Communication Sciences and Disorders
Program Description
Rockhurst University’s communication sciences and disorders degree is a pre-professional speech pathology undergraduate program that prepares you to serve children and adults with a broad range of communication disorders. If you’re wondering how to become a speech pathologist, RU’s acclaimed communication disorders major is the best place to start.
With a foundation in Jesuit, liberal arts education, our communication science program emphasizes an ethical and culturally sensitive approach to its speech therapy curriculum. Our communication sciences and disorders degree consists of 56 credit hours and includes courses in human communication disorders, culture and diversity, and speech and hearing science.
It is an excellent option for students interested in pursuing a graduate degree to become a speech pathologist, or further specialize their communication science expertise with a graduate degree in audiology or occupational therapy. The University also offers a communication sciences and disorders minor.
Freshmen are eligible to apply for pre-admission to either the Master of Science in communication sciences and disorders or the Master of Science in occupational therapy.
Learning Outcomes
Graduates who earn a communication sciences and disorders degree from RU will be able to:
- Understand normal human communication and swallowing processes.
- Identify and describe the etiologies and characteristics of communication and swallowing disorders.
- Demonstrate an understanding of multicultural sensitivity as it relates to the discipline of communication sciences and disorders.
- Apply effective oral and written communication skills in all academic settings.
Experiences
- Observe speech pathologists and audiologists at work in the community.
- Collaborate with faculty on communication science research projects.
- Participate in service projects working with individuals with communication disorders.
- Participate in the undergraduate PURPOSE Club with other health science majors.
- Shadow faculty at collaborative sites such as local Catholic schools and community centers.
Outcomes
What communication sciences and disorders jobs are available to you post-graduation? Graduates will be prepared to take on roles such as:
- Speech pathologist
- Audiologist
- Speech pathology assistant
- Preschool teacher
- Early intervention specialist
Speech pathology jobs can be lucrative and self-fulfilling. According to the 2017 Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median speech pathologist salary was $76,610 a year. And you’ll be happy to know the communication science industry is growing much faster than average, meaning your skills will be in high demand.
