College of Communication & Education

BA in Communication Sciences & Disorders

Overview

Students in the Communication Sciences and Disorders program take courses that address normal human growth, development of communicative processes, disorders that arise in these processes, and their assessment and treatment. Coursework is supplemented by observation of practicum which gives students experiences with disorders in the areas of language impairment, voice and resonance problems, phonology/articulation disorders, fluency problems, hearing impairment, swallowing problems, disorders with the cognitive and/or social aspects of communication, and problems that necessitate the use of oral, manual, augmentative and alternative communication techniques and technologies. Coursework is taught with a clinical emphasis, focusing on foundational skills, case-based learning, and small group problem-solving that can be applied to a wide variety of related academic and vocational avenues. Students are encouraged to participate in campus and community volunteer opportunities and our local chapter of National Student Speech Language Hearing Association.

Mission

The mission of the Communication Sciences and Disorders (CMSD) BA program is to provide students knowledge in normal and disordered aspects of communication across the lifespan that will prepare them for advanced degrees in the fields of audiology and speech-language pathology. Additionally, students acquire skills in critical and creative thinking, analysis and integration, reasoning and problem-solving, information literacy, and professional communication in oral and written formats and in group and interpersonal situations. These skills can be applied to advanced studies, a variety of human service-related professions, and lifelong learning.

Goals & Objectives

The goals of the undergraduate degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders are to:

  1. Prepare students academically for a graduate program in Speech-Language Pathology or Audiology, or related field.
  2. Prepare students to work with and enhance the lives of individuals with diverse needs.
  3. Develop student skills that can be utilized in a variety of careers that focus on providing service to others.
  4. Provide and/or promote opportunities for undergraduate students to enhance their learning and broaden their experiences for further education and career development, social engagement, and lifelong learning.

Learning Outcomes

  1. Demonstrate ability to think critically, flexibly and creatively, analyze and integrate learning, reason, express informed opinions, information literacy, and utilize judgment across diverse concepts and problems.
  2. Demonstrate knowledge of normal aspects of communication and culturally linguistic differences across the lifespan
  3. Demonstrate knowledge of communication disorders and culturally linguistic differences across the lifespan, including etiology, symptomatology, prevention, diagnosis and treatment
  4. Demonstrate ability to utilize professional oral and written communication skills
  5. Demonstrate effective interpersonal and team communication skills