Overview

The Communicative Disorders programme at Northern Illinois University offers students a rigorous academic foundation in the science of human communication. This degree is specifically designed to prepare undergraduates for the complex demands of clinical practice and research in various health-related fields.

Students engage with a multidisciplinary curriculum that bridges the gap between biological sciences and human services. By studying the normal development of speech and hearing, participants gain the analytical tools required to understand communication challenges across the lifespan. The curriculum is structured to ensure that graduates are well-equipped for the next stage of their professional journey.

Why Communicative Disorders at Northern Illinois University?

Choosing this programme means joining a rapidly growing academic community, with student enrolment increasing by over twenty per cent in recent years. The university provides a supportive environment through the School of Allied Health and Communicative Disorders, which is dedicated to excellence in clinical preparation and student success.

Students benefit from unique institutional advantages, including the opportunity for high-achieving individuals to access direct admission pathways into graduate specialisations. The presence of the Communicative Disorders Student Association further enhances the learning experience by providing peer support and professional networking opportunities within the field.

The university also maintains strong links with local educational partners, such as the College of DuPage, offering clear pathways for speech-language pathology assistants to complete their bachelor's degrees. This commitment to accessible education ensures that students from various backgrounds can achieve their professional goals in the healthcare sector.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 10742 per semester
National fee: USD 5371 per semester
Local fee: USD 5371 per semester

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

Modules may include:

Communicative Disorders
Mathematics
Physics
Biology
Psychology
Child and Adult Development
Counseling
Speech-Language Pathology
Audiology

Careers with Communicative Disorders

Graduates are prepared for a wide range of professional roles within the health and education sectors. Many students progress to become speech-language pathologists or audiologists after completing the necessary postgraduate qualifications. The programme provides the essential scientific background required for these clinical career paths.

Beyond clinical practice, the degree opens doors to employment in rehabilitation centres, schools, and community health organisations. Graduates may find success as rehabilitation counsellors or in various human services roles where a deep understanding of communication and human development is highly valued by employers.

Programme Structure

Courses included :

Medical Terminology
Disability in Society
Counseling in Rehabilitation Services
Introduction to Communicative Disorders
Phonetics and Phonology
Introduction to Audiology
Language Development
Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech and Hearing Mechanisms

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-08-26 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-08-01 00:00:00 , National
Starting 2027-01-13 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-10-01 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00 , National
Starting 2027-08-26 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-05-01 00:00:00 , International

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

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IELTS

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

DeKalb, United States

Disciplines

Biomedical Science Communication Studies Medicine View 512 other Bachelors in Medicine in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

105

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

High school diploma: You must have graduated by the time you start at NIU in order to be admitted

Grades: You must have passing grades equivalent to a U.S. C+ average on all transcripts and/or exam scores

A completed NIU application

Official transcripts from all high schools attended

ACT/SAT score (if applicable)

Proof of English ability

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

21484 USD / year

≈ 21484 USD / year
Out-of-State

10742 USD / year

≈ 10742 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

10742 USD / year

≈ 10742 USD / year

Additional Details

Local: $5,115.34 per semester National and International: $10,230.68 per semester

Living costs

DeKalb

United States

1100 - 1500 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Communicative Disorders.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Additional Details

Living costs

DeKalb

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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