杜鲁门州立大学

The undergraduate major in communication disorders is designed to provide a broad background in normal communication processes, an introduction to the techniques and tools with which speech, language, and hearing disabilities are evaluated, and an introduction to the characteristics of disorders of communication in adults and children. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) explicitly recommends that the best preparation for graduate work in communication disorders is a strong undergraduate background in liberal arts and sciences. The undergraduate major in communication disorders, in conjunction with the Truman general education curriculum, is designed to provide such preparation.

An undergraduate major in communication disorders draws from the content and methodologies associated with many closely related areas of study, such as linguistics (phonetics), psychology (language development), biology (anatomy of speech and hearing, audiology), physics (speech and hearing science), and education (principles of clinical practice, aural rehabilitation). Courses in the major are carefully sequenced, leading to a senior-level culminating experience. Students choose a clinical or non-clinical culminating experience, depending upon their qualifications, interests, and long-term career goals.

MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of the communication disorders undergraduate program is to mentor students of strong academic ability and character and to establish in them a commitment to lifelong learning and interest in the complex and diverse process of communication. Through the program’s emphasis on typical and atypical speech, language, and hearing, students gain knowledge, skills, and values that foster their individual growth as well as a passion for contributing to society and improving the lives of others.

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES

To ensure that students who major in communication disorders gain a broad understanding of typical human communication and development across the lifespan, with sensitivity to cultural and individual variations.
To ensure that students who major in communication disorders gain a basic familiarity with a range of atypical conditions that result in impairment of speech, language, and/or hearing abilities.
To ensure that through the study of communication and communication disorders, students develop and value strong communication skills.
To provide superior opportunities for students to apply their knowledge and skills in a supportive clinical environment, including involved faculty supervision and excellent clinical facilities.
To provide individual advising and support for students to help them accomplish their personal goals and maximize the benefits of a liberal arts and sciences education.
To provide opportunities for students to form mentor relationships with faculty, collaborate closely with peers and faculty, and explore topics of individual interest through learning communities, special assignments, independent study, and/or research projects.
To model and promote integrity and ethical conduct in clinical practice, academic achievement, and research.
To model and promote professional values that include a respect for diversity, the importance of lifelong learning, and the rewards of service to others and the community.