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Abstract

This essay defends the place of speech language pathology and audiology within colleges of arts and sciences by arguing that the discipline’s academic legitimacy derives from its scientific study of human communication rather than its professional training functions. The author traces tensions between broad liberal arts missions and programs perceived as narrowly vocational, noting that clinical training alone cannot justify departmental status in a university setting. Instead, the field’s essential contribution lies in advancing knowledge about normal and disordered communication and in grounding clinical practice in research based understanding. The discussion critiques programs that emphasize service delivery at the expense of scholarship, warning that such approaches risk stagnation and weaken the field’s capacity to contribute to broader scientific and educational goals. Drawing on historical statements from early leaders and on concerns expressed by university administrators, the essay argues that rigorous scholarly work, integration with liberal education, and commitment to research are necessary for program survival and credibility. It concludes that the discipline flourishes most successfully in liberal arts environments when it aligns its mission with inquiry into human communication and the academic advancement of knowledge.

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