This program is designed as preparation for graduate study in speech-language pathology or audiology. A master’s degree is required to become certified as a Speech-Language Pathologist and a doctoral degree (AUD) is required to become an Audiologist. While the B.A. degree in CD does not qualify the student to practice speech-language pathology or audiology, there are related fields open to the B.A. graduate that include employment as a teacher’s assistant, classroom aide, child development worker, and speech-language pathology assistant with additional intern experience beyond the undergraduate degree. In addition, the BA degree in CD is a strong foundation for a number of graduate programs in special education, education, rehabilitation counseling, and related fields.

The programs in the department include professional preparation in special education and communicative disorders. These programs in special education include preparation for specialists who may work in schools, clinical settings, or community agencies with individuals with disabilities. Resources of education, psychology, counseling, and other human service related fields are utilized.