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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.

  • Only graduate program in Maine accredited by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
  • Only institution in the state to provide graduate education in this field
  • Outstanding opportunities for internships and work experience
  • Close interaction with faculty
  • Excellent employment rate
  • Undergraduate students complete 25 hours of clinical observation in the Conley Speech and Hearing Center, the Telepractice lab and within courses
  • Faculty offers research opportunities to learn more in depth about the field

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.

Jane Puhlman

Undergraduate Program Coordinator


Dunn Hall, Room 308 
207.581.2008 | jane.puhlman@maine.edu

Communication Sciences and Disorders

College of Earth, Health, and Life Sciences


Dunn Hall 
207.581.2006

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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.