Communication Disorders grad program reaccredited

The Communication Disorders (CD) graduate program, based in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD), was reaccredited in the Spring 2014 semester by the Council of Academic Accreditation of the American Speech, Language, and Hearing Association (ASHA).

The program, which focuses on research, assessment, and treatment of people with communication challenges, is one of four accredited communication disorders graduate programs in Boston, and one of six in Massachusetts.

The CD program was awarded accreditation for the next eight years, which is the maximum allowed. Accreditation of the program is required in order for graduating students to be certified by ASHA.

“This successful reaccreditation highlights the strength of our faculty, students, clinical infrastructure, and curriculum,” said Wyatt Oswald, interim chair of CSD. “We’re proud that ASHA continues to affirm the important work we are doing at Emerson to advance the understanding and treatment of the various communication disorders that affect the daily lives of many people.”

The CD program was required to complete an extensive report prior to ASHA members visiting the campus last October. The report contained detailed information on the program’s faculty, curriculum, and clinical sites.

“Our site visitors were impressed with the positive attitudes of our students, alumni, and clients,” said Sandra Cohn Thau, graduate program director for CD. “They commented on the strength of both our academic and clinical programs, and our elective seminars.”

The strengths of the program cited included the on-campus clinic and varied clinical placements in the community along with the accessible faculty.

The results of ASHA’s accreditation report were overwhelmingly positive, according to Cohn Thau. It credited the CD faculty with having up-to-date credentials; coursework and clinical work that follow a logical sequence; providing students with adequate access to faculty, academic content, and clinical work; and transparency with students regarding where to go with a complaint. 

Associate Professor Joanne Lasker was intricately involved in the reaccreditation process as she served as graduate program director this past year, Cohn Thau said.