Khon Kaen University - SDG Alignment for Master of Science Program in Communication Disorders

SDG Alignment for Master of Science Program in Communication Disorders

Overall SDG Alignment Evaluation:

The Master of Science Program in Communication Disorders is fundamentally dedicated to improving the quality of life for individuals with communication impairments, aligning powerfully with the Sustainable Development Goals' core principle of leaving no one behind. The curriculum produces highly skilled professionals who can diagnose, treat, and manage a wide range of speech, language, and hearing disorders across the lifespan. The program makes a foundational contribution to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) by ensuring that individuals with communication disorders have access to the care they need to participate fully in society. It is a pillar of SDG 4 (Quality Education), not only by providing advanced training to its students but also by equipping them with the skills to support the educational needs of children with communication challenges. As an advanced research-based degree, the program fosters a new generation of specialists and embodies the collaborative spirit required for SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

SDG Related Course(s)

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

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Alignment Summary: This program is central to promoting good health and well-being by advancing the science and practice of treating communication disorders. The curriculum equips graduates with the skills to diagnose and manage a wide range of conditions, from pediatric hearing loss and speech disorders to neurological impairments and swallowing difficulties, thereby improving the quality of life for individuals of all ages.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
MD 777 131	Speech and Language Disorders of People with Cleft Lip and Palate	Directly supports good health by providing specialized knowledge to treat communication disorders in individuals with congenital anomalies, ensuring comprehensive healthcare (Target 3.8).
MD 777 132	Neurological Language and Speech Disorders	Contributes to health and well-being by focusing on the rehabilitation of individuals with neurological conditions, helping to reduce the burden of non-communicable diseases (Target 3.4).
MD 777 134	Swallowing Disorders	Aligns with good health by addressing dysphagia, a serious medical condition that can lead to malnutrition and aspiration pneumonia, thereby reducing mortality and morbidity.
MD 777 141	Pediatric Audiology	Promotes healthy lives for children by focusing on the early identification and intervention of hearing loss, which is crucial for language development and overall well-being (Target 3.2).
MD 777 172	Psychological Counselling for People with Communication Disorders	Supports mental health and well-being by providing the skills to address the psychological impact of communication disorders on individuals and their families (Target 3.4).

SDG 4: Quality Education

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Alignment Summary: As a Master of Science program, this curriculum is a pillar of quality education, offering advanced and specialized training in the field of communication disorders. It equips graduates with the research, clinical, and pedagogical skills necessary for high-level employment, fostering a culture of lifelong learning and ensuring that children with communication disorders have access to the support they need to succeed in education.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
MD 567 714	Medical Sciences Research Methodology	Directly supports Target 4.4 by providing students with the advanced technical and research skills for relevant, high-level employment in the field of communication disorders.
MD 777 891	Seminar in Communication Disorders	Enhances lifelong learning opportunities (Target 4.3) by training students in critical analysis and communication of scientific literature, essential for continuous professional development.
MD 777 899	Thesis	Represents a capstone lifelong learning opportunity where students conduct original research, thereby acquiring superior technical skills for employment and contributing new knowledge to the field (Target 4.4).
MD 777 831-833	Language and Speech Clinic Practicum I-III	Contributes to inclusive and equitable quality education by preparing professionals who can support children with disabilities (Target 4.5), ensuring they have equal access to all levels of education.
MD 777 841-843	Audiology Clinic Practicum I-III	Supports quality education by training professionals to identify and manage hearing loss in children, which is a critical barrier to learning (Target 4.5).

SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

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Alignment Summary: The program aims to reduce inequalities by training professionals to provide care for individuals with communication disorders, who often face social and economic exclusion. By promoting access to services and advocating for the rights of people with disabilities, the curriculum helps to empower marginalized groups and ensure their full participation in society.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
MD 777 871	Community-Based Outreach Services	Empowers and promotes the social and economic inclusion of all, irrespective of age or disability, by providing accessible communication healthcare services to underserved communities (Target 10.2).

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

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Alignment Summary: The research-intensive nature of this program, combined with its strong clinical and community outreach components, inherently fosters partnerships for sustainable development. Through seminar courses, thesis work, and practicums, students engage with the global scientific and healthcare communities, promoting the knowledge-sharing and multi-stakeholder collaborations vital for addressing the complex challenges of communication disorders.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
MD 777 891	Seminar in Communication Disorders	Enhances the global partnership for sustainable development by having students present and discuss cutting-edge research, contributing to the international body of scientific knowledge (Target 17.6).
MD 777 899	Thesis	Represents a significant contribution to global partnerships (Target 17.17) by creating new, publishable knowledge that is shared internationally to help solve critical challenges in communication disorders.