Mar 28, 2024  
Undergraduate Record 2018-2019 
    
Undergraduate Record 2018-2019 [ARCHIVED RECORD]

Speech Communication Disorders


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Bachelor of Science in Education - Speech Communication Disorders


The undergraduate major in Speech Communication Disorders at the University of Virginia (a) introduces students to the fields of speech-language pathology and audiology and (b) provides pre-professional learning experiences to prepare students for graduate studies in either profession by emphasizing math, biological and behavioral sciences, basic human communication sciences, and critical thinking. Students enter into this major as an internal transfer (transferring from another school within UVA) or external transfer (transferring from another school outside UVA) in the third year. No specific pre-requisite courses are required for transfer into this major.

The undergraduate curriculum prepares students to choose from three career paths at the graduate level: (1) audiology, (2) speech-language pathology, or (3) speech and hearing science. Completion of an accredited graduate program is required for American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) certification, state licensure and professional practice in audiology or speech-language pathology.  Graduates with an undergraduate major in Speech Communication Disorders also go on to careers in other fields requiring good analytical and communication skills as well as a solid grounding in behavior science.

The Speech Communication Disorders major leads to a Bachelor of Science in Education (B.S.Ed.). Students are enouraged to meet all general education requirements in their first two years, so they can concentrate on Speech Communication Disorders core courses in years three and four. There is no practicum requirement for this major.

Residence Requirement

A recipient of a B.S.Ed. degree from the Curry School must have completed at least four semesters of full-time (12 credits) study at the University of Virginia while enrolled in the Curry School of Education. Exceptions for emergency situations may only be granted with the advisor’s and dean’s permission. In addition, all students must be full-time (12 credits minimum) during all semesters, except the final one (9 credits minimum). 

The major includes at least 32 credits of approved coursework covering the nature of various communication disorders, and an introduction to the prevention, evaluation, and treatment of speech, language, hearing, and swallowing disorders. The coursework addresses normal and disordered human development and behavior across the life span and throughout culturally/linguistically diverse populations.

Though there are a number of required courses, students also have opportunities to shape coursework according to career goals, including adding a second major or a minor inside or outside of the Curry School. A faculty member from Speech Communication Disorders will serve as the academic advisor, assisting students with the selection of classes.

B.S.Ed. Speech Communication Disorders Curriculum (120 credits)


General Education Requirements (36 credits)


See the section Curry School of Education and Human Development: Academic Rules, Regulations, and Information : General Education Requirements for more details.

Competency Requirements

  • First Writing, 3 credits
  • Second Writing, 3 credits
  • Cultural Literacy, 3 credits
  • Data Literacy/Statistics, 3 credits

Area Requirements

  • Mathematics and Natural sciences, 9 credits
    • One Physical Science or Chemistry course is required
    • One Biology course is required
  • Humanities, 6 credits
  • Social Sciences, 9 credits
    • One Psychology or Sociology course is required

Proposed SCD Major Course Outline


First Year and Second Year: Semesters 1-4 (60+ credits)


  • First Writing Credits: 3
  • Second Writing Credits: 3
  • Cultural Literacy Credits: 3
  • Humanities Credits: 6
  • Social Sciences Credits: 9
  • Mathematics and Natural Science Credits: 9
  • General Electives

Third Year: Semesters 5 & 6 (30+ credits)


Fourth Year: Semesters 7 & 8 (30+ credits)


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