The Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders offers programs leading to the degrees of Master of Speech Pathology, Master of Communicative Disorders, and Doctor of Philosophy. Speech-language pathologists are professionals concerned with evaluation, treatment, prevention, and research in human communication and its disorders. Speech-language pathologists are autonomous, working closely with teachers, physicians, psychologists, social workers, and physical and occupational therapists but not under direct medical supervision. Graduates are eligible for national certification, state licensure, and certification by the public schools of South Carolina. Environmental health scientists examine the interactions between humans and their environment.
Human activities impact environmental quality, which in turn impacts human health.
To explore these complex interactions, numerous elements of the pure and applied sciences, including biology, chemistry, engineering, and medicine, are required. The contribution of public health rests largely on its capacity to identify and solve community-wide health problems. As measurement and research sciences, epidemiology and biostatistics serve as the basic tools for public health action. Both disciplines are part of the scientific core of public health and are included in the training of every public health professional. The major in epidemiology is designed for students pursuing careers in the study of chronic diseases, disabling conditions, and infectious diseases.