Communication Sciences and Disorders

Degree Type: Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science
Location: Main Campus in Radford, VA
College: Waldron College of Health and Human Services
Format: In-Person

Overview

In our program you will gain a foundational understanding of typical speech, language, and hearing development and a basic knowledge of the assessment and treatment of a variety of communication disorders. Examples include developmental language disorders, speech sound disorders, aphasia, and hearing loss. You may pursue a career in speech-language pathology, audiology or other health or education professions. In our program you will have the opportunity to observe and have hands-on experiences in the on-campus clinic.

In the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders

Degrees Offered

Why Study Communication Sciences and Disorders at Radford University?

Small class sizes
Open door policy and tutoring with faculty
Opportunities to participate in therapy in the Radford University Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic
Research and service-learning opportunities with faculty

Careers and Internships

The majority of our undergraduate students go on to graduate school to become speech-language pathologists or audiologists. Some continue in graduate programs in related fields (e.g., education, occupational therapy). Students with an undergraduate degree in COSD also have the option to enter careers as a speech-language pathology assistant, registered behavior technician, and newborn hearing screener, hearing instrument specialist, or therapeutic support staff.

Opportunities for Communication Sciences and Disorders students at Radford

Students in COSD can join the Radford University Chapter of the National Student Speech-Language Hearing Association (NSSLHA).

Admission Requirements

Freshman and sophomores will be pre-COSD majors until junior status is achieved.

To be admitted into the COSD major, students must:

Attain junior status (minimum of 56 credit hours earned).
Earn a minimum of a 2.80 cumulative grade point average in all coursework completed at Radford University.
Complete an application for the COSD major in Academic Advising at the Highlander Success Center (third floor in Young Hall).

Clinical Observation Opportunities

The Radford University Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic (RUSLHC) provides on-site clinical training for graduate students in speech-language pathology. Undergraduates are offered the opportunity to observe sessions in the clinic to learn about the field and complete the observation hours for SLP certification.

The RUSLHC provides prevention, assessment, and treatment of individuals from childhood through later adulthood in the areas of:

articulation
language
feeding and swallowing
cognition
social communication
augmentative and alternative communication
stuttering
literacy
voice and resonsance
hearing

Undergraduate Student Outcomes

Program Completion Rates

The 3-year average on time graduation rate is 87%.

Period	# of students who graduated on time	% of students who graduated on time
2022-2023	17	81%
2021-2022	18	90%
2020-2021	18	90%

Graduate Program Acceptance Rates

The 3-year average for students who applied to a graduate program and were offered admission was 93%.

Period	# of students who applied to a graduate program and were offered admission	% of students who applied to a graduate program and were offered admission
2022-2023	12/12	100%
2021-2022	14/15	93%
2020-2021	13/15	87%

Where do our undergraduate students go for graduate school?

In the past 3 years our undergraduate students have enrolled in graduate programs at the following institutions:

Radford University
George Washington University
Ithaca College
James Madison University
East Tennessee State University
Longwood University
University of Pittsburgh
The University of Iowa
Syracuse University
Auburn University
University of Tennessee
Francis Marion University

Job Opportunities

The majority of our undergraduate students pursue graduate school to become a speech-language pathologist or audiologist. However, with the undergraduate degree in COSD our graduates have obtained the following jobs:

Speech-language pathology assistant
Registered behavior technician
Newborn hearing screener

93% of students who applied to a graduate program were offered admission

(three-year average, 2020-2023)
At Radford University you will have the ability to observe in the on-campus speech-language-hearing clinic to gain a deeper knowledge of the fields of speech-language pathology and audiology

Prepare for your next chapter

Begin a career as a speech-language pathology assistant or audiology assistant.
Pursue graduate studies in speech-language pathology or audiology to become a speech-language pathologist or audiologist
Prepare for related jobs, such as an occupational therapist, rehabilitation aide in a hospital or skilled nursing facility, therapeutic support staff, health services administrator, registered behavior technician, applied behavior analysis therapist, or hearing instrument specialist.

student with patient in wheelchair at a table smiling at each other

“I chose my major because I had trouble deciding between the educational field and the medical field. With speech pathology, I can get a touch of both education along with the medical side of things. Additionally, there are so many options that I could do with speech pathology, such as working in public school with pediatrics or working in nursing homes with the elderly.”

Miranda Brewster ‘25

Ready to Study at Radford?

We want to get to know you better and we are excited that you are ready to take your next step and learn more about us. We are here to help you and look forward to working with you during your college search process.