Our Mission + Program Philosophy

Woman speaking to another woman

Department of Communication Sciences + Disorders

(formerly known as the Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology)

Vision

Communication Connects Us

Mission

We maximize speech, language, hearing and swallowing function through excellence in academic and clinical education, research, leadership, and professional and community partnerships.

Values

  • Critical inquiry
  • Innovative
  • Person-centered
  • Inclusive
  • Evidence-based
  • Life-long learning
  • Active and engaged learning
  • Professionalism
  • Empathy

CSD Department's Strategic Plan

  • Strategic Priority 1: Build the Department's research profile by enhancing the research culture and supporting productivity.
  • Strategic Priority 2: Advance the Department and the professions through high quality philosophically grounded educational programs.
  • Strategic Priority 3: Promote our department, its programs and professions.
  • Strategic Priority 4: Create a revenue stream to support current and future strategic objectives, programs and initiatives.
  • Strategic Priority 5: Review, revise and sustain an effective and efficient organizational structure.

MSc-SLP Program Philosophy

The Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders prepares future leaders in the profession of speech-language pathology. Our MSc-SLP graduates have the requisite knowledge, experience, skills, and values to meet the complex and dynamic challenges of addressing speech, language, communication, and swallowing needs in a multicultural society across the lifespan in a variety of healthcare and educational settings. With a commitment to academic excellence, innovative models of clinical training, interdisciplinary education, and research experiences for students, we integrate academic programs and clinical education to prepare students to work and thrive in a constantly evolving profession.

Our students acquire content expertise and are immersed in foundational principles such as client-centered and evidence-based practice. Using a competency-based approach we systematically provide students with a variety of opportunities to develop their skills as collaborators, communicators, advocates, leaders, and scholars. Our graduates are prepared to maintain high professional standards, engage in ethical practice, and respond to the ever-changing needs of society.

Our instructors use a variety of teaching techniques to scaffold student learning and address the diverse needs of learners, including conventional lectures, problem-based case studies that integrate learning across courses, practical application of assessment and treatment technologies, and active and contemporary learning strategies. It is our teaching mission to create a community of learners who value diversity, life-long learning, and promote a culture of collaboration and respect for others.