Bachelor of Science in Communicative Disorders and Sciences

Your Path to an Allied Health and Educational Support Career

Ready to make a life-changing impact on individuals with communication and swallowing disorders? Earn your Bachelor of Science in Communicative Disorders and Sciences (CDS) at San José State University to begin your journey to a career in speech-language pathology, audiology and related professions. 

This pre-professional program integrates an interdisciplinary curriculum with hands-on applied practice, ensuring you gain the expertise necessary to support individuals with communication disorders across the lifespan. With each course and hands-on experience, you build a solid academic foundation and professional skill set for entry-level graduate studies in speech-language pathology and audiology. 

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Why Become a Communicative Disorders and Sciences Major at SJSU?

For over 50 years, the Department of Communicative Disorders and Sciences at San José State University has equipped aspiring speech-language pathologists and audiologists with the essential, career-ready skills needed to succeed in the health-care and educational fields. 

As a CDS major, you benefit from:

  • An evidence-based curriculum that helps you master the fundamentals of speech, language and hearing sciences.
  • Clinical experiences that offer hands-on practice to selected, qualifying students that refine your clinical skill set and build your professional confidence, empowering you to serve our local communities.
  • Dedicated faculty who bring years of expertise and a deep passion for communicative sciences to the classroom, guiding your growth while at SJSU.
  • A collaborative cohort format that provides a built-in support system and professional network during your studies and after graduation.
  • A pathway to becoming a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) by completing the required coursework and an additional summer practicum.

Excited to learn more about what our university has to offer? Explore SJSU and how our achievements transform your education.

What You’ll Learn

With your BS in Communicative Disorders and Sciences, you’re positioned to step into high-demand roles in assisting speech-language pathologists, audiologists and educators and supporting students, patients and families. In addition to SJSU’s general education requirements, you take a series of major preparation and major requirements that bridge rigorous scientific training with an immersive introduction to clinical care.

As you progress through the CDS degree program, you: 

  • Gain an in-depth understanding of the anatomy and neurological systems that power human speech, hearing and swallowing.
  • Learn how to observe communication characteristics and differentiate differences and disorders .
  • Build the skills to support clients across the lifespan, from developmental delays and communication disorders in children to addressing neurological disorders in older populations.
  • Explore hearing and speech science, the principles and methods of hearing testing and aural rehabilitation procedures to prepare for advanced studies in speech language pathology and audiology.
  • Gain hands-on practice and guidance on ethical clinical practice, professionalism, interprofessional practice and/or leadership through major electives.

Upon completing the program, you build a skill set grounded in evidence-based practice and culturally responsive care.

Review Major Requirements

Learning Outcomes

  • Describe and explain basic principles of speech, language and hearing sciences across the lifespan, including anatomy and physiology, neurological underpinnings and language development.
  • Distinguish between characteristics of human communication differences and disorders across the lifespan.
  • Describe evidence-based practices, research literacy and interprofessional collaboration in speech-language pathology and audiology.
  • Articulate essential elements of inclusive, person-centered care, including cultural responsiveness and respect for individual identity.
  • Explain the importance of ethical and professional behaviors, emphasizing key principles such as honesty, respect and confidentiality in academic and workplace settings.

CDS Degree Requirements

To earn your Bachelor of Science in Communicative Disorders and Sciences, you must complete a total of 120 units. Our curriculum balances a broad educational foundation with the specialized, evidence-based training required for your future career. 

As a CDS major, you’ll complete:

  • University requirements - 38 units
  • Major preparation - 15–18 units
  • Major requirements - 42 units
  • Core courses - 36 units
  • Major electives - 6 units
  • University electives - 22–25 units

Major Electives

The program offers four elective courses:

  • Leadership: EDSP 150
  • Speech-Language Pathology Assistant: EDSP 178
  • Clinical Practicum: EDAU 177 / EDSP 177 (Note: Limited space available)

Students who have enrolled in previously approved clinical practicum substitution courses should submit a course substitution form. No new clinical practicum substitution will be approved.

Professional Requirements (ASHA & CCTC)

Undergraduate students must fulfill specific basic science course work for the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) and the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC) prior to graduation.

ASHA Basic Science Requirements

  • Biological Sciences: 1 course
  • Social/Behavioral Sciences: 1 course
  • Physical Sciences: 1 course
  • Statistics: 1 course 

Courses may be chosen from the 2026 SJSU CDS Roadmap.

CCTC Requirement

  • Human Development: 1 course (covering birth to age 22) from the listed options

Guided Clinical Observations

To become a certified speech-language pathologist, you must complete 25 hours of guided clinical observation. This requirement should generally be completed prior to direct client or patient contact.

Most CDS undergraduate students complete 10 or more hours through EDSP 176 and our department clinics.

Learn more about the CDS Guided Observation Policy and Procedures.

Communicative Disorders and Sciences Advising Resources

Stay on track toward earning your CDS degree with our step-by-step program guide. Whether you are planning your upcoming semester or mapping out your path to graduation, use the resources below to ensure you fulfill all requirements efficiently.

SJSU Student Spotlight

Meet Jessica Doushgounian, an undergraduate student on her way to becoming a pediatric speech-language pathologist. Learn about why she chose San José State University and how our faculty and clinical training are equipping her to make a lasting impact in the lives of children.

What Careers Can You Pursue as a Communicative Disorders and Sciences Major?

A BS in Communicative Disorders and Sciences provides a versatile foundation for careers in health care, education and beyond. Whether you’re planning to enter the workforce after graduation or preparing for graduate-level studies, our CDS degree program gives you the knowledge and skills required to excel. 

With your bachelor’s degree, you can pursue roles where you can support individuals with communication needs in various settings, including:

  • Academic Coach or Tutor
  • Rehabilitation Aide
  • School Audiometrist
  • Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
  • Teacher’s Aide

To take on more advanced positions as a licensed clinician, you must pursue graduate-level training:

  • Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP): Requires a master’s degree. .
  • Audiologist (AuD): Requires a clinical doctoral degree. .

If you do not pursue a graduate degree in either audiology or speech-language pathology, our BS in Communicative Disorders and Sciences provides a strong foundation in applied science to pursue a wide variety of career options, such as graduate study in:

Where SJSU’s Graduates Work

Empowered with real-world experience and industry connections, our alumni have built successful careers at companies and organizations.

BS in Communicative Disorders and Sciences Program Admissions

Applying to San José State University is your gateway to a transformative education and a thriving future. Whether you are just beginning your college journey, transferring from a community college or relocating to the U.S., our communicative disorders and sciences major helps you chart a path to a rewarding career.

Select your student type to review specific admission requirements and application instructions:

After you’re accepted to SJSU, you begin the CDS program with a cohort of peers once you reach junior standing. Review additional admissions information for the BS in Communicative Disorders and Sciences. 

Review our admissions deadlines to plan ahead.

Review our admissions deadlines to plan

SJSU’s Financial Aid and Scholarship Office offers the practical support and resources you need, empowering you to invest in yourself and your future. 

From finding scholarships and grants to submitting your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®), the Financial Aid and Scholarship Office team helps you understand how you can fund your BS in Communicative Disorders and Sciences degree and progress toward your academic goals. 

Financial Aid

Tap Into Your Potential at SJSU

Discover how earning your BS in Communicative Disorders and Sciences at San José State University can launch your allied health career and put you on the path to success. Through a collaborative cohort model and hands-on clinical training, you’ll develop the skills to diagnose and treat communication disorders and serve diverse communities.

Take the next step and apply to SJSU today! If you want additional guidance to plan ahead, schedule a pre-admission appointment with the pre-admission counseling team to get started.

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