily complex. Furthermore, anyone at any age can be affected by illness or injury that will impair the ability to talk or hear. In fact, one out of every six Americans has a communication disorder. Each one can be helped in some way by a speech-language pathologist, audiologist, or speech, language, and hearing scientist.

Grounded in the latest scientific theories and research, CSD students learn to assess and treat persons with communication disorders — from infants to the elderly. In labs students have access to state-of-the-art equipment and analysis procedures as they study sound, speech, language, and hearing. Speech-language pathologists and audiologists make a positive contribution to people’s lives. With the changing makeup of our population comes the need for speech-language-hearing professionals who are skilled in working in a complex and diverse society. For people with the proper education and flexibility, employment prospects are excellent. Opportunities and challenges await you!

Academic Requirements for freshman students:

The admission requirements for undergraduate courses are given as follows:

• Completed application form

• Academic Transcripts(certified english translations if necessary)

• Relevant High school degree/Grade Report/Certificates

• SAT or ACT Scores (Optional)

• A cumulative GPA of 2.0

• Personal Statement or essay

• One letter of recommendation

• List of extracurricular activities(if any)

• Portfolio