Mercy College

What you'll study

The BSc in Communication Disorders covers the scientific foundations of normal and disordered communication, clinical assessment and intervention approaches, and research methods. Core topics typically include anatomy and physiology of the speech and hearing mechanisms, phonetics and phonology, language development, speech and language disorders, voice and fluency disorders, and basic audiology.

Programme structure normally blends classroom instruction, laboratory work and supervised clinical experience. Typical modules and subjects you can expect:

• Foundations: Introduction to Communication Disorders, Developmental Psychology, Anatomy & Physiology of Speech and Hearing
• Science and analysis: Phonetics, Acoustics of Speech, Audiology basics, Research Methods and Statistics
• Clinical practice: Assessment and Intervention for Articulation, Language Disorders across the Lifespan, Fluency and Voice Disorders, Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
• Professional skills: Ethics and Professional Issues, Multicultural Communication, Counselling Techniques for Clinicians
• Capstone and practicum: Supervised clinical practicum in the on‑campus communication clinic or partner sites, and a senior capstone or research project synthesising clinical and academic learning

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a secondary school diploma or equivalent with a strong background in English and evidence of academic skills in science and social science. Typical successful applicants demonstrate solid written and verbal communication, an interest in working with diverse populations, and relevant volunteer or work experience where available.

Recommended preparatory subjects include biology, psychology, English composition and mathematics. Admission usually considers overall academic record, personal statement, and letters of recommendation. For progression into clinical practicum you will be required to meet health and background clearance requirements and maintain programme academic standards.

Career prospects

Graduates with a BSc in Communication Disorders enter a range of roles or continue to graduate training. Many proceed to postgraduate professional programmes in speech‑language pathology (required for clinical certification and licensure), audiology, or related rehabilitation fields. With additional qualifications, careers include:

• Practising speech‑language pathologist (postgraduate degree and certification required)
• Hearing services and audiology support roles (further training typically required)
• Speech‑language pathology assistant or therapy aide
• Special education support, early intervention and school‑based services
• Rehabilitation and healthcare roles in hospitals, clinics and community organisations
• Research assistantships, programme coordination, and roles in communication technology or AAC provision

Why study at Mercy College

Mercy College offers a programme focused on applied learning, pairing theory with supervised clinical experience through an on‑campus communication clinic and community partnerships. Small class sizes and accessible faculty clinicians provide mentoring for academic and professional development. The college emphasises interdisciplinary collaboration, preparing students to work with educators, healthcare professionals and families in diverse settings.

Students also benefit from advising aimed at preparing for graduate study and certification pathways, opportunities for volunteering and placements in local schools and health centres, and coursework that addresses cultural competence and contemporary practice in communication disorders.