Communication Sciences and Disorders

Accreditation

The Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.) education program in audiology and the Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (M.S.) education program in speech-language pathology are accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), 2200 Research Boulevard, #310, Rockville, MD 20850, 800-498-2071 or 301-296-5700 (http://www.asha.org/academic/).

Degrees

Welcome to the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Idaho State University, where we bring together innovation and compassion in speech, language, and hearing sciences. Our department is known for its academic excellence, and we offer a range of distinguished programs specifically designed to prepare the next generation of professionals in this field. We are committed to advancing knowledge and fostering expertise, and therefore, we are proud to offer a Doctorate in Audiology (Au.D.), a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (M.S.), and a specialized certificate in Listening and Spoken Language (LSL). Explore the possibilities within our department as we strive to empower individuals to communicate effectively and make a lasting impact in the ever-evolving landscape of communication sciences and disorders.

Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology

Vision

We will foster diversity and innovation to inspire clinical scientists to help people access the world.

Mission

Our diverse specializations and unique partnerships provide knowledge and experiences to advance the profession and serve communities.

Speech-Language Pathology Program Learning Outcomes

The Master of Science Degree in Speech-Language Pathology prepares students to be knowledgeable, skilled, professional, and ethical clinicians in the prevention, evaluation, and treatment of individuals with communication and swallowing/feeding disorders across the lifespan. Graduates of the Master of Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology will demonstrate the following:

1. Application of knowledge and skills: Graduates will utilize critical thinking and decision-making skills to integrate their foundational knowledge of human communication and swallowing processes with current evidence-based assessment and treatment strategies as professional speech-language pathologists providing services across the lifespan. 

2. Evidence-Based Practice: Graduates will effectively use evidence-based practice by integrating current empirical research evidence, clinical expertise, and client/patient/caregiver perspectives to provide quality care to the individuals and communities they serve. 

3. Interprofessional Collaboration: Graduates will effectively share their knowledge, ideas, and expertise with colleagues and professionals in the educational and healthcare communities.

4. Communication: Graduates will communicate effectively in educational and healthcare contexts by recognizing and respecting the needs, values, and diverse backgrounds of patients, clients, caregivers, students, and other professionals.

5. Ethical, Legal, and Professional Practice: Graduates will practice speech-language pathology in an ethical, legal, and professional manner.

6. Lifelong learning: Graduates will participate in relevant continuing professional education activities to support lifelong learning and keep their knowledge and skills of the profession current.

Preparation and Expectations

Have an earned Baccalaureate degree with a major in communication sciences and disorders or a Baccalaureate degree in any major with equivalent Post-Baccalaureate coursework in communication sciences and disorders.

Doctor of Audiology

The four year graduate entry-level program in Audiology is a professional program designed to prepare students for licensure to practice as audiologists. The Audiology Program at Idaho State University uses advanced technology, innovative teachings methods, and a hands-on approach to prepare students to become healthcare professionals in the field of Audiology through comprehensive instruction, participation in research, and extensive clinical experiences.

Mission

We mentor and guide students to become successful professionals, improve communities’ quality of life through patient-centered care, and explore and advance research in the field of audiology.

Audiology Program Goals and Learning Outcomes

The overall goal of the Doctor of Audiology Program is to prepare students to be skilled, professional, and ethical clinicians in the areas of evaluation, treatment, education, and prevention across the scope of practice in audiology. A graduate of Idaho State University with a Doctor of Audiology degree will be able to:

• Research - Evidence Based Practice: synthesize evidence in the available research relevant to best practices in audiology for the purpose of providing quality care to their patients.

• Education - Interprofessional Education: effectively share their knowledge, ideas, and expertise with patients, colleagues, and professionals in the health care communities.

• Ethical, legal, and professional behaviors: conduct themselves in an ethical, legal, and professional manner clinically, administratively, and personally.

• Knowledge - Foundational and application: effectively apply their knowledge and skills in the clinical environment using current evidenced based protocol, procedures, and technology.

• Communication: utilize appropriate interpersonal skills to effectively communicate with patients, colleagues, and professionals in the health care communities.

• Lifelong Learning: engage in and appreciate quality continuing education to remain current with developing technology, theory and ideas.

• Collaboration: contribute their knowledge and skills in a collaborative way with other health care professionals and persons significant to the patient as a means of providing excellence in patient care.

• Leadership: provide leadership in areas that will foster growth and stability in the profession.

• Diversity: demonstrate a commitment to and respect for diversity by recognizing and valuing differences among people and their cultures.

 Other helpful information can be found here: Audiology Program Goals and Learning Outcomes.

Preparation and Expectations

Have an earned Baccalaureate degree with a major in Communication Sciences and Disorders, or a Baccalaureate degree in any major with equivalent Post-Baccalaureate coursework in Communication Sciences and Disorders. Upon entry into the program, students will embark on an academic and clinical journey through a rigorous curriculum and by participating in a variety of clinical experiences.  As students progress through the program, students typically relocate to the ISU Meridian campus between the 2nd and 3rd year. The ISU Meridian Health Science campus is in the heart of the largest population area of Idaho which allows the students to participate in very diverse clinical experiences within the local communities. Students also take a few advanced courses while on the Meridian campus.

Audiology Program Capacity

An average of 32 students are in the program at any time. The number of seats available for each new cohort will vary. On average eight (8) students are admitted per year. Classes begin in the Fall Semester of each year. Meeting entry-level requirements for admission does not guarantee a seat in the program.

Listening and Spoken Language Specialization Certificate

Department website: https://www.isu.edu/lsl/

Mission

Training providers to support families and optimize spoken language outcomes of young children who are Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing

Listening and Spoken Language Certificate Program Learning Outcomes

Students completing the LSLS Certificate should be able to:

1. Apply evidence-based strategies that influence spoken language outcomes  of children who are Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing
2. Demonstrate the ability to implement educational assessment and intervention plans related to serving children who are Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing and their families
3. Explain the basic foundational aspects of hearing loss, how hearing is assessed and the different types of hearing technology available for personal and educational use
4. Demonstrate the emergence of effective written, oral, and critical thinking skills related to topics serving children who are Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing in different educational settings (itinerant,

Preparation and Expectations

Have earned a Baccalaureate degree in Communication Sciences or in another field and have a GPA of 3.0 or better for the most recent 60 credit hours of coursework. In addition, three letters of recommendation (at least 2 from college/university level instructors, academic or clinical), personal essay, and resume are required. Upon entry into the program, students will embark on an academic and clinical journey through asynchronous coursework and a variety of clinical experiences.  Students can be on the Pocatello or Meridian campus, or online. The LSL Certificate Program Director will help advise students to find appropriate clinical placements.

Listening and Spoken Language Program Capacity

The number of seats available for each new cohort will vary. Classes begin in the Fall Semester of each year for this five-semester program. Meeting entry-level requirements for admission does not guarantee a seat in the program.

Clinical Services

The Idaho State University Speech-Language and Hearing Clinics on the Pocatello Campus and at the Sam and Aline Skaggs Health Science Center at ISU Meridian offer a variety of clinical training opportunities for students while providing valuable services to the community. Among our audiological services offered on the Pocatello and Meridian campuses are complete audiological and vestibular testing, hearing aid evaluation, auditory training, and aural habilitation and rehabilitation, including services for individuals with cochlear implants. The Speech and Language Clinics in Pocatello and Meridian offer evaluation and treatment of speech and language disorders, stuttering, voice, alternative and augmentative communication, and speech-language problems associated with cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury, autism, cleft palate, and stroke. Specialized group therapy is offered for preschool children with communication needs, toddlers and children with cochlear implants, and adults with aphasia. Clients served in our clinics range from infancy to adulthood, and all clinical services are provided by experienced students under the direction of ASHA-certified clinical faculty.

Communication Sciences and Disorders Courses