UM’s Department of Communicative Sciences and Disorders brings new technology and a vibrant faculty to academic and clinical education in Montana. The department, which began offering a bachelor’s degree in communicative sciences and disorders in 2008, opened its doors to graduate students in fall 2009.

The University now offers a master’s degree in speech-language pathology. UM’s clinical program allows students to experience working in schools, clinics and hospitals.

“A career path in the field of communicative disorders is a wonderful and rewarding choice,” says Al Yonovitz, chair of the new department. “Graduates will be in high demand to fill the current shortage of qualified speech therapists for Montana schools, which are required by law to provide speech, language or communication therapy for students with disabilities.”

Speech-language pathology professionals work with people of all ages who experience a variety of speech, language and hearing disorders. Graduates will fill the need for qualified speech-language pathology professionals not only in Montana, but across the nation. UM last offered a bachelor’s degree in speech pathology through a program that was cut as a cost-saving measure in the late 1980s. In spring 2008, the University made the decision to revive the program to fill a need for qualified professionals. The Montana Legislature provided much of the funding to renew the program.

The department, part of the Phyllis J. Washington College of Education and Human Sciences, has received an unprecedented number of applicants from across Montana and the U.S. who can attend classes on campus or through distance-learning options.

“Our department not only supports clients with communication disorders and their needs, but also provides the best possible support for students to achieve their goals and aspirations,” Yonovitz says. “Montana is in urgent need of qualified speech-language pathologists in the schools, hospitals and specialty clinics.”

The first students will graduate from the new program during 2010 Commencement.