The Interdisciplinary Studies Speech-Language Sciences and Technology, Bachelor, will be replaced with a Communication Sciences and Disorders, BS available in Fall 2019. Please check the NAU Catalog in Feburary, 2019 for the requirements of the new degree.
Students currently enrolled in the Interdisciplinary Studies Speech-Language Sciences and Technology, Bachelor, are able to complete their degree requirements.
This flexible bachelor's degree offers you an opportunity to design a plan of studies, in consultation with an advisor, to meet your individual educational needs. You may choose this degree if you plan to enter an occupation that requires a broad general education, if you are seeking career advancement or personal intellectual enrichment, or if you are considering a preprofessional plan.
As part of the allied health professions, speech-language pathology represents one of the fastest growing fields in the country. If you have an interest in speech-language sciences and also want the advantage of a broad educational experience, this degree might fit the bill.
You will have the opportunity to work closely with faculty who are American Speech-Language-Hearing Association-certified and have extensive experience and specialized training in various aspects of clinical speech-language pathology, audiology, and speech, language, and hearing science. Through your coursework in human communication, you will obtain the preprofessional requirements necessary to enter many graduate programs in communication disorders. Plus, a Bachelor Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies gives you a well-rounded education that is useful in many other fields.
To receive a bachelor's degree at Northern Arizona University, you must complete at least 120 units of credit that minimally includes a major, the liberal studies requirements, and university requirements as listed below.
The full policy can be viewed here.
In addition to University Requirements:
Students may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. Contact your advisor for details.
| Minimum Units for Completion | 120 |
| Major GPA | C |
| Highest Mathematics Required | MAT 114 |
| Emphasis, Minor, or Certificate Required | Required |
| Foreign Language | Optional |
| University Honors Program | Optional |
| AZ Transfer Students complete AGEC-A | Recommended |
| Progression Plan Link | View Progression Plan |
Purpose Statement
The overall goal of the SST program is to provide students with a basic foundation and general understanding of human communication processes. This goal includes providing a solid foundation for graduate study in communication sciences and disorders or audiology. Another program goal, for those who are interested, is to provide the academic requirements for the NAU Certificate as a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant. The courses we offer at the undergraduate level meet the guidelines established by the
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.
Student Learning Outcomes
Multi-use of coursework is not permitted within the Major Requirements. Major Requirements include Specialization, Communication, Computer Literacy, Language and Science.
Take the following 69 - 73 units with a Grade of "C" or better in each course:
Speech-Language Sciences and Technology Specialization (30 units)
Concentration (15 units)
Take at least 15 units that include a minimum of 3 units in each of the follow ing blocks: Ethical Reasoning; Creative Inquiry; Scientific Reasoning; Changing Worlds; and Cultural Perspectives. Courses used to satisfy this requirement may not have been used to satisfy any other requirement for this degree. At least 9 units must be taken at Northern Arizona University and at least 6 units of the 9 units must be upper-division (300 or 400-level).
Changing Worlds, select from the following (3 units)
Cultural Perspectives, select from the following (3 units)
Minor (18 units)
You may also fulfill this requirement by completing a minor outside your specialization field, instead of either a concentration or certificate.
The minor, which will require at least 18 units, must be completed according to the requirements listed in your catalog of graduation. Refer to specific academic areas within this catalog for information about the coursework requirements for specific minors you may be interested in.
Not all minors are available statewide or online.
Certificate (15 units)
You may also fulfill this requirement by completing a certificate outside your specialization field, instead of either a concentration or a minor.
The certificate, which will require at least 15 units, must be completed according to the requirements listed in your catalog of graduation. Refer to specific academic areas within this catalog for information about the coursework requirements for specific certificate(s) you may be interested in.
Not all certificates are available statewide or online.
Communication Requirements (6 units)
Choose 6 units in the following two categories.
Please note that you cannot use CLEP or locally prepared exams to satisfy this requirement. Transfer credit used to satisfy this requirement must be approved by the program director.
Foreign Language Requirement Option (19 units)
Science Requirement, select from the following (12 units):
AND
Computer Literacy (6 units)
This coursework must help you to understand, in general, the technical components of computers and information systems, how to solve problems using information systems technology, word processing, spreadsheet use, database management, graphic information software, website development, graphic design and use of statistical analysis software. Subject to advisor approval.
Additional coursework is required if, after you have met the previously described requirements, you have not yet completed a total of 120 units of credit.
You may take these remaining courses from any of the academic areas, using these courses to pursue your specific interests and goals. You may also use prerequisites or transfer credits as electives if they weren't used to meet major, minor, or liberal studies requirements.
We encourage you to consult with your advisor to select the courses that will be most advantageous to you.
Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also successfully complete. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.