Communication Sciences and Disorders
College of Earth, Life, and Health Sciences
The study of Communication Sciences and Disorders involves the examination of human communication, its development and disorders. The ability to communicate may be our most distinctive characteristic as a species. Human communication is essential to learning, work and social interaction. Communication disorders affect the way people talk and understand.
Communication disorders range from simple sound substitutions to total impairment or the ability to use language. Impaired communication can affect every aspect of a person’s life from birth to old age. Students who study communication sciences acquire a broad general background relevant to careers or graduate study in fields such as speech-language pathology, audiology, education, and health care.
Students in Communication Sciences and Disorders can to take advantage of the laboratory and service opportunities provided through the department’s scientific laboratories as well as through the Conley Speech, Language and Hearing Center. Opportunities exist for students to observe clinical work, and develop research skills.
The undergraduate program in CSD provides the background for students to apply for master’s study in either speech-language pathology or audiology. It also equips majors to pursue careers or graduate study in a variety of fields including education, business and health care. The master’s degree program is accredited by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).
The CSD faculty consists of academic and clinical faculty, full and part time. Active as scholars, researchers, clinicians and teachers, faculty are committed to accomplishing the department’s mission of promoting excellence in academic and clinical education, scholarship and service.
Small classes, one-to-one student advising, and research assistantships allow significant faculty-student interaction.
The Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders provides community outreach programs in collaboration with many state agencies and governing bodies concerned with the welfare of individuals with communication disorders. The department also serves as an academic and clinical resource for the state’s professional and private communities.
Communication Sciences and Disordered
College of Earth, Health, and Life Sciences
Dunn Hall
207.581.2006
Conley Speech, Language and Hearing Center
The Madelyn E. and Albert D. Conley Speech, Language and Hearing Center at the University of Maine offers clinical education, research and services in speech, language and hearing. The center’s Audiology Clinic and Speech-Language Clinic serve people of all ages. The Speech-Language Clinic offers diagnostics, family-based treatment and a stuttering clinic. The center’s longterm service mission to the community and the state is supported and sustained by the Madelyn E. and Albert D. Conley Endowment.