skip to main content

Bluffton University

Menu

 

STEM studies

Choose Ohio First Grant

Up to four renewable grants will be awarded to first-year students  majoring in select STEM fields, with a 3.0 GPA or higher, American minority and an Ohio resident.

Communication Sciences & Disorders

Orientation

Apply

Admission application

Photo op with J. Denny and Jenny

Visit

Schedule a visit

Walking on campus

Inquire

Request information

Bluffton University’s Communication Sciences & Disorders (CSD) major (formerly Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology) integrates scientific rigor, clinical experience, and liberal arts values to prepare students for graduate programs in speech-language pathology and audiology. With 100% placement success for students applying to graduate school, our program sets you up to make a difference in communication and hearing care. 

SLPA lab

Why Choose Bluffton’s CSD Program?

Small, personalized classes 
Because of our modest program size, you’ll receive close attention from faculty mentors who know you by name. 

Hands-on clinical experiences 
With early observation placement and classroom simulations, you'll gain real-world exposure. 

Strong outcomes & graduate placement 
All Bluffton CSD students who applied to graduate school thus far have been accepted (100% placement). 

Faculty with field experience 
Our faculty have longstanding experience in clinical settings and bring that into the classroom. 

Service-oriented mindset 
Our liberal arts approach encourages you to serve your community through communication health. 

What You’ll Learn

Core Courses
(Approx. 40 Hours)
Cognate &
Supporting Courses 

  • Introduction to CSD / SLPA 

  • Anatomy & Physiology of Speech, Hearing & Language 

  • Phonetics 

  • Speech & Hearing Science 

  • Articulation & Phonology 

  • Neuroscience of Communication 

  • Audiology & Aural Rehabilitation 

  • Clinical Observation & Practicum 

  • Speech & Language Disorders Across the Lifespan 

  • Biological Sciences / Anatomy & Physiology 

  • Psychology (Development / Statistics) 

  • Linguistics / Language Development 

  • Communication & Ethic

 

 

 

 

 

 

Graduate School Preparation & Licensure Path

After completing your undergraduate CSD degree, most students enter master’s or doctoral programs in speech-language pathology (SLP) or audiology (AuD). At Bluffton, we help you: 

  • Curate a graduate-level application (letters, research, internships) 
  • Meet prerequisites for top graduate programs 
  • Education on credentialing through ASHA / state licensure 
  • Explore career settings: schools, hospitals, private clinics, research, telepractice 

Bluffton’s first SLPA cohort graduated in 2020; many are now in top SLP programs.

Career Outlook & Industry Demand
Demand for speech-language pathologists projected to grow 18–27% between 2023–2033.
Audiology roles are also expected to grow ~11% in the same period.
Career settings include: K-12 schools, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, private practices, research, telehealth, and more.

Program Highlights & Student Experience

What's it like to be a communication science and disorders major? Let Tina Juarez, director of CSD, tell you!

Tina Juarez

Tina Juarez M.Ed., CCC-SLP

Assistant professor of CSD, Director of CSD program

juarezt@bluffton.edu
419-358-3329

Kate Spike

Kate Spike, M.A.

Assistant professor of English

spikek@bluffton.edu
419-358-3496

FAQ

You certainly can. While the intention for a student who enters the CSD program is to go to graduate school to earn a Master's in Speech Pathology or a Doctorate in Audiology, you are welcome to be part of the program. We have had students who have received a 4-year degree and gone on to teach in a preschool, as well as enter graduate school to become an occupational therapist. 

Yes, to practice as a speech pathologist or as an audiologist. 

While there is no set standard GPA to remain in the cohort, the professors work closely with you to ensure you achieve strong grades. Maintaining a strong GPA throughout your undergrad program is important for those planning to apply to graduate school.
 

Typically, clinical placements take place in graduate school. In undergraduate, you will have clinical observation where you observe other clinicians in the field for a minimum of 25 hours. 

Due to its undergraduate status, this program is not accredited. However, the undergraduate program is designed to prepare students for graduate school. Since the current director has led the program, every student who has applied to graduate school has been accepted—most to their first-choice programs, and many to multiple schools.
 
 
 
 
 



 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
STEM studies

Choose Ohio First Grant

Up to four renewable grants will be awarded to first-year students  majoring in select STEM fields, with a 3.0 GPA or higher, American minority and an Ohio resident.

 

 

Top