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 encouraged to meet most 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 (60 credits)
A recipient of a B.S.Ed. degree from the Curry School must complete at least 60 of the 120 credits required for graduation at the University of Virginia. 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 35 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.
Grade Point Average (GPA) Requirement
Students must earn a minimum GPA of 2.0 on all courses attempted at the University.
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