Communication Sciences and Disorders

Undergraduate

Terry Baggs, Co-Chair

Phone: 325-674-2074
Fax: 325-674-2552
Email: terry.baggs@acu.edu
Don Morris Center, Room 115

Lynette Austin, Co-Chair

Phone: 325-674-2090
Fax: 325-674-6272
Email: dla08a@acu.edu
Duncum Center, Room 111

ACU Box 28058
Abilene, Texas 79699-8058
Web: www.acu.edu/comm/disorders

Faculty

Lynette Austin, Associate Professor
Terry Baggs, Associate Professor
Denise Barnett, Associate Professor
Brenda Bender, Associate Professor
Jennifer Binkley, Instructor
Lory Chrane, Instructor
Daiquirie Crumrine, Assistant Professor
Rachel Smith, Instructor
Ellen Shutt, Instructor
Hayley Stewart, Clinical Instructor
Diana Taylor, Assistant Professor

The Communication Sciences and Disorders Department offers a Bachelor of Science degree in communication disorders.

Introduction

The goal of the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders is to prepare students to pursue graduate study in communication disorders (e.g., speech-language pathology or audiology). Four years of undergraduate education, followed by at least two additional years of graduate study are required to practice as a Certified Speech-Language Pathologist or Audiologist. Speech-language pathologists and audiologists are required by most states to earn a graduate degree from a program accredited by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). The graduate program in speech-language pathology at ACU is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation of ASHA.

Additional Admission Requirements

The declaration of Communication Sciences and Disorders as a major does not ensure admission to the Communication Sciences and Disorders program. In addition to the requirements for all degrees (see the University Requirements section of this catalog), the student must apply for and be granted admission to the Communication Sciences and Disorders program before taking courses beyond the first 9 hours in the degree program (CSD 225 , CSD 235 , CSD 330 ).

The Bachelor of Science degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) at Abilene Christian University requires a minimum of 5 to 6 semesters to complete. Students are designated as Pre-CSD majors until they have successfully completed the initial 9 semester hours in the major. Students who transfer hours to ACU may take these initial courses when their total semester hours equals 30.

Students apply for admission to the CSD major when they:

Are enrolled in or have completed 45 semester hours of credit towards the degree at ACU;
Have a minimum overall Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0;
Have completed the first 9 semester hours in the major with a 3.0 GPA for those courses (CSD 225 - Phonetics , CSD 235 - Introduction to Speech-Language Pathology , and CSD 330 - Normal Language Development ).

The Undergraduate Admissions Committee will review applications and notify students regarding their status. A minimum overall GPA of 3.0 must be maintained to remain in the major.

Once admitted as a CSD major, the remaining coursework is sequenced in a manner determined by the faculty to best prepare students for future courses. As such, it is required that these courses be taken in the designated sequence. The only exception to this requirement will be in the case of a student needing to take one of the three preliminary courses out of sequence due to study abroad. Students will not be allowed to complete required courses in the CSD major prior to their final semester at ACU.

Information on applying for admission to the program is given to all students when they declare their major. The deadline for application is the 10th week of the semester in which the student anticipates completing the initial 9 hours of the degree program (CSD 225 , CSD 235 , CSD 330 ).

Other Departmental Requirements

In order to remain in the Communication Sciences and Disorders program, a student must:

Maintain an overall GPA of 3.0 or better;
Have a “C” or better in all majors classes;
Recommendation for continuing the program from the CSD Admissions and Review committee.

Students who do not continue to meet the above requirements will be dropped from COMP classes. Any exemptions or modifications to the above requirements due to special circumstances must be requested through the chair of the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders. All requests will be reviewed and must be approved by the CSD Admissions and Review committee.

Study Abroad Expectations

All students are encouraged to participate in ACU’s Study Abroad program. Classes offered at Study Abroad sites vary depending on the site. Academic advisors can assist students in planning ahead for their Study Abroad experience and should be consulted during the freshman year.

Graduate

Terry Baggs, Co-Chair
Lynette Austin, Co-Chair

Denise Barnett, Graduate Coordinator, Abilene
ACU Box 28058
Abilene, Texas 79699-8058
Don Morris Center, Room 115

Phone: 325-674-2420
Fax: 325-674-2552
Email: barnettd@acu.edu
Web: www.acu.edu/grad

Brenda Bender, Graduate Coordinator, Dallas
16633 Dallas Parkway, Suite 800
Addison, TX 75501

Phone: 469-398-2793
Email: brenda.bender@acu.edu

Faculty

Lynette Austin, Associate Professor
Terry Baggs, Associate Professor
Denise Barnett, Associate Professor
Brenda Bender, Associate Professor
Jennifer Binkley, Instructor
Lory Chrane, Instructor
Daiquirie Crumrine, Assistant Professor*
Ellen Shutt, Instructor*
Rachel Smith, Instructor
Diana Taylor, Assistant Professor
Khalilah Williams, Instructor*

*These instructors are primarily located in Dallas.

Introduction

Abilene Christian University’s Communication Sciences and Disorders Department offers a Master of Science (MS) degree in Speech-Language Pathology. This is a 52-hour non-thesis program consisting of 39 hours of academic preparation and 13 hours of clinical practicum. The course work is presented in a two-year sequence. A written comprehensive examination is required.

The Speech-Language Pathology graduate program is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) from the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA).

The mission of the Communication Sciences and Disorders department is to equip students with knowledge and skills in speech-language pathology for ministry to individuals with communication disorders through a Christian world perspective. Students and faculty are involved in the provision of diagnostic and treatment services to the community; research into the causes, prevention, and effects of communication disorders; and advocacy for persons with communication disabilities. The training program endeavors to produce speech-language pathologists with professional competency and conduct consistent with the highest national standards.

Abilene Christian University’s MS degree in Speech-Language pathology is offered on both the Abilene and Dallas campuses. Classes at both campuses are typically offered in a traditional face-to-face format. Applicants have the opportunity to indicate a campus preference in the CSDCAS application.

For students attending the Abilene campus, the department offers a Bilingual Emphasis Program within the MS degree plan for students who already have advanced proficiency in a second language. This will enable them to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to practice as bilingual speech-language pathologists. This program includes focused coursework, clinical experiences, and mentoring by a licensed bilingual speech-language pathologist form the core of the BEP.

Admission Requirements

Enrollment is limited to applicants who will be full-time students. The admission requirements for the MS program in Speech-Language Pathology are:

A completed application through CSDCAS and a completed ACU application for admission with a nonrefundable application fee.
An official transcript(s) in English (or translated to English) of all previous colleges attended. The transcript must indicate an earned bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university or equivalent.
A cumulative undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
A minimum GRE score of 288 (combined verbal and quantitative).
Three letters of recommendation (at least two of the recommendation letters must come from professionals in the field and relate to the applicant’s potential academic success). CSDCAS will also provide a rating scale.
Writing sample in the form of a letter of intent/purpose statement.
A current resume that includes information regarding: college education and activities to date, employment to date, and community/church involvement. High school activities should not be included.
A two-year commitment is required from all applicants.

All application materials must be received by CSDCAS the preceding January 15 for the fall semester. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. An application is considered incomplete if any of the required elements have not been received by CSDCAS, including GRE scores.

Only completed applications, verified by CSDCAS will be reviewed by the CSD faculty. A personal interview may be required. If an interview is requested, additional information as to the nature of the interview will be provided at that time.

The Communication Sciences and Disorders Admissions Committee makes holistic judgments based on the evaluation of an applicant’s ability and readiness for graduate work. The Committee may recommend conditional admission for an applicant who does not meet all admission criteria.

Programs

Master of Science

Speech-Language Pathology, MS (CSD)

Bachelor of Science

Communication Disorders, BS (COMP)

Courses

Communication Sciences and Disorders