Communication Sciences and Disorders

Mission Statement

West Chester University's Department of Communicative Disorders offers three programs: (1) a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) program in CSD, (2) a Pre Graduate Program (P.G.P.) allowing students with a degree in another discipline to complete core undergraduate CSD courses as a prerequisite for applying to a Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) or Audiology graduate program, and (3) a Master of Arts (M.A.) in Speech-Language Pathology.

• The B.A. program and the P.G.P. offer a firm theoretical basis for understanding the nature of normal communication and swallowing processes and with an introduction to communication disorders.
• The M.A. program offers learning experiences that address the knowledge and skill standards defined by ASHA's Council for Clinical Certification (CFCC) in Speech-Language pathology, including
• Content targeting knowledge of theoretical and evidence-based frameworks for understanding the prevention, assessment, and treatment of communication and swallowing disorders
• Opportunities to apply knowledge in the application of critical thinking and problem-solving skills within closely supervised on- and off-campus clinical practice settings
• Opportunities to learn and apply competencies to support interprofessional collaboration
• Research opportunities to prepare students for becoming informed consumers of the literature and for pursuing graduate work beyond the master's level if desired.

Together with other programs in the West Chester University community, the B.A., P.G.P. and M.A. programs support students in becoming individuals who are broadly educated, excel at critical thinking and evidence-based problem solving, and behave in accordance with values documented in ASHA's Code of Ethics, the College of Health Science's Strategic Priorities, and WCU's mission, including inclusion and cultural sensitivity.