Communication Disorders and Sciences Eastern Illinois University

Overview

The Communication Disorders and Sciences programme at Eastern Illinois University provides a robust academic foundation for students pursuing careers in speech-language pathology and audiology. This curriculum integrates theoretical classroom learning with practical clinical application to ensure graduates are prepared for the complexities of communication disorders.

Each student benefits from a learning environment where academic instruction is closely aligned with clinical practice. The department operates a dedicated Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic, serving both the university community and the wider region. This facility allows students to observe and participate in the diagnosis and treatment of various communication challenges under expert supervision.

Why Communication Disorders and Sciences at Eastern Illinois University?

Eastern Illinois University stands out as the only public institution in Illinois providing all undergraduate majors with direct clinical experience. Students who remain in the major for over two years are assigned their own clients to treat, following a period of shadowing and co-treating with experienced clinicians.

The teaching staff consists of the same professors who supervise the university’s Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic, ensuring that classroom theories are directly applicable to real-world cases. This integration of teaching and practice is a distinctive feature of the department, offering students one-to-one mentoring from faculty who are active practitioners in the field.

Facilities include the specialised Autism Centre, which functions as an extension of the main clinic to provide support for individuals with autism spectrum disorders. These resources, combined with a high acceptance rate into graduate school and a 100% employment rate for post-graduates, demonstrate the institutional strength and commitment to student outcomes.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: USD 13037 per year
• National fee: USD 10430 per year
• Local fee: USD 10430 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum is designed to be clinically relevant, focusing on the evaluation and treatment of various disorders. Modules may include:

• Evaluate and Diagnosis Communication Disorders
• Assessment and Treatment of Articulation and Phonology Disorders
• Assessment and Treatment of Child Language Disorders
• Clinical Techniques
• Aural Rehabilitation with the Hearing Impaired
• Augmentative and Alternative Communication
• Clinical Practicum

Careers with Communication Disorders and Sciences

Graduates from this programme are highly successful in securing positions within the healthcare and education sectors. While a graduate degree is typically required for full certification as a speech-language pathologist, the undergraduate foundation prepares students for immediate roles or advanced study.

Common career paths include roles in hospitals, private clinics, and educational settings. Many alumni find employment in specialised centres focusing on autism or hearing impairments. The department boasts a perfect employment record for its students following the completion of their professional graduate training.