Mission
The mission of the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at the University of Iowa is to generate, disseminate, and apply knowledge of normal and impaired processes of human communication. We accomplish this mission by conducting research, educating students at the undergraduate and graduate levels, and providing clinical services to children and adults with disorders in speech, voice, language and/or hearing.

Vision
Our vision is to be recognized as the premiere educational institution for advancing basic and applied knowledge of all aspects of communication sciences and disorders, from the laboratory bench to the clinic. To this end, the department offers a number of distinct educational programs, each with specific goals:

  • Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Speech and Hearing Science: The goal of the undergraduate program is to prepare students to engage successfully in graduate or professional study in speech and hearing or other fields.
  • Master of Arts (MA) in Speech Pathology and Audiology: The goal of the MA program is to graduate professionals who have the strong theoretical foundation and advanced clinical skills required for the delivery of excellent clinical services in speech-language pathology.  The curriculum is designed to assure that graduates will meet both national ASHA accreditation standards and Iowa Licensure requirements.
  • Doctor of Audiology (AuD):  The goal of the AuD program is to offer a rigorous post-baccalaureate course of study that prepares professionals who have both strong theoretical training and advanced clinical skills required to function at a high level in all areas of audiology. The curriculum is designed to assure that graduates meet both national ASHA accreditation standards and Iowa Licensure requirements.
  • Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Speech and Hearing Science:  The goal of the PhD program is to prepare graduate students for positions of leadership in teaching and research. This is accomplished through an individualized program focused on research experience but including coursework in basic science and clinical issues related to speech, hearing, voice, and language. 

Core Values

  • We are bound to our educational commitment and strive to meet it by sharing our collective knowledge and understanding with students, our patients and their families, the general public, and collaborating colleagues in clinical practice and academia.
  • We accept the challenge and responsibility to advance scientific knowledge of communication sciences and disorders through collaborative basic and clinical research.
  • We pledge to provide the highest quality of ethical clinical services to the people of Iowa and all others who entrust us with their care.
  • We commit to foster a culture that protects free expression of thought and encourages diversity, honesty, openness, accountability, and integrity.
  • We hold ourselves to the highest criteria of professional and scholarly ethics.
  • We pledge to diligently work together as a team, support, respect, and encourage one another.