Communication Sciences & Disorders

Communication Sciences & Disorders

  • Our speech clinic provides opportunities for advanced training and research.

    Speech Clinic

  • Christian faculty are invested in providing an unparalleled experience utilizing a comprehensive curriculum, contemporary technology and an international practicum experience.

    Graduate Programs

  • Students have the opportunity to participate in a six-week practicum in Zambia as part of the Harding in Zambia Speech-Language Pathology (HIZ-PATH) program.

    Study Abroad in Zambia

  • We strive to help our students develop leadership skills that enable them to make a difference.

    Undergraduate Programs

  • Experience the field of communication sciences & disorders as it relates to other health care professionals.

    Interprofessional Education

Our Mission

Our program excels in developing highly-skilled and professional graduates who are ready to impact their local and global communities by improving the lives of those they serve. Christian faculty and staff are invested in providing an unparalleled experience utilizing a comprehensive curriculum, contemporary technology, and state-of-the-art facilities to engage students in reaching their full potential, both educationally and spiritually. As a result, our students exemplify ethical leadership, critical thinking, and interprofessional collaboration to support top of the license practice.

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Making a difference

The speech-language pathology graduate clinical practicum in Zambia provides participants with more than experience as they learn to see God work in new ways. Learn more from Communication Sciences and Disorders Chair Melanie Meeker in the Harding Magazine.

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What is an SLP?

Speech-language pathologists are valued members of health and education teams that assess, diagnose, treat and help to prevent cognitive, communication and swallowing disorders in children and adults.

Program History

Harding University has offered academic coursework in communication sciences and disorders since 1953, when Richard Walker introduced speech therapy services to Searcy. Since that time, the program has noted significant growth and evolution and continues to be a service to the communities of central Arkansas.

Speech Clinic

The clinic functions as a vital part of the department of communication sciences and disorders by providing opportunities for advanced clinical training and research. Patients are offered a full range of services and benefit from being treated in a university setting where professors are at the forefront of their field.

Communication Sciences & Disorders

Training students for helping professions, giving others a voice.


Undergraduate Programs


Post-baccalaureate coursework provides the academic foundation for a student with a bachelor’s degree to enter an M.S. program in speech-language pathology. This course sequence provides a strong foundation with the discipline-specific courses required to apply to our MS SLP program.

B.A. in Communication Sciences & Disorders

The Bachelor of Arts in communication sciences & disorders prepares students to pursue advanced degrees in speech-language pathology, audiology, speech and hearing science, and more through excellent academic and clinical training. Options: Clinical and non-clinical tracks

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B.A. In Speech-Language Pathology Assistant

As the only one of its kind in the state of Arkansas, this degree prepares you to provide various aspects of patient service under the supervision of a speech-language pathologist. Graduates will be prepared to seek state licensure and national certification. Delivery: Four-year degree or two-year degree completion

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Minor in Communication Sciences and Disorders

If you are interested in learning more about communication sciences and disorders but do not want to pursue a graduate degree, this minor is for you. It is specifically designed for students earning degrees in fields such as social work, family and consumer sciences, children's ministry, cognitive neuroscience, psychology, and education. The courses do not prepare a student to enter graduate school in speech-language pathology and audiology but provide coursework that will be beneficial in the workplace.

Minor in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology

This minor is ideal for students in fields other than communication sciences and disorders who may be interested in pursuing a graduate degree in CSD. The courses in this minor specifically encompass the classes required for students to enter most graduate programs in speech-language pathology and audiology.

Certificate in American Sign Language

The certificate in American Sign Language provides training in basic ASL and an understanding of Deaf culture with the goal of enhancing your communication skills to benefit you in your career. The 12-credit-hour certificate is open to students across all majors.

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Online Certificate in Speech-Language Pathology Assistant

This certificate can also be added as a minor for on-ground students and would allow you to enter the workforce as an SLPA after graduation, depending on relevant state licensure requirements. While we continue to offer our on-ground bachelor’s degree in SLPA, the online option is ideal for professionals who want to refresh their skills and pivot to a new career.

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Accelerated and Graduate Programs

Accelerated B.A.-M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology

The accelerated track makes it possible for qualified students to complete both a Bachelor of Arts in communication sciences & disorders and a Master of Science in speech-language pathology in five years.

M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology

The Master of Science in speech-language pathology trains highly competent speech-language pathologists in a rigorous academic curriculum and clinical practicum. Graduates will be prepared to sit for the national licensing exam. The program has a 100% pass rate for the past 12 years.

HIZ-PATH

Study Abroad in Zambia

Read our blog

Tip of the Tongue

Program Credentials

 Website CE Brand Block

ASHA CE Provider approval and use of the Brand Block does not imply endorsement of course content, specific products or clinical procedures.

In order to work as a speech-language pathologist or audiologist, undergraduate students must continue their education at a CAA accredited graduate program. The Harding program is a member of the Council of Academic Programs in Communication Sciences and Disorders. All faculty hold ASHA's Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology or Audiology and hold Arkansas licenses in their respective areas.

Contact Us

Communication Sciences & Disorders is a part of the College of Allied Health

501-279-4648

csd@harding.edu

Mailing address:
Harding University
Communication Sciences & Disorders
HU 10872
Searcy, AR 72149-5615

Accreditation    

This is the logo for the Council on Academic Accreditation for Speech-Language Pathology.


The Master of Science (M.S.) education program in speech-language pathology (residential) at Harding University is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 2200 Research Boulevard #310, Rockville, Maryland 20850,  800-498-2071 or 301-296-5700.