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Fairchild Hall building entrance.

About

Strategic Plan 2021-2026

Executive Summary

The Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders is committed to preparing highly competent, ethical, and culturally responsive professionals in speech-language pathology and audiology. We offer a comprehensive undergraduate program and fully accredited graduate programs in Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) and Audiology (AuD), designed to meet or exceed national standards and ensure that graduates are equipped to serve diverse populations across the lifespan.

Our mission aligns with the institutional goal of academic excellence through interdisciplinary collaboration, community engagement, and a strong foundation in research and evidence-based practice. Our programs are grounded in the principles of diversity, inclusion, equity, innovation, individualized student support, and ethical clinical care.

The department’s strategic priorities reflect our commitment to academic and clinical excellence, and include:

  • Recruiting, retaining, and supporting a diverse and academically prepared student body.
  • Delivering a rigorous, outcomes-driven curriculum aligned with current professional standards and best practices.
  • Fostering an inclusive learning and working environment that supports all students, faculty, and staff.
  • Providing high-quality, evidence-based speech-language pathology and audiology services through our on-campus clinic, a critical component of clinical education.
  • Enhancing interprofessional education and collaboration across academic units and with external clinical partners.
  • Strengthening our infrastructure, including faculty development, clinical resources, and technological capacity.
  • Promoting student and faculty scholarship that contributes to the advancement of the discipline.

Ongoing assessment and continuous program improvement are integral to our operations. Our faculty and clinical educators engage in systematic evaluation of student learning outcomes, clinical competencies, and program effectiveness to ensure compliance with accreditation standards and to support the evolving needs of the professions.

Through a combination of strong academic preparation, meaningful clinical experiences, and an institutional culture of accountability and excellence, we are committed to producing graduates who are well-prepared for professional certification, licensure, and impactful practice.

Accreditation and Licensure

The Master of Science (M.S.) and Master of Arts (M.A.) education program in speech-language pathology residential and the Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.) education program in audiology residential at Illinois State University is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 2200 Research Boulevard, #310, Rockville, MD 20850, 800-498-2071 or 301-296-5700. This accreditation is for a period of 8 years beginning October 1, 2021 through September 30, 2029.

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association: 2200 Research Boulevard #310, Rockville, Maryland 20850, 800-498-2071 or (301) 296-5700.

The Illinois Department of Professional Regulation requires speech-language pathologists and audiologists to obtain a state license to practice in Illinois.

The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) issues the Professional Educator License (PEL). All graduate students in the Speech-Language Pathology program will complete the steps to be eligible for the PEL.

Department Manual

The Department Manual is a compilation of all department and clinic policies with which CSD students should be familiar. This manual is updated at least annually or more often if policies or procedures change.

*Last updated August 2024