Communication Sciences and Disorders

College of Health and Human Services

Program Description

The fields of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology are concerned with disorders of speech, language, communication, swallowing, and hearing. A Speech-Language Pathologist is trained to diagnose and treat language, speech, swallowing and cognitive disorders. An Audiologist is trained to identify impairments and dysfunction of auditory, balance, and other related systems.

The Department offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders and a Master of Science degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders. The Bachelor of Science degree provides a background in the theoretical and clinical foundations of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology. The Master’s degree provides professional training for a career in Speech-Language Pathology. The Department also offers a Second Bachelor of Science degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders through the College of Continuing Education. The Doctor of Audiology Degree (Au.D.) prepares students for clinical practice as Audiologists. 

Employment as a Speech-Language Pathologist in California requires both a Master's degree and a credential or license. Completion of the Master's degree provides the training necessary for students to qualify for the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association's Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology, California State License as a Speech-Language Pathologist and the Speech-Language Pathology Services Credential for working as a Speech-Language Pathologist in the California public schools. The Department also prepares students to apply for the Special Class Authorization, an extension of the Speech-Language Pathology Services Credential, required to teach a classroom for children with language disorders. Employment as an Audiologist requires a clinical doctorate of Audiology (AuD) and appropriate certification.

The broad, yet challenging, nature of the Bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders prepares students to apply for graduate study in the fields of speech-language pathology and audiology and for employment requiring a background in human development, communication, health, and education. Graduates have pursued further education and work in the fields of special education, counseling, and rehabilitation, as well as careers in the health insurance industry, disability law, career advising, and government health programs.

Degree Programs

BS in Communication Sciences and Disorders

Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.)

MS in Communication Sciences and Disorders

Accreditation

Communication Sciences and Disorders Master of Science (M.S.) Program

In addition to California State University, Sacramento's full accreditation by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), the Communication Sciences and Disorders Master of Science (M.S.) education program in Speech-Language Pathology at California State University, Sacramento is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 2200 Research Boulevard #310, Rockville, Maryland 20850, 800-498-2071 or 301-296-5700. Current period of 8 years beginning December 1, 2019 through November 30, 2027. 

The Speech-Language Pathology Services Credential with or without Special Class Authorization is approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC)

Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.) Program

The Doctor of Audiology program has received approval from the CSU Chancellor’s Office and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). In addition, the Accreditation Commission for Audiology Education (ACAE) has granted the program "Developing Status” and the Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.) education program in audiology at California State University, Sacramento is a Candidate for Accreditation by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 2200 Research Boulevard #310, Rockville, Maryland 20850, 800-498-2071 or 301-296-5700. Candidacy is a “pre-accreditation” status with the CAA, awarded to developing or emerging programs for a maximum period of five years. 

Notice to Students RE: Professional Licensure and Certification

California State University programs for professions that require licensure or certification are intended to prepare the student for California licensure and certification requirements. Admission into programs for professions that require licensure and certification does not guarantee that students will obtain a license or certificate. Licensure and certification requirements are set by agencies that are not controlled by or affiliated with the California State University and licensure and certification requirements can change at any time.

The California State University has not determined whether its programs meet other states’ educational or professional requirements for licensure and certification. Students planning to pursue licensure or certification in other states are responsible for determining whether, if they complete a California State University program, they will meet their state’s requirements for licensure or certification. This disclosure is made pursuant to 34 CFR §668.43(a)(5)(v)(C).

Special Features

  • Graduate students pursuing a degree in the Communication Sciences and Disorders Master of Science or Doctor of Audiology programs in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders participate in supervised clinical practica through the campus-based Maryjane Rees Language, Speech, and Hearing Center.
  • Graduate practica in Communication Sciences and Disorders include three semesters of on-campus clinic followed by an internship in the public schools and an internship in local hospitals or other agencies. Upon completion of the Master's degree, students will have acquired a variety of supervised clinical experiences totaling a minimum of 388 clock hours.
  • Graduate practica in the Au.D. Program include at least three semesters of on-campus clinic, a variety of internships in the Sacramento area, and a full-time externship in the final year of the program. 

Career Possibilities

Please note that most of the career possibilities listed below require additional education beyond the baccalaureate degree.

Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) · Speech-Language Pathologist in medical, school and private practice settings · Speech-Language Pathologist with Special Class Authorization to teach a classroom of communicatively disabled  children · Audiologist · Employment requiring a background in human development, communication, health, and education · Fields of audiology, special education, counseling, rehabilitation, the health insurance industry, disability law, career advising, hospital administration, school administration and government health programs.

Contact Information

Heather Thompson Department Chair
David Gleason, Administrative Support Coordinator
Folsom Hall 2316
csd-department@csus.edu
(916) 278-4867
https://www.csus.edu/college/health-human-services/communication-sciences-disorders/ 

Faculty

ABENDRTOTH, KATHLEEN

D'ANGELO, LISA

DAVIS, TONIA

GAETA, LAURA

GARRAWAY, ARIEL

HAGGE, DARLA

PATTERSON, AISHAH

ROSEBERRY-MCKIBBIN, CELESTE

VENKITAKRISHNAN, SOUMYA