The graduate program in speech-language pathology at Wichita State University has been ranked 30th out of approximately 250 such programs nationwide, according to the America's Best Graduate Schools 2009 index published by US News and World Report.

Kathy Coufal

Kathy Coufal, professor and chair for WSU's Department of Communication Science and Disorders, said the ranking reflects well on the hard work of her colleagues.
 

"We are in great company," said Coufal. "We follow major research-intensive universities and are co-ranked with other prestigious universities with programs that are larger and more comprehensive."

Sharing the No. 30 ranking are Gallaudet University; Syracuse University; University of Massachusetts–Amherst; University of North Carolina–Greensboro; University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center; and the University of Tennessee–Knoxville.

"If you consider the number of programs grouped by 'tied' rank, we actually are in the group of 10th ranked programs," Coufal said. "Given the many factors taken into consideration for these rankings, we are very pleased to be at this level."

Coufal said the importance of such information in WSU's recruitment efforts cannot be underestimated. "It also motivates CSD faculty and clinical educators to continue to work to provide the highest quality programs for students as well as pursue research endeavors that advance the communication sciences."