Communication Sciences & Disorders (COMM)
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Read more about the courses within this subject prefix in the descriptions provided below.
COMM 800 - Graduate Independent Study
Credits: 1-4
Faculty supervised graduate independent studies. The graduate student engages in independent study under the direction of one of the Faculty members of the department.
Grade Mode: Letter Grading
COMM 801 - Principles of Assessment
Credits: 2
Principles and practice for diagnosis of speech and language disorders; examination procedures and measurement techniques.
Grade Mode: Letter Grading
COMM 802 - Principles of Intervention
Credits: 2
An introduction to the clinical process. Part I emphasizes the theory and practice of interventions. Part II addresses oral and written communication involved in the clinical process, the importance of clinical writing, and common reports/documents. CSD majors only.
Grade Mode: Letter Grading
COMM 803 - Ethical and Professional Issues in Communication Sciences and Disorders
Credits: 1
Introduction to ethical and professional issues that professionals will encounter in various work settings including regulatory, billing practices, service delivery models, and the role of advocacy for client services.
Equivalent(s): COMM 876
Grade Mode: Letter Grading
COMM 804 - Counseling Clients and Families with Communication Disorders
Credits: 2
This course focuses on counseling in the area of communication sciences and disorders. Specifically, the course will examine the application of therapeutic principles in clinical settings with people who have speech, language, and hearing communication difficulties. More specifically, this course is intended to provide the student with a broad overview of contemporary counseling approaches and issues that apply to specific clients and their family members. The course involves formal lectures and group discussion.
Equivalent(s): COMM 915
Grade Mode: Letter Grading
COMM 805 - Critical Analysis of EBP for CSD Clinical Practice
Credits: 3
This course introduces students to concepts, procedures, and critical analysis of evidence-based practice, with a focus on integrating research evidence into clinical decision-making in communication sciences and disorders. Because research is the foundation of knowledge and evidence-based practice in the field, this course will guide students through a critical analysis of research, including foundational concepts and terminology of research methods. Specifically, the course covers group, single subject, experimental, quasi-experimental, correlational, and qualitative designs with an emphasis on clinical application. The course involves evaluating existing research and designing and implementing a single case research study.
Equivalent(s): COMM 917
Grade Mode: Letter Grading
View Course Learning Outcomes
- Apply basic principles of research design and methods, including key concepts and terminology, and integrate research principles into clinical practice.
- Evaluate research articles in the field to determine how results of studies are applicable to your own research or clinical practice.
- Appreciate the statistical, logistical, ethical, and scientific aspects of a research study and how these relate to client data, confidentiality, and ethics in clinical practice.
COMM 811 - Neural and Behavioral Bases of Cognitive Communication Disorders
Credits: 3
This course is an overview to Neuroscience/Neurology as it applies to Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD). Neuroscience is a multidisciplinary field that combines biological, chemical and psychological perspectives to better understand neuron structure and function, thought, emotion, and behavior. It integrates research approaches of a variety of disciplines, ranging from cellular and molecular neurosciences to the psychology of cognition and perception. The focus will be limited to the brain and cognition and application to CSD.
Equivalent(s): COMM 891
Grade Mode: Letter Grading
View Course Learning Outcomes
- Explain the components of the brain systems underlying cognition (attention, memory, and executive functions) [knowledge], how they interact in ‘normal’ or ‘typical’ populations/conditions, and how their dysfunction affects communication. [comprehension].\\n
- Demonstrate how brain injury (stroke, traumatic brain injury, or neuropathology/neurodegeneration) disrupts the interactions between the components explained above [application].
- Identify and describe key concepts and vocabulary of neurology/neuroscience as they apply to cognition. [knowledge].
- Summarize and explain how molecular, physiological, and behavioral studies have contributed to our understanding of the nervous system as it relates to cognition. [comprehension].
- Assess popular reports/portrayals of the cognitive communication disorders for their accuracy, completeness, and limitations. [evaluation].
- Predict the effects of dysfunction/dysregulation of the nervous system and cognition on communication effectiveness – assessment and treatment. [application].
- Recognize and assess the applications and ethical implications of neurology to treatment of cognitive communication disorders [synthesis].
COMM 812 - Dysphagia
Credits: 3
This course addresses swallowing problems occurring in the preparatory, oral, and pharyngeal stages of the swallow. Assessment and treatment are discussed.
Equivalent(s): COMM 901
Grade Mode: Letter Grading
COMM 821 - Speech Sound Disorders
Credits: 3
Course provides students with detailed knowledge of speech sound disorders in children and adults with communication disorders. Current practices are discussed in relation to the early identification, screening, differential diagnosis, and possible etiology of speech sound disorders. Evidence-based practices across the life-span are critically reviewed related to different speech sound disorders and how different remediation approaches are needed depending on the specific problem demonstrated by a client.
Equivalent(s): COMM 900
Grade Mode: Letter Grading
COMM 822 - Fluency and Fluency Disorders
Credits: 2
This course provides students with an in-depth knowledge of stuttering from theoretical and clinical perspectives. This course focuses on the clinical dimensions of stuttering across the lifespan: (a) the typical and atypical development of fluency, (b) the development and nature of stuttering, (c) the prevention of stuttering, (d) the assessment and treatment of stuttering for children, adolescents and adults.
Equivalent(s): COMM 902
Grade Mode: Letter Grading
View Course Learning Outcomes
- At the end of the course, students will be able to describe speech fluency and identify factors which interfere with it. (ASHA Standard IV-B)
- At the end of the course, students will be able to define specific behaviors associated with fluency disorders. (ASHA Standard IV-C)
- At the end of the course, students will be able to describe the varied theoretical explanations of the nature and etiology of fluency disorders. (ASHA Standard IV-C)
- At the end of the course, students will be able to list assessment procedures for the differential diagnosis of fluency disorders in children and adults. (ASHA Standard IV-B)
- At the end of the course, students will be able to develop varied therapeutic approaches for the management of fluency disorders in children and adults. (ASHA Standard IV-D)
- At the end of the course, students will be able to specify issues related to the maintenance of fluency. (ASHA Standard IV-G)
- At the end of the course, students will be able to identify the benefits of approaching fluency disorder treatment from a multi-disciplinary perspective. (ASHA Standard IV-G)
COMM 823 - Voice Disorders
Credits: 3
Study of vocal habilitation and rehabilitaion. Focus will be on the use of voice and its modification in health and disease. Included in the course will be specific assessment and treatment approaches for clients who want to modify their vocal behavior including professional voice users, people with voice disorders, and transgender voice and communication change.
Equivalent(s): COMM 906
Grade Mode: Letter Grading
COMM 824 - Motor Speech Disorders
Credits: 3
Diagnosis and treatment of motor speech disorders in children and adults including dysarthria and apraxia of speech. Focus in the class will be on understanding perceptual and acoustic measures of speech, differential diagnosis and evidence based practice.
Equivalent(s): COMM 905
Grade Mode: Letter Grading
COMM 831 - Early Childhood Language Disorders
Credits: 3
Examination of interrelationships between early language, social, and cognitive development, with emphasis on collaborative inter-professional models of assessment and intervention. Reviews implications for special populations (e.g., intellectual and developmental delay/disorder, autism spectrum disorder, sensory impairment, and English language learners).
Equivalent(s): COMM 912
Grade Mode: Letter Grading
COMM 832 - School-Age & Adolescent Language Disorders
Credits: 3
This course addresses language acquisition in school-age children, adolescents, and young adults, and provides an overview of current language assessment and intervention issues. Topics include neurotypical development relative to developmental language delays and disorders, in the context of empirical research, clinical decision-making, and professional issues. Current evidence-based practices related to assessment and intervention are critically reviewed. Designed for future speech-language pathologists but may be relevant to others with an interest in language development and disorders.
Equivalent(s): COMM 875
Grade Mode: Letter Grading
COMM 833 - Aphasia in Adults
Credits: 3
Principles concerning etiologies, evaluation, classification, and methods of clinical management including the team approach to rehabilitation of aphasia in adults.
Equivalent(s): COMM 904
Grade Mode: Letter Grading
COMM 842 - Autism Spectrum Disorders
Credits: 3
This face-to-face seminar provides an overview of autism spectrum disorders from multiple points of view. Participants will become acquainted with the perspectives of professionals, individuals, and families through first-hand accounts. Current practices related to the early identification, screening, diagnosis, assessment, and possible etiology of autism, including an overview of medical and environmental considerations, are discussed. Evidence-based practices in the areas of behavior, communication, play, social interactions, sensory-motor, and academics across the age-span to support a high quality of life are critically reviewed.
Equivalent(s): COMM 916
Grade Mode: Letter Grading
View Course Learning Outcomes
- Explain the nature of ASD in relation to typical development, including "early signs" and developmental milestones achieved through adolescence and the ways in which communication and learning can be disrupted.
- Describe common terminology associated with assessment and intervention of ASD.
- Critically evaluate empirical research studies and other professional literature in the field of ASD.
- Apply various methods of screening, assessment, and intervention.
- Demonstrate the ability to clearly communicate clinical information to both professionals and laypeople.
COMM 843 - Augmentative and Alternative Communication
Credits: 3
An overview of how augmentative and alternative communication systems can be used to foster the participation, interaction, and inclusion of children and adults for whom speech is not a primary mode of communication. Students are exposed to a broad variety of assessment and intervention techniques, some of which involve the use of assistive technology.
Equivalent(s): COMM 914
Grade Mode: Letter Grading
COMM 844 - Seminar in Advanced Child Language Acquisition
Credits: 2
Young infants and children are in a process of continual learning. This course takes an advanced and interactive approach to understanding child language acquisition, exploring specific aspects of early language development as well as the interaction of different developmental processes. We will delve deeper into how language acquisition interacts with cognitive development, prosodic development and assessment, multilingual and multicultural populations, and populations that are developing along a different path.
Grade Mode: Letter Grading
View Course Learning Outcomes
- Define and apply advanced terminology and concepts related to language acquisition.
- Identify the primary components that influence language acquisition across populations.
- Analyze theoretical accounts of language acquisition, apply them to real-world scenarios, and synthesize information into an evidence-based argument.
- Discuss the critical aspects of language acquisition and support your viewpoints with scientific evidence (e.g., be able to cite research articles and leaders in the field).
- Demonstrate knowledge of course material as it applies to assessment and intervention.
COMM 845 - Literacy across the Lifespan
Credits: 3
This course explores the cognitive, neurological, and linguistic underpinnings of reading and literacy. We will examine the processes involved in learning to read, the factors that affect reading development, and evidence-based practices for literacy instruction and intervention. We will explore scientific theories of skilled reading and how these theories apply to different types of scripts and across different languages. We will look at cultural differences in approaches to literacy and to pre-literacy. We will examine developmental reading disorders, as well as acquired disorders of reading and writing. Finally, we will explore the impact of digital technologies on reading and reading development.
Grade Mode: Letter Grading
View Course Learning Outcomes
- Characterize the processes and stages involved in learning to read.
- Analyze central themes of reading theories, supporting with experimental findings.
- Evaluate the role of oral language factors in reading.
- Describe experimental techniques used in reading research.
- Interpret the results of experimental studies of reading and reading development.
- Evaluate methods and approaches to reading instruction.
- Understand different types of developmental and acquired reading disorders.
COMM 861 - Introductory Clinical Practicum
Credits: 3
Students apply theoretical knowledge and principles of clinical practice through direct experiences supervised by graduate program clinical instructors in a clinical setting with clients who demonstrate speech, language, hearing, and/or swallowing disorders. Students develop basic clinical decision-making, clinical writing, and professional practice skills through an iterative instructional model of demonstration, performance feedback, and practice. Completion of a minimum of 15 guided observation hours; Background check; HIPAA Training; Youth Protection Training required prior to taking this course.
Prerequisite(s): COMM 801 with a minimum grade of B- and COMM 802 with a minimum grade of B-.
Equivalent(s): COMM 870, COMM 910
Grade Mode: Graduate Credit/Fail grading
View Course Learning Outcomes
- Professionalism, including overall client welfare, attendance at all scheduled sessions and meetings, timeliness in the completion of all assignments and documentation, and maintenance of client confidentiality and privacy per the ASHA Code of Ethics.
- Collection and synthesis of relevant background information through record review and interviewing.
- Implementation of assessment tools such as hearing screening protocols/procedures, communication sampling, baseline data collection, and analysis procedures to determine the client’s present level of performance.
- Clinical decision-making, including the identification of participation outcomes, semester goals, short-term objectives, anticipated outcomes (prognosis), and associated rationale.
- Design and implementation of intervention, including the selection of appropriate materials/activities, effective cueing/scaffolding, skill acquisition and practice for mastery, appropriate feedback regarding the client's performance, and progress monitoring probes.
- Clinical writing skills, including session plans, SOAP notes for clinical observation and objective data, intervention plans, progress reports, and recommendations.
- Effective oral communication with clients/families/caregivers, peers, and clinical instructor.
COMM 862 - Intermediate Clinical Practicum
Credits: 3
Students apply intermediate theoretical knowledge and principles of clinical practice through direct experiences supervised by graduate program clinical faculty in a clinical setting with clients who demonstrate speech, language, hearing, and/or swallowing disorders. Students engage in intermediate clinical decision-making, clinical writing, and professional practice skills with different clinical populations through an iterative instructional model of demonstration, performance feedback, and practice, with increasing skill development and refinement.
Prerequisite(s): COMM 861 with a minimum grade of B-.
Equivalent(s): COMM 870, COMM 910
Grade Mode: Graduate Credit/Fail grading
View Course Learning Outcomes
- Professionalism, including overall client welfare, attendance at all scheduled sessions and meetings, timeliness in the completion of all assignments and documentation, and maintenance of client confidentiality and privacy per the ASHA Code of Ethics.
- Collection and synthesis of relevant background information through record review and interviewing.
- Implementation of assessment tools such as hearing screening protocols/procedures, communication sampling, baseline data collection, and analysis procedures to determine the client’s present level of performance.
- Clinical decision-making, including the identification of participation outcomes, semester goals, short-term objectives, anticipated outcomes (prognosis), and associated rationale.
- Design and implementation of intervention, including the selection of appropriate materials/activities, effective cueing/scaffolding, skill acquisition and practice for mastery, appropriate feedback regarding the client's performance, and progress monitoring probes.
- Clinical writing skills, including session plans, SOAP notes for clinical observation and objective data, intervention plans, progress reports, and recommendations.
- Effective oral communication with clients/families/caregivers, peers, and clinical instructors.
COMM 863 - Advanced Clinical Practicum
Credits: 1
Students apply advanced theoretical knowledge and principles of clinical practice through direct clinical experiences supervised by graduate program clinical instructors in a clinical setting to assess and diagnose, as appropriate, possible speech, language, hearing, and/or swallowing disorders with referred clients. Students engage in advanced clinical decision-making and problem-solving, clinical writing, and professional practice skills with different clinical populations through an iterative instructional model of demonstration, performance feedback, and practice, with increasing skill development and refinement.
Prerequisite(s): COMM 862 with a minimum grade of B-.
Equivalent(s): COMM 870, COMM 910
Grade Mode: Graduate Credit/Fail grading
View Course Learning Outcomes
- Professionalism, including care for overall client welfare, attendance at all scheduled sessions and meetings, timeliness in completing all assignments and documentation, and maintenance of client confidentiality and privacy per the ASHA Code of Ethics.
- Collection and synthesis of relevant background information through record review.
- Planning of a comprehensive evaluation, including a working hypothesis, to develop interview questions and select appropriate standardized and informal assessment tools.
- Reliable administration of assessment tools such as hearing screening protocols/ procedures, oral mechanism examination, communication sampling, standardized and informal assessment tools, scoring, transcription, and analysis procedures to determine the client's present level of performance.
- Clinical decision-making and problem-solving, including a comprehensive description of the client’s communication skills, interpretation of assessment findings, identification of a clinical diagnosis, as appropriate, prognosis, and recommendations for next steps.
- Clinical writing skills, including a comprehensive evaluation summary report, clinical impressions, and recommendations.
- Effective oral communication with clients/families/caregivers, peers, and clinical instructors.
COMM 870 - Clinical Practicum
Credits: 1-3
On-campus practicum provides graduate students with the opportunity to apply advanced theoretical knowledge in clinical setting with clients demonstrating speech, language, hearing, and/or swallowing disorders. Students acquire therapy and diagnostic experience under supervision. A minimum of 3 credits is required for the M.S. degree.
Repeat Rule: May be repeated for a maximum of 3 credits.
Equivalent(s): COMM 861, COMM 862, COMM 863, COMM 910
Grade Mode: Letter Grading
COMM 871 - Externship 1
Credits: 6
Students apply advanced theoretical knowledge and principles of clinical practice through direct experiences supervised by externship speech-language pathologists in a community-based clinical setting with different clinical populations who demonstrate speech, language, hearing, and/or swallowing disorders. Students engage in intermediate clinical decision-making, clinical writing, professional practice skills, interprofessional collaboration, and other professional experiences through an iterative instructional model of demonstration, performance feedback, and practice with increasing development and refinement of their clinical, professional practice, and self-analysis skills.
Prerequisite(s): COMM 862 with a minimum grade of B-.
Equivalent(s): COMM 911
Grade Mode: Graduate Credit/Fail grading
View Course Learning Outcomes
- Professionalism, including overall client welfare, attendance at all scheduled sessions and meetings, timeliness in completing all assignments and documentation, and maintenance of client confidentiality and privacy per the ASHA Code of Ethics.
- Collection and synthesis of relevant background information through record review and interviewing.
- Implementation of assessment tools such as hearing screening protocols/procedures, communication sampling, baseline data collection, and analysis procedures to determine the client's present level of performance.
- Clinical decision-making, including the identification of participation outcomes, semester goals, short-term objectives, anticipated outcomes (prognosis), and associated rationale.
- Design and implementation of an intervention, including selecting appropriate materials/activities, effective cueing/scaffolding, skill acquisition and practice for mastery, appropriate feedback regarding the client’s performance, and progress-monitoring probes.
- Clinical writing skills, including session plans, SOAP notes for clinical observation and objective data, intervention plans, progress reports, and recommendations.
- Effective oral communication with clients/families/care partners, other professionals, and externship supervisor.
COMM 872 - Externship 2
Credits: 6
Students apply advanced theoretical knowledge and principles of clinical practice through direct experiences supervised by externship speech-language pathologists in a community-based clinical setting with different clinical populations who demonstrate speech, language, hearing, and/or swallowing disorders. Students engage in advanced clinical decision-making, clinical writing, professional practice skills, interprofessional collaboration, and other professional experiences through an iterative instructional model of demonstration, performance feedback, and practice, with increasing skill refinement and independence.
Prerequisite(s): COMM 871 with a minimum grade of B-.
Equivalent(s): COMM 911
Grade Mode: Graduate Credit/Fail grading
View Course Learning Outcomes
- Professionalism, including overall client welfare, attendance at all scheduled sessions and meetings, timeliness in completing all assignments and documentation, and maintenance of client confidentiality and privacy per the ASHA Code of Ethics.
- Collection and synthesis of relevant background information through record review and interviewing.
- Implementation of assessment tools such as hearing screening protocols/procedures, communication sampling, baseline data collection, and analysis procedures to determine the client’s present level of performance.
- Clinical decision-making, including the identification of participation outcomes, semester goals, short-term objectives, anticipated outcomes (prognosis), and associated rationale.
- Design and implementation of an intervention, including selecting appropriate materials/activities, effective cueing/scaffolding, skill acquisition and practice for mastery, appropriate feedback regarding the client’s performance, and progress-monitoring probes.
- Clinical writing skills, including session plans, SOAP notes for clinical observation and objective data, intervention plans, progress reports, and recommendations.
- Effective oral communication with clients/families/care partners, other professionals, and externship supervisor.
COMM 895 - Special Topics
Credits: 1-3
Advanced study in specific areas; involves an independent project.
Repeat Rule: May be repeated for a maximum of 4 credits. May be repeated up to 2 times.
Grade Mode: Letter Grading
COMM 899 - Master's Thesis
Credits: 1-6
Master's Thesis.
Repeat Rule: May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits.
Grade Mode: Graduate Credit/Fail grading
COMM 995A - Independent Study
Credits: 1-4
Individual or group projects involving faculty-directed study of an area of communication sciences and disorders that students wish to explore in greater depth than is covered in the required curriculum.
Grade Mode: Letter Grading
COMM 995B - Independent Study: Bilingual Speech-Language Pathology
Credits: 1-4
Individual or group projects involving faculty-directed study of bilingual speech-language pathology for students who wish to explore the topic in greater depth than is covered in the required curriculum.
Grade Mode: Letter Grading