Communicative Disorders

Mission

The department of communicative disorders shares in the University of Wisconsin System (UWS) Mission, the University Cluster Core Mission and the Select Mission of the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. The select mission of the Department of Communicative Disorders and the UWRF Speech-Language and Hearing Clinic is to ensure, through coursework, laboratories, and practicum experiences, that students demonstrate the knowledge and skills required to become competent and ethical entry-level professionals in the field of speech-language pathology.

Liberal Arts and Education: 38 Total Credits
Required Courses: 38 cr. hrs.
COMD 160 Introduction to Communicative Disorders 3 cr.
COMD 261 Language Development 4 cr.
COMD 262 Speech Systems 4 cr.
COMD 263 Phonetics 3 cr.
COMD 264 Speech Science 3 cr.
COMD 275 Practicum: Observation/Discussion 1 cr.
COMD 350 Articulatory and Phonological Disorders 3 cr.
COMD 360 Introduction to Audiology 3 cr.
COMD 362 Language Appraisal and Intervention 3 cr.
COMD 460 Voice Disorders 2 cr.
COMD 463 Behavior Modification/Stuttering 3 cr.
COMD 466 Aural Rehabilitation 3 cr.
COMD 479 Clinical Procedures and Experience 3 cr.
Electives:
COMD 162 Introduction to American Sign Language 3 cr.

Goal

To prepare undergraduate students for graduate study in the fields of speech-language pathology and audiology.

Faculty

The department of communicative disorders consists of five full-time professors, a clinic director, and two part-time clinical supervisors. All faculty members hold certification through the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.

Why Major in Communicative Disorders?

Upon completion of the master’s degree, students are prepared to work as speech-language pathologists in hospital settings, rehabilitation centers, early childhood centers, public schools, long-term care facilities, and private practice.
Speech-language pathologists and audiologists have day-to day contact with children and adults who experience a variety of communicative disorders (including language disorders, articulation disorders, autism, stroke, traumatic brain injury, hearing impairments, swallowing disorders, cerebral palsy and other neurological disorders).
There is a national shortage of speech-language pathologists. The department of communicative disorders boasts 100 percent placement of its graduate students since 1975.

Female Students