Overview
In our program you will gain a foundational understanding of typical speech, language, and hearing development and a basic knowledge of the assessment and treatment of a variety of communication disorders. Examples include developmental language disorders, speech sound disorders, aphasia, and hearing loss. You may pursue a career in speech-language pathology, audiology, or other health or education professions. In our program you will have the opportunity to observe and have hands-on experiences in the on-campus clinic.
Why Study Communication Sciences and Disorders at Radford?
- Small class sizes
- Open door policy and tutoring with faculty
- Opportunities to participate in therapy in the Radford University Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic
- Research and service-learning opportunities with faculty
Careers and Internships
The majority of our undergraduate students go on to graduate school to become speech-language pathologists or audiologists. Some continue in graduate programs in related fields (e.g., education, occupational therapy). Students with an undergraduate degree in COSD also have the option to enter careers as a speech-language pathology assistant, registered behavior technician, and newborn hearing screener, hearing instrument specialist, or therapeutic support staff.
Admission Requirements
Freshman and sophomores will be pre-COSD majors until junior status is achieved.
To be admitted into the COSD major, students must:
- Attain junior status (minimum of 56 credit hours earned).
- Earn a minimum of a 2.80 cumulative grade point average in all coursework completed at Radford University.
- Complete an application for the COSD major in Academic Advising at the Highlander Success Center (third floor in Young Hall).
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93% of students who applied to a graduate program were offered admission
(three-year average, 2020-2023)
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At Radford University you will have the ability to observe in the on-campus speech-language-hearing clinic to gain a deeper knowledge of the fields of speech-language pathology and audiology
Prepare for your next chapter
- Begin a career as a speech-language pathology assistant or audiology assistant.
- Pursue graduate studies in speech-language pathology or audiology to become a speech-language pathologist or audiologist
- Prepare for related jobs, such as an occupational therapist, rehabilitation aide in a hospital or skilled nursing facility, therapeutic support staff, health services administrator, registered behavior technician, applied behavior analysis therapist, or hearing instrument specialist.
“I chose my major because I had trouble deciding between the educational field and the medical field. With speech pathology, I can get a touch of both education along with the medical side of things. Additionally, there are so many options that I could do with speech pathology, such as working in public school with pediatrics or working in nursing homes with the elderly.”
