Department of Communication Science and Disorders (CSD)

The Department of Communication Science and Disorders offers an undergraduate major in Communication Science. The program focuses on the anatomical, physiological, and psychological foundations of communication as well as on the basic structure of language and the process of speech and language development. The program is also designed to develop critical thinking skills including the ability to evaluate scientific information.

This major is particularly appropriate for students considering graduate study and a career in Speech-Language Pathology [SLP] or Audiology [AuD]. (A graduate degree is required for clinical practice in both professions). Speech-language pathology and audiology are among the most attractive and diverse healthcare and educational professions available. The scientific basis of the field appeals to the scientist who has an interest in basic or applied research, whereas the clinical element of the field appeals to the practitioner who is motivated to make a difference in people’s lives.

Recent projections from the U.S. Department of Labor indicate a shortage of speech-language pathologists and audiologists. The future of the job market is healthy due to an increasing public awareness of the need for early diagnosis of communication disorders; an awareness of the educational, social, and vocational benefits of programs for communication disorders; and an aging population. The need for speech, language, and hearing scientists is also great; there are many research and academic opportunities for those interested in research in these fields.

The undergraduate degree in Communication Science is also an excellent preparation program for profesional or graduate programs in education of the deaf and hard of hearing, early-childhood, elementary or special education, the neurosciences, speech and hearing sciences, and other health-related professions such as rehabilitation counseling, occupational therapy, and physical therapy. The necessary prerequisites for these programs can be taken while completing the major.

Students attain broad-based knowledge in this major about the basic aspects of speech, language, and hearing sciences, which prepares students for a number of related career fields and employment positions upon graduation as well. More information is available in the CSD Advising Office.

Interested students should contact the Director of CSD Undergraduate Education, Dr. Janice Vance, jvance@pitt.edu or 412-383-6562.

Admission Requirements

Students are eligible for admission to the Communication Science program after successful completion of 60 credits. Students should complete the Basic Skills Prerequisites and Basic Sciences prior to application. Students should also complete as many of the General Education Requirements and Additional Requirements courses as possible prior to application. Some may be completed while enrolled in the program. Applications will be reviewed when approximately 45 credits are completed and 15 credits are in progress.

Students should contact the Director of CSD Undergraduate Education, Dr. Janice Vance, jvance@pitt.edu or 412-383-6562, prior to applying. (Specialized advising is available to freshman and sophomore students.) For admission, an application with all transcripts from universities/colleges attended and a personal essay is required. Resumes are strongly suggested. A letter of recommendation is NOT required. A minimum GPA of 2.75 is preferred, but students may be admitted provisionally if program capacity permits.

University of Pittsburgh Freshman Guarantee

Entering freshmen may qualify for a guarantee into the graduate programs in Audiology or Speech-Language Pathology. For consideration for the Freshman Guarantee, indicate an intended field of study as Pre- Communication Science on your application when applying as a freshman (at regional campuses, choose corresponding codes). Qualifying students admitted in the Fall of 2016 will meet the following criteria: SAT scores of 1410 (combined Critical Reading and Math) or an ACT Composite score of 30. Students must also be in the top 10% of their high school graduating class.

The student must have an overall GPA of 3.6 when applying to the Communicaiton Science program at the beginning of the spring semester of sophomore year. At the time of application to the a graduate program, guaranteed students must have a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.6 or better and a GPA of 3.75 in the core communication science major courses. Additionally, guaranteed students must achieve a GRE ranking in the 50th percentile or higher for the Quantitative and Verbal sections and a 3.5 on the Analytical Writing section. Finally, a full application must be submitted on time through the CSDCAS website.

Early Decision for Graduate Programs

Students pursuing an undergraduate degree in Communication Science from the University of Pittsburgh are eligible to apply Early Decision to either the University of Pittsburgh’s graduate program in Audiology or Speech-Language Pathology. Contact Dr. Erin Lundblom, lundblom@pitt.edu, for candidate details and information on the process.

Programs

Communication Science, BA

Add to Portfolio (opens a new window)