Department website: http://MinotStateU.edu/cd/

Chair: Mary Huston

Communication Sciences and Disorders Mission

The study of communication sciences and disorders (CSD) prepares students for the professions of speech-language pathology, audiology, speech and hearing science, or related occupations. The undergraduate degree prepares students for entrance into a master’s level program in speech-language pathology or a clinical doctorate program in Audiology. An undergraduate degree in CSD can also lead to licensure as a speech-language assistant or employment/continued study in a related field.

The Department also offers a Post-Baccalaureate Program for individuals who have an undergraduate degree in a discipline other than Communication Sciences and Disorders and who desire to apply for admission to a graduate program in speech-language pathology.

The Mission of the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders is to provide entry level Speech-Language professionals who meet the needs of the state and region by:

1. Providing students with high quality educational and clinical experiences
2. Encouraging active engagement through a variety of community service and clinical experiences
3. Delivering integrated experiences that allow students the opportunity to connect theory with practice, work in teams, respect the diversity of today's world, and understand connections between research, evidence-based practice, and the therapeutic environment.​

Communication Sciences & Disorders Student Learning Goals and Outcomes:

The program provides prerequisite training consistent with ASHA standards preparing students to enter a graduate degree program in Communication Sciences & Disorders with emphasis in Audiology, Speech-Language-Pathology, or Speech & Hearing Science. 

Department Policies

Successful completion of the undergraduate program allows a student to obtain a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Communication Sciences and Disorders.

The following policies apply:

1. Students earning a grade of ‘D’ or ‘F’ in a CSD course must retake the course and earn a grade of ‘C’ or higher.
2. After the term in which 10 semester hours of required CSD courses have been accumulated (typically after the end of the sophomore year), students must have a GPA of 2.75 in required CSD courses (CSD-GPA). If the CSD-GPA falls below 2.75, students will be placed on probation and will have only one semester to raise the CSD-GPA to a minimum of 2.75. Failure to raise the CSD-GPA to 2.75 will result in dismissal from the program. Students are allowed only one semester of academic probation.
3. Students must have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.75 to graduate with a degree in Communication Sciences & Disorders.
4. CSD majors must complete a departmental speech, language, hearing, and communication screen no later than the beginning of the first semester of junior year. Prior to enrollment in CSD 324 Techniques in Communication Disorders, students must pass the screen or complete a more thorough evaluation. If a communication disorder is found to exist, students must seek treatment. If a communication difference is noted and English skills are considered to be different enough to inhibit accurate teaching of speech or language skills to clients, students will be required to seek ESL services.
5. Students must have adequate communication skills and hearing abilities to meet ASHA standards prior to graduation.
6. When there is supported evidence of academic dishonesty or unprofessional inappropriate conduct in clinic, the student may receive a failing grade for the course and will be subject to University and Departmental sanctions up to and including dismissal from the program.

Bachelor of Science with a Major in Communication Sciences and Disorders

A BS degree requires a minimum of 120 credits and satisfactory completion of the requirements listed below:

I. General Education- Required Core (15 SH) and Foundational Content (23 SH) as well as all Development Content requirements

II. Required CSD Courses (43 SH)

III. Required Interdisciplinary Component (15 SH)

IV. Elective Interdisciplinary Component: 3 courses are required; you may take more if desired. REMINDER: you must have 120 credits to graduate, selecting multiple 2-credit courses will require taking additional courses to meet credit hour requirements. 

Post-Baccalaureate Program

The Post-Baccalaureate Program (Post-Bac) is intended for individuals who have an undergraduate degree in a discipline other than Communication Sciences and Disorders. Typically, Post-Bac students have earned degrees in English, education, psychology, or linguistics although students who have completed a bachelor's degree with any major may apply for consideration to the post-bac program.

The Post-Bac Program is a two or three-semester plan in which the student takes all undergraduate classes in Communication Sciences and Disorders. To meet ASHA standards, the student is also required to have taken and earned a grade of "C" or better in the following classes: (1) statistics, (2) biology, (3) physics or chemistry, and (4) social/behavioral science (psychology, sociology, or anthropology). Students should also have a background in sign language, and coursework in diversity. If these courses are missing, classes should be taken prior to entering the program or immediately following the Post-Baccalaureate year.

PLEASE NOTE: 

• Admission to the Post-Bac program is competitive.
• Application is completed through Enrollment Services.

Post-Baccalaureate Admission Procedures

1. Post-Baccalaureate Admission Procedures

   1) Complete and Submit the MSU Undergrad Online Application to the Post-Baccalaureate Program with $35 (US) application fee.

   a) Type of Application: Undergraduate Transfer

   b) Major/Program: Communication Sciences and Disorders

   c) Degree/Plan: Non-Degree Seeking

   d)  Answer Yes to Supplemental Question: Are you applying to the Post-Baccalaureate Communication Sciences and Disorders Program?

   Priority Consideration March 1.

   Applications accepted through May 1 for non-US residents. Applications accepted through June 15 for U.S. residents.
    

   Please submit the following documents:

   1) All non-academic documents can be emailed to msu.admissions@MinotStateU.edu, faxed to 701/858-3888 or mailed to: Minot State University, Enrollment Services, 500 University Ave W, Minot, ND 58707.

   2)  Original Official Transcripts—It is required that you submit official transcripts from all universities attended and those you are currently attending. Candidates must have an overall 3.25 GPA at the undergraduate level in order to apply.

   3)  Three Recommendations—The online application will direct you to electronically submit three names of persons who will complete your online recommendation forms. Choose persons who can attest to your ability to complete the intensive one-year Post-Baccalaureate Program and potential success at the
   graduate level.

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   International and Canadian Applicants only:

   9)   I-20 and Financial Documents

   a)  International and Canadian Applicants need to submit the I-20 form and proof of financial support for an Undergraduate degree as part of their application package

   b)   Canadian

   i)  MinotStateU.edu/international/documents/app_can_i20_and_cfr.pdf.

   c)   International:

   i)  MinotStateU.edu/international/documents/app_int_i20_and_cfr.pdf

   Please Note:  North Dakota state policy requires us to collect evidence of financial support before an International applicant’s file can be reviewed. You are required to undergo a financial certification process prior to acceptance into the post baccalaureate program; however, this is not an indicator of the department’s decision.

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Retention Criteria for Post-Baccalaureate Program

1. Students may not continue enrollment with any grade lower than "C" in departmental coursework.
2. Students must attain at least a minimum 3.25 GPA for the first semester of study.
3. Students must pass a communication and hearing screening or provide evidence of a plan to address any communication or hearing issues.

Post-Baccalaureate Program Options (two or three semesters):

1. CLINICAL PRACTICUM Option- three semesters (Recommended)

Fall Semester: 17 semester hours 

Spring Semester: 18 semester hours (+ any missing courses)

Other undergraduate courses required to meet ASHA certification standards: chemistry or physics, biological science, social sciences statistics, and diversity.

Summer Semester: three hours (+ any missing courses)

Other undergraduate courses required to meet ASHA certification standards: chemistry or physics, biological science, social sciences statistics, and diversity.

2. NO CLINICAL PRACTICUM Option- two semesters

Fall Semester: 17 hours 

 Spring Semester: 18 hours (+ any missing courses) 

Other undergraduate courses required to meet ASHA certification standards: chemistry or physics, biological science, social sciences statistics, and diversity should be taken prior to entry into the graduate program.

Faculty

Associate Professor

Mary Huston, Ph.D., MS, CCC-SLP
Chair/Program Director

Assistant Professors

Robyn Walker, Ph.D., MS, CCC-SLP, CBIS
Clinical Director

Shelley Bredin-Oja, Ph.D., CCC-SLP

Kayla Fisher, MS, CCC-SLP

Leisa Harmon, MS, CCC-SLP

Erin Holt, MS, CCC-SLP

Kara Nunziato, MS, CCC-SLP

Lisa Roteliuk, MS, CCC-SLP

Instructors

Emily Stephens, MS, CCC-SLP

Courtney Olson, MS, CCC-SLP

Kelly Heinz, MS, CCC-SLP

Adjunct

Amanda Blackwell, EdD, SLPD, CCC-SLP

Kylie Harris, AuD, CCC-A

Steven Moates, SLPD, CCC-SLP