Larry Aslin
Undergraduate Program Coordinator
606 N. Razorback Road
Room 272, Epley Center for Health Professions
479-575-4918
laslin@uark.edu

Speech and Hearing Clinic
Epley Center for Health Professions
606 N. Razorback Road
479-575-4509

An undergraduate major in communication sciences and disorders leads to the B.S. degree and prepares students for graduate studies (master’s level) in speech-language pathology and/or the professional doctorate in audiology. The minimum requirements for all students in the college are listed under general studies.

Admission to the B.S. Major Degree Program in Communication Sciences and Disorders is competitive and consists of a three-stage process. Students must apply for formal admission and be accepted to the undergraduate B.S. degree program in Communication Sciences and Disorders prior to taking junior- and senior-level classes in the major.

Stage I: Pre-Communication Sciences and Disorders (PCDIS)

All students declaring a major in communication sciences and disorders are accepted as tentative candidates to the undergraduate program and assigned the pre-communication code - PCDIS.
The PCDIS program includes:
  1. Complete all program pre-requisites courses.
  2. Obtain a minimum cumulative grade-point average of 3.0 on all college level coursework.
  3. Complete the following courses with a “C” or better: ENGL 1013 and ENGL 1023, MATH 1203 or equivalent, and COMM 1313.
  4. Obtain passing scores on the Core Academic Skills for Educator: Math, Reading, and Writing  sections of the Praxis Core Exam.

Students who do not meet admission criteria for the B.S. degree program in communication sciences and disorders in any given year may reapply in subsequent years.

Stage II: Admission to the Communication Sciences and Disorders Program (CDIS)

Admission to the Communication Sciences and Disorders Program is competitive and occurs after completion of all Pre-Communication Sciences and Disorders requirements and prior to the beginning of the fall semester of the junior year.
 
Applications to the Communication Sciences and Disorders (CDIS) program must be submitted by January 30th.
 
The application process includes:
  1. Submission of Communication Sciences and  Disorders Application Form, Letter of Intent, and Curriculum Guide Form.
  2. Submission of transcripts for all coursework
  3. Submission of passing score on Math, Reading, and Writing sections of Praxis Core Exam
  4. Satisfactory completion of an admission interview with designated faculty
As a result of the competitive process, not all applicants meeting the minimum requirements will be admitted to the program.
 

Stage III: Requirements for Program Continuation and Completion

 
  1. Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
  2. In order to enroll in CDIS 4003 Clinical Practicum: Undergraduate, students must have an overall GPA of 3.0 in the following courses: CDIS 2253, CDIS 3123, CDIS 3213, CDIS 3223, CDIS 3203, CDIS 4223 and a “B” in CDIS 3233.    Clinical Practice is an elective for undergraduates and is taken for course credit hours, not a grade.
  3. Meet all university requirements for graduation.

 Requirements for Communication Sciences and Disorders (CDIS)

State Minimum Core35
Of which Communication Sciences and Disorders requires the following specific courses:
Principles of Biology (ACTS Equivalency = BIOL 1014 Lecture)
and Principles of Biology Laboratory (ACTS Equivalency = BIOL 1014 Lab) (or higher level)
General Psychology (ACTS Equivalency = PSYC 1103)
Introduction to Cultural Anthropology (ACTS Equivalency = ANTH 2013)
Select one of the following:
Physics and Human Affairs
and Physics and Human Affairs Laboratory (or higher level)
College Physics I (ACTS Equivalency = PHYS 2014 Lecture)
and College Physics I Laboratory (ACTS Equivalency = PHYS 2014 Lab) (or higher level)
Fundamentals of Chemistry (ACTS Equivalency = CHEM 1214 Lecture)
and Fundamentals of Chemistry Laboratory (ACTS Equivalency = CHEM 1214 Lab) (or higher level)
Program specific course requirements for Communication Sciences and Disorders - 9 hours total
Select one of the following:3
Advanced Composition
Essay Writing
Technical and Professional Writing (ACTS Equivalency = ENGL 2023)
Honors Communication Disorders Thesis/Project 1
COMM 1313Public Speaking (ACTS Equivalency = SPCH 1003)3
STAT 2303Principles of Statistics (ACTS Equivalency = MATH 2103)3
Communication Sciences and Disorders Major Requirements (42 hours)
CDIS 2253Introduction to Communicative Disorders3
CDIS 3103Introduction to Audiology3
CDIS 3213Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech Mechanism3
CDIS 3123Normal Phonology and Articulatory Process (Normal Phonology and Articulatory Processes)3
CDIS 3203Articulation Disorders3
CDIS 3223Language Development in Children3
CDIS 3233Introduction to Clinical Practice3
CDIS 3253Cultural Diversity in Communication Disorders3
CDIS 4133Introduction to Aural Rehabilitation3
CDIS 4253Neurological Bases of Communication3
CDIS 4273Communication Behavior and Aging3
CDIS 4213Introduction to Speech and Hearing Science3
CDIS 4183Clinical Assessment of Speech and Language Disorders3
CDIS 4223Language Disorders in Children3
Electives34
Total Hours120
1

 Option only for students successfully completing Honors Program

Communication Sciences and Disorders B.S.

Eight-Semester Plan

All CDIS students are accepted as tentative candidates and thus not eligible for the eight-semester degree plan. Students must apply for formal admission to the undergraduate B.S. degree program in CDIS prior to taking junior- and senior-level classes in the major. However, students who qualify to finish a degree in four years can follow the suggested order of classes below.

First YearUnits
FallSpring
ENGL 1013 Composition I (ACTS Equivalency = ENGL 1013) (Satisfies General Education Outcome 1.1)3  
MATH 1203 College Algebra (ACTS Equivalency = MATH 1103) (Satisfies General Education Outcome 2.1)3  
Satisfies General Education Outcome 3.4:4  
BIOL 1543 Principles of Biology (ACTS Equivalency = BIOL 1014 Lecture)
& BIOL 1541L Principles of Biology Laboratory (ACTS Equivalency = BIOL 1014 Lab)4
   
U.S. History or Government State Minimum Core3  
Elective3  
ENGL 1023 Composition II (ACTS Equivalency = ENGL 1023) (Satisfies General Education Outcome 1.1)  3
Fine Arts or Humanities State Minimum Core (Satisfies General Education Outcome 3.1 or 3.2)1  3
COMM 1313 Public Speaking (ACTS Equivalency = SPCH 1003) (Satisfies General Education Outcome 1.2 and 5.1)  3
Electives  6
Year Total: 16 15
 
Second YearUnits
FallSpring
ANTH 1023 Introduction to Cultural Anthropology (ACTS Equivalency = ANTH 2013) (Satisfies General Education Outcome 3.3)23  
CDIS 2253 Introduction to Communicative Disorders3  
PSYC 2003 General Psychology (ACTS Equivalency = PSYC 1103) (Satisfies General Education Outcome 3.3)23  
Choose one science/lab from the following (Satisfies General Education Outcome 3.4):4  
PHYS 1023 Physics and Human Affairs
& PHYS 1021L Physics and Human Affairs Laboratory4
   
CHEM 1073 Fundamentals of Chemistry (ACTS Equivalency = CHEM 1214 Lecture)
& CHEM 1071L Fundamentals of Chemistry Laboratory (ACTS Equivalency = CHEM 1214 Lab)4
   
PHYS 2013 College Physics I (ACTS Equivalency = PHYS 2014 Lecture)
& PHYS 2011L College Physics I Laboratory (ACTS Equivalency = PHYS 2014 Lab)4
   
Elective3  
STAT 2303 Principles of Statistics (ACTS Equivalency = MATH 2103) (Satisfies General Education Outcome 2.1)  3
Social Sciences State Minimum Core (Satisfies General Education Outcome 3.3)1  3
Fine Arts/Humanities State Minimum Core (Satisfies General Education Outcome 3.1 or 3.2)1  3
Electives  6
Year Total: 16 15
 
Third YearUnits
FallSpring
CDIS 3123 Normal Phonology and Articulatory Process3  
CDIS 3213 Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech Mechanism3  
CDIS 3223 Language Development in Children3  
CDIS 4273 Communication Behavior and Aging3  
Elective3  
CDIS 3203 Articulation Disorders  3
CDIS 3233 Introduction to Clinical Practice  3
CDIS 4223 Language Disorders in Children  3
ENGL 2003 Advanced Composition
or ENGL 2013 Essay Writing
or ENGL 3053 Technical and Professional Writing (ACTS Equivalency = ENGL 2023)
or CDIS 498VH Honors Communication Disorders Thesis/Project
  3
Elective  3
Year Total: 15 15
 
Fourth YearUnits
FallSpring
CDIS 3103 Introduction to Audiology3  
CDIS 4253 Neurological Bases of Communication3  
CDIS 4213 Introduction to Speech and Hearing Science3  
Electives (Recommend: CDIS 4003 Clinical Practicum: Undergraduate)4  
CDIS 3253 Cultural Diversity in Communication Disorders (Satisfies General Education Outcome 4.1, 4.2, and 6.1)  3
CDIS 4133 Introduction to Aural Rehabilitation  3
CDIS 4183 Clinical Assessment of Speech and Language Disorders  3
Electives  6
Year Total: 13 15
 
Total Units in Sequence:  120
1

Students must complete the  State Minimum Core requirements as outlined in the Catalog of Studies. The courses that meet the state minimum core also fulfill many of the university's General Education requirements, although there are additional considerations to satisfy the general education learning outcomes. Students are encouraged to consult with their academic adviser when making course selections. 

2

Required Social Science Core for CDIS majors.

3

CDIS 498VH: Option only for students successfully completing Honors Program.

4

or higher level

Bowers, Andrew L., Ph.D. (University of Tennessee Health Science Center), M.A., B.A. (University of Tennessee), Associate Professor, Department of Communication Disorders and Occupational Therapy, 2012, 2019.
Bowers, Lisa Marie, Ph.D. (University of Tennessee Health Science Center), M.A., B.A. (Louisiana State University), Associate Professor, Department of Communication Disorders and Occupational Therapy, 2012, 2019.
Frazier, Kimberly Frances, Ph.D. (University of South Carolina–Columbia), M.S., B.S.E. (University of Arkansas), Associate Professor, Department of Communication Disorders and Occupational Therapy, 2007, 2013.
Glade, Rachel E., Ph.D. (University of Arkansas), M.S. (University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences), M.A. (University of Arkansas), B.S. (University of Arkansas at Little Rock), Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Communication Disorders and Occupational Therapy, 2015, 2017.
Haghighi, Mohammad, Ph.D. (Ohio University), Assistant Professor, Department of Communication Disorders and Occupational Therapy, 2019.
Hagstrom, Fran W., Ph.D. (Clark University), M.S. (University of Texas Health Science Center-Houston), M.A. (St. Louis University), B.A. (Southwest Baptist University), Associate Professor, Department of Communication Disorders and Occupational Therapy, 2002, 2008.
Holyfield, Christine E., Ph.D. (Pennsylvania State University), M.A. (University of Kansas), B.S. (Central Michigan University), Associate Professor, Department of Communication Disorders and Occupational Therapy, 2017, 2022.

Courses

CDIS 2253. Introduction to Communicative Disorders. 3 Hours.

An introductory course which surveys the professional interests of speech-language pathology and audiology with specific attention to the general recognition and classification of disorders of speech, language, and hearing, and general trends in rehabilitation. Consideration given to the classroom teacher's involvement in communication disorders. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)

CDIS 2903H. Honors Introduction to Research in Communication Sciences and Disorders. 3 Hours.

This course introduces students to the research process in the field of communication sciences and disorders. Prerequisite: Acceptance into the COEHP Honors Program and instructor consent. (Typically offered: Spring)

CDIS 3103. Introduction to Audiology. 3 Hours.

Introduction to the basic concepts for administering and interpreting hearing tests, including the anatomy and physiology of the auditory system, disorders of the ear, and techniques for administering and interpreting basic pure tone threshold tests. Corequisite: PHYS 1023 and PHYS 1021L, PHYS 2013 and PHYS 2011L or CHEM 1073 and CHEM 1071L. Pre- or Corequisite: CDIS 3213. Prerequisite: CDISBS major or departmental consent. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)

CDIS 3103H. Honors Introduction to Audiology. 3 Hours.

Introduction to the basic concepts for administering and interpreting hearing tests, including the anatomy and physiology of the auditory system, disorders of the ear, and techniques for administering and interpreting basic pure tone threshold tests. Corequisite: PHYS 1023 and PHYS 1021L, PHYS 2013 and PHYS 2011L or CHEM 1073 and CHEM 1071L. Pre- or Corequisite: CDIS 3213. Prerequisite: CDISBS major and honors standing, or departmental consent. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)
This course is equivalent to CDIS 3103.

CDIS 3123. Normal Phonology and Articulatory Process. 3 Hours.

Analysis of the English speech sounds as a basis for speech improvement; physiological positions and movements; acoustic qualities and transcription in the international phonetic alphabet. Prerequisite: CDISBS major or departmental consent. (Typically offered: Fall)

CDIS 3203. Articulation Disorders. 3 Hours.

A study of the definition, etiology, pathology, and treatment procedures of problems of articulation. Prerequisite: CDIS 3123, CDIS 3213 and CDISBS major or departmental consent. (Typically offered: Spring)

CDIS 3213. Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech Mechanism. 3 Hours.

Structure and function of the organic mechanisms responsible for speech and language. Pre or Corequisite: BIOL 1543 and BIOL 1541L or higher. Prerequisite: CDISBS major or departmental consent. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)

CDIS 3223. Language Development in Children. 3 Hours.

Study of typical development of speech and language functions for communicative purposes in children from infancy to early school-age years, including the major components of language as well as the social, cognitive, biological and cultural factors related to language acquisition. Pre- or Corequisite: PSYC 2003. Prerequisite: CDISBS major or departmental consent. (Typically offered: Fall)

CDIS 3223H. Honors Language Development in Children. 3 Hours.

Study of typical development of speech and language functions for communicative purposes in children from infancy to early school-age years, including the major components of language as well as the social, cognitive, biological, and cultural factors related to language acquisition. Pre- or Corequisite: PSYC 2003. Prerequisite: Honors candidacy and CDISBS major or departmental consent. (Typically offered: Fall)
This course is equivalent to CDIS 3223.

CDIS 3233. Introduction to Clinical Practice. 3 Hours.

An introduction to the various aspects of clinical operations including technical and interpersonal relationship skills necessary for case management and a survey of professional standards. Pre- or Corequisite: COMM 1313, CDIS 3223, and CDIS 3213. Prerequisite: CDISBS major or departmental consent. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)

CDIS 3233H. Honors Introduction to Clinical Practice. 3 Hours.

An introduction to the various aspects of clinical operations including technical and interpersonal relationship skills necessary for case management and a survey of professional standards. Pre- or Corequisite: COMM 1313, CDIS 3223, and CDIS 3213. Prerequisite: Honors standing and CDISBS major or departmental consent. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)
This course is equivalent to CDIS 3233.

CDIS 3253. Cultural Diversity in Communication Disorders. 3 Hours.

An introduction to various cultures, customs, and professional standards in health-related fields that helps to develop intercultural communication skills necessary to manage the increasingly diverse caseloads of health-related professionals. Pre- or Corequisite: COMM 1313. Prerequisite: CDISBS major or departmental consent. (Typically offered: Spring)

CDIS 3901H. Honors Communication Disorders Thesis Tutorial. 1 Hour.

Designed to provide the foundation for the Honors Thesis/Project. Students and faculty tutors work "one-on-one" exploring a specific topic which has been agreed upon by the student and the professor. Prerequisite: Honors candidacy and CDISBS major. (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer)

CDIS 3923H. Honors Colloquium. 3 Hours.

Treats a special topic or issue, offered as part of the honors program. Prerequisite: Honors candidacy (not restricted to candidacy in speech or dramatic art). (Typically offered: Irregular) May be repeated for degree credit.

CDIS 399VH. Honors Course. 1-6 Hour.

Honors course. Prerequisite: Junior standing. (Typically offered: Irregular) May be repeated for up to 12 hours of degree credit.

CDIS 4003. Clinical Practicum Undergrad. 3 Hours.

Entry-level training in speech-language clinical practicum activities. This course is taken for satisfactory or unsatisfactory credit. Students are paired with a patient(s) at the UA Speech and Hearing Clinic to provide speech-language therapy while being supervised by a licensed and certified speech-language pathologist. The schedule for this course varies based on patient availability. Students are required to be on campus to provide clinical services (including session preparation) and to complete follow-up meetings with the instructor to discuss clinical practice and paperwork. Prerequisite: Admitted to the Communication Sciences and Disorders (CDISBS) major, CDIS 3213, CDIS 3223 and CDIS 3233, plus satisfactory completion of specific program requirements for admission to clinical practice. (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer)

CDIS 4003H. Honors Clinical Practicum Undergrad. 3 Hours.

Entry-level training in speech-language clinical practicum activities. This course is taken for satisfactory or unsatisfactory credit. Prerequisite: Honors standing, admitted to the Communication Sciences and Disorders (CDISBS) major, CDIS 3213, CDIS 3223 and CDIS 3233, plus satisfactory completion of specific program requirements for admission to clinical practice. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)
This course is equivalent to CDIS 4003.

CDIS 4133. Introduction to Aural Rehabilitation. 3 Hours.

Study of the technique used in the rehabilitation of speech and language problems of the hearing impaired including the role of amplification, auditory training, and speech reading in rehabilitation. Prerequisite: CDIS 3103. (Typically offered: Spring)

CDIS 4183. Clinical Assessment of Speech and Language Disorders. 3 Hours.

Study of the basic diagnostic procedures used in speech-language pathology. Emphasis is placed on the clinical processes of assessment, including criteria for test selection, techniques in test administration, and interpretation of test. Pre- or Corequisite: Prior coursework in CDIS and ANTH 1023. Prerequisite: CDISBS major or departmental consent. (Typically offered: Spring)

CDIS 4213. Introduction to Speech and Hearing Science. 3 Hours.

Study of the acoustic structure of oral speech and the auditory skills underlying speech perception. Prerequisite: CDIS 3203, CDIS 3213, CDIS 3123 and its lab component and CDISBS major or departmental consent. Pre- or Corequisite: MATH 1203 or higher. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)

CDIS 4223. Language Disorders in Children. 3 Hours.

Study of disorders of language acquisition and usage in children and adolescents, with emphasis upon the nature, assessment, and treatment of such disorders. Prerequisite: CDIS 3223 and CDISBS major or departmental consent. (Typically offered: Spring)

CDIS 4223H. Honors Language Disorders in Children. 3 Hours.

Study of disorders of language acquisition and usage in children and adolescents, with emphasis upon the nature, assessment, and treatment of such disorders. Prerequisite: CDIS 3223 and CDISBS major and honors standing or departmental consent. (Typically offered: Spring)
This course is equivalent to CDIS 4223.

CDIS 4253. Neurological Bases of Communication. 3 Hours.

A study of the structures and functions of the central and peripheral nervous systems as they relate to human speech, language, and cognition. Prerequisite: CDIS 3213 and CDISBS major or departmental consent. (Typically offered: Fall)

CDIS 4253H. Honors Neurological Bases of Communication. 3 Hours.

A study of the structures and functions of the central and peripheral nervous systems as they relate to human speech, language, and cognition. Prerequisite: CDIS 3213, honors standing, and CDISBS major or departmental consent. (Typically offered: Fall)
This course is equivalent to CDIS 4253.

CDIS 4273. Communication Behavior and Aging. 3 Hours.

Study of the effects upon communication of normal aspects of the aging process, from early adulthood throughout the lifespan. Changes in speech, language, and hearing functioning are identified; common alterations in communicative disorders commonly associated with advanced age are discussed. Prerequisite: CDISBS major or departmental consent. (Typically offered: Fall)

CDIS 4273H. Honors Communication Behavior and Aging. 3 Hours.

Study of the effects upon communication of normal aspects of the aging process, from early adulthood throughout the lifespan. Changes in speech, language, and hearing functioning are identified; common alterations in communicative disorders commonly associated with advanced age are discussed. Prerequisite: CDISBS major and honors standing, or departmental consent. (Typically offered: Fall)
This course is equivalent to CDIS 4273.

CDIS 490V. Special Problems. 1-3 Hour.

Special problems. Prerequisite: Advanced standing. (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer) May be repeated for up to 3 hours of degree credit.

CDIS 498VH. Honors Communication Disorders Thesis/Project. 1-3 Hour.

Designed to provide facilitation of the Honors Thesis/Project. Students and faculty work "one-on-one" to complete the honors thesis/project. Prerequisite: Honors candidacy, CDISBS major, and CDIS 3901H. (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer) May be repeated for up to 3 hours of degree credit.