Communication Sciences and Disorders Minor
The Minor in Communication Sciences and Disorders offers students a foundational understanding of human communication, its development, and the biological and cognitive systems that support it. This interdisciplinary program is designed for students interested in exploring the science behind speech, language, hearing, and swallowing, and how these processes can be affected by developmental, neurological, or physiological conditions.
Through a carefully curated sequence of courses, students will gain insight into the anatomy and physiology of the speech and hearing mechanisms, the acoustic and articulatory properties of speech sounds, and the typical developmental milestones of speech and language acquisition. The minor also introduces students to the principles of audiology and aural rehabilitation, providing a broad overview of hearing disorders and therapeutic strategies. Clinical observation and analysis are integrated into the curriculum to help students connect theoretical knowledge with real-world applications.
Learning Goals:
- Understand the biological and physiological foundations of communication. Students will explore the anatomy and function of the speech, hearing, and swallowing systems, and how these systems interact to support communication.
- Analyze the development and structure of speech and language. Students will study normal speech and language development across the lifespan, phonetic science, and the cognitive-linguistic processes that underlie communication.
- Apply foundational knowledge to clinical contexts. Through observation and integration, students will begin to understand how communication disorders are identified and addressed in clinical settings, preparing them for future study or careers in speech-language pathology, audiology, or related fields.
This minor is particularly valuable for students pursuing majors in Psychology, Education, Communications, Healthcare and Medical Humanities, Health Sciences, or any field where communication plays a central role. It provides a strong preparatory foundation for graduate programs in speech-language pathology or audiology and enhances career readiness for roles in healthcare, education, and human services. Whether students aim to work directly with individuals with communication disorders or simply wish to deepen their understanding of human communication, this minor equips them with essential knowledge and skills that are applicable across a wide range of disciplines.
Completion of the minor, in conjunction with an appropriate undergraduate major and other pre-requisite coursework and admissions requirements, will allow students a direct pathway into Wilson’s Master’s in Speech Language Pathology (MS-SLP).
Degree Requirements
Required Courses