Our graduate students have the opportunity to travel to Zambia as a part of the Harding in Zambia Speech-Language Pathology (HIZ-PATH) program. Students provide speech-language pathology services to adults and children of all ages as well as serving babies at the Haven, a home for children without parents, some of whom have HIV/AIDS complex diagnoses. Clinical responsibilities include language enrichment, feeding and swallowing, and completing hearing and vision screenings at the local school.
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.
Students have the opportunity to participate in clinical, experiential learning in the American Southwest on the Navajo and Hopi reservations.
Students attend regional and national professional meetings alongside their faculty and have the opportunity to participate in mentored research opportunities.
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.
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 and physician assistant studies.
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.
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.
A Master of Science in speech-language pathology prepares graduates to assess, diagnose and treat communication and swallowing disorders across diverse populations. The program emphasizes clinical practice, ensuring that students gain hands-on experience in diagnosing speech and language disorders, developing individualized treatment plans, and providing therapy.
Graduates can work alongside audiologists in clinical settings to provide holistic care for patients with hearing impairments, contributing to a multidisciplinary approach to communication disorders. This collaboration enhances the treatment outcomes for individuals with combined speech, language and hearing issues, ensuring comprehensive patient care.
The Master of Science in speech-language pathology is highly beneficial in special education settings where speech-language pathologists play a crucial role in supporting students with communication challenges. SLPs work with special education teachers to develop and implement individualized education plans that address speech and language needs, promoting better academic and social outcomes for students with disabilities.
