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Communication Sciences and Disorders

Program Overview

Are you curious about how people communicate and interested in making a difference in the lives of others? Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) offers opportunities to explore communication across the lifespan and discover career pathways in speech-language pathology, audiology, and related fields.

As a CSD student at Scranton, you will build a strong foundation in the biological, physical, social, and linguistic aspects of communication and swallowing [CHB1] while exploring communication disorders and differences. Along the way, you will have opportunities to connect with faculty and peers, explore your professional interests, and begin developing your identity as a future professional.

Our program prepares students for graduate education in speech-language pathology, audiology, and related fields while providing a strong foundation for a variety of career pathways.

Curriculum

Our curriculum provides foundational coursework in communication sciences and disorders while allowing students to explore their developing interests and professional goals.  Students may complete the program in a 3-year accelerated or a 4-year traditional track. Both tracks include the prerequisite courses needed for admission to a graduate program in speech-language pathology or audiology.  In either track, students must complete 120 to 120.5 credits.

View the Curriculum

Hands-On Learning

Our state-of-the-art facilities include Edward R. Leahy Jr. Hall, which houses 25 laboratories, nine traditional and active learning classrooms, nine group study rooms, and multiple simulation environments. 

Learning in CSD extends beyond the classroom. Students actively engage in projects that examine and analyze current research, participate in clinical case study reviews, and develop empirical studies that focus on communication disorders. Students also engage in hands on, learning with meaningful engagement in the community. Through CBL and other experiential learning opportunities, students connect what they are learning in their courses with the people and communities they may one day serve.

Career Outlook

The job outlook for speech-language pathologists and audiologists is strong as both fields present opportunities for high earnings and employment growth. 

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects continued employment growth for both speech-language pathologists and audiologists. Explore the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook to learn more about career opportunities in these professions.

Club Activities

Club Activities

Many of our students are involved in the University's chapter of the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association. 

The chapter empowers and supports students in the major, guiding them toward careers in audiology and speech-language pathology through volunteer work and community engagement.

In the 2025-2026 academic year, the chapter was one of just 108 in the United States and Puerto Rico to be awarded Gold Chapter Honors for attaining a distinguished level of achievement.

Sign up for NSSLHA membership

Co-Program Directors

Laura Chapman, Ph.D., CCC-SLP
Leahy Hall 818
laura.chapman@scranton.edu
Office phone: 570-941-4658
Department phone: 570-941-5874

Kaitlyn A. Clarke, PhD, CCC-SLP, BCS-CL
Leahy Hall 824
kaitlyn.clarke@scranton.edu
Office phone: 570-941-6141
Department phone: 570-941-5874

© 2026 University of Scranton

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