Bachelor of Science Program

Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) is a liberal arts and sciences program for students interested in learning about and developing an appreciation of the uniquely human ability to communicate.

The undergraduate program provides students with the theoretical background for graduate study in Speech-Language Pathology or Audiology. Students study normal aspects of human communication and explore the various disorders that affect communication across the lifespan

Goals specific to the undergraduate CSD program are to:

1. provide students with the opportunity to acquire knowledge of the development and use of communication;
2. introduce students to the basic communication disorders that may occur across the life span;
3. provide students with skills for ethical and professional practice; and
4. provide eligible students with optional, supervised, one-to-one practicum experience working with individuals with communication disabilities through the Nazareth College Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic.
   

Students who follow the major sequence, who qualify for and complete additional coursework, and who satisfy specific minimal competencies meet the New York State Education Department requirements for initial certification as a Teacher of Students with Speech and Language Disabilities ( Pre K-12 - All Grades). This is an entry level credential specific to employment in the public school setting. It must be converted to a professional certificate through completion of a graduate degree within the professional area and work experience in the school setting.

In the first year students receive preparation in normal speech-language development and communication.

During the second year students expand their study of normal speech, language and hearing and take introductory courses in communication disorders and therapeutic treatment of those disorders.

Beginning in the third year, eligble students are provided opportunities to apply their knowledge through clinical experiences in the Nazareth College Speech and Hearing Clinic and in off-campus clinical situations.

Through the fourth year, study of normal and disordered communication continues with reflective seminars that promote the integration of liberal arts and sciences and the major by encouraging critical thinking, problem solving, and discussion of ethical and cultural issues. Students pursuing initial teacher certification complete a full-time student teaching experience during the fourth year.

In keeping with the program's accreditation by the Teacher Education Accreditation Council, students pursuing initial certification as a Teacher of Students with Speech and Language Disabilities meet the following Claims of Student Learning:

"Teachers prepared at Nazareth College:

1. are competent in the subject matter that they will teach and are knowledgeable about the corresponding NYS standards and the standards of their respective professional organizations. (see NYS Education Department: Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology license regulations and American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Certificate of Clinical Competence requirements);
2. have gained a liberal education and demonstrate competence with the tools of the liberal arts (e.g., critical thinking, aesthetic appreciation, intellectual curiosity, engagement with moral/ethical issues);
3. have the skills, knowledge, and dispositions to teach all children in varying educational contexts (e.g., in urban/suburban/rural school; in inclusive/self-contained classrooms; via multiple pedagogical approaches);
4. are advocates for the profession as well as for the children and families with whom they work;
5. demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills;
6. demonstrate the ability an willingness to critically reflect on their own beliefs and practices;
7. are caring and committed professionals; and
8. understand that schooling is a social construction affected by cultural, historical, and political forces."

To view sample undergraduate programs by year select from the following:
degree program or degree program plus initial teacher certification

or, for recommended semester-by-semester major course sequences click here

Information regarding the certification process
(What NYS tests need to be taken and when, how to apply, etc.)
is available on the Nazareth College School of Education Teacher Certification page

For additional information about the undergraduate CSD programs contact:
Catherine Quenin, Ph.D., CCC-SLP
Department Chairperson
585 389-2776
cquenin0@naz.edu

Information about applying to Nazareth College:
Admissions Office Homepage
(585) 389-2525