Program is for students interested in the scientific and theoretical frameworks for understanding human communication and its disorders, including the roles of biology, cognition, environment, and culture. The SPHSC major provides an in-depth overview of the discipline and its associated professions. Students receive a research-based, academic foundation in the fundamental concepts and principles, including the neurological, behavioral, physical, and anatomic-physiological bases of speech, language, hearing, balance, and swallowing. The SPHSC major also introduces the clinical processes used to identify, prevent, and treat individuals with communication, balance and swallowing disorders across the lifespan, addressing the important roles of ethics, interdisciplinary and interprofessional collaborations, and healthcare and education policy. The major provides opportunities for research experiences and students develop skills in oral and written communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, cultural competence, and evidence-based decision making. Students completing the major receive excellent preparation for paraprofessional employment or for graduate level study in speech and hearing sciences; either a clinically orientated degree leading to professional certification in speech-language pathology or audiology, or a doctoral degree to pursue research/teaching. The SPHSC major is also appropriate for students with interests in other related fields such as education, linguistics, psychology, nursing, rehabilitation science, medicine, and neuroscience.