Communication Sciences & Disorders Degree
Prepare yourself for a successful, prosperous career at one of the finest speech-language pathology programs in Texas.
The communication sciences and disorders degree program at Hardin-Simmons University combines a solid academic foundation in understanding, recognizing and treating communication disorders with a heavy emphasis in direct field experience to prepare you to take on graduate school and the future job market.
When you choose HSU to pursue your communication sciences and disorders degree, you can look forward with confidence: more than 95% of this program’s graduates are accepted into graduate school or a job in the field within a year of graduation.
Real-World Opportunities
Gain real-world experience and interdisciplinary knowledge at HSU. As a communication sciences and disorders major, you’ll have the chance to interact and work directly with licensed professionals in the field through hours of observation and direct practice.
Program Contact
Becky Saterbak
Assistant Professor and Head of Communication Sciences and DisordersRequest Information
Why Earn Your Communication Sciences and Disorders Degree at Hardin-Simmons?
Enjoy an Interactive, Intimate Learning Environment
HSU provides communication disorders majors with an excellent undergraduate liberal arts education. Foundational coursework in the field of CSD includes training in ethics, as well as outreach opportunities. Small classes, caring professors, and an interactive learning process will ensure your successful preparation for grad school and the workforce.
Gain Practical Real-World Experience
After anchoring you with a strong foundation of academic knowledge in communication disorders and physiology, our program provides you ample real-world experience to give you a feel for your future career. Communication sciences and disorders majors at HSU interact with certified and licensed speech-language pathologists in a variety of settings as they evaluate and treat individuals of all ages. Get ready for grad school with up to 50 hours of observation and direct therapy over the course of this degree program.
Prepare for Graduate School and Licensure
Almost all graduates of our communication sciences and disorders program go on to pursue grad school and licensure as speech-language pathologists and audiologists, and more than 95% of our graduates are accepted to grad school within one year of completing their bachelor’s degree!
CSD Faculty Prepared Me for Grad School
“Being a CSD student was one of the best parts of college! The professors made my experience enjoyable; my peers were helpful and kind; and NSSLHA was a large part of my college career. The CSD department prepared me for graduate school in many ways and I can’t wait to start this new path with the preparation I was given as an undergrad.”
What Can You Do with a Communication Sciences and Disorders Degree?
Communication sciences and disorders majors at HSU develop a strong academic foundation in preparation for assessing and treating individuals across the lifespan. Our program graduates are eligible to become licensed in Texas as speech-language pathology assistants (SLP-A), who work primarily in educational settings, treating students with communication disorders.
More than 95% of our communication sciences and disorders graduates continue their education by pursuing a master’s degree in speech-language pathology or a doctorate in audiology and ultimately become licensed practitioners.
Some graduates of our program also choose to work as SLP-As before pursuing grad school, many finding jobs with regional care providers such as Sweetwater ISD, Angels of Care Pediatric Home Health, and the West Central Texas Shared Services Arrangement.
Jobs for Communication Sciences and Disorders Degree Graduates
- Speech-language pathologist assistant
- Rehabilitation aide
- Behavioral therapist
Program Details
Communication Sciences and Disorders majors must meet a few prerequisite requirements to participate in clinical courses or seek placement in internships or externships. These requirements include:
- An overall GPA of at least 3.0
- A minimum GPA of 3.25 in Communication Sciences and Disorders degree courses
- At least 12 hours of required Communication Sciences and Disorders degree courses must have been completed at HSU
Additionally, certain clinical work or internship/externship opportunities may have specific site requirements.
At Hardin-Simmons University, we’re committed to providing quality, affordable Christian education to all students. While there aren’t any scholarships specific to the communication sciences and disorders degree program, the average HSU student receives more than $12,000 annually in financial aid. Visit our Endowed Scholarships page for more information.
Alumni
 Julianne House
Being a Communication Sciences & Disorders major at HSU isn’t just about getting through classes and making good grades so that you’ll graduate. The professors challenge their students to learn the material, think critically, problem solve, research, analyze data, and encourage a practice of life-long learning. My experience was full of challenges, successes, and failures that benefitted my educational and personal growth. I am so thankful for the environment that fostered my love for CSD and how it all led me to where I am today: a college graduate headed to graduate school! |
Current Students
 Kaitlyn King
“I love being a part of the HSU CSD department. The close-knit community of fellow classmates and professors promotes an uplifting and enjoyable learning environment.” |
 Maggie Archinal
“I love the CSD department because it is one big family full of individuals with a shared passion.” |
 Samantha Eberle
“My favorite thing about being a student in the CSD department is the relationships I’ve built. You become so close with the people in the program because of the small class size. I know I have made friends that I will keep in touch with for the rest of my life!” |
The Communication Sciences and Disorders department sponsors a pre-professional club for all majors. The National Student Speech Language Hearing Association (NSSLHA) at Hardin-Simmons University meets monthly to discuss topics vital to the field. Additionally NSSLHA sponsors several outreach activities and social events yearly.
If you’re thinking about a communication disorders major, you might also be interested in learning more about these bachelor’s degree programs at Hardin-Simmons University:
