Introduction
The discipline of Communication Sciences and Disorders seeks to understand the broad scope of human communication, both normal and disordered. Students in the FSU Department of Communication Disorders learn the interrelated processes involved in communication, develop analytical and communication skills, and obtain experience in clinical evaluation, treatment, and research. The program prepares undergraduate and graduate students to demonstrate broad-based knowledge of communication sciences and to apply theory and research findings to clinical practice. The program prepares speech-language pathologists to provide effective diagnostic and treatment services to individuals with a wide variety of speech, language, and hearing impairments. It prepares clinical scientists to generate new knowledge pertaining to communication processes and innovative strategies for evaluating and managing communication disorders.
The Department of Communication Disorders offers programs leading to the bachelor of science (BS), master of science (MS), advanced master (AM), and the doctor of philosophy (PhD) degrees. All graduate degree curricula provide advanced study in speech-language pathology for students preparing for professional careers in clinical, research, and teaching environments. Graduate degrees are required to gain clinical certification and professional licenses as speech-language pathologists.
The Department maintains the L. L. Schendel Clinic for Communication Disorders as a teaching, research, and service laboratory for student learning that serves over 500 clients annually. Communication Disorders faculty and students also are actively involved in the Center for Autism and Related Disabilities, the Florida Center for Reading Research, the Claude Pepper Institute on Aging and Public Policy, and the Memory Disorder Clinic and the Neuroscience Center at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital.
The undergraduate major is a limited access program so application to the department is required. Admission is available for the fall semester only. The department deadline is March 1st of each year. The department requires the following documents from all prospective students: a copy of the department application, an unofficial copy of the applicant's transcript (it can be a student copy), and a letter of goals and interests in Communication Disorders. A 2.8 overall grade point average is required for an application to be considered for admission. Transfer students must apply to both the Florida State University and to the Department of Communication Disorders. Please see admissions for more information and application materials.
- Undergraduate Advising Packet (pdf)
Minor in Communication Disorders
Requirements for an undergraduate minor in communication disorders are fourteen (14) semester hours in departmental courses, with a grade of “C” or better in each course. At least six (6) of the fourteen (14) semester hours must be completed at The Florida State University. No more than eight (8) hours of Sign Language may count towards the minor. Sign Language courses used to satisfy the foreign language requirement cannot count towards the minor. Department approval must be obtained to register for certain courses in the minor.
The Minor Application must be completed and signed by a student’s academic advisor before it is submitted to the department. Please note that a minor in the department does not qualify a student to apply for our graduate program in speech-language pathology nor for professional certification or licensure.
Interdepartmental Developmental Disabilities Certificate Program
Current undergraduates are eligible to pursue an interdepartmental Certificate in Developmental Disabilities which seeks to provide knowledge regarding etiology, treatment, and policy issues related to individuals with Developmental Disabilities and their families. Once an application has been submitted to the Certificate Program Coordinator and reviewed, the student will be notified about admission. Typically, admitted students will work with the Coordinator to plan a course of study. More than 40 courses are available in various disciplines across campus. For more information contact the Certificate Program Coordinator at 644-9141. Program information and application are included below.
Application to the Master’s in Speech-language Pathology Program is a two-step process. Prospective students must apply to the Florida State University and pay the university application fee before the department admissions committee will review an applicant’s file at the department level. Applicants for admission to the master's degree program must meet the University's minimum standard of a 3.0 grade point average or a Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score of 1000 (verbal and math sections combined) before an application will be considered by the department. Meeting the university’s minimum standards does not assure acceptance for graduate study in the department as admission is competitive. For more information on applying, please see admissions.
- Graduate Program of Study (pdf)