2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders

CSD.IllinoisState.edu

Admission/Retention Requirements

Admission to this academic program is limited and is based on space availability and the competitiveness of the applicant pool. Factors that may be considered include, but are not limited to: courses completed, cumulative GPA, hours completed, and written statements. For additional information on minimum requirements for admission and the application and selection process, visit Majors website or contact the undergraduate advisor for the intended major.

Course Finder

Honors in Communications Sciences and Disorders

Honors in the major in communication sciences and disorders is available to qualified students. Students are eligible to earn this designation at graduation if they are in good standing with the Honors Program and have completed the following requirements by the end of their final semester: (1) Have achieved a cumulative GPA of 3.30, (2) Have a major GPA of 3.50 in communication sciences and disorders, (3) Have fulfilled Honors Program participation requirements (one Honors Learning Experience per semester in the program, including the final semester), (4) Completed two Honors Learning Experiences in CSD (complete Honors Contracts in two separate CSD courses at the 200 or 300-level), and (5) Complete an Honors Capstone Experience (an Honors Independent Study or Honors Thesis for 3 credit hours). 

For more information on Honors in Communications Sciences and Disorders, including admission and retention standards, please visit the Honors website.

Clinical Observation Experiences

In accordance with the American Speech Language Hearing Association, students pursuing an advanced degree in speech-language pathology must obtain a minimum of 25 hours of clinical observation before beginning any clinical practicum experiences.  These clinical observation hours are acquired in various undergraduate courses. Students will be instructed in methods of tracking and documenting these hours.

Communication Sciences and Disorders Program

Degree Offered: B.S.

Interdisciplinary Studies Programs

The Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders participates in the degree program for the Minor in Cognitive Science. Several courses offered by the Department contribute to the minor. For further information, please consult the Department advisor as well as the Interdisciplinary Studies Programs section.

Major in Communication Sciences and Disorders

This is a pre-professional program designed to provide students with foundational knowledge, skills, and professional dispositions needed to succeed in further studies in Communication Sciences and Disorders and other career opportunities. A master’s degree is the entry-level degree for the field of speech language pathology. A clinical doctorate is the entry-level degree for the field of audiology. These advanced degrees are required for the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association’s Certificate of Clinical Competence and Illinois Licensure. Additionally, students completing the Master’s Program in speech language pathology will be eligible for the Illinois Educator License.

Assessment

Majors in Communication Sciences and Disorders are expected to participate in the assessment process as one of the requirements for an undergraduate degree in this department.

View Communication Sciences and Disorders Course Requirements

Minor in Communication Sciences and Disorders

21 total credit hours required

Required Courses (12 credit hours)

9 additional hours in CSD coursework. Electives cannot include practicum courses.

NOTE: Students taking this minor will not qualify for certification in speech language pathology or audiology.