Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD, ASL)
For information, please contact the chairperson, 989-774-1323, 2186 Health Professions Building; www.chp.cmich.edu/cdo
Why Study Communication Sciences and Disorders?
One of every ten people has a speech, language, or hearing disorder. Communication disorders generally do not occur in isolation--they can be related to other problems as well. Social, emotional, educational, and vocational problems may stem from or be aggravated by communication disorders. Speech-language pathologists and audiologists are educated to prevent, identify, and treat communication disorders. They work primarily in educational settings, medical and health facilities, and private practice.
Communication Sciences and Disorders at CMU
To work as a speech-language pathologist or audiologist, you are required to meet the professional qualifications of the state in which you are employed. This will require a graduate degree at the master’s or doctoral level. Your study of communication disorders at the undergraduate level must be carefully tailored to lead into study at the graduate level.
The department offers a major in communication sciences and disorders, which specifically prepares students for entry into graduate speech-language pathology and audiology programs and for other career opportunities. The minor in communication sciences and disorders prepares students for career opportunities particularly related to health and education as well as for advanced educational opportunities. The minor in American Sign Language complements many majors, and helps students acquire conversational skills in American Sign Language and develop an appreciation and understanding of the way in which people in the Deaf community live, think, and communicate.
The Department of Communication Sciences & Disorders offers the Doctor of Audiology (Au.D) and the Master of Arts (M.A.) in Speech-Language Pathology. The undergraduate and graduate level programs are designed to complement one another and to lead to eligibility to apply for American Speech-Language-Hearing Association’s (ASHA) Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) for students who complete the graduate degree programs. CMU’s academic programs in audiology and speech-language pathology are accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA).
Early advisement is recommended for students considering a major or minor in this department. If you are interested in a career as a speech-language pathologist or audiologist, call the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders (989-774-3471) and request advisement assistance.
The Faculty
Katie Atkinson, Laurie Bahlke, Cheryl Barden, Nicholas Barone, Ann Marie Bates, Kristen Birch, Natalie Douglas, Nicole Ferguson, Sarah Grinn, Barbara Jackson, Theresa Jones, Christine Kinne, Mark Lehman, Stacey Lim, Amanda Luna-Bailey, Megan MacPherson, Kendra Miller, Susan Naeve-Velguth, Dawn Nelson, Shannon Palmer, Claudia Pastorelli, Rebecca Rees, Stephanie Richards, MaryBeth Smith, Katie Squires, Katie Strong, Janet Sturm, Yunfang Zheng
The Programs
Communication Sciences & Disorders Major
Communication Sciences & Disorders Minor
American Sign Language Minor