Department of Communication Disorders

Student works with a child at Center for Speech and Hearing

Do you want to make a difference in how people communicate? Are you interested in working closely with clients and building a connection beyond practice? Find your fearless in the Department of Communication Disorders.

The Department of Communication Disorders is about more than studying speech and hearing; it's about helping people find their voices, build confidence, and connect with the world. The program includes the study of language, speech, hearing, and results from biological, environmental, and behavioral factors. Here, you'll find a place where your purpose meets professional preparation. 

Degrees in Communication Disorders

We offer both an undergraduate and graduate degree in Communication Disorders, each designed to give you hands-on experience and deep knowledge in how communication works and how to support people with communication challenges. Build a strong foundation in speech, language and hearing as an undergrad, or prepare for professional practice and clinical work as a graduate student.
Communication Disorders B.S. Communication Disorders M.A.

Clinical Experience While You Study

At SEMO, you won’t just read about communication disorders, you’ll work with them. Both undergraduate and graduate students participate in practicum experiences where you learn essential clinical skills by working directly with clients under expert supervision. These opportunities help you build confidence, refine your skills and truly see the impact of your work.
Undergraduate Practicum Graduate Practicum

Center for Speech and Hearing

Our Center for Speech and Hearing is where classroom learning becomes real-world practice. We provide comprehensive diagnostic and intervention services for all ages. You’ll work alongside faculty to provide diagnostic and intervention services for people of all ages. This means experience-driven learning that’s meaningful and a chance to make a difference while you learn.
Explore the Center
The Center for Speech and Hearing building located on the main campus.

Outcomes and Careers

  • 100%

    Successful Outcomes Rate

    One hundred percent of students graduating from the Department of Communications Disorders report being employed or furthering their education within six months of graduation. 

  • $81k+

    Average Salary for Audiologist

    According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, an Audiologist can earn $81,030 annually. 

  • $80k+

    Average Salary for a Speech-Language Pathologist

    According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a Speech-Language Pathologist earns approximately $80,480 per year. 

  • 29%

    Projected to Grow from 2020 to 2030

    According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment of speech-language pathologists is projected to grow 29 percent from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations.

Graduate Information

Our nationally accredited program in speech-language pathology prepares students for national certification and state licensure as a speech-language pathologist. Our strong track record of high exam pass rates and program completion shows how well students are prepared for success beyond graduation.
Find More Graduate Info
Students work together in the EDvolution Center while creating learning devices.

Accomplishments

The Department of Communication Disorders has a long and distinguished history of excellent teaching, outstanding scholarship and exemplary service to the community, region and state.
View Our Accomplishments
Students put together learning devices for communication disorder clients

Experiential Learning

In the Department of Communication Disorders at Southeast Missouri State University, students learn in Missouri’s only university-based, stand-alone clinic—an experience-driven environment where real client care, advanced technology, and faculty mentorship help them move fearlessly forward as clinicians.
Experiential Learning
communcations disorder student at speech and hearing clinic works with a client

Professional and Student Organizations in the Department of Communication Disorders

  • Students in class receive instruction from faculty member

    American Speech-Language-Hearing Association

    The ASHA is a professional association for speech-language pathologists, audiologists, and speech, language, and hearing scientists in the United States and internationally. 

  • a comm disorders student sits with a child patient and reads a storybook

    National Student Speech-Language-Hearing Association

    The NSSLHA is the national organization for all students interested in the study of normal and disordered human communication. It is the only official national student association recognized by the ASHA. 

  • Students work in groups on an assignment

    Missouri Speech-Language-Hearing Association

    The MSHA serves as the state association representing speech-language pathologists, audiologists, speech, language, and hearing scientists and related personnel associated with organized speech, language, and hearing education and health-care settings. 

  • Faculty presents to students

    Other Professional Organizations

    The Missouri-Speech-Language-Hearing Association maintains a list of linked websites of other professional organizations pertaining to Communication Disorders.  

Students interested in the professions of speech-language pathology or audiology may contact the Department of Communication Disorders to declare a communication disorders major at any time after being admitted to the University. Upon completion of the Declaration of Major form, each student will be assigned an academic advisor within the department.  

Retention Requirements

Students will be retained as communication disorders majors provided the following retention criteria are met:  

  • A minimum GPA of 3.0 in the major courses must be maintained. 

If a student completes a semester with a major GPA below 3.0, then they will be placed on probation for the next semester of enrollment. If the major GPA of 3.0 is not achieved at the end of the probationary semester, the student will not be allowed to continue in the communication disorders program.  

Graduation Requirements

In addition to fulfilling all University requirements for graduation, students wishing to graduate with a major in communication disorders must satisfy the following criteria:  

  • Achieve a minimum overall GPA of 2.5. 
  • Achieve a minimum major GPA of 3.0. 

Retention Grievance Guidelines

Any student who is not retained in the Communication Disorders program will be notified by the chairperson of the Department of Communication Disorders. Students will be given the opportunity to meet with the department chairperson to discuss the rationale of the decision. An official request for review of the decision must be received by the chairperson within 10 business days from the mailing date of the denial letter. 

Department of Communication Disorders Guidelines and Policy Documents

ASHA Code of Ethics
Department Handbook (2025-2026)
Strategic Plan Goals

Department of Communication Disorders Mission Statement  

The Department of Communication Disorders seeks to fulfill the broader missions of Southeast Missouri State University and its College of Education, Health, and Human Studies. Within this context, the department strives for academic excellence in both its undergraduate and graduate programs.  

The primary mission of the undergraduate program is to provide a background of knowledge pertaining to normal and disordered communication, a foundation of ethical and clinical practice, and strong preparation for further graduate study in communication disorders. This mission is accomplished in the context of a broader liberal arts education. The primary mission of the graduate program is to provide professional preparation in the area of speech-language pathology. This mission is accomplished in accordance with the standards set forth by the Council of Academic Accreditation.  

The vision of the Department of Communication Disorders is to become a leading program in the region, providing exemplary and integrated academic, clinical, and research instruction to students, and preparing them to become competent practitioners in the field and leaders who can serve the members of a diverse and dynamic community. 

 

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Take the Next Step

Communication Disorders

Contact Us

Location

Office Location

Grauel 112

Mailing Address

One University Plaza, MS 2600
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701