Communication Sciences and Disorders

What is Communication Sciences and Disorders?

Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) focuses on the nature and development of human communication and the disorders that affect it. Professionals assist individuals who have communication disorders and collaborate with teachers, physicians, and other allied-health professionals. Communication disorders can impact language, speech, hearing, voice, resonance, stuttering, and swallowing.

Career Outcomes

Undergrads who complete a bachelor’s degree in speech, language, and hearing sciences have a solid foundation in speech science, audiology and language development.

With this background, you’ll be able to work as:

  • A speech-language pathology assistant
  • An audiology assistant
  • A rehabilitation aide
  • In a profession requiring a social science degree

A master's degree in speech-language pathology enables graduates to become speech-language pathologists – health care professionals who identify, assess, and treat speech and language disorders as well as swallowing disorders. As a speech-language pathologist, you can provide services across the lifespan from newborns to geriatric individuals.

You'll practice in a variety of settings including:

  • Hospitals
  • Outpatient clinics
  • K-12 schools
  • Universities
  • Private practices

Department Mission

Our mission is to ensure our students are equipped with a strong foundation in the knowledge and skills required to become an ethical and culturally sensitive entry-level speech-language pathologist. We are committed to integrating academic and clinical experiences to ensure students are learning evidence-based practices to prepare you for a successful career in our diverse and global society.

Academic knowledge and clinical experiences will be achieved through problem-based learning, simulation experience, and hands-on clinical opportunities. Graduates will be prepared to earn the Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and state licensure.