Communication Science and Disorders (CSD) includes the study of normal language, speech and hearing across the life span, as well as communication disorders that result from biological, environmental, and behavioral factors. The CSD major is the first step in preparing for careers in the professions of speech-language pathology and audiology. Speech-language pathologists evaluate the speech and language of children and adults to determine whether problems exist in such areas as voice, articulation, fluency, and receptive or expressive language, and they plan and carry out the treatment of these problems. Audiologists evaluate hearing, identify hearing loss, and participate in the rehabilitation of persons with hearing impairments. The CSD undergraduate curriculum fully prepares students for graduate study in either of these fields. (The professions of speech-language pathology and audiology require masters or doctoral degrees.) The CSD undergraduate coursework provides students with a broad understanding of the scientific bases of speech, language, and hearing, the different types of communication disorders, and the types of diagnostic and therapeutic methods utilized in the field. Undergraduate students in the CSD department at MU benefit from a low student-faculty ratio, practical clinical experience in our language preschool, our accent modification program, and our research labs led by outstanding faculty, and a well-established student organization.