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Why Should I Choose Communication Sciences and Disorders?

A bachelor's degree in Speech and Language Disabilities or in Speech and Hearing prepares you for graduate study and a rewarding career in an allied health profession. Either major will prepare you for advanced study to become a speech-language pathologist or an audiologist. Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology are among the fastest-growing professions in the United States.

Our program is significantly different from other undergraduate CSD programs because of the amount of clinical practice you'll receive. Starting in your junior year, you'll have the opportunity to gain clinical experience in our on-campus Speech and Hearing Clinic under the supervision of faculty licensed in Speech Language Pathology and Audiology. EC offers you

  • Clinical Practicum experiences in speech and language therapy and audiology, beginning in your junior year
  • A 12-week student teaching experience that leads to New York State initial teaching certification in Speech and Language Disabilities
  • An internship opportunity in a variety of settings, or you might spend a term working in the local school districts under the supervision of a licensed speech-language pathologist, or as an intern for a local audiologist’s office
  • Articulation agreements with graduate programs that provide students a streamlined path from undergraduate to graduate studies, including an agreement with the Thiel College Speech-Language Pathology Graduate Program

What Will I Learn Through Communication Sciences and Disorders?

The course of study, which is aligned with the American Speech and Hearing Association, will teach you foundational information related to communication disorders and about the special populations we serve. You'll learn from experienced professionals through a blend of classroom instruction and real-world practice. With simulations, labs, and direct clinical experience, we bring the classroom into the clinic—and the clinic into the classroom. You’ll gain skills in:

  • Speech & language diagnostics and screenings
  • Individualized speech & language therapy
  • Hearing evaluations and screenings
  • Central auditory processing assessments
  • Counseling and support techniques

We'll also help you develop critical thinking skills, clinical decision analysis, and effective communication when working in an interdisciplinary medical team.

See Course Catalog (Speech and Language Disabilities)

See Course Catalog (Speech and Hearing)

Pursuing another field of study? A minor in Speech and Hearing can help broaden your skills and pairs well with several other majors.


"I love my professors, they are so supportive. It's like having a mom and dad helping answer every question and being there for you with every step we need to take."
–Leeann Lawrence '23

What Can I Do With A Communication Sciences and Disorders Degree?

A CSD degree opens the door to a variety of exciting and meaningful career paths! With a foundation in a CSD major, students can pursue graduate study to become a Speech-Language Pathologist or Audiologist, or explore roles in education, healthcare, research, and advocacy. CSD graduates often work in homes, schools, hospitals, private practices, rehabilitation centers, or nonprofit organizations—helping people of all ages improve communication and quality of life.

More About Careers


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If you are looking for diagnostic or clinical services please see information about our on-campus Speech and Hearing Clinic.

Communication Sciences & Disorders by the Numbers

2 of 10

spots in Gallaudet University's competitive doctoral program went to Elmira College CSD graduates last year

100%

of CSD graduates who applied to graduate school since 2020 were accepted into their first choice school

100%

of students complete clinical observation hours and gain hands-on clinical experience in the Speech-Language and Audiology Clinic on campus

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