Communication Sciences and Disorders (clinical)

Undergraduate
On Ground
120 hours
4 years

Communication Sciences and Disorders at Harding

Our students study the nature and development of communication capabilities, a central aspect of the human condition. They also learn about communication disorders which involve impairments in hearing, speech, voice, resonance, fluency, swallowing and language processes.

Why study communication sciences and disorders at Harding?

Mission Opportunities

Additional mission opportunities include a multicultural experience in Tuba City, Arizona, exploring service delivery in rural settings, in areas of poverty, and in different models of school service; and in Jinotega, Nicaragua, allowing students to gain experience in multicultural service delivery among a Spanish-speaking population utilizing translators.

Speech Clinic

The University operates a free on-campus speech clinic that provides opportunities for clinical training in diagnostics and therapy services across a wide range of age ranges and clinical populations. Faculty with diverse areas of clinical expertise work alongside students to provide quality services to adults and children in our community. Services in Spanish are available.

Experiential Learning

Students have the opportunity to participate in clinical, experiential learning in the American Southwest on the Navajo and Hopi reservations.

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Professional Development

Students attend regional and national professional meetings alongside their faculty and have the opportunity to participate in mentored research opportunities.

Hippotherapy Facility

The department is affiliated with a local hippotherapy facility which offers physical, occupational and speech therapy on horseback. Students have the special opportunity to volunteer with this organization. No previous experience with horses is required.

Interprofessional Education

CSD students are part of the rich culture of interprofessional education in the Center for Health Sciences. They have the opportunity to learn alongside their colleagues in nursing, physical therapy, athletic training, pharmacy, occupational therapy and physician assistant studies.

Concentration in American Sign Language

This concentration will provide training for students who wish to learn basic ASL and gain a better understanding of Deaf culture. It is appropriate for students across all majors and may be especially valuable to students in the areas of communication, customer relations, education or health sciences. This program does not prepare students to become ASL interpreters.

Online certificate in speech-language pathology assistant

This certificate can also be added as a minor for on-ground students and would allow you to enter the workforce as an SLPA after graduation, depending on relevant state licensure requirements. The online option is ideal for professionals who want to refresh their skills and pivot to a new career.

What can you do with a degree in CSD?

Speech-language pathology

A Bachelor of Arts in communication sciences and disorders provides the foundational knowledge required for graduate studies in speech-language pathology. Graduates learn to assess, diagnose and treat communication and swallowing disorders, preparing them for roles in various settings such as schools, hospitals and clinics. 

Audiology

Graduates with a Bachelor of Arts in communication sciences and disorders who pursue careers in audiology gain essential insights into hearing and balance disorders. The program lays the groundwork for advanced studies, emphasizing the diagnosis and treatment of auditory issues. 

Special education

A Bachelor of Arts in communication sciences and disorders also benefits those entering the field of special education. The degree provides a deep understanding of communication challenges that many students with disabilities face. This knowledge is crucial for special education teachers as they develop and implement individualized education plans and employ strategies to support students' speech, language and hearing needs.

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Contact Information


501-279-4648

Mailing address:
Harding University
Communication Sciences & Disorders
HU 10872
Searcy, AR 72149-5615