Communication Sciences and Disorders

Dr. Diane Millar*, Interim Chairperson
www.radford.edu/~cosd-web/

Undergraduate Program

The mission of the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders is to develop professionals who are ethical, knowledgeable, skillful, and capable of working independently and in collaboration with clients, families, and other professionals.

The commitment of the department to this mission is reflected in the undergraduate liberal arts and sciences requirements; in the academic course work in normal and abnormal development and behavior across the human life span; in course work that engenders awareness of issues in culturally diverse populations; in human communication disorders, and in diagnostic and treatment methodologies; in clinical practica requirements; and in course work teaching research skills that support lifelong learning.

The department offers an accredited graduate program in Speech-Language Pathology and a pre-professional undergraduate program. At the undergraduate level, the department offers a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders.

The professional practice of speech-language pathology and/or audiology requires a graduate degree from an accredited program. The department offers Master of Arts and Master of Science degrees at the graduate level. Individuals applying for national certification and state licensure must hold a master’s (or doctoral) degree in the appropriate area of study, meet specific requirements in course work, practicum, and professional experience, and pass a national examination.

In the last year of undergraduate study, students apply to graduate programs in Speech-Language Pathology or Audiology. Completion of an undergraduate degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders (COSD) does not guarantee acceptance into a graduate program. Admission into graduate programs is competitive. Graduate school admission requirements and procedures are available in both the printed and on-line versions of the Radford University Graduate Catalog.

Advising

Freshman and Sophomore Years

Students wishing to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders (COSD) enter the Waldron College of Health and Human Services as Pre-COSD majors. They are advised through the Waldron College Advising Center. In their first two years, students typically complete their Core Curriculum requirements as specified below.

Junior and Senior Years

In order to be admitted as COSD majors, students must have junior class standing (completion of 56 semester credit hours) and have earned an overall grade point average of 2.8.

Graduation with Honors in Communication Sciences and Disorders

Radford University awards two types of Honors degree, Latin Honors and Honors in the Major through the Honors Academy. All COSD undergraduate majors are encouraged to learn about the requirements for these awards and take advantage of the academic opportunities offered through the Honors Academy. A general description of the Honors Academy at Radford University is available in the undergraduate catalog and on online at: http://www.radford.edu/~honors/index.html.

Academic Standards

To graduate with a bachelor’s degree in COSD, students must meet the degree requirements stated in the Academic Policies section of the Radford University Undergraduate Catalog and earn a minimum grade of “C” in each COSD course. Students who earn lower than a “C” in any COSD course after exhausting the university repeat option will be withdrawn from the program. High grade point averages (e.g. >3.50) will facilitate possible admission into graduate programs.

Academic Programs

Communication Sciences and Disorders, B.A.

Communication Sciences and Disorders, B.S.

Graduate Program

The department offers a graduate program, which is accredited by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association in speech-language pathology. Graduate school admission requirements and procedures are available in both the printed and on-line versions of the Radford University Graduate Catalog.