Processing Your Payment

Please do not leave this page until complete. This can take a few moments.

February 1, 2019

SHU rolls out communications-disorder major

Photo | Contributed Sacred Heart student Katie Bednarz works with a young client during an articulation camp at the Center for Healthcare Education.
By MICHAEL C. BINGHAM

Sacred Heart University’s College of Health Professions has introduced a new undergraduate major program in communication disorders. Debuting in autumn 2019, the program will prepare students for graduate work in the fields of speech-language pathology (SLP) or audiology.

The degree can be pursued as either a traditional four-year degree or through an accelerated “3+2” program. The latter encompasses three years of undergraduate work before commencing the two-year master’s degree program.

The undergraduate curriculum comprises courses in preparation for graduate work, including anatomy, physiology and neurology of speech, language, hearing and swallowing. It also includes courses on the typical development of speech, language and hearing the nature of sound and the structure of language. The program likewise includes courses in science, math and psychology.

“This new program prepares students for jobs in speech-language pathology upon completion of a two-year master’s degree, following their undergraduate program,” said Rhea Paul, chair of the SLP program. Students eyeing audiology careers will pursue a three-year professional doctorate in their field.

Paul added that speech-language pathologists and audiologists are in high demand in the U.S.

“There is a need for these professionals because as the baby-boomers age, they experience trouble with hearing and communication,” she said. “They will need rehabilitation and professionals to provide it.”

Such professionals also work with children, and there is particularly strong demand for speech-language pathologists to work in schools to help young people succeed in the classroom, according to Paul.

“People see these professions as a solid opportunity,” she said. “It’s a lifelong career.”

More information on SHU’s communication disorders program, including coursework, may be found here. 

Contact Michael C. Bingham at mbingham@newhavenbiz.com

Sign up for Enews

Most Recent

Most Recent

0 Comments

Order a PDF