Curriculum

Overview of the field of communication disorders and sciences, credentials required for licensing and certification, scope of practice, laws governing practice, ethical principles, and multicultural considerations. Common types of communication and swallowing disorders, including etiologies, symptoms, and treatment across the lifespan.

Introduction to the anatomical structures and physiological functions of the biological systems that underlie speech, hearing, and swallowing, with an emphasis on the processes of respiration, phonation, resonance, and articulation, as well as the neural bases for these processes. Clinical applications are made to disorders that result from dysfunction of these normal processes and structures.

Thorough study of the basic human language learning process, including the appropriate scientific, biological, neurological, acoustic, psychological, developmental, and linguistic and cultural bases. Explores research and theories pertaining to language development, in relation to cognitive and social development, across the lifespan.

Introduction to fundamental concepts in articulation, resonance, and acoustic phonetics. Mastery of broad phonetic transcription using the International Phonetic Alphabet for typical and disordered resonance and articulation. Acoustic phonetics includes the physics of sound, acoustic features of phonation and resonance, and inferences of acoustic properties of voicing and resonance from spectrograms of speech sounds.

Introduction to anatomy and physiology of the hearing mechanism, and the interdependence of speech, language, and hearing. Survey of the etiologies and symptoms of hearing disorders, as well as the basics of prevention, identification, assessment, and intervention, including the interprofessional practice of audiologists and speech-language pathologists in serving these patients across the lifespan.

Introduction to clinical methods and procedures, including acquisition of the required observation hours needed to begin clinical placements.

Introduction to the profession of speech-language pathology, covering the origins of the profession and ASHA, Scope of Practice, Code of Ethics, HIPAA, FERPA, fiduciary responsibility, service models, business aspects of practice, universal precautions, clinical supervision, clinical counseling, contemporary professional issues, interprofessional practice, cultural/linguistic diversity, and the integration of Christian values into clinical practice.

Advanced study of the underlying anatomy and physiology of the basic human communication and swallowing processes, including the appropriate biological, neurological, acoustic, psychological, and developmental bases across the lifespan.  Covers embryonic/fetal, pediatric, adult, and geriatric anatomy and physiology related to respiration, phonation, resonance, articulation, audition, mastication, deglutition, and digestion, as well as neuroanatomy and neurophysiology.

Comprehensive study of language and cognitive development and disorders in children. Prevention, identification, characteristics, assessment, analysis, and intervention of language and cognitive disorders. Encompasses receptive and expressive language (phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, pragmatics, prelinguistic communication, and paralinguistic communication), as well as cognitive aspects of communication (attention, memory, sequencing, problem solving, and executive functioning). Considerations of contemporary professional issues, cultural and linguistic diversity, patient access and advocacy, interprofessional practice, and evidence-based practice.

Advanced study of speech sound development and disorders in children. Prevention, identification, characteristics, assessment, analysis, and intervention of speech sound disorders, such as articulation disorders, phonological disorders, apraxia, and dysarthria. Considerations of contemporary professional issues, cultural and linguistic diversity, patient access and advocacy, interprofessional practice, and evidence-based practice.

This course covers quantitative and qualitative research methods to develop knowledgeable and ethical consumerism of research literature. Encompasses accessing and critically evaluating information sources (such as peer-reviewed articles, books, etc.); analyzing research investigations by applying the scientific method, statistical concepts, and validity/reliability; and applying information from the research literature to appropriate populations using the fundamental principles of evidence-based practice.

In-depth study of the development of feeding and swallowing processes from fetal stage through adolescence. Prevention, identification, characteristics, assessment, analysis, and intervention of feeding and swallowing disorders, encompassing oral, pharyngeal, esophageal, and related functions, including oral function for feeding and orofacial myology. Considerations of contemporary professional issues, cultural and linguistic diversity, patient access and advocacy, interprofessional practice, and evidence-based practice.

In-depth study of changes in the feeding and swallowing processes from adulthood through endof-life. Prevention, identification, characteristics, assessment, analysis, and intervention of feeding and swallowing disorders, encompassing oral, pharyngeal, esophageal, and related functions, including oral function for feeding. Considerations of contemporary professional issues, cultural and linguistic diversity, patient access and advocacy, interprofessional practice, and evidence-based practice.

Comprehensive study of language and cognitive disorders in adults. Prevention, identification, characteristics, assessment, analysis, and intervention of language and cognitive disorders. Encompasses receptive and expressive language (phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, pragmatics, prelinguistic communication, and paralinguistic communication), as well as cognitive aspects of communication (attention, memory, sequencing, problem solving, and executive functioning). Considerations of contemporary professional issues, cultural and linguistic diversity, patient access and advocacy, interprofessional practice, and evidence-based practice.

Advanced study of motor speech disorders in adults. Prevention, identification, characteristics, assessment, analysis, and intervention of motor speech disorders, including apraxia and dysarthria. Considerations of contemporary professional issues, cultural and linguistic diversity, patient access and advocacy, interprofessional practice, and evidence-based practice.

Integrated study of theory and practice related to fluency disorders across the lifespan. Prevention, identification, characteristics, assessment, analysis, and intervention of fluency disorders, including developmental stuttering, acquired stuttering, and cluttering. Considerations of contemporary professional issues, cultural and linguistic diversity, patient access and advocacy, interprofessional practice, and evidence-based practice.

Comprehensive study of voice and resonance disorders across the lifespan. Prevention, identification, characteristics, assessment, analysis, and intervention of disorders of voice and resonance, including respiration and phonation. Considerations of contemporary professional issues, cultural and linguistic diversity, patient access and advocacy, interprofessional practice, and evidence-based practice.

Integrative study of hearing disorders across the lifespan, including the impact on speech and language. Prevention, identification, characteristics, assessment, analysis, and intervention of developmental and acquired hearing disorders, encompassing fostering the acquisition and use of verbal and nonverbal languages and accounting for differences among d/Deaf and hard of hearing individuals. Considerations of contemporary professional issues, cultural and linguistic diversity, patient access and advocacy, interprofessional practice, and evidence-based practice.

This course covers social aspects of communication across the lifespan, encompassing verbal and nonverbal language for social purposes, social cognition, pragmatics, language processing, and behavior. Prevention, identification, characteristics, assessment, analysis, and intervention of social communication disorders across the lifespan, such as Autism, ADD/ADHD, TBI, RHD, etc. Considerations of contemporary professional issues, cultural and linguistic diversity, patient access and advocacy, interprofessional practice, and evidence-based practice.

Applied study of the use of augmentative and alternative communication with populations across the lifespan. Prevention, identification, characteristics, assessment, analysis, and intervention using AAC devices (high tech and low tech) for patients with a wide range of diagnoses. Considerations of contemporary professional issues, cultural and linguistic diversity, patient access and advocacy, interprofessional practice, and evidence-based practice.

Interactive lab-based learning opportunities for development of clinical skills pertaining to assessment and intervention of speech, language, hearing, and feeding/swallowing disorders and differences. Engaged learning experiences for professional practice competencies, including interprofessional education.

Students demonstrate mastery by analyzing, appraising, evaluating, and integrating principles of professionalism, including cultural linguistic diversity, professional behavior, self-assessment, clinical education and supervision, interprofessional practice, clinical counseling, communication skills, and Christian values.

Students demonstrate mastery of knowledge and skills related to evidence-based practice, research, written and oral communication, cultural and linguistic diversity, patient advocacy, and principles of assessment and treatment through the creation of a comprehensive evidence-based evaluation and intervention plan for a culturally/linguistically diverse patient.

Introduction to clinical methods of prevention, identification, assessment, and intervention of patients with communication and swallowing disorders across the lifespan. Integration of clinical competencies in the practicum setting, including professional behavior, fiduciary responsibility, business aspects of practice, universal precautions, self-assessment, clinical education and supervision, interprofessional practice, clinical counseling, cultural linguistic diversity, communication skills, and Christian values.

Second course in the Clinical Practicum Series. Continuation of clinical methods of prevention, identification, assessment, and intervention of patients with communication and swallowing disorders across the lifespan. Integration of clinical competencies in the practicum setting, including the professional behavior, fiduciary responsibility, business aspects of practice, universal precautions, self-assessment, clinical education and supervision, interprofessional practice, clinical counseling, cultural linguistic diversity, communication skills, and Christian values.

Third course in the Clinical Practicum Series. Continuation of clinical methods of prevention, identification, assessment, and intervention of patients with communication and swallowing disorders across the lifespan. Integration of clinical competencies in the practicum setting, including professional behavior, fiduciary responsibility, business aspects of practice, universal precautions, self-assessment, clinical education and supervision, interprofessional practice, clinical counseling, cultural linguistic diversity, communication skills, and Christian values.

Fourth course in the Clinical Practicum Series. Continuation of clinical methods of prevention, identification, assessment, and intervention of patients with communication and swallowing disorders across the lifespan. Integration of clinical competencies in the practicum setting, including professional behavior, fiduciary responsibility, business aspects of practice, universal precautions, self-assessment, clinical education and supervision, interprofessional practice, clinical counseling, cultural linguistic diversity, communication skills, and Christian values.

Fifth course in the Clinical Practicum Series. Continuation of clinical methods of prevention, identification, assessment, and intervention of patients with communication and swallowing disorders across the lifespan. Integration of clinical competencies in the practicum setting, including professional behavior, fiduciary responsibility, business aspects of practice, universal precautions, self-assessment, clinical education and supervision, interprofessional practice, clinical counseling, cultural linguistic diversity, communication skills, and Christian values.