Program Description

Program Curriculum

Majors in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders are required 
to take the following courses: COMD 2050,2081, 3150, 4153, 4190, 4250, 4380, 
4381, 4382, 4681, and 4383. For any of the following courses used to satisfy this 
requirement, a grade of “C” or higher is required: COMD 4380, 4381, 4382, and, 
4383. Prospective students who have not attained a 2.50 average may petition the 
Department’s Committee of Undergraduate Advisors for a waiver of the 2.50 
requirement based on special circumstances.


Undergraduate COMD Course Descriptions


1751 COMD Goes to the Movies (3) Introduction to the diverse communication 
disorders and differences served by the fields of speech-language pathology and 
audiology (SLP&A) through movies, including how reality may differ from 
stereotypes.


2050 Introduction to Language (3) This is a General Education course. This is an 
Integrative Learning Core (ILC) course that awards general education credit. Also 
offered as LING 2050. Linguistic study of the principal interrelated levels of 
language structure: phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax and semantics; 
related topics such as writing systems and dialects.


2051 Introduction to Manual Communication (4) Basic linguistic structure, 
educational and cultural aspects and reading and transmitting messages in manual 
communication systems; American Sign Language as well as English-based 
systems.


2081 Introduction to Communication Disorders (3) Required initial course for 
undergraduates concentrating in speech pathology and audiology. Observations in 
Speech and Hearing Clinic required. Processes involved in speech production; 
definition, description, and incidence of speech and hearing disorders; overview of 
the profession, including agencies, related professionals, job opportunities, 
publications, professional associations, and certification.


3057 Research Methods for COMD (3) Introduction to scientific literature and 
research methods employed in studies of human communication development and 
disorders across the lifespan.


3150 Phonetics (3) Also offered as LING 3150. Prereq.: COMD 2050. Principles of 
phonemics; articulatory phonetics; description and classification of sounds; 
transcription at different levels of detail; production and perception.


4153 Acoustics of Speech and Hearing (4) 3 hrs. lecture; 2 hrs. lab. Also offered as 
LING 4153. Prereq.: COMD 2050 or equivalent. Production, transmission, and 
perception of speech acoustics in communication; acoustic phonetics and psychoacoustics.


4190 Introduction to Audiology (3) Prereq.: COMD 2081 and credit or registration in 
COMD 4153. Interaction of hearing and speech, effects of hearing loss on speech 
and language development, types of hearing loss, and evaluation processes.


4250 Anatomy and Physiology of Speech and Hearing (3) Prereq.: COMD 
2050. Functional anatomy of structures associated with speech production and 
reception.

4380 Speech and Language Development (4) 3 hrs. lecture; 1 hr. lab. Also offered 
as LING 4380. Language acquisition and behavior, language and cognitive 
development, verbal learning and structural properties of speech; theories of 
language development in the normal child.

4381 Speech Sound Disorders in Children (3) Prereq.: COMD 2081 and COMD 
4150. Introduction to articulatory physiology, development, etiology, evaluation, 
and treatment of disorders.

4382 Basic Language Disorders of Children (3) Prereq.: COMD 4380 or equivalent
and consent of instructor. Differential diagnosis and remediation of major language 
disorders of children.

4590 Auditory Rehabilitation in Children (3) Prereq.: COMD 4153, COMD 4190. Methods of management including modes of communication, auditory and speech-reading training, amplification issues, early identification and intervention, and educational placement. 

4383 Basic Fluency Disorders (3) Prereq.: COMD 4381 or equivalent. For clinical 
practicum take COMD 4683, COMD 4684, or COMD 4685. Stuttering and allied 
disorders; emphasis on symptomatology, testing, rehabilitation, and prevention.

4681 Clinical Preparation and Observation Laboratory (2) 2 hrs. lab. For majors in 
communication sciences and disorders. Study of clinic rules and procedures, 
codes of ethics; observation of various types of therapy and evaluation.

4683 Clinical Practice: Therapeutic Techniques (1-6 each) Prereq.:Credit in 
course work related to practicum-specific speech, language or hearing disorder. 
May be taken for a max. of 8 sem. hrs. of credit each. On- and off-campus practica 
in speech, language, and hearing disorders.


4684 Clinical Practice: Therapeutic Techniques (1-6 each) Prereq.:Credits in 
course work related to practicum-specific speech, language or hearing disorder. 
May be taken for a max. of 8 sem. hrs. of credit each. On- and off-campus practica 
in speech, language, and hearing disorders.


4685 Clinical Practice: Therapeutic Techniques (1-6 each) Prereq.:Credits in 
course work related to practicum-specific speech, language, or hearing disorder. 
May be taken for a max. of 8 sem. hrs. of credit each. On- and off-campus practica 
in speech, language, and hearing disorders.


4750 Independent Research in Speech Science or Linguistics (1-3) Also offered 
as LING 4750. May be taken for a max. of 3 hrs. of credit. Readings in speech 
science or linguistics directed by a senior faculty member.


4751 Special Topics in Communication Disorders (3) May be taken for a max. of 6 
hrs. undergraduate or graduate credit when topics vary.


4752 Survey of Adult Neurogenic Communication Disorders (3) Prereq.: COMD 
2050. Biopsychosocial model of health provides structure for the study of basic 
neuroanatomy, assessment, treatment, and social consequences of adult 
neurogenic communication disorders.


4753 Undergraduate Seminar in Speech Perception (3) Prereq.: COMD 4190. Not 
for graduate credit. Introduction to problems in speech perception across the 
human lifespan, in both typical and atypical listeners.


4754 Bilingual Language Development and Disorders (3) Prereq.: COMD 
4382. Nature of bilingual language development as well as language and reading 
disorders of bilingual children.


4755 Autism and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (3) This 
introductory course is designed to familiarize students with basic knowledge of the 
speech-language pathologist’s role in evidence-based diagnosis, treatment, and 
advocacy of individuals with autism and those using AAC.The speech-language 
pathologist's role in diagnosis, treatment, and advocacy of individuals with autism 
and those using AAC.