Dr. Connie Porcaro, Department Head
Room 2002B, Health Sciences and Business Administration Building
The Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders provides a program that leads to a B.S.Ed. degree with a major in Communication Disorders. This program is designed to introduce students to the field of speech-language pathology and to allow them to develop knowledge specific to the development of and the processes involved in communication, and to intervention for individuals with communication disorders. The B.S.Ed. degree is a pre-professional degree. Students must complete the M.Ed. degree in communication disorders in order to meet current standards required for certification by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), certification for public school service personnel, and state licensure.
Selected Educational Outcomes
- Program graduates will demonstrate an acceptable level of basic content knowledge (as identified by ASHA) in areas of speech and hearing sciences, anatomy and physiology, normal speech and language development, and atypical speech-language and hearing development.
- Program graduates will demonstrate skill in planning informal and standardized assessment and in interpreting diagnostic results for the development of approved goals and outcomes.
Examples of Outcome Assessments
- Successful completion of pre-professional content coursework required by ASHA.
- Observation of a diagnostic administration of standardized tests and therapy sessions in the area of speech-language pathology in a laboratory experience.
CSD 2000. Experiential Learning. 0 Hours.
Graded "Satisfactory" or "Unsatisfactory". A zero-credit requirement designed to help students prepare for a career in the fields of speech-language pathology or audiology. Students will complete 4 hours of experience-based learning activities such as undergraduate research projects, approved internships, and/or servant-leadership activities within the field of communication sciences and disorders. If an "Unsatisfactory" grade is earned, the course must e repeated until a "Satisfactory" grade is received.
CSD 2998. Entry to the Profession. 0 Hours.
A required non-credit course for all candidates pursuing a major in Communication Disorders. The course must be completed prior to admission to junior level courses.
CSD 2999. Entry to the Education Profession. 0 Hours.
Graded "Satisfactory" or "Unsatisfactory". A required non-credit course for all teacher education candidates pursuing a VSU recommendation for initial certification; must be success-fully completed prior to admission to teacher education. Candidates are required to establish an electronic portfolio and provide evidence that all teacher education admission requirements have been satisfactorily met. If an "Unsatisfactory" grade is earned, the course must be repeated until a "Satisfactory" grade is received.
CSD 3010. Introduction to Communication Disorders. 3 Hours.
An introduction to communication disorders. Terminology, etiology and management procedures required in the practice of Speech-Language Pathology are emphasized.
CSD 3020. Audiology I: Hearing Science. 3 Hours.
An introduction to basic auditory tests, anatomy and physiology of the hearing mechanism, and disorders of hearing. Emphasis is placed on audiometric measurement and interpretation.
CSD 3030. Anatomy & Physiology of the Hearing Mechanism. 2 Hours.
Prerequisite: CSD 2998 or CSD 2999. The study of the anatomy and physiology of the hearing mechanism.
CSD 3040. Applied Phonetics. 3 Hours.
Principles of phonetics and their application to typical speech production. Emphasis is placed on skill development in the use of the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) and diacritic markers.
CSD 3060. Anatomy & Physiology of the Speech Mechanism. 3 Hours.
The study of anatomy and physiology of the head, neck, and trunk relevant to speech production.
CSD 3070. Normal Language Acquisition. 3 Hours.
An initial study of language acquisition focusing on the sequence and process of typical development in children. Topics include theories of language development, acquisition sequence of the major components of language, variables affecting language acquisition, and clinical application. Open to non-majors.
CSD 3080. Introduction to Neuroscience for Communication Sciences and Disorders. 3 Hours.
Prerequisites: CSD 3060 with a grade of “C” or better. An introduction to neuroanatomy and neurophysiology as it relates to cognitive-communicative and swallowing functions.
CSD 3090. Professional Practices in Communication Disorders. 2 Hours.
Prerequisites: CSD 3010, CSD 3040, CSD 3050. An introduction to the process, practices, roles, responsibilities, and working site opportunities for the speech-language pathologist.
CSD 4010. Clinical Methods in Communication Disorders. 3 Hours.
Prerequisites: CSD 3010, and CSD 3070. Introduction to the fundamental skills and knowledge needed for clinical work in speech-language pathology or audiology, including professional and ethical issues, principles of assessment and intervention, and interviewing skills.
CSD 4020. Speech Science. 3 Hours.
An introduction to the normal processes of communication; the intensification and prolongation of sound, the psychoacoustics of speech sound production and perception, and theories of normal speech production and perception.
CSD 4040. Introduction to Speech Sound Disorders. 3 Hours.
Prerequisites: CSD 3040 with a grade of “C” or better. An introduction to the normal process of speech acquisition and development; theories of speech acquisition and types of disorders of speech and sound disorders. Emphasis is placed on the diagnosis and treatment of children with speech and sound disorders.
CSD 4050. Observation. 2 Hours.
Prerequisites: CSD 3040, CSD 3070 and CDS 4040 with a grade of “C” or better. Supervised video-based observation of speech and language diagnosis and therapy with children and adults with speech/language disorders. Students obtain a minimum of 25 hours of direct observation for ASHA requirements.
CSD 4110. Diagnostics in Communication Disorders. 4 Hours.
Prerequisites: CSD 3010, CSD 3040, and CSD 3070. An in-depth study of the evaluation and assessment processes for communication disorders. Content encompasses planning, informal, and standardized assessment and interpretation, for the development of appropriate goals and outcomes.
CSD 4120. Consultation in Communication Disorders. 3 Hours.
A course designed to introduce concepts and develop skills in interviewing, consultation, and conferencing with clients who have communication disorders, their families, and other related professionals. This course will also cover the basics of counseling, theories, and specific application to a variety of disorders.
CSD 4130. Organic Speech Disorders. 3 Hours.
A study of the development, genetics, and syndromes associated with organic speech disorders such as oro-facial anomalies, cerebral palsy, and other physically or medically involved populations.
CSD 4140. Cultural and Dialectical Issues. 3 Hours.
A study of the interrelation of sociological variables and linguistic performance, with special emphasis on communication differences and disorders among culturally and linguistically diverse populations.
CSD 4150. Directed Study. 1-3 Hours.
Prerequisites: At least Junior standing; permission of advisor, instructor, and Department Head. A maximum of 3 hours per semester, not exceeding a total of 9 semester hours within the program. Study in area or subject not normally found in established courses offered by the department; may also allow students to explore in more detail and depth an area or subject covered by the department in communication disorders.
CSD 4151. Audiology II: Auditory Diagnostics and Disorders. 3 Hours.
Prerequisites: CSD 3020. An introduction to advanced audiometric diagnostic procedures and interpretation, including electrophysical, oto-acoustic, brainstem-evoked potential audiometry, and central auditory processing disorders. Speech-language development and management procedures related to childhood hearing impairment are included.
