Students who major in CDS are seeking careers in the fields of speech-language pathology or audiology. Speech-language pathologists identify, evaluate and treat children and adults with speech, language, cognitive-communication, and/or swallowing disorders. Audiologists identify, diagnose and treat individuals with hearing and/or balance disorders.

The undergraduate coursework in CDS typically begins when a student has obtained Junior-level standing. The core curriculum is a two-year course of study that provides a foundation in speech, language, and hearing sciences as well as principles of assessing and treating individuals with communication disorders. The curriculum follows a specific sequence of courses that begins in the fall semester.

Our course sequence is carefully planned to maximize your success in the program. Fall courses are pre-requisite for the classes we offer in the spring. Consequently, students may not begin taking courses in the CDS curriculum during the spring semester. If you enter the University in spring or decide to change majors mid-year, consult with the CDS undergraduate advisor to plan an appropriate schedule of classes while you wait for your class sequence to start in fall. For more information about all program requirements, please see the degree requirements page.

A BA in CDS is not sufficient for a professional career as a speech-language pathologist or audiologist. Rather, the undergraduate degree in CDS forms the basis for future graduate-level course work in speech-language pathology or audiology. State and national standards require a Master's Degree (MA or MS) to practice speech-language pathology, and a clinical doctoral degree (AuD) to enter the practice of audiology. SJSU offers an MA in SLP. For a complete description of our MA program, please navigate to the MA Degree page. SJSU does not offer an AuD. A comprehensive list of AuD programs can be found on the websites of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and the American Academy of Audiology.

If you already have an undergraduate degree in another field but are interested in becoming a speech-language pathologist, please refer to the Extended MA degree page.

If you would like to change your major to CDS, click on the following link to download the Change of Major Form [PDF]. Please fill it out (it's writable), print it, and then bring it to Sweeney Hall 115 to have it signed by the Department Chair. The office will then process it for you and submit it to The Office of the Registrar.