Welcome to the School of Clinical and Developmental Sciences. We are a diverse unit of undergraduate and graduate programs that includes accredited programs in the areas of audiology, speech-language pathology and and marriage and family therapy. We are devoted to student academic success and encourage students to reach out to their academic advisors and instructional staff, as well as to get involved in extracurricular activities. Faculty in our school serve as advisors for multiple university-affiliated student associations.
While some professions require a master's (speech-language pathology) or a doctoral degree (audiology), there are employment opportunities for individuals with the undergraduate degree we offer: B.S. in communicative disorders. Additionally, we offer minors in communicative disorders, human development and family sciences and fashion merchandising.
Northern Illinois University’s Wellness and Literacy Center houses the Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic where graduate students in audiology, and speech-language pathology provide clinical evaluations and treatment within their scope of practice. In addition to experiences gained on the university campus, all graduate students in the school are placed in external clinical settings to gain professional experience prior to graduation.
Our Child Development and Family Center is dedicated to providing high-quality care to the children of NIU students, NIU faculty and staff and community members. It also offers students and faculty valuable opportunities for research and observation in child development.
You’ll benefit from extensive clinical experience in our on-campus Couple and Family Therapy Clinic, a full-service therapy center. Our expert faculty will provide close guidance as you assist couples and families with a variety of issues.
We look forward to meeting you and helping you reach your academic and career goals. Please take advantage of all that we have to offer. We truly are invested in having you learn today, so you can lead tomorrow.