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Department of Communication Disorders & Sciences

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Department of Communication Disorders and Sciences

The Department offers both baccalaureate and master's degree programs.  Students in our program receive hands-on experience working with real-life clients at our on-campus Speech and Hearing Clinic (located in University Hall - Lower Level).  This working clinic is a primary practicum site for our graduate students, allowing them to provide speech-language pathology services to children and adults.

Learn more about each of our programs:

  • BS in Communication Disorders and Sciences
  • Minor in Communication Disorders and Sciences
  • MS in Communication Disorders and Sciences

The BA degree in communication disorders and sciences provides students with the basic knowledge necessary to enter a master's program in communication disorders and sciences, a master's program in a related field (e.g., special education, audiology, etc.), or to pursue employment in a related discipline. The MS degree provides students with a comprehensive education that encompasses an evidence-based approach to the theoretical, practical, and ethical aspects of the field of communication sciences and disorders and which also fosters research and scholarship in order to contribute to the knowledge of the profession. Students who successfully complete the MS degree will be eligible for New Jersey licensure to work as a speech-language pathologist.

Communication Disorders and Sciences - Mission Statement 

The mission of the undergraduate program is to provide students with the fundamental knowledge related to typical and atypical communication processes across the lifespan so that students have the basic knowledge necessary to enter a master's program in communication disorders and science or to purse employment in a related discipline.  

Communication Disorders and Sciences - BS  Student Learning Outcomes

1.1 Biological and neurological bases of human communication 

Students will demonstrate knowledge of the biological and neurological bases of human communication. 

1.2 Normal speech and language development 

Students will demonstrate knowledge of normal speech and language development. 

1.3 Linguistic bases of communication 

Students will demonstrate knowledge of the linguistic bases of communication. 

1.4 Acoustic characteristics of speech 

Students will demonstrate knowledge of the acoustic characteristics of speech. 

2.1 Etiologies of human communication disorders and differences 

Students will demonstrate knowledge of etiologies associated with of disorders of human communication and swallowing, including: phonology, articulation, language, hearing, voice, swallowing and fluency. 

2.2 Characteristics of disorders of human communication disorders and differences 

Students will demonstrate knowledge of characteristics associated with human communication disorders and differences, including: phonology, articulation, language, hearing, voice, swallowing and fluency. 

3.1 Evaluation and treatment of communication and swallowing disorders 

Students will demonstrate knowledge of prevention, evaluation, and intervention for communication and swallowing disorders.  

3.2 Evidence-based practice 

Students will demonstrate basic knowledge of evidence-based practice by relating research to clinical practice.  

3.3 Methods of clinical practice 

Students will demonstrate knowledge of the methods of clinical practice. 

4.1 Standards of ethical conduct 

Students will demonstrate knowledge of ethical standards as they apply in working with individuals with speech, language, swallowing, and hearing disorders. 

4.2 Roles, responsibilities and work settings for speech-language pathologists and    audiologists. 

Students will demonstrate knowledge of the roles, responsibilities and work settings for speech-language pathologists and audiologists. 

4.3 Professional credentials 

Students will demonstrate an understanding of certification, specialty recognition, licensure and other professional credentials. 

5.1 Basic research design and statistical methods 

Students will demonstrate knowledge of research design and statistical principles used in communication development and disorders. 

5.2 Locating and using information pertaining to communication sciences and disorders 

Students will demonstrate the ability to locate and use information pertaining to communication sciences and disorders. 

6.1 Written communication skills 

Students will demonstrate writing skills appropriate for academic settings and/or clinical situations. 

6.2 Spoken communication skills 

Students will demonstrate spoken communication skills appropriate for academic work and/or clinical situations. 

7.1 Critical evaluation of literature 

Students will demonstrate the ability to synthesize, analyze, and evaluate some of the literature pertaining to communication disorders and sciences. 

 

7.2 Clinical reasoning 

Students will apply knowledge to clinical situations. 

 

Communication Disorders and Sciences - BS Goals 

1.0 Knowledge of basic human communication processes 

Students will demonstrate knowledge of basic human communication and swallowing processes sufficient for entry into graduate programs. 

2.0 Knowledge of human communication and swallowing disorders and differences 

Students will demonstrate knowledge of basic human communication and swallowing disorders and differences sufficient for entry into graduate programs. 

3.0 Treatment and evidence-based practice 

Students will demonstrate a basic understanding of treatment principles for communication and swallowing disorders sufficient for entry into a graduate program. 

4.0 Professional issues 

Students will demonstrate knowledge of the professional issues in speech-language pathology necessary for entry into a graduate program. 

 5.0 Research processes and principles 

Students will demonstrate knowledge of processes used in research in the study of human communication and disorders. 

6.0 Written and oral communication 

Students will demonstrate skills in oral and written communication sufficient for entry

into graduate programs. 

7.0 Critical thinking 

Students will apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills to issues in communication disorders and sciences.  

 

Communication Disorders and Sciences- MS Mission Statement

The mission of the graduate program is to prepare students for careers in speech-language pathology so that they can provide competent and evidence-based service to individuals with communication disorders, across the lifespan. Students are provided with a comprehensive education that encompasses an evidence-based approach to the theoretical, practical, and ethical aspects of the field of communication sciences and disorders and which also fosters research and scholarship in order to contribute to the knowledge of the profession. The mission of the Speech and Hearing Clinic is to provide graduate students in Communication Disorders and Sciences the opportunity to evaluate and treat individuals with communication disorders. The Speech and Hearing Clinic promotes clinical excellence while preparing students for careers in a variety of employment settings, and ensuring the delivery of quality professional services in speech-language pathology to individuals within the University and surrounding communities.  

 Communication Disorders and Sciences- MS Goals 

  1. Basic communication and swallowing processes. 
  2. Students will demonstrate knowledge and skills of communication and swallowing disorders and differences. 
  3. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the prevention, assessment and intervention of speech, language, and swallowing disorders and differences, including consideration of anatomical/physiological, developmental, and linguistic and cultural correlates. 
  4. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the standards of ethical conduct in the disciplines of communication disorders and sciences. 
  5. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the processes used in research and of the integration of research principles into evidence-based clinical practice. 

 

Communication Disorders & Sciences News

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Department Spotlight

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For her Honors College thesis, Tonee Burley '16 surveyed students to see if Eurocentric beauty standards and colorism affected perceptions among certain demographics. Burley pursued her bachelor's and master's degrees in communication disorders and sciences and plans to go on for her PhD.