COMMUNICATION DISORDERS (CDIS) Jason Andrew Barbara B. Shadden Degree Conferred: M.S. (CDIS)
The undergraduate/graduate curriculum in speech-language pathology includes a total of 76 semester hours of professional studies, a minimum of 36 of which must be taken for graduate credit. Upon approval for admission by the faculty in the program of communication disorders, a program of studies is arranged with the academic adviser and any undergraduate deficiencies are assessed. All degree candidates must meet minimum academic and practicum requirements for the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology, American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Prerequisites to Degree Program: Applicants who wish to study for the M.S. degree in speech-language pathology are expected to present a minimum of 36 hours which meet the professional certification standards. These should include 15 semester hours in the nature and acquisition of normal speech, language, and hearing functions; nine semester hours in the general area of speech-language pathology; and six semester hours in the area of audiology. Remaining required hours may have been earned in the general areas of speech-language pathology, audiology, or supportive areas of study as determined at the time of admission. A strong foundation in basic sciences is also required including a minimum of 6 semester hours in biological/physical sciences and mathematics, and 6 semester hours in behavioral/social sciences. Applicants for graduate study in speech-language pathology must be admitted to the Graduate School and must also meet the following requirements: (1) satisfactory GRE scores, (2) submission of a one-page handwritten essay addressing the topic of why the applicant wishes to pursue graduate studies in speech-language pathology, and (3) three letters of recommendation from persons competent to judge applicant's potential for graduate studies. To be considered for admission to the M.S. degree program, applicants must have earned an overall GPA of 3.00 in undergraduate course work or must obtain a minimum composite score of 1200 on the three subtests of the Graduate Record Examinations. Requirements for the Master of Science Degree: The M.S. degree program in speech-language pathology requires a minimum of five academic semesters to complete, including continuous enrollment in summer session(Su) during the sequence of studies. In addition to the general requirements of the Graduate School, all students must complete a minimum of 36 hours of graduate course work of which a minimum of 21 hours must be in the speech-language pathology content area. An additional nine hours of course work must be completed in either speech-language pathology or audiology content areas. All students are required to complete at least one course in research design. Thesis and non-thesis options are available. Students electing the thesis option may include six hours of CDIS600V as part of the 36-hour requirement in speech-language pathology and audiology. All candidates for the M.S. degree are required to pass a written comprehensive examination.
COURSES: COMM DISORD (CDIS) CDIS4133 Introduction to Aural Rehabilitation (FA) Study of the technique used in the rehabilitation of speech and language problems of the hearing impaired including the role of amplification, auditory training, and speech reading in rehabilitation. Prerequisite: CDIS 3103. CDIS4223 Language Disorders in Children (FA) Study of disorders of language acquisition and usage in children and adolescents, with emphasis upon the nature, assessment, and treatment of such disorders. Prerequisite: CDIS 3223. CDIS4253 Neurological Bases of Communication (FA) A study of the structures and functions of the central and peripheral nervous systems as they relate to human speech, language, and cognition. Prerequisite: CDIS 3213. CDIS4263 Advanced Audiology (FA) Study of the basic techniques used in audiological assessment of children and adults, including pure tone audiometry, speech audiometry, and special tests of hearing function. Prerequisite: CDIS 3103. CDIS4273 Communication Behavior and Aging (SP) Study of the effects upon communication of normal aspects of the aging process, from early adulthood throughout the the lifespan. Changes in speech, language, and hearing functioning are identified; common alterations in communicative disorders commonly associated with advanced age are discussed. CDIS428V Clinical Practicum: Hearing Disorders (1-3) (FA, SP, SU) Practicum in audiology. Pre- or Corequisite: CDIS 4263. CDIS5102 Research Methodology in Communication Disorders (SU) An examination of methods of research in speech-language pathology and audiology and of the use of bibliographic tools. Focuses on purposes and problems of various forms of communication disorders research, procedures and instruments employed, and reporting of research. Prerequisite: graduate standing. CDIS5112 Seminar in Early Intervention (FA) Study of a family-centered, transdisciplinary approach to early intervention with infants and toddlers at-risk for communication disorders. Topics include early communication development, service delivery in a family context, coordination with other disciplines, and legislation mandating services. Prerequisite: CDIS 3223 or equivalent, and graduate standing. CDIS5122 Feeding and Swallowing Disorders (FA) Study of the etiology, assessment, and remediation of feeding and swallowing disorders in children and adults. Prerequisite: CDIS 3213 or equivalent, and graduate standing. CDIS5132 Discourse Analysis and Treatment (SU) Study of discourse behaviors and discourse analysis procedures appropriate for communicatively disordered children and adults, along with review of management approaches associated with impaired discourse performance. Prerequisite: previous course work in language process and disorders, and graduate standing. CDIS5152 TBI and Right-Hemisphere Disorders (FA) Study of the speech and language disorders commonly resulting from traumatic brain injury and right hemisphere disorders. Prerequisite: CDIS 4253 or equivalent, and graduate standing. CDIS5163 Seminar in Language Topics (FA, SP, SU) Study of selected topics in normal and disordered language acquisition and/or language use. Implications of current research are reviewed and applied to evaluation and management of language impairment(s). Prerequisite: graduate standing. CDIS5173 Survey of Disorders of Communication (SU) Cause and therapeutic principles of speech disorders, including articulatory defects, voice disorders, stuttering and defects due to hearing deficiency. Offered for non-majors in communicative disorders-not open to those who have had CDIS 2253. Prerequisite: graduate standing. CDIS5182 Clinical Assessment of Speech and Language Disorders (FA) Study of the basic diagnostic procedures used in speech-language pathology. Emphasis is placed on criteria for test selection, techniques in test administration, and interpretation of test results. Prerequisite: graduate standing. CDIS5193 Seminar in Problems of Oral Communication (FA, SP, SU) Investigation of research in selected problems of oral communication; recent developments in speech-language pathology and audiology; individual problems for investigation. Prerequisite: graduate standing. CDIS5214 Voice and Resonance Disorders (SU) (Formerly CDIS 5213) Study of disorders of phonation and resonation, including etiologies, diagnosis, and intervention strategies. Prerequisite: graduate standing. CDIS5222 Fluency Disorders (FA) Speech disfluency, including theoretical etiological assumptions and management consideration. Prerequisite: graduate standing. CDIS5232 Seminar in Misarticulation (SP) Etiology, diagnosis and treatment of disorders of speech articulation. Prerequisite: graduate standing. CDIS5243 Language Disorders in Adults (SP) Symbolic communicative breakdown due to neurological trauma; focus on resultant receptive, central processing, and expressive linguistic disabilities, including etiology, neurology, diagnosis and treatment. Primary course emphasis is placed upon aphasia, although other neuropathologies of speech and language in adults are addressed. Prerequisite: graduate standing. CDIS5253 Motor Speech Disorders (SP) Study of motor speech production disorders related to damage to central or peripheral nervous system motor centers and pathways. Cerebral palsy, adult dysarthria, apraxia, and dysphagia are emphasized. Both theoretical and treatment considerations are addressed. Prerequisite: CDIS 4253 or equivalent, and graduate standing. CDIS528V Advanced Clinical Practicum: Speech Disorders (1-6) (FA, SP, SU) Practicum activities in speech-language pathology. Prerequisite: graduate standing. CDIS5293 Augmentative and Alternative Communication (FA) Approaches to communication management with the severely and profoundly handicapped child or adult, with primary emphasis on augmentative and alternative communication assessment and intervention. Prerequisite: graduate standing. CDIS5381 Diagnostic Practicum (FA, SP, SU) Practicum activities in speech-language assessment. Prerequisite: graduate standing. CDIS548V Clinical Practicum: Public Schools (1-3) (FA, SP) Practicum activities in speech-language disorders in a public school setting. Prerequisite: graduate standing. CDIS558V Internship in Speech-Language Disorders (2-6) (FA, SP, SU) Field placement in approved clinical setting for clock hours in speech-language pathology assessment and treatment. Students in the master's program must enroll in 3 credit hours of CDIS 558V during their last semester of graduate studies. Prerequisite: graduate standing. CDIS590V Special Problems (1-6) (FA, SP, SU) Prerequisite: graduate standing. CDIS600V Master's Thesis (1-6) (FA, SP, SU) Prerequisite: graduate standing. |