Pre-Communication Sciences & Disorders
Audiology (AUD) is the study of hearing, balance and their associated disorders. Speech Language Pathology (SLP) is the study of communication disorders. Together AUD and SLP are known as the communication sciences disorders (CSD). General information about the CSD profession is in the useful links section below.
What classes do I need to take?
Typically a student obtains a CSD degree as their college education. However, since UM-Dearborn does not have an undergraduate major in CSD, our students may do one of the following because CSD programs have specific and unique pre-requisite courses :
- Obtain a bachelor's degree in a major other than CSD and take prerequisite CSD coursework (usually elsewhere) before applying to graduate school.
- Obtain a bachelor's degree in a major other than CSD and apply to graduate programs that do not require prerequisite CSD courses for admission.
In most cases, a UM-Dearborn student will choose option 2 in preparation for CSD graduate programs. Please work with your Health Professions Advisor (HPA) for guidance.
See more details about CSD education
What is the national standardized test?
For some CSD graduate programs, the ETS Graduate Record Examination (GRE) general test (not any of the subject tests) is the test required. The best way to prepare for the general GRE test is to use the ETS free test preparation material on prepare for the general GRE. Re-read what you just read. Free material! Don't buy prep material.
What is the Clinical Competency expectation?
A great way to figure out if this is the profession for you is to work in paid or unpaid roles that give you experience with the populations and tasks that you might do in your future career.
Some possibilities to gain experience with children include the following:
- Becoming a teacher’s aide in special education classrooms
- Becoming a summer camp counselor at camps for children with special needs
- Providing support services at a hearing and speech-language clinic
- Volunteering at a children’s hospital
- Volunteering at a Head Start or other preschool program
Some possibilities to gain experience with adults include the following:
- Volunteering at a VA hospital or acute care hospital
- Volunteering at a skilled nursing facility
Providing support services at an audiology or speech-language pathology private practice
What else should I know?
You must learn and incorporate the Association of American Medical Colleges Core Competencies for Entering Medical Students in your prerequisite coursework and extracurricular activities. Even though this says medical students, these competencies will help you too! CSD programs will assess you on these professional skills!
More information, such as what you should major in or how to handle repeats or withdrawals at UM-Dearborn, can be found in our FAQ section.