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Department of Communication Sciences & Disorders College of Health & Human Services

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Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders

Overview

The Department Communication Sciences and Disorders offers a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSAD). The B.S. degree provides a background in the theoretical and clinical foundations of Communication Sciences and Disorders including Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology.

To graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders (B.S.), students must achieve an overall average 2.5 GPA in the 40 units of required CSAD major coursework (see Major Course Sequence Below). To achieve these GPAs, students may repeat courses for which grades of C- or below were earned, contingent upon their eligibility to do so under the campus policy on repeating courses. Repeated course grades will either be forgiven or averaged with the new grade according to the campus policy on repeating courses. Students must complete the major prerequisites before beginning courses in Communication Science and Disorders.

It is strongly recommended that students:

  • Take a course in physics and/or chemistry as most master’s degree programs in Speech-Language Pathology or Communication Sciences and Disorders will require it before applying.
    • Students may overlap the PHYS and/or CHEM course with GE Area B1 or GE Area B5
    • Sac State’s Au.D. program requires a course in physics.
    • Sac State’s MS in CSAD program accepts either physics and/or chemistry.
  • Finish most of their campus required undergraduate general education units before beginning major coursework.

Major Prerequisites

The courses listed below must be completed before starting the major course sequence. This can be accomplished up to and including the summer before starting the major course sequence.

Major Prerequisites
CSUS Course or Equivalent Subject area Units
CHAD (CHDV) 30 Human Development (or other course in Human Development across the lifespan. Must full lifespan: birth to death) 3
STAT 1 Introduction to Statistics 3
PSYC 2 Introductory Psychology (or other course in Introduction to Psychology) 3
DEAF 51 American Sign Language 1 (or other course in sign language) 3
  Total Major Prerequisites Units 12

If you plan to apply to an MS/MA degree program in Communication Sciences and Disorders (Speech-Language Pathology) or a Doctor of Audiology degree program, you should review the requirements stipulated by American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) on their Prerequisite Course Content Areas webpage and check the requirements for each program where you will be applying.

  • Physics/Chemistry
  • Biological Science
  • Statistics
  • Social Sciences
  • Behavioral Sciences

Physics/Chemistry

For the Sac State CSAD MS program, you will need either physics or chemistry from any accredited college or university.

For the Sac State Au.D. program, you will need a physics course from any accredited college or university.

Biological Science

Sac State’s General Education Area B Requirements may not meet the Biological Science requirement. Be sure to review ASHA’s "Prerequisite Course Content Areas" to verify if coursework meets the requirements.

Major Course Sequence

Undergraduate courses are designed for students to begin in the Fall semester and progress in a prescribed sequence.

  • Courses in one semester are prerequisites for courses in following semesters.
  • If taken in the prescribed sequence, students should be able to complete the major coursework in two years.
  • If not taken in the prescribed sequences, students will not be able to complete their major coursework in two years. Students who are not following the prescribed sequence should meet with a department B.S. advisor to devise an individualized program of study before starting modified course sequence.
  • Sac State Academic policy on prerequisites states "A grade of "C-" or better is required for prerequisite courses... This policy applies to all undergraduate-level courses." Students who receive a grade of C- or lower in a prerequisite course should meet with a department B.S. advisor to devise an individualized program of study.
Major Course sequence
SEMESTER 1, FALL Units
CSAD 110 Physics of Sound and Phonetics 4
CSAD 111 Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech Mechanism 3
CSAD 112 Language Science and Development 3
Total Units 10
SEMESTER 2, SPRING Units
CSAD 125 Developmental and Acquired Neurogenic Language Disorders Across the Lifespan 3
CSAD 126 Speech Sound Development and Disorders in Children: Aspects of Articulation and Phonology 3
CSAD 130 Introduction to Audiology 3
CSAD 145 Supervised Field Observations 1
CSAD 148 Research in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology 3
Total Units 13
SEMESTER 3, Fall Units
CSAD 123 Voice and Fluency 3
CSAD 142 Topics in Autism Spectrum Disorders 2
CSAD 147 Assessment Procedures 3
Total Units 8
SEMESTER 4, SPRING Units
CSAD 127 Introduction to Medical Speech Pathology 3
CSAD 133 Introduction to Aural Rehabilitation 3
CSAD 143 Communication Disorders in Multicultural Populations 3
Total Units 9
   
Total Major Course Units Required 40

Major Elective Courses

The following courses are available to undergraduates as electives and are not required for graduation.

CSAD 101 Introduction to Communication Sciences and Disorders.

  • Introduction to the field of communication sciences and disorders (CSAD; speech-language pathology and audiology)
  • Should be taken before starting major coursework.

CSAD 146 Introduction to Clinical Issues and Methods. (3 units)

  • This course is not required to graduate with the Bachelor of Science degree, and it is not required to apply to the Sac State summer SLPA coursework or the Sac State Au.D. program. This course, or an equivalent experience, is required to apply to the Sac State CSAD M.S. program.
  • This course may be taken in either SEMESTER 3, FALL or SEMESTER 4, SPRING
  • Course Prerequisites
    • All four (4) major prerequisite courses (see Major Prerequisites above)
    • CSAD 110, CSAD 111, CSAD 112, CSAD 125, CSAD 126, CSAD 130, and CSAD 145.
    • Minimum CSAD major GPA of 3.2 with no CSAD course below a grade of "C."
    • Completion of Department-approved criminal background screening and immunizations are required (refer to Department webpage for current requirements)
    • Completion of Rapid Regulatory Compliance Clinical II and HIPAA Health Modules to demonstrate proficient knowledge of universal precautions and HIPAA.

CSAD 177 Appreciation of Diversity in Communication Sciences and Disorders.

  • Can be taken any Semester, although the course is geared towards semester 3, Fall and Semester 4, Spring students.

CSAD 199 Special Problems

  • Full-time faculty often offer one-time or repeating independent study opportunities.
  • See course individual semester course schedule listings and department communications.

Career Paths

The Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders prepares students to apply for clinical audiology doctoral (Au.D.) programs, master (M.S./M.A.) programs in Communication Sciences and Disorders (speech-language pathology), and for employment requiring a background in human development, communication, health, and education.

  • ASL interpreter
  • Audiology Assistants/ Audiology Technician
  • Career Advising
  • Childcare Center Manager
  • Child life specialist
  • Daycare center teacher/preschool aid
  • Deaf Education
  • Department of Education Administration Entry Level Position
  • Government Health Program Administration
  • Health Insurance Administration
  • Hearing aid dispenser
  • Medical sales / publications
  • Nursing home activity coordinator
  • Public Health Administration Entry Level Position
  • Rehabilitation Administration
  • Substitute teacher

Paths that require additional training:

  • Audiologist (Au.D.)
  • Behavior Analyst
  • Behavioral therapist
  • Disability Law
  • Nursing assistant/C.N.A.
  • Occupational Therapy
  • Physical Therapy
  • Public Health
  • Rehabilitation aide
  • Rehabilitation Counseling
  • School Psychology
  • Social Work
  • Special Education
  • Speech-Language Pathologist (M.S./M.A.)
  • Speech-language Pathology Assistant (SLPA)

For additional assistance with Career Path Advising, please visit the Career Center

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CSAD Advising Resources

CSAD Advising Resources
Resource Posted/Updated 
Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders webpage (this page)  
2024 CSAD Undergraduate Transfer Orientation PowerPoint  06/03/2024
2024 CSAD BS Program Year 1 Advising (aka "Junior Orientation") Presentation  08/27/2024
Communication Sciences and Disorders sections of the Sac State catalog,  08/27/2024
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association's Learn About the CSD Professions webpage  08/27/2024

Major & Change of Major Advising

Students in the CSAD major may meet with any of our CSAD BS Faculty advisors either in individual office hours or by attending our drop-in sessions.

Contact and office hours information for BS advisors can be found on the CSAD Meet Us webpage.

Need help with checking your Academic Requirements Report and other Student Center tools?

Student Affairs has many helpful resources and video tutorials on the Understanding Your Student Center website.

Change of Major

To change a major to CSAD, students should attend an academic advising session with a CSAD BS Program Faculty advisor.

CSAD BS Program Faculty advisors will submit a change of major form through OnBase on behalf of the student.

Prior to meeting with an advisor or attending a group advising session, students should review the information posted in the advising resources and the FAQ sections of this webpage.

Fall 2024 Change of Major  and Major Advising Drop-In Sessions
Fall 2024 Change of Major  and Major Advising Drop-In Sessions
Date Time  Location Type Faculty
 Wednesday, September 4, 2024  12:00 PM  Hybrid: Zoom and in-person CSAD BS Program Advising  Dr. Lisa D'Angelo
 Tuesday, September 10, 2024  11:00 AM  in-person: Folsom Hall 2316 CSAD BS Program Advising  Dr. Tonia Davis
 Thursday, September 19, 2024  3:00 PM  in-person: Folsom Hall 2316 CSAD BS Program Advising  Dr. Hamid Motallebzadeh
 Friday, September 20, 2024  11:00 AM  Zoom CSAD BS Program-Audiology Emphasis  Dr. Laura Gaeta
 Wednesday, September 25, 2024  4:00 PM  Zoom CSAD BS Program Advising  Dr. Aishah Patterson
 Monday, September 30, 2024  9:30 AM  Zoom CSAD BS Program Advising  Dr. Celeste Roseberry-McKibbin
         
 Wednesday, October 2, 2024  3:00 PM  Hybrid: Zoom and in-person CSAD BS Program Advising  Dr. Lisa D'Angelo
Friday, October 18, 2024  9:00 AM Zoom CSAD BS Program Advising Dr. Soumya Venkitakrishnan
Wednesday, October 23, 2024 3:00 PM Hybrid: Zoom and in-person CSAD BS Program Advising Dr. Lisa D'Angelo
Thursday, October 31, 2024  10:00 AM Zoom CSAD BS Program-Audiology Emphasis Dr. Laura Gaeta
Thursday, October 31, 2024  11:00 AM in-person: Folsom Hall 2316 CSAD BS Program Advising Dr. Tonia Davis
         
Wednesday, November 6, 2024  4:00 PM in-person: Folsom Hall 2316 CSAD BS Program Advising Dr. Hamid Motallebzadeh
Tuesday, November 12, 2024  11:00 AM in-person: Folsom Hall 2316 CSAD BS Program Advising Dr. Tonia Davis
Wednesday, November 13, 2024  2:00 PM Zoom CSAD BS Program-Audiology Emphasis Dr. Laura Gaeta
Wednesday, November 13, 2024  4:00 PM Zoom CSAD BS Program Advising Dr. Aishah Patterson
Monday, November 18, 2024  9:30 AM Zoom CSAD BS Program Advising Dr. Celeste Roseberry-McKibbin
Tuesday, November 19, 2024  9:00 AM Zoom CSAD BS Program Advising Dr. Soumya Venkitakrishnan
Thursday, November 21, 2024  3:00 PM in-person: Folsom Hall 2316 CSAD BS Program Advising Dr. Hamid Motallebzadeh
         
Monday, December 2, 2024  9:30 AM Zoom CSAD BS Program Advising Dr. Celeste Roseberry-McKibbin
Monday, December 2, 2024  4:00 PM Zoom CSAD BS Program Advising Dr. Aishah Patterson
Tuesday, December 3, 2024  9:00 AM Zoom CSAD BS Program Advising Dr. Soumya Venkitakrishnan

CSAD Advising Workshops & Professional Preparation Lecture Series

In addition to drop-in group advising and one-on-one advising, the department also offers targeted advising workshops and a professional preparation lecture series. Please see table below for the current list of workshops and lectures.

CSAD Advising Workshops
CSAD Advising Workshops & Professional Preparation Lecture Series
Date Time  Location Topic Faculty
Thursday, September 19, 2024 12:00-1:00 PM Folsom Hall, Room 1050 Lecture Series: How to Find and Examine Salary Information Dr. Heather Thompson
Wednesday, September 25, 2024 10:00-10:45 AM Zoom  Meeting ID: 858 9776 1709 Passcode: 383741 Advising Workshop: Resume Writing Dr. Laura Gaeta
Thursday, September 26, 2024  12:00-1:00 PM  Folsom Hall, Room 1050  Lecture Series: How to Engage in Interprofessional Collaborative practice Dr. Darla Hagge
 Thursday, October 3, 2024  12:00-1:00 PM  Folsom Hall, Room 1050  Lecture Series:How to Disagree in the Workplace Dr. Celeste Roseberry-McKibben
Thursday, October 10, 2024 12:00-1:00 PM Folsom Hall, Room 1050 Lecture Series: How to Analyze a Job Offer Marcella Mojibi
Thursday, November14, 2024 12:45-1:30 PM Zoom. Registration required Advising Workshop: Resume Writing Dr. Laura Gaeta

Transfer Students

Students who are transferring into the CSUS BS in Communication Sciences and Disorders program from another institution should review all of the items posted on this webpage and in the catalog. If you think you are interested in pursuing the MS or Au.D at CSUS, students should also review those pages.

Questions frequently asked by transfer students:

  1. Q: Do students need to complete the prerequisites before starting the sequence?
    A: Yes. Major prerequisites must be completed prior to beginning the major course sequence. (see Major Prerequisites on this page)
  2. Q: Will my course work from other institutions fulfill the major prerequisite requirements?
    A: Note on the Human Development requirement: A course or combination of courses on Human Development that cover the full lifespan, birth to death. Coursework must cover the entire lifespan. Child development or adolescent development courses alone will not meet the requirement.
    A: The Registrar’s office determines course equivalency during transcript reviews. You can check to see if your courses are equated on the transfer credit agreements on these webpages:
    1. California public institutions: Assist.org
    2. All other agreements: Transfer Evaluation System (TES)
  1. Q: What if I am transferring in the spring semester? What can I do in the meantime?
    A: The major course sequence only begins in the Fall semester (see Major Course Sequence on this page). Prior to beginning the major course sequence, you may want to work on general education coursework (see General Education section of the catalog.) Additionally, you can take the introductory course: CSAD 101. Introduction to Communication Sciences and Disorders.
  2. Q: Do students who are already SLPAs need to take CSAD 145 and CSAD 146 if they plan to apply for graduate school?
    A: CSAD 145 Supervised Field Observations. Yes. This course is required for the CSUS CSAD BS degree and will be needed when applying for a graduate program in Communication Sciences and Disorders.
    A: CSAD 146 Introduction to Clinical Issues and Methods Yes. Although this course is not required for the BS program, the CSUS CSAD MS program gives admission priority to students whose undergraduate curriculum is the most equivalent to Sacramento State’s Communication Sciences and Disorders Undergraduate Curriculum coursework including CSAD 146.
  3. Q: I have additional questions. Who should I contact for advising?
    A: Anyone is welcome to attend any of the Change of Major and Major Advising Drop-In Sessions posted on this webpage. Additionally, current and potential students can schedule an advising appointment with the Department Chair or any of the CSAD BS Advisors. Contact and appointment information are posted on the Meet Us Page.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  1. Where can I find my CSAD GPA?
    Answer: You can calculate this yourself with this csad major gpa calculator excel fileEnter your course grade in the "enter grade" cell. Delete any rows that contain classes you have not completed. If you need assistance using the calculator, please contact the department at csd-department@csus.edu.
  2. I plan to apply to a MS/MA degree program in Communication Sciences and Disorders (Speech-Language Pathology). Do I need to take a PHYS or CHEM at Sac State?
    Answer: You will need to check the requirements for each program where you will be applying. For the Sac State CSAD MS program, you will need either physics or chemistry from any accredited college or university. Coursework must meet the requirements stipulated by American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) on their Prerequisite Course Content Areas webpage
  3. I plan to apply to a Doctor of Audiology degree program. Do I need to take a PHYS or CHEM at Sac State?
    Answer: You will need to check the requirements for each program where you will be applying. For the Sac State Au.D. program, you will need a physic course from any accredited college or university.
  4. Does my PHYS or CHEM need to have a lab?
    Answer: You will need to check the requirements for each program where you will be applying. The Sac State CSAD MS program does not require a lab. Coursework must meet the requirements stipulated by American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) on their Prerequisite Course Content Areas webpage
  5. I would like to apply to an MS degree program in Speech-Language Pathology, but I didn’t take CSAD 146. What should I do?
    Answer:
  6. How long are my CSAD undergraduate degree and courses good for, if I want to take a break before applying to a MS degree program in Communication Sciences and Disorders (Speech-Language Pathology) or the Au.D. program?
    Answer:
  7. Where can I find volunteer opportunities in Audiology and/or Speech-Language Pathology?
    Answer:
  8. When and how should I request letters of recommendation from professors?
    Answer:
  9. What department clubs and organizations can I get involved in?
    Answer: There are a number of campus student organizations available to students. For a full list, please visit Student Organizations & Leadership. The following student organizations are affiliated with the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders.
    1. National Student Speech Language Hearing Association (NSSLHA)
    2. R.A.I.N.B.O.W.
    3. Student Academy of Audiology (SAA)
    4. Student Interprofessional Education Organization (SIPE)
  1. How do I know who my department advisor is?
    Answer: Students may meet with any of the CSAD B.S. advisors. For a current list of B.S. advisors and their contact information, please visit the CSAD Meet Us page.
  2. Where can I learn more about CSAD2B, SLPA, MS, and Au.D. programs?
    Answer:
    1. Second Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSAD2B)
    2. Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA): Contact the Speech-Language Pathology Assistant Summer Extension Coursework coordinator, Dr. Tonia Davis, for additional information and resources.
    3. Master of Science (M.S.) in Communication Sciences and Disorders
    4. Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.)
  1. I have completed a BS/BA degree in another major. How do I complete a second baccalaureate degree in CSAD?
    Answer: The Sac State College of Continuing Education manages Second Baccalaureate of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSAD2B). The CSAD2B program is designed for those candidates who currently possess a baccalaureate degree in a discipline other than Communication Sciences and Disorders. Please visit the CSAD2B website for more information.

Campus Resources

Sacramento State offers a number of support services to assist students in their educational journey.

More Support Centers & Programs can be found on the Division of Student Affairs webpage.

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Location and Contact information

Phone: (916) 278-4867

Email:

Mailing Address:
Department of Communication sciences and Disorders
California State University, Sacramento
6000 J Street MS 6071
Sacramento, CA 95819

Physical Location
Folsom Hall, 2nd Floor-Room 2316
7667 Folsom Boulevard,
Sacramento, CA 95826

Parking:
Parking permits are required at all Sacramento State parking lots. For parking information or to purchase a permit, visit Parking and Transportation.

Faculty & Staff
Please visit the CSAD Meet Us page for current faculty and staff contacts.

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