A career in communicative disorders offers many challenges and opportunities. Many of these opportunities involve working with individuals throughout their life span and within a variety of settings. In order to take advantage of these opportunities, individuals employed in the communicative disorders field rely heavily on their undergraduate training.- Cal State Fullerton offers a high quality degree program that creates a strong foundation for students to use in their careers.

The faculty at Cal State Fullerton is comprised of quality professors and teaching assistants that are respected throughout the nation. Their particular areas of strength include specialized, in-depth education in the diagnosis and management of communicative disorders in persons with diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds. Other areas of strength are the use of technology to help persons who may need to communicate non-orally, and training individuals to work with swallowing disorders and with communication problems that occur when persons must breathe with the help of a ventilator.

The Communicative Disorders Program at Cal State Fullerton also provides benefits through its relationship with the community. We are fortunate to be able to provide to our students a strong association with a large number of hospitals, schools and clinics in the community. These organizations are closely involved with the university in the education and training of students in communicative disorders.

Our program also benefits from its association with national agencies that govern the field of communicative disorders. We have been accredited by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association since 1969, a distinction shared by just one other program in California. Each of these indicators of quality provides assurance that Cal State Fullerton can provide the education that students need to meet the complex demands of being a speech-language pathologist in the 21st century.

 

What types of career opportunities are available?

Speech-language pathologists are specialists in the diagnosis and treatment of communicative disorders. They work in a variety of settings including public schools; clinics and agencies; private practice; and hospitals of various types, including acute, rehabilitation, psychiatric and extended care hospitals. They work with communicative disorders of all types. Many of these disorders occur in children with developmental problems. Speech-language pathologists also work with the communicative and swallowing disorders that result from certain illnesses and injuries. While most speech-language pathologists decide to work directly with people who have communicative disorders, some teach in colleges or universities, conduct research or work as administrators. Others develop products and devices that are useful for people with communicative disorders or for speech-language pathologists.

Opportunities exist in every sector of the United States, and there are challenging opportunities in many parts of the world. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, our nation needs to increase the number of professionals in this field by 36 percent over the period from 1996 to 2006 (Occupational Outlook Handbook. Chicago, IL: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 1998).

 

What courses are required for the major?

Undergraduate students seeking a B.A. in Communicative Disorders are encouraged to seek breadth in the natural sciences, as well as in the humanities and social sciences. Such a background is critical to speech-language pathologists who must be able to communicate with a variety of people with varied backgrounds and interests. Carefully selected general education courses may be used to satisfy this important expectation for breadth of study.

The requirements for the major include completion of 42 units from the program listed below.

What are the special features of the Communicative Disorders Program?

Accreditation - The Communicative Disorders Program has been accredited by the Educational Standards Board of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association without interruption since 1969. This is a distinction shared with only one 'Other training program in California.

Outstanding Faculty - Our program's faculty and clinical stall consist of experts in speech pathology, audiology, and speech/language development, Still, the faculty's first priority is students-teaching, providing guidance and helping them realize their goals.

Resources - Our program includes a well-equipped laboratory for studying the acoustic and physiologic aspects of speech. The program has an on campus Speech and Hearing Clinic, as well as affiliations with over thirty hospitals, schools and clinics that provide clinical training to its students.

 

What activities are available?

The Communicative Disorders Program sponsors an active chapter of the National Student Speech-Language-Hearing Association. The NSSLHA chapter provides a bridge between students and their futures as professionals by hosting speakers from various facets of the profession. In addition, NSSLHA coordinates social activities for students and faculty members.

 

How do I get advisement?

You may obtain initial advisement from the department undergraduate adviser who will counsel with you and help you select a permanent undergraduate adviser. As a communicative disorders major, you will receive advisement from full-time faculty members who are committed to helping each student accomplish his or her professional goals.

Department of Human Communication Studies
College Park 420-1
California State University, Fullerton
PO. Box 6868 Fullerton, CA 92834
(714) 278-3617

 

Visit the Advisement Center for more information.

Students are expected to see their academic advisers every semester. The department mails pre registration advisement newsletters to all majors with the latest information concerning course availability and procedures.