Communication Sciences and Disorders

The Communication Sciences and Disorders program at Cleveland State University is situated within the College of Health. The program includes a master's level Communication Sciences and Disorders degree program, offered either in-person or fully online, and a pre-professional undergraduate degree program.

The program also houses the popular American Sign Language curriculum, taken by students across campus to fulfill general education requirements.

In addition, the program houses the Speech and Hearing Clinic, which provides comprehensive diagnostic and intervention services for people of all ages, covering a wide range of communication disorders.

• Master's in Communication Sciences and Disorders
• Online Master's in Communication Sciences and Disorders
• Undergraduate Communication Sciences and Disorders major

MISSION

Deliver excellence in education. Inspire innovation. Engage with our community.

We are committed to preparing future-ready communication sciences and disorders professionals through rigorous academic preparation, experiential clinical education, innovative scholarship, and community partnerships. We prepare graduates to lead and thrive in an evolving healthcare and educational landscape. We are dedicated to advancing communication outcomes and improving the quality of life for individuals across the lifespan. 

VISION

To be a recognized leader in communication sciences and disorders education and innovation, empowering students, transforming lives, and advancing communication health throughout our communities.

The Departments in the College of Health are key components of CSU’s mission to provide healthcare degree programs that serve Northeast Ohio and beyond, with the addition of the Distance Education Component. Healthcare is the largest industry in the United States (New York Times, 2025). It accounts for over 22 million jobs, making it the top employer across 38 states. The College of Health will be instrumental in advancing CSU’s vision as an anchor institution in the region and a national leader in social and economic mobility. The College of Health strives to participate fully in CSU’s efforts in education, research, community outreach, and workforce development. 

CORE VALUES

• Partnership - Collaborate across disciplines, professions, and communities to improve communication health.
• Respect - Value all perspectives, experiences, and identities.
• Innovation - Foster creativity, scholarship, and evidence-based practice.
• Service - Improve lives through clinical care, advocacy, and community engagement.
• Excellence - Promote continuous growth and achievement in teaching, learning, research, and practice.
• Compassion - Deliver family and person-centered care that supports dignity, relatedness, and belonging.
• Integrity - Acting ethically, responsibly, and professionally in all endeavors. 

GOALS

The Department of CSD has established six overarching goals to attain our vision. These include:

1. To equip undergraduate students with knowledge of basic human communication processes and the critical-thinking skills that enable them to compete as strong candidates for admission to graduate study in speech-language pathology, audiology, or other fields
2. To provide excellent graduate education in the residential and Distance Education Component that meets or exceeds professional standards for clinical certification and state licensure, and prepares future speech-language pathologists to provide optimal care and enhance the quality of life for individuals with communication disorders
3. To prepare future speech-language pathologists to fill roles in the profession, to work with integrity, and to collaborate with families and other professionals across a variety of work settings
4. To provide students with clinical and research opportunities that deepen their understanding and appreciation of evidence-based practices and interprofessional collaboration
5. To equip students to attain leadership roles in clinical settings across the community, the country, and global society by promoting skills in effective communication, critical thinking, and clinical reasoning, and by encouraging participation in research and lifelong learning
6. To provide high-quality, innovative, and ethical clinical services in speech, language, and hearing assessment and intervention, as well as preventive care, to members of local and national communities