Walker College of Health Professions · Bachelor of Science

Bachelor's in Communication Sciences and Disorders

Apply NowVisit Campus
Program Overview

Unlock Potential Through Communication.

Every day, countless individuals face speech and language challenges. As a student in Maryville University's Communication Sciences and Disorders program, you'll empower people of all ages to communicate, connect, and thrive, helping them speak, read, write and think with clarity and confidence.

What sets the program apart

    • Preparation for top graduate programs in speech-language pathology
    • Rigorous coursework combined with immersive hands-on experiences
    • State-of-the-art speech and language therapy facilities
    • Clinical learning focused on helping individuals of all ages communicate, connect and thrive

An Overview of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Maryville

 
Communication science and disorders is the study of the nature and development of our communication abilities. You will learn about communication disorders, which involve impairments in hearing, speech, voice, resonance, fluency, swallowing, and language processes. At Maryville, you have the opportunity to begin your interprofessional education with occupational and physical therapists, nurses, music therapists, and rehabilitation counselors as an undergraduate. You also have the opportunity to assist in the university's clinic. When you graduate with a degree in communication sciences and disorders, you'll be prepared to enter a graduate program in either audiology or speech language pathology. However, you can choose to become certified as a speech language pathology assistant or work for a speech science company, such as a telephone or speech language material publishers. If the communication sciences and disorders program at Maryville is for you, schedule a tour and check out the campus. [MUSIC PLAYING]
Why Maryville

Why students choose Maryville communication sciences and disorders

Class Size14

Average Class Size

SupportLife Coaching Team

A dedicated team of life coaches helps you personalize your education

Career Outcomes98%

Career outcomes rate for Maryville graduates

Financial Aid$59M+

Awarded in scholarships and aid last year

Get Started

Ready to apply or want to visit campus?

We've made it easy: free transcript evaluation, quick admission decisions, and no application fee.

  • Upcoming term starts:
  • Fall 2026 Start Date: August 24
  • Spring 2027 Start Date: January 11
Apply nowSchedule a campus visit
Career Outlook

What can I do with this degree?

Communication sciences and disorders professionals help people of all ages improve speech, language, voice, swallowing and cognitive communication skills. A bachelor's degree provides the academic foundation needed for graduate study and careers supporting speech-language pathologists in healthcare, education and community settings.

Demand for speech-language professionals continues to grow as the population ages, awareness of communication disorders increases and schools and healthcare organizations expand access to speech and language services. Graduates are well prepared to continue into graduate school, the required next step toward becoming a licensed speech-language pathologist.

Career Paths

Assess, diagnose and treat speech, language, voice and swallowing disorders in children and adults after completing graduate education and licensure.
Support licensed speech-language pathologists by helping implement treatment plans and documenting client progress where permitted by state regulations.
Evaluate hearing and balance disorders while helping patients improve communication through hearing technology and rehabilitation after completing graduate education.
Help individuals with communication challenges access services and achieve greater independence in healthcare, education and community settings.
7%Projected Job Growth

Employment of public relations specialists is projected to grow 7% from 2023–2033.

$69,780Median Salary

Median annual wage for public relations specialists (May 2024).

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook – Public Relations Specialists. Employment projections represent national estimates for the occupation covering the 2023–2033 projection period. Wage data reflect the national median annual wage reported for May 2024 through the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program. These statistics represent national employment trends and are not specific to Maryville University graduates, Missouri employment outcomes, or individual career results.

Admission Requirements, Curriculum & Courses

Undergraduate Admissions Requirements Discover requirements for a freshman, transfer, or international student.Course Descriptions Explore our catalog for details about the course requirements and electives.Degree Planning Sheet A sample plan of study

Want to learn more about our course offerings?

Detailed course descriptions and prerequisites are listed in our catalog.

Read full course descriptionsExplore the full catalog

Advance with Maryville’s Online CSD Programs

Communication is not one-size-fits-all. Maryville prepares future speech-language pathologists to support individuals in expressing themselves, building confidence, and navigating the world in ways that work for them. Whether you are starting fresh or changing direction, you can begin building the academic foundation required for graduate study in speech-language pathology.

Bachelor in Communication Sciences and Disorders OnlinePost-Bachelor’s in Communication Sciences and Disorders Certificate Online
Explore the Program

Go deeper into the program

Clinical Experiences See where students gain hands-on clinical hours and how placements work.Program Objectives Review the learning outcomes and competencies the program is built around.
Plan Your Next Step

Now is the perfect time to start thinking about the next step in your educational journey.

Whether you’re passionate about speech and language development, anatomy and physiology, or communication and swallowing disorders, Maryville’s Speech-Language Pathology program is designed to prepare you for a rewarding career in clinical, educational, or healthcare settings. With both online and on-campus options, this program equips you with the skills and knowledge to succeed in the evolving field of speech-language pathology.

Explore Our Online Master’s In Speech-Language PathologyExplore Our On-Campus Master’s In Speech-Language Pathology
Tuition, Cost & Savings

How you can afford an education.

An investment in your future shouldn't be out of reach. Maryville offers multiple paths to reduce your out-of-pocket cost — and our team will help you find every one you qualify for.

Ways to Save

Scholarship OpportunitiesMerit and need-based awards for qualifying students.
Transfer CreditApply previously earned credits toward your degree.
Benefits for MilitaryTuition assistance and GI Bill benefits for those who served.

Estimated tuition cost breakdown

Full-Time Tuition$25,766
Fees*$2,600
Estimated total cost**$28,366

*Fees can include digital course materials and textbooks/lab materials.

**Estimated cost does not include room and board or meal plans.

Explore additional tuition and costs

Need help financing your education? Get in touch!

Our financial aid advisors are here to walk you through scholarships, grants, and aid options for the Communication Sciences and Disorders program.

Financial Aid InformationContact the Financial Aid Office
Accreditation

Maryville is accredited.

Maryville University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Honors & Rankings

  • Kiplinger Best College Values 2019Ranked among the best values in private colleges by Kiplinger's Personal Finance.
  • Forbes America's Top Colleges 2018Ranked among “America's Top Colleges” by Forbes.
  • Ranked No. 1 in social mobility among private universities in St. Louis.
  • Best for Vets Colleges 2022 Military Times. We made the list!Named Best for Vets among colleges by Military Times.
Review Maryville's full list of honors and rankings
Take the Next Step

Ready to take the next step?

Apply today, request more information, or schedule a visit to see if Maryville is the right fit for you.

Apply nowRequest more informationSchedule a campus visit

Frequently Asked Questions

This degree prepares students for graduate study in speech-language pathology and related fields, as well as careers supporting communication and rehabilitation professionals.
Yes. A master's degree and state licensure are required to practice as a speech-language pathologist. Maryville's bachelor's program is designed to prepare students for graduate admission.
Yes. Students learn in dedicated speech and language clinic spaces and participate in observation and hands-on learning experiences.
Yes. The program emphasizes interprofessional education alongside students in occupational therapy, physical therapy, nursing and other health professions.
Students study anatomy and physiology, speech and language development, phonetics, audiology, communication disorders and evidence-based assessment and intervention.
Maryville combines personalized faculty mentorship, collaborative healthcare education and clinical learning experiences to prepare students for success in graduate school and future clinical practice.