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Bachelor of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders
Media masthead - Communication disorders students walking out of Truesdail center
Redlands
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Bachelor of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders

Bachelor of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders

The Bachelor of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders (CDIS) promotes the study of the science and practice of human communication in the context of a liberal arts education.

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Degrees Offered

Bachelor of Arts

Program Types

Undergraduate, Major, Minor

Mode of Study

On Campus

Department

Communication Sciences & Disorders

School / College

College of Arts and Sciences

What is communication sciences and disorders?

The Bachelor of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders (CDIS) qualifies students for the field of treating and caring for patients with communication disorders. At Redlands, this program specifically explores the complexities and science of how people communicate. Through this pre-professional undergraduate degree, you'll prepare to continue seamlessly into a graduate degree in speech-language pathology or audiology.

Why major in Communication Sciences and Disorders at Redlands?

The Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Redlands is nationally recognized with an over 50-year legacy of excellence in academic rigor, and personalized and student-centered education. Faculty instructors and advisors are experts in their field both clinically and academically. At Redlands you'll learn in a connected, collaborative cohort of students. 

Our CDIS program integrates the foundational science of speech, language, and hearing with the crucial liberal arts skills of critical inquiry, analytical problem-solving, and compassionate perspective-taking, all skills essential for personal and professional success. The Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders (CDIS) undergraduate curriculum provides students with a foundation for various career pathways. Application to graduate programs in the senior year is one pathway.  Other pathways beyond the BA in Communication Sciences and Disorders include, but are not limited to, the following: Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA), Behavioral Interventionist, Educational Specialist, bilingual interpreter/translator, as well as other medical and educational professions.

Classes you'll take

The major easily accommodates 4-year students and transfer students. A minimum of four semesters are required to complete the 39-40 credit Communication Sciences and Disorders major. The required courses are listed below.

Learn more about program requirements and course descriptions in the current university catalog.

  • CDIS 100: Introduction to Communication Sciences and Disorders
  • CDIS 204: Speech and Language Science
  • CDIS 205: Audiology
  • CDIS 206: Anatomy and Physiology
  • Statistics (College level, must be taken before CDIS 307)
  • CDIS 307: Language Development
  • CDIS 309: Phonetics and Phonology
  • CDIS 308: Language Disorders
  • CDIS 410: Neural Basis of Communication (elective)
  • CDIS 411 or 413 (Capstone)

Minor in Communication Sciences and Disorders

Students with a minor in CDIS will study the communication process and are introduced to speech, language, and hearing science, development, and disorders. Interest in the topic of human communication and communication impairments can complement many majors. People interested in education or healthcare may work with people with communication disorders.

Complete ALL of the following courses:

  • CDIS100 - Introduction to Communication Sciences & Disorders
  • CDIS204 - Speech and Language Science
  • CDIS206 - Anatomy and Physiology of Communication
  • CDIS307 - Language Development
  • CDIS308 - Language Disorders
    • OR CDIS309 - Phonetics and Phonology
  • CDIS101 - Clinical Case Studies in Communicative Disorders
    • OR CDIS205 - Audiology and Hearing Science
    • OR CDIS208 - Statistical Methods
    • OR CDIS260 - Travel/Service Learning in Latin America Focus on Language, Culture and Education
    • OR CDIS308 - Language Disorders
    • OR CDIS309 - Phonetics and Phonology
    • OR CDIS410 - Neural Basis of Communication and Communication Disorders
    • OR CDIS411 - Assessment and Intervention in Communication Sciences and Disorders
    • OR CDIS413 - Communication Sciences and Disorders Capstone
    • OR CDIS464 - Sem in Comm Disorders 
Undergraduate application deadlines
Fall Term - First Year

Early Action 1: November 1
Early Action 2: December 1
Regular Decision: January 15*

Spring Term - First Year
Deadline: November 1*
Fall Term - Transfer
Priority Deadline: March 1*
Spring Term - Transfer
Priority Deadline: November 1*
Note
*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis after the deadline based on capacity.
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What You'll Learn

Integrate content areas in communication sciences and disorders, as they apply to infants through adults (i.e., across the lifespan).
Demonstrate the ability to listen, speak, read, and write about communication sciences to describe and explain concepts in the field.
Apply scientific and theoretical reasoning to critically evaluate resources related to the field (e.g., peer-reviewed or not; evidence-based practice or not).
Explain variability in human communication in the context of biological, cultural, and linguistic diversity.
View learning outcomes in catalog

What You'll Learn

Graduates pursue careers in

Mutiple media - Communication sciences behavioral assessment worker

Graduates pursue careers in

Help people of all ages diagnose and treat communication disorders.
Provide care through therapeutic treatments for people with speech and hearing disabilities.
Teach others about and/or aid those with communication disorders in educational settings.
Rehabilitation aide in hospitals/outpatient clinics
Behavioral therapist for children with autism
Speech-language pathologist assistant
Nursing home activity coordinator
Newborn hearing screenings
Nursing assistant/CNA
Hearing aid dispenser
Child life specialist
Substitute teacher
Mask group (65)

Redlands' Signature Experiences

The Core Four Framework

At Redlands, our students’ success is at the heart of everything we do. We offer experiential learning opportunities, but our CORE Four initiative takes that commitment to a deeper, intentional level. More than a set of experiences, the CORE Four is a framework for transformation. Learn more about how students can prepare for their academic journey.

Learn more
100 %

of University of Redlands BA in Communication Sciences & Disorders graduates have successful outcomes within six months of graduation.

First Year Destination Survey, 2023

9 out of 10 ( 91 %)

Alumni shared they gained critical thinking skills from their degree.

NACM Alumni Career Mobility, 2022

Top 10

Best Universities in the West

U.S. News & World Report, 2023

Featured faculty

Every Redlands faculty member is an active practitioner in their field. The classes they teach emerge from their unique research and practices, and they’re passionate about what they’re sharing.

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