Our Vision: Education and exploration today, communication for all tomorrow.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics ranked Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology among the top 30 fastest growing occupations over the next decade (BLS 2002-2003 Occupational Outlook Handbook).
About the Department
Founded in 1967, the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at the University of South Florida is the largest in the State of Florida. It offers a variety of fully accredited programs for baccalaureate, master's and doctoral degrees. The undergraduate student may major in Communication Sciences and Disorders, American Sign Language, or Educational Interpreting. On the graduate level, students may elect to pursue a masters degree (M.S.) in Speech-Language Pathology, a clinical doctorate (Au.D.) in Audiology, or a research doctorate (Ph.D.) in Speech and Language, Hearing Science, or Neurocommunicative Science. In addition, graduate students with a research interest may pursue collaborative doctoral studies with the departments of Psychology or Education.
Faculty and students work with clients using state-of-the-art technologies that include computerized diagnostic and treatment tools and interactive video systems.
Students benefit from ready access to faculty and staff and the luxury of one-on-one advising, clinical supervision, and instruction in current theory as well as state-of-the-art practice techniques. The Communication Disorders Center provides an in-house laboratory for students to observe and apply therapeutic strategies to the spectrum of communication disorders presented by clients from the community. Students and faculty have access to libraries, laboratories, clinical facilities, student organizations, and professional development opportunities.
Communication Sciences and Disorders is an interdisciplinary program, and draws from many related areas. For example, included in this interdisciplinary program is information drawn from education, engineering, linguistics, medicine, physics, and psychology. It is not at all unusual for faculty to be recruited into this discipline who come from related programs as they add richness and diversity to the academic and research needs of the department.
Mission Statement
The mission of the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at the University of South Florida is to advance the understanding of human communication and the treatment of communication disorders. To this end, we will educate and mentor innovative graduates who will provide professional services according to best practices, and be advocates for the Deaf and for those with speech, language, or hearing disorders. We will raise awareness for our discipline and the people we serve by teaching interdisciplinary courses and by teaching American Sign Language to those who wish to learn this language. Our faculty and students will make scientific contributions to the knowledge base of communication sciences and disorders, provide excellent clinical services to those in the community, and use an interdisciplinary foundation to collaborate effectively with professionals in related disciplines. Through the pursuit of this mission, we will become recognized as national leaders in teaching, research, and clinical service.
Vision
Education and exploration today, communication for all tomorrow.
Correspondence and Additional Information
Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders
University of South Florida
4202 E. Fowler Avenue, PCD1017
Tampa, FL 33620-8200
Phone: (813) 974-2006
Fax: (813) 974-0822