Communication Sciences and Disorders

Our Mission

Our program excels in developing highly-skilled and professional graduates who are ready to impact their local and global communities by improving the lives of those they serve. Christian faculty and staff are invested in providing an unparalleled experience utilizing a comprehensive curriculum, contemporary technology, and state-of-the-art facilities to engage students in reaching their full potential, both educationally and spiritually. As a result, our students exemplify ethical leadership, critical thinking, and interprofessional collaboration to support top of the license practice.

What is an SLP?

Speech-language pathologists are valued members of health and education teams that assess, diagnose, treat and help to prevent cognitive, communication and swallowing disorders in children and adults.

Program History

Harding University has offered academic coursework in communication sciences and disorders since 1953, when Richard Walker introduced speech therapy services to Searcy. Since that time, the program has noted significant growth and evolution and continues to be a service to the communities of central Arkansas.

Speech Clinic

The clinic functions as a vital part of the department of communication sciences and disorders by providing opportunities for advanced clinical training and research. Patients are offered a full range of services and benefit from being treated in a university setting where professors are at the forefront of their field.

Undergraduate Programs

Post-baccalaureate coursework provides the academic foundation for a student with a bachelor’s degree to enter an M.S. program in speech-language pathology. This course sequence provides a strong foundation with the discipline-specific courses required to apply to our MS SLP program.

B.A. in Communication Sciences and Disorders

The Bachelor of Arts in communication sciences & disorders prepares students to pursue advanced degrees in speech-language pathology, audiology, speech and hearing science, and more through excellent academic and clinical training. Options: Clinical and non-clinical tracks

B.A. In Speech-Language Pathology Assistant

As the only one of its kind in the state of Arkansas, this degree prepares you to provide various aspects of patient service under the supervision of a speech-language pathologist. Graduates will be prepared to seek state licensure and national certification. Delivery: Four-year degree or two-year degree completion

Minor in Communication Sciences and Disorders

If you are interested in learning more about communication sciences and disorders but do not want to pursue a graduate degree, this minor is for you. It is specifically designed for students earning degrees in fields such as social work, family and consumer sciences, children's ministry, cognitive neuroscience, psychology, and education. The courses do not prepare a student to enter graduate school in speech-language pathology and audiology but provide coursework that will be beneficial in the workplace.

Minor in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology

This minor is ideal for students in fields other than communication sciences and disorders who may be interested in pursuing a graduate degree in CSD. The courses in this minor specifically encompass the classes required for students to enter most graduate programs in speech-language pathology and audiology.

Concentration in American Sign Language

The Concentration in American Sign Language provides training in basic ASL and an understanding of Deaf culture with the goal of enhancing your communication skills to benefit you in your career. The 12-credit-hour certificate is open to students across all majors.

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. While we continue to offer our on-ground bachelor’s degree in SLPA, the online option is ideal for professionals who want to refresh their skills and pivot to a new career.

Accelerated and Graduate Programs

Accelerated B.A.-M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology

The accelerated track makes it possible for qualified students to complete both a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Sciences & Disorders and a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology in five years. Students will declare CSD clinical track as their undergraduate major, complete liberal arts credits and prerequisites during their first three years, and finish graduate school in years four and five. The department will notify the Registrar’s Office when a student is approved for the accelerated track.

Acceptance into the Speech-Language Pathology master’s program involves a secondary application process (CSDCAS). Students enrolled in the accelerated track who are not accepted into the MS SLP program will transition into the traditional route; completing a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders (Clinical) during their fourth year.

M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology

The Master of Science in speech-language pathology trains highly competent speech-language pathologists in a rigorous academic curriculum and clinical practicum. Graduates will be prepared to sit for the national licensing exam. The program has a 100% pass rate for the past 12 years.

Part-time Track: Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology

The speech-pathology curriculum is an intensive curriculum comprising 60 credit hours. For professionals who cannot enroll full time, this part-time track will allow you to take courses at a slower pace. Students with undergraduate backgrounds in other fields must complete leveling courses prior to beginning the master’s program.  While the leveling classes can be taken online, the MS-SLP curriculum is delivered on ground.  Once admitted to the part-time program, a student can complete the MS-SLP degree in 10 semesters.