University of Oregon, College of Education : CDS Undergraduate Program



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CDS Undergraduate Program

Department of Special Education and Clinical Sciences

Contact: Karen McLaughlin, undergraduate advisor
5284 University of Oregon
Eugene, OR 97403-5284
Email: kdurany@uoregon.edu

·	CDS Faculty
·	Frequently Asked Questions
·	Course Sequence 2009-2011
·	Major Requirements 2009-2011
·	Major Requirements 2008-2010
·	Course Sequence 2008-2010
·	Course Sequence 2007-2009
·	Courses
·	Post-Baccalaureate Status

·	CDS Overview

PROGRAM PHILOSOPHY
Communication Disorders and Sciences Program
Effective communication plays a key role in the achievement of academic, social, and vocational success and, in turn, in the development of productive and contributing citizens. The philosophy of the Communication Disorders and Sciences (CDS) program is that the ability to communicate effectively is a fundamental right of all human beings. When this right is compromised through circumstances affecting any child, adolescent, or adult, society suffers along with the individual.

The CDS program is committed to the goal of preparing students to become speech-language pathologists who can work successfully with individuals of all ages who are challenged by communication disorders and who represent diverse cultural, linguistic, social, and economic backgrounds. The ability to apply empirical evidence, logic, and a scientific perspective to the process of enhancing communication skills in meaningful and ecologically valid contexts is emphasized throughout the program. Graduates assume positions in direct service, leadership, and research in educational, clinical, and consultation settings.

Bachelor's Degree
The bachelor's degree in CDS is considered a pre-professional degree. Students can earn either a bachelor of science (B.S.) or a bachelor of arts (B.A.). Students take pre-requisite courses during their freshman and sophomore years, and courses in the major are taken junior and senior year. All of the CDS undergraduate courses are considered pre-requisites to graduate level work. The bachelor's degree prepares students to enter a graduate program in either speech-language pathology or audiology. Some students choose the option of pursuing graduate work in related fields such as early intervention, special education, teaching, and human services.

The goals of the program are to provide students opportunities to learn about:
• the anatomic-physiological bases of speech, language, and hearing;
• the physical properties of speech (acoustics and phonetics);
• the role of biology, cognition, environment, and culture in language acquisition;
• the development of speech and language;
• speech, language, and hearing disorders across the life span;
• assessment and treatment procedures for individuals with speech, language, and hearing disorders;
• professional issues in speech-language pathology and audiology.

Program Prerequisites
The major is open to all students who have a cumulative GPA of 2.75. Students begin their CDS coursework during their junior year. Pre-requisite work can be done during the sophomore year. Students are encouraged to pursue a strong liberal arts curriculum freshman and sophomore years in biology, linguistics, English, psychology, and foreign language. Students participate in observations of therapy in the campus clinic and off-campus sites as part of their training.