Do you want to make a difference and impact the way people communicate? Are you interested in working closely with clients and building a connection beyond practice? You can do that here.

The Department of Communication Disorders includes the study of language, speech and hearing, as well as communication disorders resulting from biological, environmental, and behavioral factors. Study in the Department of Communication Disorders prepares students for highly rewarding careers with the opportunity to work with a multitude of clients. 

Center for Speech and Hearing

The Center for Speech and Hearing provides comprehensive diagnostic and intervention services for communication disorders for all ages. Our services are available to the general public.

Outcomes and Careers

  • 100%

    Successful Outcomes Rate

    One hundred percent of students graduating from the Department of Communications Disorders report being employed or furthering their education within six months of graduation. 

  • $81k+

    Average Salary for Audiologist

    According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, an Audiologist can earn $81,030 annually. 

  • $80k+

    Average Salary for a Speech-Language Pathologist

    According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a Speech-Language Pathologist earns approximately $80,480 per year. 

  • 29%

    Projected to Grow from 2020 to 2030

    According to the Bureau of Labor StatisticsEmployment of speech-language pathologists is projected to grow 29 percent from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations.

Graduate Information

Our nationally accredited program in speech-language pathology prepares students for national certification and state licensure as a speech-language pathologist.

Accomplishments

The Department of Communication Disorders has a long and distinguished history of excellent teaching, outstanding scholarship, and exemplary service to the community, region, and state.

Professional and Student Organizations in the Department of Communication Disorders

  • American Speech-Language-Hearing Association

    The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) is a professional association for speech-language pathologists, audiologists, and speech, language, and hearing scientists in the United States and internationally. 
  • National Student Speech-Language-Hearing Association

    The National Student Speech-Language-Hearing Association (NSSLHA) is the national organization for graduate and undergraduate students interested in the study of normal and disordered human communication. NSSLHA is the only official national student association recognized by the American Speech Language Hearing Association (ASHA). 
  • Missouri Speech-Language-Hearing Association

    The Missouri Speech-Language-Hearing Association (MSHA) serves as the state association representing speech-language pathologists, audiologists, speech, language, and hearing scientists and related personnel associated with organized speech, language, and hearing education and health-care settings. 
  • Other Professional Organizations

    The Missouri-Speech-Language-Hearing Association maintains a list of linked websites of other professional organizations pertaining to Communication Disorders.  

Students interested in the professions of speech-language pathology or audiology may contact the Department of Communication Disorders to declare a major in Communication Disorders any time after being admitted to the University. Upon completion of the Declaration of Major form, each student will be assigned an academic advisor within the department.  

Retention Requirements

Students will be retained as Communication Disorders majors provided the following retention criteria are met:  

  • A minimum GPA of 2.75 in the major courses must be maintained. 

If a student completes a semester and his/her major GPA is below 2.75, then he/she will be placed on probation for the next semester of enrollment. If the major GPA of 2.75 is not achieved at the end of the probationary semester, the student will not be allowed to continue in the Communication Disorders program.  

Graduation Requirements

In addition to fulfilling all University requirements for graduation, students wishing to graduate with a major in Communication Disorders must satisfy the following criteria:  

  • Achieve a minimum overall GPA of 2.5. 
  • Achieve a minimum major GPA of 2.75. 

Retention Grievance Guidelines

Any student who is not retained in the Communication Disorders program will be notified by the Chairperson of the Department of Communication Disorders. Students will be given the opportunity to meet with the Department Chairperson to discuss the rationale of the decision. An official request for review of the decision must be received by the Chairperson within 10 business days from the mailing date of the denial letter. 

Department of Communication Disorders Mission Statement  

The Department of Communication Disorders seeks to fulfill the broader missions of Southeast Missouri State University and its College of Education, Health, and Human Studies. Within this context, the Department strives for academic excellence in both its undergraduate and graduate programs.  

The primary mission of the undergraduate program is to provide a background of knowledge pertaining to normal and disordered communication, a foundation of ethical and clinical practice, and strong preparation for further graduate study in communication disorders. This mission is accomplished in the context of a broader liberal arts education. The primary mission of the graduate program is to provide professional preparation in the area of speech-language pathology and audiology. This mission is accomplished in accordance with the standards set forth by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.  

The vision of the Department of Communication Disorders is to become a leading program in the region, providing exemplary and integrated academic, clinical, and research instruction to students, and preparing them to become competent speech-language pathologists and leaders who can serve the members of a diverse and dynamic community. 

Location
Office Location
Grauel 112
Mailing Address

One University Plaza, MS 2600
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701