Communication Disorders

Christopher Dromey, Chair
140 TLRB, (801) 422-4318

David O. McKay School of Education Student Services
120 MCKB, (801) 422-3426

Admission to Degree Program

This is a limited-enrollment program requiring departmental approval for admission. Please see the information below regarding requirements for admission to this major. Additional information is available on the department's website: http://education.byu.edu/comd.

The Discipline

The discipline of communication disorders contains two related fields, speech-language pathology and audiology. The field of speech-language pathology is focused on helping individuals develop their communication abilities or regain lost communication skills through rehabilitation services. The field serves persons with speech and language disorders such as stuttering, articulation problems, aphasia, voice disorders, language delay, and similar communication difficulties. Students develop a knowledge base about speech and language development, the anatomy and physiology of the speech mechanism, the neurology of perception and production of speech and language, the disorders that cause speech and language problems, and the intervention and remediation strategies for treating communication disorders. Professionals often work in public schools, hospitals, private or community clinics, or private practice.

Audiology is a profession that deals with the measurement of hearing and hearing impairment. Audiology includes the study of the nervous system and how we process auditory information, the testing and analysis of disorders of the auditory system, the use of hearing aids, cochlear implants, and other assistive listening devices to enhance hearing capabilities in individuals with hearing loss or other disorders of the auditory system. Professionals typically work with hearing aid manufacturers, in public schools, hospitals, private or community clinics, or in private practice.

Career Opportunities

This is a preprofessional program leading to a graduate degree that is required for entrance into the profession.

Program Acceptance Requirements

Students must be accepted into the Communication Disorders (ComD) major before they may take 300- or 400-level courses in the department. To apply, students must have completed the following three courses:

1. Stat 121
2. PDBio 220
3. ComD 133

Acceptance to the program is based on the grade point average (GPA) from these three courses. The minimum GPA required for admission to the program is determined by number of students admitted to the program (currently 100), and the minimum GPA will thus vary from year to year. Both the number of students admitted and the minimum GPA required for admission are subject to change. GPA data on previous years are not yet available.

Only one repeat of each course is allowed for purposes of determining acceptance to the major. The application deadlines are October 1 and May 1. Application forms are available in the Education Student Services Center (120 MCKB), the ComD department office (136 TLRB), or on the department's web site at http://education.byu.edu/comd. These same program acceptance requirements must be followed to declare a minor in ComD.

Graduation Requirements

To receive a BYU bachelor's degree a student must complete, in addition to all requirements for a specific major, the following university requirements:

• The university core, consisting of requirements in general and religious education. (See University Core for details. For a complete listing of courses that meet university core requirements, see the current class schedule.)
• At least 30 credit hours must be earned in residence on the BYU campus in Provo as an admitted day student
• A minimum of 120 credit hours
• A cumulative GPA of at least 2.0
• Be in good standing with the Honor Code Office

Undergraduate Programs and Degrees

BS in Communication Disorders

Minor in Communication Disorders

Students should see their college advisement center for help or information concerning the undergraduate programs.

Graduate Programs and Degrees

MS in Communication Disorders

For more information see the BYU 2012–2013 Graduate Catalog.