Communication Disorders

The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Communication Disorders program at Geneva College prepares you with the foundational knowledge needed to enter graduate study. Through a rigorous curriculum and service-learning opportunities, students are equipped for graduate study in speech-language pathology or audiology, or for a career as a speech-language pathology assistant (SLPA). In these satisfying careers, professionals help children and adults in both educational and medical settings.

Geneva’s Communication Disorders program affirms the image of God in all individuals, equipping students with a love for God and compassion for neighbor.

Hands-on Clinical Education

Train alongside local certified speech-language pathologists in schools, hospitals, nursing homes, and/or private clinics.

Advanced Studies

Fulfill prerequisite courses required for graduate programs in speech-language pathology or audiology.

Early Acceptance Programs

Three local universities have affirmed the quality of our students with preferred admission to their graduate programs.

Key Communication Disorders Courses

American Sign Language

Learn basic vocabulary and sentence structure of American Sign Language (ASL) to assist in working with diverse populations.

Phonetics

/stʌdi ðʌ sɑiɛns ʌv spitʃ sɑʊnd prədʌkʃən | pɚsɛpʃən ən trænskrɪpʃʌn ‖ / Study the science of speech-sound production, perception, and transcription.

Treatment Procedures

Explore service delivery models, clinical processes, evidence-based research practices, and ethics within the field of communication disorders.

Neurological Foundations

Examine the way the brain affects communication, cognition, and swallowing, including how to assist adults with communication disorders.

View Example Course Map

Experienced & Accomplished Faculty

Susan Layton

Associate Professor of Communication Disorders and Chair, Department of Communication

Jonathan Watt

Professor of English

Kim Arata

Assistant Professor of Communication Disorders

Joel Ward

Associate Professor of Communication

Carla Hill

Instructor of American Sign Language

Debbie Veness

Instructor of Audiology

Program Distinctives
Program Mission Statement

Each component of the program explores biblical perspective on disability including hospitality and compassionate care for the suffering.
Unlike many undergraduate communication disorder programs, Geneva students earn direct clinical experience hours under the supervision of local area SLPs.
Students develop deep relationships with fellow students and faculty as they study and serve our community.

The mission of the communication disorders program is to prepare to students for graduate work in communication disorders and then to model, as professional clinicians, the compassion of Jesus in working with people impacted by communication disorders.

Career Outcomes

The curriculum for the communication disorders program positions students to enter a master’s program or for a career as a speech-language pathology assistant (SLPA).  Students who apply their bachelor’s toward a graduate degree have ample opportunities in speech-language pathology, as recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the job outlook to grow by 19% into 2032.

94%

of Geneva graduates from the communication disorders degree program in the past ten years gained acceptance into speech-language pathology or audiology programs across the nation.

100%

of communication disorders majors at Geneva participate in internships, research, or related applied learning.

$89,000

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, speech-language pathologists earn a median annual wage of $89,000.

“My time as a Geneva Communication Disorders student was truly a life changing experience. Not only did I discover speech language pathology, but I also got to experience God’s love through my professors and assignments. While learning all of the different aspects of speech, we also focused on seeing people the way that God sees people. Finally, I learned the importance of kindness in our field as I got to work one on one with children from all different backgrounds during my Clinical Experience. I can honestly say I feel well prepared for graduate school and am so thankful for my time in the program.” Jenae Brendle ‘20

Prepare for Communication Disorders Careers

Your BA in Communication Disorders serves as a foundation for graduate study in speech-language pathology or audiology, preparing you for the following professions:

Audiologist
Audiology Assistant
Communication Disorders Professor
Communication Disorders Research Assistant
Special Education Teacher
Speech-Language Pathologist
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant

Further your impact...

Earn your master’s or doctorate degree to provide valuable research as you continue studying speech and hearing sciences.
Open your own speech therapy practice and give back to your community.
Work in schools for blind and deaf students or help special needs children through swallow therapy.

Tell Me More

Discover more about our Communication Disorders program

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