Mission, goals and strategic plan
Mission
The Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology Program seeks to develop in every student an appreciation of the importance of communication in a person's sense of being and self-worth, and of the need to treat all individuals with dignity and respect. Students complete a rigorous program of study that includes coursework, clinical experiences, service learning, research, and opportunities for positions of ethical leadership and service in the community.
Students participate in experiences that draw upon and further develop the habits of open-mindedness, reflective inquiry, critical thinking, and independence that are central to the liberal arts.
To prepare students to be eligible for certification by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, academic and clinical faculty provide intentional and individualized teaching, mentoring, and advising that foster a firm knowledge base, an emerging clinical competence, strong written and oral communication skills, and respectful interactions. Through study in the Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology Program, students improve the quality of life for others and through this service lead committed lives.
Goals
1. Students will have a firm foundation in anatomical/physiological, physical/psychophysical, linguistic/psycholinguistic, and cultural bases of communication, as well as the basic principles and procedures for identification and remediation of speech, language, swallowing, and hearing disorders in individuals across the lifespan.
2. Students will acquire the art and science skills needed to become highly competent clinicians who engage in evidence-based practice, actively participate in professional organizations, embrace lifelong learning, and develop independence.
3. Students will express themselves orally and in writing in a manner that is reflective, involves critical thinking, and is appropriate for personal, academic and professional audiences.
4. Students will engage in ethical behavior by conducting themselves with academic and professional integrity and demonstrate an appreciation for the importance of communication to quality of life.
Credentials for which students are to be prepared
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Certificate of Clinical Competence
Illinois State Licensure
Illinois Professional Educator License Credentials
Executive summary of the program’s strategic plan (2020-2025)
The Communication Sciences and Disorders Department at Augustana College seeks to build a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology Program that expands upon the excellence of our long-standing undergraduate-only CSD major.
We strive to make Augustana College a destination for liberal arts-minded students seeking a vocation in speech, language, and hearing sciences. We aim to accomplish five initial goals as we begin our program.
1. Attract, employ, and retain faculty members who are committed to excellence in teaching, research, and service in a vibrant student-focused liberal arts environment.
2. Nurture open, strong, and collegial relationships with our local clinical partners.
3. Attract and enroll students who are academically accomplished, intellectually curious, clinically capable, and community-minded.
4. Create a physical space that is beautiful, functional and flexible to meet the multi-faceted needs of our department, campus, and local communities.
5. Graduate students who meet the certification and licensure requirements of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and Illinois State Board of Education for practice as a speech-language pathologist.