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Truesdail Center
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.
Degrees Offered
Bachelor of Arts
Program Types
Undergraduate, Major, Minor
Mode of Study
On Campus
Department
Communication Sciences & DisordersSchool / College
College of Arts and SciencesWhat 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.
What You'll Learn
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.
Student Testimonial
“I chose Redlands because of the Truesdail Center...It’s ideal for students because of the major and the clinic, and Redlands was a local school.”
— Rebecca Aguirre ’23, BA Communication Sciences and Disorders
Redlands CDIS Highlights
Truesdail Center Clinic
The department houses the Truesdail Center Clinic. Truesdail Center is a not-for-profit clinic setting which provides speech-language-hearing services for infants through adults. Offering 10 specialty clinics, the clinic serves people of all ages who have a variety of different types of communication disorders (e.g., aphasia, hearing impairments, language disorders, speech sound disorders, stuttering).
The program integrates cultural and linguistic diversity throughout the curriculum. The CDIS faculty represent a diverse range of clinical skills and areas of study. Many of the faculty are bilingual which informs their teaching and research.
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.
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.
Maria L. Muñoz
Department Chair and Professor
Kerri Mitchell
Director of Clinic Education
Barbara Conboy
Professor
Solaman Cooperson
Professor
Yilan Liu
Assistant Professor
Lori Osborn
Professor
Sujin Shin
Associate Professor
Julia F. Shuler
Professor
Want to know more?
Get in touch with our admissions team.
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