If you are looking to become a leader in the field of speech language pathology, look no further than the communication sciences and disorders program at Rockhurst University. Here, you will develop the skills necessary to provide speech language services to children and adults. Through community based clinical practicum experiences, service learning opportunities, and a curriculum that emphasizes ethics, you will become a well rounded clinician with a true passion for helping others.

The Communication Sciences and Disorders department at Rockhurst University offers bachelors and graduate level programs for students who are passionate about helping children and adults overcome a broad range of communication disorders. With an emphasis on an ethical and culturally sensitive approach, our CSD programs equip students with the skills needed to identify and treat individuals with a number of communication and swallowing disorders.

Bachelor's Programs

Students who pursue a bachelor of science in CSD may be prepared for graduate work in speech language pathology, audiology, special education, deaf education, and numerous other fields. Bachelor's coursework provides a broad scientific base for understanding typical development of the basic human communication and swallowing processes, as well as an introduction to the study of disorders of communication.

Master of Science

The Master of Science program prepares students to offer quality speech language services in a variety of settings and facilities. The graduate program provides the required coursework and elective options that students need to assess and treat both pediatric and adult clients. Coupled with real world clinical experience, the graduate curriculum develops students into well rounded, compassionate clinicians dedicated to the service of others in the field of speech language pathology.

For more information, view the graduate program overview or the graduate course sequence.

The Master of Science in CSD requires 37 core credit hours, a minimum of four elective credit hours and seven clinical practicum credit hours.

Post Bachelor’s Leveling Program

Individuals with a bachelor’s degree in a discipline other than CSD or speech language pathology can pursue a graduate degree in CSD through the post bachelor’s leveling program. Once provisionally admitted to the graduate program, students have the opportunity to complete the necessary prerequisite coursework to begin graduate studies in speech language pathology.

Questions?

Contact us at graduate@rockhurst.edu.

Strategic Plan Executive Summary:   

The Communication Sciences and Disorders Department at Rockhurst University is focused on the following areas of academic and clinical excellence as outlined in our Strategic Plan:  

Provide exceptional academic and clinical preparation for the next generation of CSD professionals by increasing opportunities for students to engage in interprofessional collaborations, exploring innovating methods in clinical education such as simulation and standardized patient models, increasing use of problem based learning in the classroom, and expanding opportunities for students to engage in service learning with community partners.   
Attract and retain a highly qualified, diverse group of students across all CSD programs by increasing financial support available to students in CSD who are interested in leading positive change in diversity, equity, and inclusion in CSD.   
Diversify departmental revenue streams through exploration of advanced certification programs, expanded online course offering, additional continuing education programs, and strengthened community based SLP services.   

Recruit and retain highly skilled CSD faculty and staff by allocating departmental resources to faculty development, providing ongoing mentorship and career advancement support, and strengthening our commitment to creating CSD as a “Home for All” in alignment with the Rockhurst mission.