Mission of the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders

Communication is essential to all aspects of life and is fundamental to health and human development. All individuals have the right to functional communication that promotes their participation in educational, vocational, health-care, community, and social activities, across the lifespan. Through our research, teaching, and outreach services, the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders collaborates with our students, our clients, their families, and community members to provide access to the knowledge, skills, and tools that can transform the participation available to individuals with diverse communication needs.

Vision Statement

The Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders will: 

• enhance high quality interdisciplinary research to advance knowledge in communication development and challenges in speech, language, hearing, and feeding/swallowing and to improve outcomes across the lifespan;
• advance and sustain the highest quality undergraduate and masters level instruction in a student-centered environment to prepare the next generation of researchers and practitioners and to promote the development of leadership skills;
• prepare doctoral students as future researchers, university faculty, and leaders in the field;
• prepare graduate students to conduct and become consumers of research, as well as competent professionals;
• provide outreach to individuals with challenges in speech, language, hearing and feeding/swallowing and their families in the University and surrounding community, as well as assist relevant private and public agencies and engage in advocacy to address the needs of those we serve;
• provide professional development to alumni and other practicing clinicians through the dissemination of cutting edge research and clinical practice; and
• promote and sustain a culture of acceptance, diversity, inclusion and global engagement among students, faculty, staff and clients.