Speech-language pathology students at work. Photo by Lee Choo.

The University Professional Continuing Education Association (UPCEA) has given California State University, Northridge its 2013 Outstanding Program Award, specifically recognizing the university’s Master of Science in Communication Disorders and Sciences: Speech-Language Pathology program for its innovative work in the field.

CSUN’s Tseng College and College of Health and Human Development collaborate in this fully online program, which draws students from around the country. Speech-language pathologists help people of all ages who need assistance learning to communicate because of conditions ranging from illness and injury to congenital speech or communication impairment.

“We thank you for your innovative programming, which provides a model to which your colleagues can aspire,” said Alice S. Warren, chair of the awards committee for UPCEA, an association of leaders in professional, continuing and online education from throughout North America.

The UPCEA will formally present the award to university officials today at its annual conference in Boston.

“We proudly share this honor with Tseng College,” said Sylvia Alva, dean of the College of Health and Human Development. “A strong online program like this does not develop overnight. This important award reflects our commitment to academic standards and forward-thinking in quality online education programs.”

Joyce Feucht-Haviar, university senior international officer and dean of the Tseng College, praised the collaboration that created and continues the program, saying, “Together we can make grand things happen.”

Jennifer Kalfsbeek, director of graduate and professional education and services for the Tseng College, said congratulations were in order “for Stephen Sinclair, chair of the Department of Communication Disorders and Sciences, and his exceptional team of faculty who teach in the program. Special thanks also to go key support staff members who make this extraordinary offering the best online communication disorders and sciences program in the nation.”

The program fills a vital need in a field where demand continues to grow. The U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook projects employment growth in the field of 23 percent from 2010 to 2020, faster than average for all other occupations.

CSUN’s College of Health and Human Development offers 11 undergraduate and 10 graduate degree programs in disciplines and areas of study that prepare students for a wide range of rewarding and dynamic professional careers and areas of study, including child and adolescent development, communication disorders and sciences, environmental and occupational health, family and consumer sciences, health sciences, kinesiology, nursing, physical therapy and recreation and tourism management. It also offers several credentials in partnership with CSUN’s Michael D. Eisner College of Education, and self-supported programs in partnership with the Tseng College. Its mission is to prepare competent and caring professionals who share the university’s commitment to enhance and promote the health and wellbeing of the diverse communities Cal State Northridge serves.

The Tseng College is one of nine academic colleges at California State University, Northridge and is dedicated to helping professionals and other students achieve education in areas that demand increased knowledge and sophistication. In addition to offering master’s degrees in collaboration with CSUN’s other colleges, Tseng College also offers graduate and continuing education-unit certificate programs, Intensive English and University Pathway Programs for international students, programs for professionals in government and nonprofit sectors, and University Access programs such as Winter Term, Summer Session and Open University.

Awards and Honors, College of Health and Human Development, Tseng College