About the Department
The Field of Communication Sciences and Disorders
The field of Communication Sciences and Disorders (COMD) involves the scientific investigation of the communication process, as well as the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of communication.
The human communication process is multi-faceted and includes (a) the production and perception of speech, (b) the hearing mechanism, and (c) the organization of language in the brain. Disorders of these processes can be manifested in an equally wide variety of forms. Brain damage resulting from stroke, diseases such as Parkinson’s, hearing loss, or congenital disabilities can all result in communication difficulties. Similarly, the development of communication in children may be delayed for a wide variety of reasons.
Two degree programs are offered, both at the graduate level. Our master's degree program focuses on the clinical practice of Speech-Language Pathology. Graduates are eligible for national certification through ASHA, state licensure, and certification by the public schools. The doctoral program focuses on research and scholarly activities.
Opportunities to participate in both research and clinical activities abound at USC and our graduates are highly sought-after following completion of their degrees.
Explore our Degree Programs
- MS in Speech Language Pathology (Res)
- Online MS in Speech Language Pathology (Distance)
- Ph.D. in Communication Sciences and Disorders
Our Mission and Objectives
The mission of the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders is to promote and advance knowledge of the nature, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of communicative and related disorders through all stages of the lifespan and across all individual backgrounds. As the leading graduate and research program in communication sciences and disorders in South Carolina and one of the leading programs in the nation, it seeks to prepare students as clinical scientists through excellence in clinical training, scientific research, instruction, and service. The department seeks to fulfill its mandate in providing an open and welcoming environment where all can develop to their highest potential.
The mission of the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders fits well with the mission of the University of South Carolina: The primary mission of the University of South Carolina Columbia is the education of the state's citizens through teaching, research, creative activity, and community engagement.
The Department's mission is consistent with and supports the university's mission through its focus on scientific research and the education of future researchers and clinical scientists and its excellence in teaching and ensuring its students are educated in current theory and evidence-based practices. Further, the Department reflects the mission of the University through its outreach to the citizens of South Carolina through the speech, language and hearing services provided via its Speech-Language-Hearing Research Center.
The Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders is housed within the Arnold School of Public Health. The department’s mission dovetails well with the school’s mission:The Arnold School of Public Health will improve population health and well-being by fostering innovative education and research that promotes health and healthy environments and will use that knowledge to prevent and effectively respond to disease, disability, and environmental degradation in diverse communities.
The department’s mission is consistent with and supports the School’s mission through its focus on advancing knowledge of the nature, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of communicative disorders. Additionally, the department echoes the mission of the school through its focus on educating its students to become highly qualified clinical scientists who provide effective, efficient and equitable services to their clients from diverse populations.