Communication Sciences & Disorders: B.A.

Of all the gifts bestowed upon humanity, the ability to communicate verbally is one of the most important. Any impairment of this ability can have far-reaching consequences, affecting every aspect of a person's life from learning and work to interactions with family, friends and community. Speech-language pathologists (SLP) provide services to prevent, diagnose, evaluate and treat communication disorders.

At Ouachita, the Department of Communication Sciences & Disorders (CMDS) prepares students for graduate work in speech pathology or audiology or for related fields such as education or health support. We also uniquely combine a Christian perspective and academic excellence in all our courses and service learning experiences.

Speech-Language Pathologist

Speech Pathology Assistant

Applied Behavioral Analysis Technician

Nonprofit Worker (such as Special Olympics or Autism Society)

English as a Second Language Specialist

Voice Disorders

Anatomy & Physiology of Speech, Language and Hearing

Introduction to Audiology

Diagnostic Methods

Clinical Methods: Practicum

View the Ouachita catalog for a full course listing with course descriptions.

Nursing (on campus)

Psychology (on campus)

Sociology

Community & Family Services

Biology

Nutrition & Dietetics

Carl Goodson Honors Program

View the detailed degree requirements PDF to see all courses included in the program.

Learn more about the School of Natural Sciences.

Learn more about the Department of Communication Sciences & Disorders.

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In their words

hear from a faculty member & student

"The communication sciences & disorders program at Ouachita allowed me to be well prepared and uniquely qualified for graduate school. Having the opportunity to experience clinical practicum gave me the assurance that speech-language pathology is a career path that I will enjoy for the rest of my life. I learned how to recognize my weaknesses, grow from my mistakes and build on my strengths. I will forever be thankful for the extra time, knowledge and energy that each professor poured into me and my peers."

Abby Harrington headshot Abby Harrington
2026 communication sciences & disorders graduate

PURSUE YOUR PASSION WITHIN A COMMUNITY

You will find the Department of Communication Sciences & Disorders is a tight-knit group, so much so that they are known as “speechies” across campus. Licensed and dedicated faculty members challenge and encourage you, and you will spend countless hours studying, hanging out and hosting special events with your fellow classmates. At Ouachita, being a “speechie” is more than your major; it’s a community.

RECEIVE UNPARALLELED CLINICAL EXPERIENCE

While we believe studying how to prevent, diagnose and treat communication disorders is important, we also know how valuable it is to take your learning experiences beyond the walls of the classroom. You’ll see the impact of your work on a daily basis in our on-campus clinic conducting evaluations and therapy sessions with children and adults. This practicum experience is under direct supervision of licensed, ASHA-certified SLPs and is an incredibly unique opportunity at the undergraduate level.

JOIN OUR SERVICE-FOCUSED STUDENT CHAPTER

A goal of our department is to prepare you to lead, serve and succeed in the world. As a CMDS major, you can join Ouachita's chapter of the National Student Speech-Language-Hearing Association (NSSLHA), where you can learn about the industry and benefits of participating in a professional organization. Our chapter also attends professional conferences and participates in community projects and social activities sponsored by NSSLHA.

LEARN THE METHODS OF ETHICAL RESEARCH

and put yourself ahead of the game

As a CMDS major, you will complete a research project in speech pathology and present your results at Ouachita’s annual Scholars Day, an academic event held on campus each spring. This introduces you to the Institutional Review Board process for research on human subjects – a standard in speech pathology to ensure the methods are ethical – and mimics how the CMDS profession presents research at regional and national conferences. Your research can also be a great starting point for a future master’s thesis in graduate school.

From the "Ouachitonian": Nancy Hardman and Carol Morgan

Students who major in communication sciences & disorders at Ouachita are commonly known around campus as “Speechies.” The speech pathology program is led by two professors, Dr. Nancy Hardman, professor and chair, and associate professor Carol Morgan.

Uniquely prepared: Appreciating my multifaceted Ouachita education

My precious Ouachita — I wish I could put into words how special my four years at Ouachita truly were. It was an exciting time of learning and growing my relationship with the Lord. As I have exited “the bubble” and entered graduate school, I cannot help but be so thankful for all the ways that Ouachita prepared me.

PATTERSON SCHOOL OF NATURAL SCIENCES

The Patterson School of Natural Sciences nurtures critical and creative thinking, an appreciation of the beauty and complexity of natural systems, the development of ethical codes, the ability to communicate effectively, and an understanding of the importance of service and leadership.

GET IN TOUCH

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