Department of Communication Disorders Programs

The Department of Communication Disorders offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication Disorders and a Master of Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology. The degrees, which focus on the science behind communication problems as well as how to treat children and adults through new strategies, technologies and rehabilitation, are comprised of rich internal and external clinical experiences. With the largest university clinic for speech-language pathology in Connecticut, clinical opportunities include three on-campus clinical service programs: The Center for Communication Disorders, The Access Network, and Southern Connecticut Audiology Services.

The Bachelor of Science in Communication Disorders is a pre-professional degree designed primarily for students who anticipate earning a master's or doctoral degree, state licensure and national certification as speech-language pathologists or audiologists.

The program's mission is to prepare graduates for entrance into advanced study in communication disorders.  The degree may also be helpful for entrance into other academic programs, human services professions, or special education.  Students who complete the degree requirements and do not intend to pursue a graduate degree may find immediate entry into positions such as speech assistant, paraprofessional, or aide in public and private school systems.  The program prepares the undergraduate learner for life-long inquiry, leadership, and adaptation to change, through exposure to state-of-the-art instructional techniques which embrace questioning, interaction, assessment, and communication. Dedicated to excellence in academic preparation, the program is committed to an outcomes-based education.  Through formative and summative assessments, students demonstrate acquired knowledge and skills based on program objectives.

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The Master of Science degree with a major in Speech-Language Pathology prepares students to practice in public and private schools, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and private practice as speech-language pathologists.

The educational program includes instruction in a broad array of diagnostic and treatment paradigms as well as supervised hands-on experience in the department's unique Center for Communication Disorders and at selected off-campus sites including schools and hospitals.

The Master of Science program in Speech-Language Pathology at Southern Connecticut State University is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 220 Research Boulevard #310, Rockville, Maryland, 20850, 800-498-2071 or 301-296-5700. The current accreditation cycle expires in November 2026.
    
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The Bilingual Extension Certificate Program complements the M.S. in Communication Disorders degree program and enables speech-language pathologists (SLPs) to better serve the growing population of English Learners.

This program provides graduate students and practicing SLPs with additional training in evidence-based practices for multilingual populations. Instruction and supervised clinical experiences focus on assessment and treatment of developmental communication disorders in multilingual populations in early intervention and school settings.

This concentration prepares students for employment as a Speech Language Pathology Assistant. SLPAs are support personnel who work under the supervision of a Speech Language Pathologist (SLP), usually in school or rehab settings. SLPAs assist speech language pathologists in treating individuals with speech, language, fluency and voice disorders in a variety of settings. They provide a wide range of services including implementing speech and language programs designed by the SLP. The SLPA concentration is a flexible option for students who may want to work in the field before choosing to pursue a Master’s degree in Speech Pathology. Students graduating with this concentration will be eligible to apply for the national American Speech-Hearing-Language Association certification. Included in the coursework is 100 hours of practicum experience that meets fieldwork guidelines for the national certification program. 

If you enjoy working with people of all ages, in a variety of settings such as schools, health clinics, private practice, early intervention and other work settings with the goal of improving communication and overall quality of life, this might be a good career path to explore. Visit American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) 

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