Online Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders Curriculum

Coursework for an online bachelor’s degree in communication sciences and disorders covers topics such as normal speech and language development, as well as speech pathology.

If you want to help people cope with or get past speech disorders, you might be interested in earning your online Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders. This program’s curriculum covers topics related to the science behind speech-language disorders, and it can help you learn how to treat them.

Your online communication sciences and disorders degree can help you begin the process of earning formal certification as you work toward becoming a speech-language pathologist or audiologist. Throughout the degree program, you can acquire knowledge through instruction while also experiencing simulated practical application, which can prepare you to earn your license to practice professionally.

These skills can help speech-language pathologists and audiologists excel in their field and treat people as effectively as possible, whether they find employment in medical facilities, private practice, or education.

Already have a bachelor’s degree in a different subject? We have you covered. Our 100% online Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Communication Sciences and Disorders can prepare you to pursue your master’s degree in speech-language pathology or audiology without having to earn another full bachelor’s degree. This certificate program is designed to help you bridge the gap between your undergraduate education and graduate-level studies in just 47 credit hours.

Maryville University Online BS in Communication Sciences and Disorders

Maryville’s online Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders comprises 128 credit hours and includes general education, general electives, and your communication sciences and disorders major. The curriculum also includes additional courses in healthcare and education that may not be listed below. The BS in Communication Sciences and Disorders can build the skills you need to help patients across all life stages develop or regain their ability to communicate. This degree is the foundation that can start your path toward community advocacy.

Core Major Courses

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CMSD 100	Introduction to Communication Disorders	3 Credits
This course will introduce normal speech, language, and hearing development, developmental disorders, and acquired disorders of speech and language in children and adults. Theories of etiology and examples of traditional intervention strategies are introduced for each disorder addressed. In addition, the potential impact of speech or language impairment on the social, emotional, and vocational aspects of a person’s lifespan is a focus.
CMSD 210	Phonetics	3 Credits
Prerequisite: CMSD-100 or concurrent with CMSD 100. Phonetics is designed to introduce students to the study of speech sounds, with an emphasis on American English. Participants will learn how American English speech sounds are produced and how to transcribe using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). Both broad and narrow transcription will be addressed. The clinical processes for articulation and phonological disorders will be discussed. Characteristics of regional and social dialects will be addressed. This course is required for CMSD majors.
CMSD 220	Speech and Hearing Science	3 Credits
Prerequisite: CMSD-210. This course will address the science behind assessment and treatment in the fields of speech-language pathology and audiology. Participants will apply the basic concepts underlying the production and analysis of speech sounds to clinical practice. This course is required for CMSD majors.
CMSD 310	Anatomy and Physiology of Speech	3 Credits
Prerequisite: BIOL 101, BIOL 102 This course will address anatomy, neuroanatomy, and physiology of the human speech mechanism. Course content includes upper body skeletal, muscular, respiratory, and nervous systems. The focus of the speech mechanism in relation to respiration, phonation, resonation, and articulation will be examined in depth as it relates to the field of communication sciences and disorders. This course is required for CMSD majors.
CMSD 330	Language and Speech Acquisition	3 Credits
Prerequisite: CMSD-210. This course is designed to provide an overview of typical American English language development, including major American dialects. Child language is placed in the context of social, motor, and cognitive development from birth through adolescence. Emphasis is placed on the crucial relationship between language development and literacy acquisition. Participants use basic language observation and analysis techniques to explore phonology, syntax, morphology, semantics and pragmatics. This course is required for CMSD majors.
CMSD 350	Speech Development and Disorders	3 Credits
Prerequisite: CMSD-210, CMSD 310. This course will provide participants with a scientific understanding of the nature of phonological and articulatory disorders. Assessment and treatment of speech sound disorders will be addressed to help participants apply this knowledge to clinical situations. The course will provide participants with the knowledge of the normal aspects of articulatory and phonological development and theories of phonological development. Identification of articulation and phonological disorders, how to interpret assessment findings, intervention approaches and facilitative strategies will be included as they relate to clinical practice. This course is required for CMSD majors.
CMSD 360	Language Development and Disorders	3 Credits
Prerequisite: CMSD-330. This course addresses the differentiation between normal language development and disordered language. Disorders in the areas of phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics will be discussed. Participants will apply theoretical principles of language development to the assessment and treatment of language disorders. The connection between language and literacy including the role of the speech-language pathologist will be discussed. This course is required for CMSD majors.

CMSD 410	Clinical Methods and Management	3 Credits
Prerequisite: CMSD-315, CMSD-320, CMSD-350, CMSD-360 This course will address assessment and treatment principles, methods and procedures relating to speech, language and hearing disorders. This course is required for CMSD majors.
CMSD 440	Audiology	3 Credits
Prerequisite: CMSD-310, CMSD-220. This course will address the anatomy and physiology of the human ear and the process of hearing. The basic principles of hearing assessment and characteristics of hearing disorders across the lifespan will be discussed. Participants will develop familiarity with the procedures and instrumentation used to measure human hearing and speech perception. This course is required for CMSD majors.
CMSD 470	Aural Rehabilitation	3 Credits
Prerequisite: CMSD-440. This course will introduce approaches to assisting persons with hearing impairment to maximize their communication interactions. Strategies such as speech-reading, speech auditory training, characteristics of Deaf culture and current issues in hearing impairment intervention will also be discussed. This course is required for CMSD majors.
CMSD 480	Neurological Basis of Communication Disorders	3 Credits
Prerequisite: CMSD-100, CMSD-210, CMSD-220, CMSD-310, CMSD-315,CMSD-320, CMSD-330, CMSD-350, CMSD-360 Students will participate in a practicum experience assisting graduate clinicians with fully licensed clinical supervisor(s) consistent with the requirements for becoming a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLP-A) in the State of Missouri. Student clinicians will learn how to apply treatment procedures, meet documentation requirements, and integrate knowledge and skills in speech pathology in the clinic setting. Support will be provided for graduate school applications and preparation. Evidence-based practice will be emphasized, and students may have the opportunity to participate in designing and implementing clinical research projects. This course is required for CMSD majors.
CMSD 485	Advanced Speech Pathology	3 Credits
Prerequisite: CMSD-410. A study of professional terminology, classification, etiologies, symptomologies, and appropriate therapy procedures used with individuals having specific communication disorders. The course is required for CMSD majors.
CMSD 490	Capstone/Clinic Experience in Communication Disorders 1	3 Credits
CMSD-100, CMSD-210, CMSD-220, CMSD-310, CMSD-315,CMSD-320, CMSD-330, CMSD-350, CMSD-360 Students will participate in a practicum experience assisting graduate clinicians with fully licensed clinical supervisor(s) consistent with the requirements for becoming a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLP-A) in the State of Missouri. Student clinicians will learn how to apply treatment procedures, meet documentation requirements, and integrate knowledge and skills in speech pathology in the clinic setting. Support will be provided for graduate school applications and preparation. Evidence-based practice will be emphasized, and students may have the opportunity to participate in designing and implementing clinical research projects. This course is required for CMSD majors.
CMSD 495	Capstone/Clinic Experience in Communication Disorders 2	3 Credits
Prerequisite: CMSD-100, CMSD-210, CMSD-220, CMSD-310, CMSD-315, CMSD-320, CMSD-330, CMSD-350, CMSD-360. Students will participate in a practicum experience assisting graduate clinicians with fully licensed clinical supervisor(s) consistent with the requirements for becoming a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLP-A) in the State of Missouri. Student clinicians will learn how to apply treatment procedures, meet documentation requirements, and integrate knowledge and skills in speech pathology in the clinic setting. Support will be provided for graduate school applications and preparation. Evidence-based practice will be emphasized, and students may have the opportunity to participate in designing and implementing clinical research projects. This course is required for CMSD majors.

Natural Sciences & Quantitative Reasoning

Students have the option to choose between PHYS120 OR CHEM120.

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BIOL 101	Anatomy & Physiology I	4 Credits
An emphasis on cellular and molecular levels and a survey of organs and organ systems introduces human structure and function.
BIOL 102	Anatomy & Physiology II	4 Credits
Biology 102 continues the study of human structure and function, emphasizing cellular and molecular levels, and survey of organs and organ systems.
SOSC 341	Understanding Statistical Inference	3 Credits
This course introduces students to both descriptive and inferential statistics. The following concepts and techniques are included: measures of central tendency and variability; sampling distributions; interval estimation; hypothesis testing (t-test, ANOVA); correlation and regression; chi square tests. Statistical software projects are required. Prerequisite: MATH 102 or 115 or higher

PHYS 120	The Physics of Light and Sound Waves	3 Credits
This course covers basic concepts of light, color, visual phenomena, and the physical principles involved in the description, generation, and reproduction of sound.
CHEM 120	General, Organic and Biological Chemistry	3 Credits
This course is a one-semester Chemistry course designed for non-Science majors including nursing students. Topics included are Measurement, Matter and Energy, Atoms and Elements, Compounds and Their Bonds, Chemical Quantities and Their Reactions, Gases, Solutions, Acids and Bases, Nuclear Radiation, Introduction to Organic Chemistry: Alkanes, Unsaturated Hydrocarbons, Organic Compounds with Oxygen and Sulfur, Carbohydrates, Carboxylic Acids, Esters, Amines, Amides, Lipids, Amino Acids, Proteins, Enzymes, Nucleic Acids, Protein Synthesis, Metabolic Pathways and Energy Production.

Education

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EDUC 352	Education/Psychology of Exceptional Children	3 Credits
This course is a survey of the various characteristics that differentiate the child labeled as exceptional. Students look at the effect of these differences upon a child's physical, social, emotional and cognitive development, as well as methods for accommodating those differences. Special attention will be given to differentiation of instruction within the regular classroom to provide the least restrictive environment for all learners. This course taken at the graduate level requires additional readings and assignments.

EDUC 322	Literacy for the SLP	3 Credits
This course explores young children's literacy development, investigating how children learn to read and write. Literacy is examined as a multidimensional complex activity with social, linguistic and psychological aspects. Students learn how young children acquire language including acquisition of non-standard English and English as a second language and the relationship of language with literacy development. Intervention strategies for teaching vocabulary, fluency, phonics, comprehension, and phonemic awareness are studied. Students will also gain a general overview of the writing process. This course promotes a balanced approach to literacy instruction and intervention.

Healthcare

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HEPR 109	Healthcare Management Terminology	3 Credits
A basic-level medical terminology course for those who plan to be involved or are already involved in the healthcare management field. The course will cover the definition, spelling and pronunciation of medical word roots and combining forms, prefixes, suffixes and medical abbreviations. Healthcare mangement terminology is also addressed in this course. This survey course is not recommended for students majoring in the health professions.
HEPR 300	Cultural Diversity in Health and Illness	3 Credits
This course explores the theoretical and conceptual aspects of cultural healthcare. Topics include culture and ethnicity, cultural variations in response to actual or potential problems of health and illness; review of research literature; and methods of caring for and treat individuals with culturally influenced responses.

HEPR 355	Counseling Skills for Healthcare Professionals	3 Credits
This course provides an introduction to core counseling skills that incorporates therapeutic listening and empathy communication techniques, crisis management, etc. related to professional/client relationships across cultures-specifically in health profession settings.

To ensure the best possible educational experience for our students, we may update our curriculum to reflect emerging and changing employer and industry trends. Professional licensure and certification regulations vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. Students are encouraged to visit the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) for the state in which they intend to practice to verify specific licensure requirements which include ensuring the program of interest meets the licensure requirements prior to enrolling. Students may visit the professional licensure page or reach out to our team of enrollment advisors for guidance.

Obtaining SLPA licensure or certification in any state is not guaranteed, students need to research their state’s specific licensing requirements.

Undergraduate programs and certificates are designed to be taken at a part-time pace. Please speak to your advisor for more details.

Students are required to complete 2 consecutive capstone courses which will need to incorporate direct (in-person) clinical field work. For more information about clinical fieldwork requirements, talk to an advisor.

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What are some common skills and competencies taught in a communication sciences and disorders curriculum?

The communication sciences and disorders curriculum is designed to help you build a working knowledge of the requirements for a career in speech-language pathology or audiology, as well as gain important skills and competencies that can help you in various life and work situations.

Pursuing your B.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders can help you gain skills and knowledge in:

Speech-language pathology (SLP). Most speech-language pathologists are required to hold at least a graduate degree. But before attending a master’s program, you can build your foundation in the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of speech and swallowing disorders, allowing you to pursue additional studies with confidence. Graduating with your bachelor’s degree also can qualify you to work as a speech-language pathologist assistant.

Audiology. Whereas speech-language pathologists assist patients who have difficulty communicating, audiologists support those who have hearing loss. Because balance is impacted by the health of the inner ear, audiologists also treat patients with vertigo. Becoming an audiologist requires many years of advanced study; however, a B.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders is an ideal place for you to start.

Current best practices. You can gain knowledge of, and virtual firsthand experience with, the current technology used to help those with varying degrees of speech, language development, and audiology needs. Your B.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders can help keep you up to date, so you know how and where to access relevant information to serve future clients.
SLPA licensure requirements. Many people choose the fields of speech-language pathology or audiology because they have a deep desire to assist those who struggle to communicate or hear. When you earn your online communication sciences and disorders degree, you receive the firsthand experience and resources necessary to prepare you to apply for a license to become a speech-language pathologist assistant (SLPA). This means you can intern or work alongside SLP professionals.
Project-based and experiential learning. Project-based learning helps you retain the information you are learning, leading to a better real-world application. This “learning by doing” approach is an important component of studying speech pathology and related areas. It can help you build not only textbook knowledge but also the know-how to apply what you’ve studied in actual client-practitioner settings with confidence.
Critical thinking. By learning to recognize, diagnose, and treat a wide variety of communication disorders, you can practice and build stronger problem-solving and analytical skills. Critical thinking skills are also important in helping you apply the scientific method and other critical approaches to challenges and scenarios you encounter.
Patience and communication. Learn how to identify communication abnormalities, as well as how to communicate your findings to peers and clients. This valuable skill empowers you to build strong relationships with your patients.

What are some common communication sciences and disorders curriculum courses?

Courses taken for this degree vary depending on the university. At Maryville University, our online degree program can help you build your communication sciences and disorders expertise through the following classes, among others:

Introduction to Communication Disorders. This course covers the normal development of speech, language, and hearing, along with how an impairment can affect a person’s well-being and lifespan. Specific disorders are introduced, along with intervention strategies particular to each disorder.

Phonetics. By studying phonetics, you can learn the basics of American English sounds, along with regional and social dialects, and how to transcribe them using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). You can also become familiar with the clinical processes for treating articulation and phonological disorders.

Speech and Hearing Science. As you complete this course, you can build your skills in identifying the science behind both the diagnosis of speech-language disorders and the methods used to treat them. This includes a foundational understanding of the typical tools used to measure speech.
Language Development and Disorders. Learning how language develops normally and how to identify abnormal development is important for any communication major. When you earn this degree online with Maryville, you can take a deeper look at impairment in areas like phonology, morphology, and semantics. Additionally, you can learn to apply the knowledge you’ve gained to assess and treat different communication disorders. Discover the invaluable role of a speech-language pathologist in bridging the gap between language and literacy.

Learn more about the communication sciences and disorders curriculum.

A career in speech-language pathology or audiology begins with a basic understanding of speech and hearing sciences, language development, and methods for treating common disorders.

The broad knowledge base and hands-on opportunities offered in our communication sciences and disorders curriculum can give you the training and experience needed for the next phase of higher learning.

From the phonetic alphabet to the science behind speech disorders, online coursework coupled with simulated hands-on experience can help you build a solid foundation for future graduate studies.

Want to learn more? Explore how our online Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders can help you pursue a career in communication sciences and disorders.

Online Bachelor’s in Communication Sciences and Disorders Curriculum

Maryville University Online BS in Communication Sciences and Disorders

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What are some common skills and competencies taught in a communication sciences and disorders curriculum?

What are some common communication sciences and disorders curriculum courses?

Learn more about the communication sciences and disorders curriculum.