Scientific Underpinnings of Practice -
Graduates of Grand Canyon University’s Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders program are prepared to apply knowledge in biological and physical sciences, statistics, and social and behavioral sciences to provide effective implementation of communication and hearing concepts.

• Apply the concepts of biological and physical sciences to speech and hearing.
• Apply the concepts of social and behavioral sciences to recognize the effects of communication interventions on a micro, meso, and macro level.
• Interpret current research in the field using concepts from statistics.

Fundamentals of Communication Sciences and Disorders -
Graduates of Grand Canyon University’s Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders program will be prepared to apply foundational knowledge of the production of speech and language, developmental norms for communication, and anatomy related to normal and disordered speech and hearing, in order to apply the concepts to clients and clinical practice across the life span.

• Differentiate between speech, language, and communication.
• Transcribe utterances using the International Phonetic Alphabet.
• Identify milestones for speech, language, and communication development.
• Identify anatomical landmarks of speech production, hearing, and swallowing, and their basic functions.
• Describe acquired communication disorders.
• Describe developmental communication disorders.
• Describe communication disorders for deaf and hard of hearing individuals.

Clinical Skills Foundations -
Graduates of Grand Canyon University’s Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders program will be prepared to apply speech-language pathology concepts and theories to functional intervention planning, clinical documentation, and therapeutic methodologies.

• Explain the tenets of evidence-based practice.
• Critically evaluate information sources to inform clinical decision making.
• Differentiate between screening, assessment, evaluation, and diagnosis.
• Outline screening and prevention procedures for developmental speech and language disorders.
• Outline screening and prevention procedures for hearing loss.
• Outline screening and prevention procedures for communication impairments related to acquired neurological disorders.
• Implement appropriate activities for therapy based on goals generated by a licensed speech-language pathologist.

Ethical, Multicultural and Multilinguistic Considerations -
Graduates of Grand Canyon University’s Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders program will recognize the diversity of clients and populations in order to provide culturally and socially appropriate client-centered care in a variety of practice settings. Special attention is given to professional standards and regulatory, legal, and ethical governances within the field.

• Describe how culture impacts communication.
• Explain the value of critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and decision making.
• Describe how bilingualism impacts communication.
• Describe how clinicians can interact with clients of other cultures using cultural humility.
• Apply appropriate ethical and legal standards regarding the use and reporting of health care information and data.
• Identify ethical and professional standards as they relate to legal, regulatory, and accreditation compliance within one's scope of practice.
• Understand the impact of one's own set of cultural and linguistic variables on delivery of effective care and client interaction.

Interprofessional Practice and Communication -
Graduates of Grand Canyon University’s Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders program will apply professional practice standards; understand the speech-language pathologist and assistant scopes of practice; apply the principles of interprofessional collaboration; collaborate with the interprofessional team, client, and family; and understand the roles and responsibilities of different disciplines across a variety of settings.

• Integrate information from clients, caregivers, and relevant professionals.
• Identify when clients should be referred for appropriate services.
• Develop strategies for communication and collaboration based on effective leadership and communication techniques.
• Outline service delivery models of speech pathology and audiologic services utilized in various settings (e.g., hospital, private practice, education).