Academics > Majors and Areas of Study > Communication Sciences and Disorders

The Communication Sciences and Disorders major is an interdisciplinary curriculum which prepares students to compete for admission to graduate study and prepare for a career in the profession. Clinical practicum at area hospitals, schools, clinics, and extended care facilities plus intership opportunities at St. Paul Homes (www.stpaulhomes.org) and Children's Center of Mercer County (www.ccmcweb.com) enable students to apply theory to practice. The broad background provided by this major is an important first step in preparing students to provide quality care for the adults and children with whom they will work.

The Communication Sciences and Disorders faculty members not only present their curricula but also share a wealth of experiences through their professional affiliations, AAA (www.audiology.org), ASHA (www.asha.org), UPMC (www.horizon.upmc.com), NAFDA (www.nafda.org).

The Communication Sciences and Disorders major has the following objectives: to provide a pre-professional interdisciplinary curriculum; to prepare students for graduate study leading to certification; to introduce students to diagnosis and treatment of communication disorders in adults and children through course work and clinical practicum experiences; and to acquaint students with the characteristics, roles, and responsibilities of professionals in this challenging field.

Students majoring in Communication Sciences and Disorders have an opportunity to participate in their future profession's governing organization. The Thiel College chapter of NSSHLA is among the chapters in approximately 300 colleges and universities, with a membership of approximately 11,000. Founded in 1972 the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association (NSSLHA) is the national organization for graduate and under graduate students interested in normal and disordered human communication. NSSHLA is the only official national student association recognized by the American Speech Language Hearing Association (ASHA). The Thiel chapter is actively involved in increasing student and community awareness of communication disorders.