Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders

Mailing Address: 390 South 1530 East, Suite 1201, Salt Lake City, UT 84112
Office Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Monday through Friday
Website: https://health.utah.edu/communication-sciences-disorders/
Phone: 801-581-6725
Email:csd@utah.edu

Department Chair: Julie Barkmeier-Kraemer, PhD
Undergraduate Director: Stacy Manwaring, PhD
Undergraduate Advisor: Laura Gerner
Graduate Director, SLP/SLPA Program: Tyler Christopulos, PhD
Graduate Director, AuD Program: Sarah Hargus Ferguson, PhD
Graduate Director, PhD Program: Sean Redmond, PhD
Director of Clinical Education, SLP: Brett Myers, PhD
Director of Clinical Education, AuD: Jessica Chen, AuD, PhD

Mission Statement

The mission of the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders is to prepare highly competent and caring professional audiologists and speech-language pathologists. The department provides undergraduate students a strong background in the basic processes underlying typically developing speech, language, and hearing while delivering graduate students world-class pedagogical and clinical experiences. As a preeminent research and teaching department with national and global reach, we are committed to providing an academic environment in which the highest standards of scholarship and clinical service are practiced. All faculty, staff, and students promote a climate of respect for all that cultivates and sustains transformative practices in the classroom, clinic, and community.

Overview

The Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders offers undergraduate and graduate programs related to speech-language pathology and audiology. The department provides education, research, and clinical training opportunities focused on the scientific study of speech, language, and hearing, as well as the prevention, assessment, and treatment of communication disorders. Our clinical education programs are fully accredited, reflecting rigorous national standards for preparing future speech-language pathologists and audiologists. Faculty and students engage in a wide range of research on speech, language, hearing, and neurological communication disorders, with specialized laboratories that examine specific topics within these areas.

Types of Degrees

Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science
Master of Arts/Master of Science
Graduate Certificate
Doctor of Audiology
Doctor of Philosophy

Undergraduate Program

The undergraduate major in Speech and Hearing Science is a pre-professional degree for students planning careers in speech-language pathology or audiology. Professional practice in speech-language pathology requires a master’s degree and post-graduate clinical training, and practice in audiology requires a clinical doctorate (AuD). Students who do not hold a bachelor’s degree in this field may still enter graduate training in speech-language pathology or audiology; however, additional prerequisite coursework may be required.

The undergraduate curriculum provides a strong foundation in the scientific study of speech, language, and hearing, as well as an introduction to communication disorders across the lifespan. Coursework prepares students for graduate study while developing knowledge in areas such as speech and language development, hearing science, phonetics, anatomy and physiology of speech and hearing, and the nature of communication disorders.

Students in the program benefit from a range of learning opportunities designed to prepare them for graduate study and future professional practice, including:

Experiential learning: Coursework includes opportunities for community-engaged learning, guided observation of speech, language, and hearing assessment and treatment, and elective courses that allow students to explore specific areas of interest within the field as well as a learning abroad experience.
Research opportunities: Faculty actively involve undergraduate students in research through independent study experiences, research-focused coursework, and participation in ongoing projects within departmental research laboratories.
Advising and mentorship: Students work closely with academic advisors to develop a program of study aligned with their academic and career goals. Additional mentorship and professional engagement opportunities are available through student organizations related to Communication Sciences and Disorders.

For additional information about the undergraduate major and program requirements, visit the department website using this link: https://health.utah.edu/communication-sciences-disorders/degrees

Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) Coursework Pathway

The University of Utah's Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) coursework pathway consists of undergraduate-level courses that provides academic and clinical training designed to prepare students for careers as SLPAs in public schools, medical settings, or private practice. The coursework pathway may be completed in one to two semesters and equips students with the knowledge and hands-on experience required to work in the field.

SLPAs are trained support personnel who work under the supervision of ASHA-certified Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs), performing tasks that are prescribed, directed, and closely monitored to meet the needs of individuals with communication disorders.

Individuals who complete the coursework pathway will be eligible to take the Assistant Certification Exam administered by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (C-SLPA). The curriculum includes traditional coursework as well as a clinical externship. For more information, please visit the Coursework Outline tab below.

Additional information about the coursework pathway can be found: https://health.utah.edu/communication-sciences-disorders/degrees/slpa

Graduate Programs

Master of Speech-Language Pathology

A Master of Science (MS) degree in Speech-Language Pathology prepares students for careers in speech-language pathology. It is an intensive program, normally involving a minimum of 5 semesters (one year, nine months) of study and full-time clinical practicum training. A total of 55 credit hours is required, of which 36 are didactic and 19 are clinical experiences. For additional information, see the Graduate Information section of the University Catalog. Applicants must apply through CSDCAS and to the University of Utah.

Additional information about this program’s course sequence and application instructions for CSD and non-CSD students can be found at this location: https://health.utah.edu/communication-sciences-disorders/degrees/masters

Doctor of Audiology (AuD)

The audiology professional doctoral program (AuD) is a 4-year post-baccalaureate professional degree that is designed to meet all requirements for national accreditation and clinical certification in audiology. The curriculum offers a broad range of clinical education and training, drawing upon the strengths of the location of our program in the College of Health and in a vibrant metropolitan area that features over 30 outstanding clinical rotation sites.

PhD in Communication Sciences and Disorders

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders requires advanced coursework, independent research, and an in-depth understanding of topics in one's area of specialization.

The PhD Student Handbook provides a complete overview of the PhD program, course requirements, summary of required hours & qualifying exam, dissertation, and other topics.

https://health.utah.edu/documents/communication-sciences-disorders-phd-handbook