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, 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. Recent projections from the U.S. Department of Labor indicate job growth in both speech-language pathology and audiology. The future of the job market is healthy due to increasing public awareness of the need for early diagnosis and intervention for 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 professional or graduate programs in education of the deaf and hard of hearing, early-childhood or special education, neuroscience, dental medicine, 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.

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. [Note: Applications will be reviewed when approximately 45 credits are completed and 15 credits are in progress.] Students should complete the Basic Skills Prerequisites and Basic Sciences prior to application. Students should also complete most of the General Education Requirements and Additional Requirements courses prior to application. Some of these courses may be completed while enrolled in the program.

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 students at the freshman and/or sophomore year level.) 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 grade point average (GPA) of 2.75 is preferred, but students may be admitted provisionally if program capacity permits.

University of Pittsburgh Freshman Guarantee

An entering freshman 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 2017 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 grade point average (GPA) of 3.6 when applying to the Communication Science program at the beginning of the spring semester of sophomore year level. At the time of application to the a graduate program, guaranteed students must have a cumulative 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. A full application must be submitted on time.

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 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

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