Empower people of all ages to communicate and connect through speech, language, hearing, feeding, and cognitive support.
100% of graduates secure employment within three months
Top graduate program in speech-language pathology in the U.S.
Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) is the study of how people speak, understand, hear, and connect, and what happens when those abilities are challenged. If you’re fascinated by human development and curious about the science behind communication, this field may be right for you.
As a speech-language pathologist, you could work in schools, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, early intervention programs, or private practices, supporting people of all ages as they build the skills they need to fully participate in life.
When you study CSD at NAU, you’re joining a community that cares as much about people as it does about science. You'll get to choose the path that fits your needs: a traditional on-campus experience, an accelerated program, or a flexible online option. With opportunities in telepractice, culturally responsive care, and interprofessional collaboration, you’ll graduate confidently prepared to make an immediate impact in a field that needs compassionate professionals like you.
As a student of Communication Sciences and Disorders at NAU, you will:
Through NAU’s chapter of the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association, you’ll examine the world of speech-language pathology and audiology beyond the classroom. You’ll hear from guest speakers, present research, and volunteer in the community alongside fellow students who share your interests and goals.
Work directly with clients from newborns to older adults while guided by expert faculty at NAU’s on-campus Speech and Language-Hearing Clinic. Applying what you’ve learned in the classroom in a real-world clinical environment will help you build confidence and the clinical judgement you’ll use throughout your career in CSD.
You'll get interprofessional practice (IPP) experience through partnerships with the College of Education’s Early Learning and Development Center and the IPP Clinic shared with the Department of Physical Therapy. By working in interprofessional teams, you’ll learn to deliver compassionate, whole-person care.
Your success in CSD is built on the support you receive along the way. At NAU, that means providing you with intentional mentorship tailored to your goals, accessible ways to fund your education, and career preparation that ensures you’re ready to lead confidently in the field.
Your CSD professors will be partners in your growth during your NAU journey, and beyond. You’ll learn from speech-language pathologists, audiologists, and researchers who bring real clinical expertise into every class and clinical experience. They’ll guide you through complex concepts like neuroanatomy, language development, and swallowing disorders, while providing individualized mentorship that helps you build confidence and find your path. Faculty at NAU help you feel known, encouraged, supported, and fully prepared to step into your CSD career.
NAU is committed to keeping high-quality education accessible, offering one of the most affordable university experiences in the state. As a CSD student, you’ll have access to financial aid resources and find transparent tuition options that ensure you can focus on your goals and not stress about paying for your education. You’ll also be able to search for scholarships that fit your exact interests and goals via Scholarship Universe and lean on the financial aid team for guidance and support as you navigate what options are available to you.
From your first day in class to your final externship, you’ll build the skills and clinical knowledge you need to make an impact in schools, medical settings, rehabilitation facilities, and community programs. You’ll develop strong foundations in assessment, intervention, research, cultural responsiveness, and ethical practice ensuring you’re ready to step into this in-demand field ready to make an immediate impact.
"One of the most exciting aspects of this field is its incredible breadth. There are so many areas of specialty to explore, from working with children who have language delays or speech disorders to supporting adults recovering from strokes, treating voice or swallowing disorders, or advancing assistive communication technologies."
Take the first step toward a career in a field where your care and compassion can truly change someone’s life.
When you give to the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, you’re investing in a future where everyone is heard. Your support helps CSD students gain essential clinical experience and expands access to quality care.