Undergraduate programs

Undergraduates in the Speech and Hearing Sciences Department explore human communication, which includes development, diversity, and complexity of communication, as well as developmental and acquired disorders. The program leads to a B.S. or B.A. in Speech and Hearing Sciences, or a certificate with baccalaureate in Communications Sciences and Disorders (CSD).  

The coursework explores foundational knowledge in speech and hearing sciences, clinically-based knowledge related to communication, cognition, swallowing and hearing disorders, and the complexity and diversity of human communication. In addition to providing a rigorous liberal arts education, this degree provides a foundation for many career paths, including graduate work in speech-language pathology, audiology, and/or speech, language, and hearing research. Because communication is central to most human activities, a degree in Speech and Hearing Sciences can also lead to a career in many other fields, including Education, Counseling, Psychology, Social Work, and Community Relations. Coursework or a degree in Speech and Hearing Sciences complements degrees in other programs, such as education, linguistics, psychology, public health administration, social work, music, and allied health professions. The CSD Certificate provides a strong educational foundation for entry into graduate programs in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, fulfills all but one requirement for entry into PSU’s graduate program in SPHR, and provides the required educational component for licensing of Speech-Language Pathology Assistants in Oregon and other states. (Please note: the Speech-Language Pathology Assistant license also requires clinical clock hours that are not part of the CSD Certificate program.)