Quick Facts

General Education Requirements:
37 – 41 hours
Core Requirements: 54 hours
Electives: 25 – 29 hours
Total: 120 hours

Full Program Requirements

Are you passionate about helping people learn to speak and communicate effectively? A bachelors degree in Communication Disorders is the first step toward admission to graduate program and becoming a licensed speech-language pathologist. Use your passion and your skills to assist individuals in nearby Chicago or anywhere in the world you may launch a career after your time at GovState.

Our location in Chicago’s Southland offers unique pre-clinical experiences that will prepare you for a certification program and graduate study. You will work closely with highly qualified faculty, thanks to our small class sizes and faculty mentorship opportunities. If you have questions about the best way to become a speech-language pathologist, an undergraduate advisor and the CDIS undergraduate program director will work with you to determine the courses and next steps to take.

The Chicago Southland offers many pre-clinical and observation experiences for your coursework. While the small size of our campus aids in instruction, our proximity to Chicago allows you to observe experienced master clinicians in speech-language pathology and professionals in other related health professions.

As a speech-language pathologist (SLP), your job will be to evaluate a speech, language, or swallowing difficulty, explore treatment options, and prepare a treatment plan for your client. A day in your life of as an SLP might include daily therapy sessions, parent or clinical team meetings, or discussing a client's treatment plan to be facilitated by a teacher, social worker, or other professional.

As a BHS student in Communication Disorders at GovState, you must develop a solid foundation in biological, and physical sciences.  This foundation will help you understand the underpinnings of typical and unusual cases and how to solve problems for accurate diagnosis of a speech or language disorder.  At the graduate level, you’ll enjoy hands-on experience with clients in a variety of settings creating treatment plans and practicing treatment options.

The ability to communicate is influenced by a variety of factors at diverse points across the lifespan. Governors State’s Bachelor of Health Science in Communication Disorders equips students with the foundational knowledge and academic credits needed for entry into the Master’s program to become a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP). Students receive real-world preparation that includes a state-of-the-art audiology suite and clinical tools such as Master Clinician and SimuCase.  

In addition to completing the undergraduate curriculum for a degree in CDIS, students also meet course requirements for the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) Professional Educator License endorsement in Non-Teaching Speech-Language Pathology, and undergraduate-level content required for the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).

During didactic coursework, undergraduate Communication Disorders students engage in many practical, real-life activities that help them prepare for graduate school.  Once in graduate school, students participate in internal practicum experiences supervised by CDIS faculty and full-time external practicum experiences. 

Reach Your Career Goals

As a future Speech-Language Pathologist, you will empower clients of all ages through an improved ability to communicate. Employment for speech-language pathologists is expected to grow by 18% over the next decade (Bureau of Labor Statistics).

Learn More

CDIS UG Student Handbook

2024 Bachelors CDIS Fact Sheet

CDIS Strategic Plan 2021-2025

For information or questions about our Undergrad Program and Orientation contact Professor Elaine Reyna: ereyna@govst.edu.


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<b>Full Program Requirements</b>

Full Program Requirements

You can find the complete guide to graduation requirements for your degree in our catalog.

<b>Program Faculty</b>

Program Faculty

Our favorable faculty-student ratios ensure lots of individual attention from our dedicated faculty members.

<b>How to Apply</b>

How to Apply

If you are ready to take the next step, you can create an account and apply here, or simply request more information about the programs of your choice.

<b>Cost and Financial Aid</b>

Cost and Financial Aid

Our tuition estimator helps you calculate your cost of attendance. Our Financial Aid Office is dedicated to helping you find ways to fund your education.

<b>Scholarships</b>

Scholarships

At GovState, many scholarships are available and can make your education even more affordable!

<b>All Academic Programs</b>

All Academic Programs

We offer many options for undergraduate degrees and minors, and even several 5-year programs that lead to completion of a Masters degree as well!

<b>Student Life</b>

Student Life

Student Clubs and Organizations at Governors State University enrich your educational experience, allowing you to gain and hone skills applicable to the classroom and life beyond. Click here to explore additional student resources.

<b>On-Campus Residence</b>

On-Campus Residence

Prairie Place, our on-campus housing, provides many options to accommodate the needs of our diverse student population.

<b>Campus Location</b>

Campus Location

If you have been wondering, "Where is Governors State University?" Learn more about our campus, and get directions to come visit us or take a virtual tour!