Communication Sciences and Disorders
The ability to communicate effectively using language systems distinguishes
human beings from other forms of life. Disabilities which interfere with
communication skills prohibit a large number of people from realizing their
full potential in modern society. Study in the field of speech-language
pathology and audiology prepares one to appreciate the impact of such impairments
and to assist individuals in overcoming them.
Students in speech-language pathology and audiology participate in course
work which covers normal human growth, development of the communicative
processes, detailed consideration of disorders which arise in these processes,
and their assessment and treatment. Course work is supplemented by practica
which give students first-hand experiences in dealing with disorders in
the area of language impairment, vocal disturbance, articulation disorders,
fluency problems, and/or hearing impairment. These experiences are carried
out in the University Speech and Hearing Clinic and in off-campus internship
and externship placements.
The Clinical Rehabilitative Services (CRS) Credential in Language, Speech,
and Hearing Services is offered. The credential pattern requires successful
completion of 42 units in the generic component, which is interdisciplinary,
and 35-49 units in the advanced specialization component. This credential
authorizes the holder to serve in the public schools as a Language, Speech,
and Hearing Specialist.
The graduate program is speech-language pathology is accredtied by the
Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language pathology
(CAA).
Faculty and Facilities
The program maintains a Speech and Hearing Clinic and a computer and speech-language-hearing
science laboratory. Students receive supervised practical experience in
evaluation and therapy for persons with a wide range of communicative disorders.
The clinic is equipped with audio and video monitored therapy rooms and
observation facilities.
The faculty consists of six full-time members as well as part-time clinical
supervisors. All faculty supervising clinical practica are appropriately
certified, licensed, or credentialed.
Services for University Students
University students are encouraged to consult the Speech and Hearing Clinic
if they have concerns about their speech, language, or hearing. There is
no charge for evaluation or therapy services for university students.
Career Outlook
Speech-language pathology is a stimulating, challenging, and rewarding
profession. It demands a high level of skill as well as an affinity for
working effectively with people. Basic entry into the profession is at
the master’s level. Students completing the bachelor’s degree may be employed
as speech therapy aides in schools and other settings. Those who complete
the master’s program look forward to many and varied employment opportunities.
In addition to the schools, speech-language pathologists work in hospitals;
in university speech and hearing clinics; in rehabilitation centers; in
research programs; in otolaryngologists’ offices; and in private practice.
Some of the work settings stress specific communicative disorders. For
example, in the schools, speech-language pathologists work mostly with
children having a wide range of problems; in hospitals they work with aphasia
(stroke) and laryngectomy; and in speech and hearing clinics in other hospitals
and universities, they work with a variety of communicative disorders.
Work in physicians’ offices involves hearing testing, aural rehabilitation,
and hearing aid application. In private practice, speech-language pathologists
may specialize in specific speech/language/hearing problems or in all types
of communicative disorders. Currently employment opportunities abound and
prospects are excellent in this area in the foreseeable future.
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