University of Scranton Adds Communication Sciences and Disorders Major

The University of Scranton will offer a new undergraduate major in communication sciences and disorders, which will prepare students to pursue graduate studies in the much-in-demand fields of speech-language pathology, audiology or a related discipline. The new major, housed in the University’s Panuska College of Professional Studies, is currently enrolling students for the fall 2021 semester.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for speech-language pathologists and audiologists is stronger than average for growth and has high earnings potential. For speech-language pathologists, which requires a master’s degree, the job growth projected for 2019-2029 is 25 percent. The median pay for 2019 was $79,120. For audiologists, which requires a doctoral degree, the job growth projected for 2019-2029 is 13 percent. The median pay for 2019 was $77,600.

The new major will focus on the basic science of human communication, including biological, physical, social, and linguistic aspects. Students will develop an understanding of what happens when communication is impaired, and how to treat those impairments. Infused within the program, students will complete the prerequisite coursework required to apply for graduate studies in speech-language pathology and/or audiology. However, if the student chooses an alternate path, the completion of the degree program will prepare the student  for the advanced study in a related discipline such as education, counseling and human services, gerontology, public health, or neuroscience.

Students pursing a major in communication sciences and disorders will complete coursework in statistics, social/behavioral science, biological science, and chemistry or physics. They will develop enhanced critical thinking skills, professional and technical oral and writing skills, and problem-solving skills as they engage in projects that examine and analyze current research, participate in clinical case study reviews, and develop empirical studies that focus on communication disorders. In addition, ethics of clinical research practices and evidence-based practice will be emphasized. Clinical intervention techniques and empirical studies for the assessment and treatment of various communication disorders will be introduced. Students will also be required to orally present a detailed case study and analysis of a specific treatment approach within an evidence-based practice framework.

For additional information, contact the University’s Office of Undergraduate Admissions at 888-727-2686 or email admissions@scranton.edu, or Hope E. Baylow, D.A., assistant professor in the Department of Health and Human Performance, at hope.baylow@scranton.edu.