Undergraduate CDS Program

The undergraduate program in CDS prepares students for life-long inquiry, leadership, and adaptation to change, through exposure to state-of-the-art instructional techniques which embrace questioning, interaction, assessment, and communication. The bachelor's degree requires 120 semester hours of coursework. Of these, 55 semester hours are related to coursework in the major. The remaining 62 semester hours include requirements to meet EIU's general education curriculum and requirements to meet the State Board of Education's general education requirements for teacher certification. Twenty-five clock hours of observation of clinical work, and approximately 20 clock hours of supervised clinical practicum are also part of the undergraduate program.

Click here to view and print: Typical Undergraduate Program  (You will need Adobe Reader to view the PDF file. Available here)

More detailed information speicifically for transfer students is also avaible

Click here for more information about visiting the program

Frequently Asked Questions 

How many Communication Disorders courses are required for the undergraduate degree?

Seventeen Communication Disorders & Sciences courses are required in order to complete the undergraduate degree.

Is there a required Grade Point Average (GPA) in order to be an undergraduate student in Communication Disorders & Science?

Students must have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 and 2.75 in CDS courses to be admitted and retained in the major. 

Can I find employment with a Bachelor's Degree in Communication Disorders & Science?

Students who complete the degree requirements and do not intend to pursue a graduate degree may find immediate entry into positions such as speech assistant, paraprofessional, or aide in public and private school systems. Students might also use this degree as a base for general educational and special education graduate studies or other human services professions, academic programs and clinical experiences. Click here for more information.

How are the 25 undergraduate clinical observation hours obtained?

Students will obtain most or all of the 25 observation hours as part of clinical shadowing experiences in CDS 3900.

Will I do "hands on" clinical work as an undergraduate student?

Yes, our undergraduate students enroll in CDS 4900 and provide "hands on" clinical services with a client during their senior year. A student typically provides 25-30 hours of speech therapy services with the client in the EIU Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic.

How many students are accepted into the Communication Disorders Master's program each year? Where are other Master's programs located?

The EIU Department of Communication Disorders Master's program has an incoming annual class of approximately 30 students. There are also Master's degree programs in speech-language pathology in 10 other universities in Illinois. Our undergraduate students who attend graduate school in speech-language pathology at other universities report being well-prepared for graduate school and not having any "make-up" coursework to do at the graduate level. For a complete listing of accredited programs, consult the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) web site.

I am a transfer student. Will I be able to graduate on time if I major in Communication Disorders?

Whether or not a student graduates "on time" (defined here as within 4 years after entering college) depends on many factors. The earlier a student begins the Communication Disorders Program, the greater the chances of finishing on time and having the opportunity for a clinical experience. Transferring sophomores can usually complete the program with a clinical experience and graduate within 4 years of starting college (taking at least 15 credits per semester), while juniors and seniors typically will need an additional semester or more in order to complete all requirements including clinic.  Some students who transfer as a junior choose to waive clinic from their undergraduate program.  Click here for more information for transfer students.

Who will be my academic advisor in the Department of Communication Disorders?

Faculty members in CDS teach courses, supervise clinical experiences, and serve as students' academic advisors.  Faculty members have an "open-door" policy and as advisors, help students map out the program so that students can anticipate when they will take each course. The advisor can also provide valuable graduate school and career counseling for students.