Faculty and students in Rockhurst University’s Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) program have a lot to be excited about this year. Their department has recently achieved re-accreditation, launched a newly revised curriculum, introduced three new labs and welcomed a new chair.

The CSD program recently received full re-accreditation status from the Council for Academic Accreditation (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association for a period of eight years – the maximum accreditation period granted to any program.

Thanks to feedback from CSD alumni, the department has completed a comprehensive revision of the curriculum that meets – and in some areas exceeds – the CAA’s 2008 standards. The new curriculum features a sharper focus on research and the academic coursework that prepares students for clinical experiences.

CSD faculty were excited to introduce three new labs this year:
• An augmentative and alternative communication lab allows hands-on experience with various assistive technology devices for those with verbal communication challenges.
• An adult/child language lab provides opportunities to demonstrate, conduct and evaluate diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
• A therapy resource lab allows students more opportunities to practice intervention techniques.

“We are enthusiastic about the future and continuing Rockhurst’s tradition of excellence in preparing professionals in the field of speech-language pathology,” said Carol Koch, interim department chair, who will become department chair on July 1. “These curricular and laboratory enhancements will more effectively prepare our students for clinical experiences.”

CSD, sometimes called speech-language pathology, prepares practitioners to assess, diagnose, treat and help to prevent disorders related to speech, language, cognitive-communication, voice, swallowing and fluency.

Students in the program can expect a healthy job market upon graduation. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects the field of speech-language pathology to see excellent job opportunities in the coming years. U.S. News & World Report ranks speech-language pathology and audiology among the top 25 careers for 2007.

Rockhurst offers bachelor’s and master’s-level degrees focused on ethics and values in the field of speech and language services. Students benefit from close interaction with faculty, flexible schedules and a convenient location near the Country Club Plaza. You can learn more about the CSD program online or by calling (816) 501-4097.