Speech, Language, and Hearing Science Courses
This course covers the study of research methods for use in communicative disorders and related disciplines. This includes an emphasis on evaluation of experimental design for clinical research and critical reading of published research.
Language is a system of symbols that we use to communicate. The power of this system enables us to share the contents of our minds with other people who share that language. The evolution of language has profoundly shaped the lives of human beings, enabling our species to transmit knowledge from one generation to the next. This accumulated knowledge over time and space has allowed humans to proliferate as a species. New words are added to a language as new ideas emerge. The psychology of language is the study of the processes by which we as human beings generate grammatical sequences of linguistic symbols for comprehension by the listener.
This course will review the basic aspects of the field of augmentative/alternative communication including aided and unaided symbols, strategies, and techniques. This course will also explore the complex needs of children with disabilities and the role of the SLP as a member of the child’s interdisciplinary care team.
The course is designed to provide students in speech-language pathology with clinical practicum experience evaluating individuals across the lifespan who present with a wide variety of speech, language, feeding and swallowing, hearing and other communication needs.
Advanced study of typical and atypical language and communication development. Presentation and discussion of theories, individual differences, and cultural differences in ages 0-5.
Advanced study of typical and atypical language and communication development ages 5 to 21 years. Presentation and discussion of theories, practices and methods of differential diagnosis and language intervention for language-impaired children and adolescents.
The focus of this course is communication in individuals on autism spectrum, including in-depth analysis of the characteristics of autistic individuals across the lifespan, variability in language development, social relationship development, and instructional methods and interventions for individuals with autism spectrum disorders. The course examines interdisciplinary assessment approaches, trends in diagnosis, parent partnerships, and inclusive practices, such as research-based interventions in the areas of communication, play, social-emotional development, sensory motor issues, and health care. This course emphasizes advanced clinical reasoning, integration of peer-reviewed research, ethical and professional judgment, and interprofessional communication consistent with preparation for clinical practice.
Study of professional issues in the field of speech, language, and hearing sciences. Includes current issues, practice standards, certification, licensure, ethics, employment, and professional organizations.
The course is designed to provide students in speech-language pathology with supervised evidence-based clinical practicum experiences involving evaluation, intervention, and counseling services to diverse individuals across the lifespan who present with a wide variety of needs in the area of speech-language pathology. These experiences are offered in a variety of on- and off-campus clinical settings. The student will, with increasing independence and confidence, demonstrate application of theory, knowledge, and skills, under the supervision of a licensed and certified Speech-Language Pathologist.
The course is designed to provide students in speech-language pathology with supervised evidence-based clinical practicum experiences involving evaluation, intervention, and counseling services to diverse individuals across the lifespan who present with a wide variety of needs in the area of speech-language pathology. The student will demonstrate application of theory, knowledge, and skills at an external practicum site, under the supervision of a licensed and certified Speech-Language Pathologist.
This course provides an introduction to articulation, phonology, literacy, and language disorders in children and adolescents. Students will explore the fundamental concepts underlying the assessment and treatment of child language disorders, with an emphasis on understanding typical and atypical speech and language development.
This course is meant to be a gentle-but-fast introduction to conducting research in Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences. The goals of it is to help students position themselves to contribute to research in SLHS, construct the plan for completing a thesis during their Master’s studies in SLP, and develop practical research skills (conducting a systematic literature review, designing a study with attention to possible biases, analyzing data, and writing for professional audiences).
The course is designed to provide students in speech-language pathology with supervised evidence-based clinical practicum experiences involving evaluation, intervention, and counseling services to diverse individuals across the lifespan who present with a wide variety of needs in the area of speech-language pathology. These experiences are offered in a variety of on- and off-campus clinical settings. The student will, with increasing independence and confidence, demonstrate application of theory, knowledge, and skills, under the supervision of a licensed and certified Speech-Language Pathologist.
The course is designed to provide students in speech-language pathology with supervised evidence-based clinical practicum experiences involving evaluation, intervention, and counseling services to diverse individuals across the lifespan who present with a wide variety of needs in the area of speech-language pathology. The student will demonstrate application of theory, knowledge, and skills at an external practicum site, under the supervision of a licensed and certified Speech-Language Pathologist.
This course explores the assessment, diagnosis, and management of hearing loss in adults. Students will gain foundational knowledge in behavioral and objective test procedures, hearing technologies, and adult aural rehabilitation. Emphasis is placed on clinical decision-making and understanding the broader social and individual impacts of hearing loss.
Presentation and discussion of speech-language pathology assessment and intervention techniques for adults and children with co-occurring conditions.
This elective course will address current topics related to the practice of medical speech-language pathology in a variety of medical settings. This course will prepare learners for healthcare practicum placements and a career in the healthcare setting by teaching topics not covered in other content courses. A variety of topics will be explored including the following: collaborative models in the medical setting, medical/administrative terminology, clinical documentation, counseling, as well as practical applications throughout.
The course is designed to provide students in speech-language pathology with supervised evidence-based clinical practicum experiences involving evaluation, intervention, and counseling services to diverse individuals across the lifespan who present with a wide variety of needs in the area of speech-language pathology. These experiences are offered in a variety of on- and off-campus clinical settings. The student will, with increasing independence and confidence, demonstrate application of theory, knowledge, and skills, under the supervision of a licensed and certified Speech-Language Pathologist.
Supervised laboratory or clinical experience in hearing evaluation and rehabilitation.
Speech-language pathology students will develop a deeper understanding of how hearing loss impacts speech and language development and learn to deliver evidence-based aural rehabilitation services across the lifespan.
This course examines the relationship between language and society, with a primary focus on regional variation and social variation resulting from the interaction between various social constructs such as gender, class, culture, and ethnicity, with an emphasis on how variation might impact a clinical setting. Students will also examine the linguistic ramifications of language contact and change, again with an emphasis of a clinical setting, and will explore the nature of conversational interaction. Finally, students will consider language attitudes and how notions of power and prestige influence societal evaluations of language varieties, again emphasizing the clinical implications of said attitudes and notions.
Advanced Independent Study in Speech-Language Pathology provides advanced students with the opportunity to engage in independent, faculty-mentored research or clinical projects within communication sciences and disorders. Emphasis is placed on developing scholarly inquiry, clinical reasoning, and professional writing skills through focused research design, critical analysis of evidence, and integration of theoretical and clinical knowledge. Students are expected to demonstrate initiative, autonomy, and professionalism in the pursuit of scholarly or applied inquiry aligned with faculty expertise.
This course covers the advanced study of typical phonological and articulatory production. This includes presentation and discussion of theories, practices, differential diagnosis and intervention of speech sound disorders.
An advanced course in neuroscience as it relates to the field of speech-language pathology. Students will be able to explain the anatomy and physiology of the brain, explain functions associated with structures in both the central and peripheral nervous systems, appreciate the nature and scope of neurogenic impairments, and understand brain abnormalities and neurological illnesses.
Advanced study of the nature, assessment, and treatment of language and cognitive disorders associated with acquired brain injury, such as stroke, TBI, and dementia.
The study of the nature, assessment, and treatment of stuttering. Emphasis on understanding the different onset and developmental theories and different approaches to treatment.
This course covers the advanced study of the physiological, acoustical, and psychological factors underlying voice disorders, methods of rehabilitation, and research to support evidence based practice.
Advanced study of the nature, assessment and treatment of acquired speech disorders, including dysarthria and apraxia.
This course will introduce students to the principles and practices of audiological assessment and intervention for infants and children. Topics include diagnostic test procedures, early hearing loss detection and intervention, amplification, and the impact of hearing loss on communication development. Emphasis is placed on clinical reasoning and interdisciplinary collaboration in pediatric care.
The purpose of this course is to prepare future clinicians to assess, diagnose, and treat aphasia. Students will learn diagnostic procedures as well as intervention and management of the various types of aphasia. The course is designed to help students become competent consumers of the aphasia treatment literature, which will help them provide evidence-based treatment throughout their future careers. Family involvement, quality of life, cultural considerations, working with medical professionals, and clinical documentation will be integrated throughout the course. Students will gain valuable, practical knowledge and skill for working with persons with aphasia.
This course provides in-depth study and practical application of advanced imaging technologies used in the assessment and treatment of voice and swallowing disorders. Students will gain hands-on experience in interpreting and integrating findings from imaging modalities such as videostroboscopy, videofluoroscopic swallow studies (VFSS), fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES), and ultrasound. Emphasis is placed on understanding the physiological and clinical implications of imaging results in differential diagnosis and treatment planning for patients with voice and swallowing disorders.
Advanced study of the nature, assessment, and treatment of feeding and swallowing disorders in children. Special populations will be discussed.
Advanced study of the nature, assessment, and treatment of swallowing disorders in adults. Special populations (i.e., tracheostomized, ventilator-dependent) will be included.
Thesis Hours in Speech-Language Pathology is designed for students completing a master’s thesis as part of the MS in Speech-Language Pathology degree. Under the direction of a faculty thesis advisor and committee, students conduct independent empirical research contributing to the scientific foundation of communication sciences and disorders. This course emphasizes research design, ethical inquiry, scholarly writing, and oral dissemination of findings aligned with the standards of the discipline and ASHA research competencies.