Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders
Find Your Voice. Change How the World Hears. Preparing future speech-language pathologists and audiologists to be compassionate, innovative leaders.
Educating the Next Generation of
Communication and Hearing Professionals
The West Liberty University Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders offers a pre-professional undergraduate program in speech pathology/audiology, a minor, and a professional graduate program in speech-language pathology. Grounded in academic excellence, clinical experience, and compassionate service, the department provides a comprehensive education across speech, language, swallowing, and hearing sciences and disorders. Through rigorous coursework, hands-on clinical experiences, and a strong commitment to community engagement, students are prepared to succeed as skilled clinicians, advocates, and future leaders serving individuals across the lifespan.
Degrees Offered
- Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Speech Pathology and Audiology
- Master of Science (M.S.) Education Program in Speech-Language Pathology
- Minor in Speech Pathology and Audiology
Degree
Pathways
West Liberty University offers Communication Sciences and Disorders pathways designed to support students at every stage of their academic journey—from undergraduate study in speech, language, and hearing to advanced professional preparation in speech-language pathology.
Best for: Students wishing to begin a direct career as a speech-language pathology or audiology assistant, or those planning to pursue graduate study in the field.
The B.S. degree program is pre-professional and designed to prepare students for graduate-level education in speech-language pathology or audiology. While graduates may work as clinical assistants, the B.S. degree alone does not qualify a student for certification or licensure as a speech-language pathologist or audiologist. Students seeking full professional credentials must complete a master’s or doctoral program to finish their professional preparation.
Ideal if you want to:
- Earn a four-year undergraduate degree
- Begin a direct career as a speech-language pathology or audiology assistant
- Gain foundational knowledge in speech, language, and hearing sciences
- Prepare for graduate-level education in speech-language pathology or audiology
- Build clinical skills through hands-on experiences
- Pursue a future as a licensed speech-language pathologist or audiologist
Best for: Students seeking foundational knowledge in speech, language, and hearing sciences to complement another major, or those planning to pursue graduate education in speech-language pathology.
The minor provides an introduction to communication sciences and disorders, including key coursework in speech, language, and hearing. It is especially valuable for students in related fields—such as education, psychology, nursing, health sciences, or music—who want to enhance their understanding of communication, voice, and hearing to better support the individuals they will serve. The minor also prepares students for graduate study in speech-language pathology by offering the prerequisite coursework needed for admission.
Ideal if you want to:
- Explore the field of communication sciences and disorders without committing to a full degree
- Complement another major with knowledge of speech, language, and hearing
- Prepare for future graduate study in speech-language pathology or audiology
- Gain a foundational understanding of clinical concepts and communication disorders
Best for: Students seeking professional preparation for a career as a licensed speech-language pathologist.
The M.S. degree program provides comprehensive graduate-level education in speech-language pathology, combining rigorous academics, extensive clinical training, and supervised patient care. Graduates are eligible for national certification and state licensure, fully preparing them to practice as professional clinicians, educators, and leaders in the field.
Ideal if you want to:
- Earn a graduate degree in speech-language pathology
- Become a licensed and certified speech-language pathologist
- Gain advanced clinical skills through hands-on, supervised patient care
- Work with diverse populations across the lifespan
- Pursue leadership, education, or specialized clinical roles in the field
On-Campus Clinical
Training Facilities
Located in Campbell Hall, the Communication Sciences and Disorders Department offers modern learning environments, including technology-enhanced classrooms, simulation labs, and an on-campus Speech and Hearing Clinic for immersive clinical education.
Facilities & Technology Include:
- Updated classrooms equipped with advanced instructional technology
- Simulation and specialized equipment labs for hands-on skill development
- On-campus Speech and Hearing Clinic for real-world clinical experience
- Off-campus clinical training opportunities, including community support groups
- Collaborative learning spaces for group projects and research
- Exposure to current assessment and treatment tools used in speech-language pathology and audiology
Students gain hands-on clinical experience, develop professional skills, and build confidence delivering speech, language, voice, and hearing services under licensed, certified supervision.
Careers in
Communication Sciences and Disorders
Career Paths
Graduates of the Communication Sciences and Disorders programs at West Liberty University are prepared for diverse career paths, including:
- Speech-Language Pathologist (licensed)
- Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
- Audiology Assistant
- Clinical Educator or Instructor
- Early Intervention Specialist
- Rehabilitation Specialist
- Research or Graduate Study in Communication Sciences, including Audiology
Graduates apply their expertise to improve communication, hearing, and swallowing, enhancing quality of life and supporting individuals across the lifespan.
Mission, Vision
& Values
Mission Statement
The Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at West Liberty University is committed to educating compassionate and innovative professionals who serve individuals with communication disorders across the lifespan. Through experiential learning, personalized support, and a strong foundation in evidence-based practice, we prepare undergraduate and graduate students to become ethical, culturally responsive leaders in speech-language pathology and related fields. Our graduates are equipped to serve local and global communities with competence, integrity, and a commitment to lifelong learning.
Vision Statement
The Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders aspires to empower students to create meaningful, progressive change in the lives of individuals with communication impairments. We envision a community of engaged scholars and practitioners who, through innovation, inclusivity, and global awareness, lead advancements in communication health and actively contribute to the well-being of diverse populations.
Core Values:
Compassion · Excellence · Integrity · Innovation · Service
The curriculum emphasizes a rigorous blend of academics, hands-on clinical training, and experiential learning, preparing students to become competent, ethical, and compassionate professionals in speech, language, and hearing sciences.
Graduate
Competencies
Graduates of the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders demonstrate competence in:
- Foundational knowledge of typical and disordered communication across the lifespan
- Understanding of evidence-based practices in communication sciences and disorders
- Professional, ethical, and culturally responsive behavior
- Effective communication and collaboration with individuals, families, and professionals
- Commitment to leadership, advocacy, and lifelong learning in the field
Student Resources
& Engagement
Students and alumni benefit from a wide range of departmental resources and engagement opportunities, including:
- Communication Sciences & Disorders scholarships and awards
- Continuing education programs and workshops
- National Student Speech-Language-Hearing Association (NSSLHA)
- On-campus Speech and Hearing Clinic (SHC) and off-campus clinical placements, including community outreach initiatives and support groups
- Career support, including a departmental job board with internship, assistant, and professional opportunities
Contact the
Department
Have questions about programs, admissions, or career pathways? Our faculty and advisors are here to help you take the next step.
Stephanie Bradley
Chair, Communication Sciences and Disorders
West Liberty University
Phone: 304-336-8100
Email: stephanie.bradley@westliberty.edu
Become A
Hilltopper
West Liberty University is a place where you can pursue your dreams and prepare for the future. With more than 60 programs, a vibrant campus life, small classes, and an affordable cost, the quality education you’ll get at West Liberty is like no other.