(130 semester hours undergraduate program) Requirements are subject to change.

The mission of the Rehabilitation and Disability Studies Department at Springfield College is to educate students in spirit, mind, and body for leadership and service to persons with chronic illnesses and disabilities. The faculty and staff of the program embrace the philosophy that every individual, regardless of disability status, has the right to live the most complete, independent, and productive life that they choose. The communications disorders major dovetails very well with the mission of Springfield College.  Communications disorders is a field that prepares its graduates to provide service to others.  It is a scientific, research-based field that also stresses counseling skills as well as caring, empathy and compassion for clients and their families.  Coursework in communication disorders stresses both theory and the application of that theory in practical, hands-on situations.  The Springfield College student who embodies and lives the Humanics philosophy would be well suited to a career in this field.

In order to obtain ASHA certification, students must ‘demonstrate knowledge of biological and physical sciences, mathematics, and the social/behavioral sciences’ as well as ‘demonstrate skill in oral and written communication tasks’.  In order to fulfill these objectives, students in communications disorders will be required to take courses from a number of different departments, including Mathematics, Biology, Psychology, Rehabilitation and Disability Studies, and English.  Those integrates in working in a school setting will be encouraged to take elective Education courses.

Because of the collaborative nature of this field there will also be increased opportunities for interdisciplinary activities and class offerings with different departments such as Rehabilitation and Disability Studies, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Psychology and Education.

For more information about this major, contact Professor Thomas J. Ruscio, chairperson of the Rehabilitation and Disability Studies Department at (413) 748-3318 or the Admissions Office at (800) 343-1257.

Download a Communications Disorders Program Checksheet