Communication Sciences and Disorders
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Undergraduate Programs
Description
Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) is a discipline in human sciences and services offering rewarding careers in speech-language pathology. Employment opportunities are commonly available in schools, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and private practice. The master's program, when combined with students' undergraduate preparation, leads to the academic and practicum requirements for the Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) in speech-language pathology issued by the American Speech, Language and Hearing Association (ASHA). Effective January 1, 1994, all graduate work applied toward the CCC must have been initiated and completed at a program accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) of ASHA.
Program Purpose
The Communication Sciences and Disorders MS provides high quality of student preparation leading to careers in human service discipline for persons with communication disorders and to promote scientific investigation in the normal and abnormal development and use of communication, speech, language, hearing and swallowing.
Majors |
Program | Locations | Major / Total Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Communication Sciences and Disorders BS | BS - Bachelor of Science |
|
46 / 120 |
Certificates |
Program | Locations | Major / Total Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Sign Language CERT |
|
15 / 15 | |
| Post BacCommunication Sciences Disorders CERT |
|
24 / 24 |
Minors |
Program | Locations | Total Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Communication Sciences and Disorders Minor |
|
16 |
Policies & Faculty
Policies
Previous catalogs: Students completing course requirements under previous catalogs are advised to consult the department chairperson for appropriate course substitutions.
Professional Preparation: The minimum level of professional preparation in communication sciences and disorders requires the master's degree. The department does not recommend bachelor degree graduates for professional employment in the field.
Permission to enroll in 400-level courses requires a 3.0 average in the following courses: CDIS 312, CDIS 322, CDIS 392, CDIS 394. In addition to the grade point requirement of 3.0, it is highly recommended that any final grade across these courses that is lower than a C be retaken for a B or better. Your advisor will contact you to discuss options.
Advisor: Students planning to major in an area of study in the College of Allied Health and Nursing have an advisor assigned to them. Questions and concerns pertaining to advising and the assignment of advisors can be answered by the Student Relations Coordinator. Contact the Dean's office for contact information.
GPA Policy. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is highly recommended to enroll in CDIS 495 Clinical Practicum: Speech/Language Disorders.
Refer to the College regarding required advising for students on academic probation.
P/N Grading Policy. All courses must be taken for letter grades by majors except those offered only P/N.
Contact Information
314 Clinical Sciences Building
(507) 389-1414https://ahn.mnsu.edu/academic-programs/communication-sciences-and-disorders/
Faculty
Department Chair
- Megan Mahowald, Ph.D. CCC-SLP
Graduate Coordinator
- Bruce Poburka, Ph.D. CCC-SLP
Faculty
100 Level
Credits: 3
This interdisciplinary course is designed to introduce students to health careers and related professions. It is a writing intensive course preparing students to become effective communicators within the context of health care settings.Prerequisites: none
200 Level
Credits: 3
This course will focus on observing human communication in a variety of contexts, practicing the skill of observation of the communication of others, analyzing communication interactions, and modifying one¿s own communication to bring forth the unconscious knowledge.Prerequisites: none
Goal Areas: GE-1B
Credits: 3
Beginning ASL - Level I aims to develop a basic understanding and use of American Sign Language through learning parameters of sign, fingerspelling, basic grammar and a basic understanding of Deaf culture.Prerequisites: none
Goal Areas: GE-11
Credits: 3
Audiology is the study of both hearing and balance. In this course we will learn about the anatomy and physiology of the hearing and balance systems, common changes in hearing and balance, how we assess our hearing and balance systems, how we interpret and present the results to the patient and discuss management options for hearing and balance. In addition to the procedures, we will discuss how to provide person-centered care for each step.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 3
This course will introduce a wide range of communication disorders affecting children and adult population. We will explore how the brain produces and understands speech, language and hearing. Neurological, anatomical, physiological, sensory, cognitive and linguistic liberation components of communication will be discussed. You will learn to identify a communication disorder based on the origin of the disorder, characteristics of the disorder, related assessment and intervention methods, and an impact of the disorder on one¿s daily life (for example, home, school, work, and/or community). You will learn how systemic racism affects linguistic diversity and equity in speech-language and hearing sciences.Prerequisites: none
Goal Areas: GE-07
Diverse Cultures: Purple
Credits: 1-3
.Prerequisites: none
300 Level
Credits: 3
Intermediate American Sign Language - Level II builds off knowledge and skills obtained in Level I. Expands on understanding and use of more complex grammar, classifiers, and social conversation.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 3
Advanced I American Sign Language - Level III involves more extensive use of classifers, labeling, social conversation and increased ability to be fluent, smooth and have confidence and flow in signing.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 1
This course is a repeatable, 1 credit course for students who would like to continue to use and maintain their conversational language skills in American Sign Language (ASL). It is highly recommended that students have at least a basic understanding and use of ASL (Level II).Prerequisites: none
Credits: 3
This course will focus on children's speech and language development. Observing children has a practical application by linking theory to practice. Students can establish language-rich environments to support children's language and literacy development by understanding speech and language development processes using an equity and culturally humble lens.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 2
Audiometrics is a clinical experience (practicum) for undergraduate students interested in speech-language pathology and audiology. Students will observe and perform basic evaluation procedures such as otoscopy, pure-tone audiometry, speech testing, and immittance testing with clinical instruction. Students will engage in the clinical process from preparation for an evaluation through reporting out the results and making recommendations based on a person-centered care model. We will discuss the importance of person-centered care and will have reflection journals after seeing a patient to create dialogue on what went well and things to continue practicing.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 3
This course is designed to provide the students with a comprehensive knowledge base of speech and hearing sciences. The major emphasis is on examining the speech chain, how speech and hearing science fits into this model, apply concepts to real-life scenarios, and what can happen when changes occur in the speech chain.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 3
This course addresses overall equity, inclusion and diversity issues in the field of Communication Sciences & Disorders by specifically exploring cultural humility and identity and how that impacts client/caregiver and therapeutic interactions in diverse settings. Intersectionality, race, ethnicity, linguistics, sexuality, and gender will be explored.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 3
This course will explore interprofessional practice and research design with emphasis related to the areas of allied health and nursing sciences and disciplines. Basic overview of research methodologies commonly utilized in health sciences and approaches to interprofessional research will be explored through review of original research. Students will be required to produce and revise scientific writing with specific focus on interprofessional studies. Team-based problem centered research questions will be developed and investigated using various research methodology and interprofessional practice best standards with current health-related issues.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 3
The International Phonetic Alphabet is a critical tool for analyzing and transcribing the speech sounds of world languages in a universally understood way. It is particularly useful for speech-language pathologists tasked with assessing and treating speech-sound and motor speech disorders in adults and children. This course is designed to teach students the International Phonetic Alphabet in order to transcribe and analyze the speech of speakers of General American English recognizing regional, dialectical and linguistic variations in the speech sound productions of all individuals.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 3
In-depth study of structures and functions associated with communication and swallowing processes. These include selected parts of the nervous system, respiratory system, larynx, pharynx, oral cavity, articulators, and the hearing mechanism. Information is framed within a clinical perspective to allow insight into how these mechanisms relate to communication impairments and associated sequala. Gender, culture, and issues such as access to health care and health information will be discussed.Prerequisites: none
400 Level
Credits: 3
This course is designed to provide students with the knowledge base of various changes that can occur to the auditory and vestibular systems. It will explore the range of impact these changes can have as it relates to various aspects of life, such as education, work, general communication, and social life. We will also discuss health inequities and the impact on hearing and balance health and the patient.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 2
In this course, students learn to describe the characteristics and specific patterns of language disorders in children and issues that surround them, including those relating to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Assorted topics detailing the identification and management of children with language impairment are covered.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 1
Lab associated with CDIS 402. Practice in applying course content to the language of children.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 3
This course will explore the language, culture, history, and contemporary issues of American Deaf people. Utilizing readings, lecture, and group discussion; students will learn about the linguistic and cultural aspect, oppression, timeline of deaf history, communication strategies and their effectiveness in terms of learning a language, as well as issues that are still existing in the deaf community.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 3
This course is a continuation of Advanced knowledge in American Sign Language. Fluent, social and academic use and understanding of sign language will be explored as well as continued expansion of knowledge of Deaf Culture and Deaf Community.Prerequisites: CDIS 306, CDS 307
Credits: 3
Students will learn the definition of central auditory processing disorders (CAPD), as well as the controversies surrounding the diagnosis of the disorder. The neuroanatomy and physiology related to auditory processing will also be covered in order to understand the diversity involved in the diagnostic and management methods of CAPD. Students will learn the appropriate test batteries, the diagnostic team involved, the inclusion of a multidisciplinary team approach and treatment/management options for CAPD. This course would be beneficial to education majors, CDIS majors, Educational Psychology.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 3
This course is designed to provide students with knowledge and skills in the areas of literacy foundations, development, assessment, intervention and disorders. Students will engage in both clinical and academic writing in the context of literacy assessment and intervention.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 2
This course provides students with an overview of neuroanatomy and neuroscience. This course will emphasize relationships between neuroscience and speech, language, and hearing. Students will learn through lectures, assigned readings, and class activities and assignments. Clinical case discussions will be emphasized throughout the course.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 3
Description, etiology, assessment and management of voice and resonance disorders.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 2
Audiometrics is a clinical experience (practicum) for undergraduate students interested in speech-language pathology and audiology. Students will observe and perform basic evaluation procedures such as otoscopy, pure-tone audiometry, speech testing, and immittance testing with clinical instruction. Students will also have the chance to learn more about hearing aids and other audiologic testing based on their needs and interests. Students will engage in the clinical process from preparation for an evaluation through reporting out the results and making recommendations based on a person-centered care model and serve as mentors to students in the CDIS 320 course.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 3
This course will evaluate habilitative audiology and the range of communication options, including American Sign Language and cued speech, hearing aids, cochlear implants, speech reading and auditory training. This class will look at how these strategies impact someone from birth to the end of life and will evaluate aural rehabilitation options form a person-centered perspective.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 2
This course will examine how our hearing and perception of speech evolves from birth through older age. Hearing impacts on all aspects of life from language acquisition, learning in school, work, a person¿s health, and socializing with others will be explored. The impact of hearing technology will be explored as well as limitations that still exist in this technology for speech and music perception. Audism and how systemic and individual biases create barriers to those with changes in hearing will be discussed.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 1
This course is intended to be taken concurrently with CDIS 434: Clinical Practicum. According to the American Speech-Language Hearing Association, applicants for certification under the current standards are required to complete at least 25 hours in guided observation. This course will provide students with supervised, guided observation of the diagnostic and therapeutic management of speech and language disorders. Provision of a diverse range of observation experiences across speech-language disorder types and the lifespan will be emphasized.Prerequisites: Concurrent enrollment in CDIS 434
Credits: 2
This course will provide students with a basic understanding of clinical methods in speech-language pathology therapy and management across disorder categories and the lifespan. Clinical methods including basic intervention approaches as well as a focus on client-clinician interactions, therapeutic-specific skills and case management will be discussed using lectures, assigned readings, and simulations.Prerequisites: Consent, concurrent enrollment in CDIS 431
Credits: 3
This course provides an introduction to the nature, assessment and management of speech sound disorders in children. The course covers cross-linguistic issues including differential diagnosis of speech sound disorders versus normal second language acquisition. Course content will be delivered through lecture, textbook readings, clinical applications and practical exercises in assessment and treatment of speech sound disorders.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 3
This course is designed to introduce students to assessment tools, measures, and procedures for the evaluation, appraisal and diagnosis of speech and language. As speech-language pathologists are increasingly serving culturally and linguistically diverse clients, students will be provided with core information to become prepared to evaluate the speech and language of multilingual and multicultural clients.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 1
The purpose of this capstone course, designed in a Grand Rounds format, is to provide professional experiences which are similar to those encountered in the real world in the field of neurogenic communication disorders. The intent of this course is to develop professional knowledge, exercise thinking skills, based on application of their academic training and within the context of their own experiences, values and beliefs. This course will provide hands-on opportunities to learn about a variety of neurogenic communication disorders and build up a professional portfolio.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 2
The purpose of this capstone course, which is designed in a Grand Rounds format, is to provide case study situations which are similar to those encountered in the real world by speech-language pathologists and audiologists. The use of case method instruction involves students¿ use of critical thinking skills which help build decision making and problem-solving abilities.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 3
This course addresses overall equity, inclusion and diversity issues by specifically exploring principles for counseling persons with communication disorders and their families throughout the lifespan in diverse settings. Students will review major theories of counseling. The course will involve an intersectional approach to culture, race/ethnicity, gender, sexuality, and ability.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 3
This course will explore transdisciplinary research design with emphasis related to the areas of allied health and nursing sciences and disciplines. Basic overview of research methodologies commonly utilized in health sciences and approaches to transdisciplinary research will be explored through review of original research. Students will be required to produce and revise scientific writing with specific focus on inter/transdisciplinary studies. Team-based problem centered research questions will be developed and investigated using transdisciplinary methodology with current health-related issues.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 1
This course will explore interprofessional practices with emphasis related to the areas of allied health and nursing sciences and related disciplines. Students will learn how to interact with other disciplines. Students will be taught techniques to implement outcome-based interprofessional activities through project or community-based experiences.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 1-6
Study of a specific disorder or aspects of communication disorders that are not provided in the current curriculum.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 2
A practicum course designed to educate students clinical speech-language pathology services to persons with communication disorders. The student will begin to develop skills to conduct diagnostic sessions, design and implement intervention plans and write clinical reports. Pre-req: 3 of the following: 402, 416, 417, 438 (completion of or concurrent enrollment in 444). Overall GPA of 3.0 is highly recommended. Please contact your advisor if you are interested in taking the course without this prerequisite GPA.Prerequisites: 3 of the following: 402, 417, 438. CDIS 416 is recommended.
