Program Overview

Program Accreditation

Logo from Council on Academic Acreditation - Speech-Language PathologyThe Master of Science (M.S.) education program in speech-language pathology {residential} at the University of Arkansas is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 2200 Research Blvd., # 310, Rockville, MD 20850; 800-498-2071 or 301-296-5700.

Mission and Goals

Our mission is to advance knowledge of speech, language, swallowing and hearing disorders through basic and applied research, graduate clinician training and community service. To accomplish this mission, faculty and M.S. students participate in scholarly research activities, provide clinical services in a state-of-the-art facility and promote community outreach projects.

Our primary goals are to produce innovative scholarly work and train competent speech-language pathologists to provide services to individuals and their families across the life-span.

Vision Statement

The Communication Sciences and Disorders Program at the University of Arkansas aspires to become a leader in the field of speech-language pathology in the areas of teaching, research and service. Our program aims to disseminate quality interdisciplinary basic and applied research relevant to speech and hearing sciences and related fields. We strive to promote evidence-based practices by educating students through the integration of academic coursework, diverse clinical practicum experiences, research opportunities and service in the community. We expect our graduate alumni to be well known in the community for providing clients with outstanding clinical services.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

The Communication Sciences and Disorders program at the University of Arkansas is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion in our research, teaching, and clinical practice, as well as in our recruitment and retention of students, faculty and staff. We embrace the strength that can be derived from an environment in which diverse identities and experiences work in tandem toward a common goal of improving communication outcomes for all, including those with marginalized identities. We understand that the world will fully reflect diversity, equity and inclusion only when every person has an effective means to communicate. Therefore, we work to complete rigorous research that enhances the knowledge needed to create such a world and prepare speech-language pathologists with the knowledge and skills to contribute to the creation of that world.

Values

  • We strive to meet our educational commitment by sharing and generating knowledge with students for patients, families, the general public, and collaborating colleagues.
  • We strive to improve our community through collaboration, research efforts, and community engagement.
  • We accept the challenge and responsibility to advance scientific understanding of communication sciences and disorders through basic and clinical research in collaboration with practicing clinicians in the community.
  • We pledge to provide the highest quality of ethical clinical care to the people of Arkansas and to all others who entrust us with their care.
  • We commit to foster a positive environment that protects free expression of thought and encourages honesty, openness, and integrity.
  • We hold ourselves to the highest criteria of professional and scholarly ethics.
  • We recognize that to accomplish our goals we must diligently work together as a team, support and encourage one another, and reward teaching others as we collaboratively share this responsibility.

Click image for PDF of CDIS organizational chart for fall 2022

Communication Sciences and Discorders faculty-staff organizational chart (PDF)