Communication Sciences and Disorders (COMM)
https://chhs.unh.edu/directory/all
Degree Offered: M.S.
This program is offered in Durham.
The Department of Communications Sciences and Disorders (CSD) offers a Master of Science degree. Students are prepared to practice in a variety of job settings within the field of speech-language pathology and to meet the academic and practicum requirements of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) for the certificate of clinical competence in speech-language pathology. The master of science degree education program in speech-language pathology at the University of New Hampshire is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 2200 Research Boulevard #310, Rockville, MD 20850; 800.498.2071 or 301.296.5700.
The graduate program integrates an array of academic, research, and clinical experiences to prepare students for a clinical fellowship in speech-language pathology. The graduate curriculum is regularly reviewed and updated to ensure that students have the funds of knowledge and clinical skills to treat the full range communication disorders across the life span in any practice setting. In addition to required courses, students have the opportunity choose from an array of elective courses that best suit their career objectives. This rigorous program emphasizes the importance of translating theory into evidence-based practice.
The UNH Speech-Language-Hearing Center and the Clinic for Neurogenic Communication Disorders offer diagnostic and intervention services and provide clinical training for graduate students in the CSD Program. State-of-the-art evaluations and intervention are offered to individuals of all ages. Graduate students are supervised by professionally certified and licensed CSD faculty to gain clinical experience aligned with academic coursework to deliver the evidence-based interventions.
The Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders Research Laboratories (CSDRL) houses four innovative research programs in which faculty and students are actively engaged in research projects. Projects include: (a) examinations of the perception and production of prosody at different stages of language acquisition, (b) understanding the development social communication and its association with aspects of quality of life, (c) AphasiaBank data analyses, (d) efficacy of intervention for apraxia of speech, (e) analysis of motor-learning and its application to speech, (f) voice interventions using feedback-based learning, (g) interventions which incorporate mindfulness, (h) analysis of neural and cognitive effects of head injury impacts, and (i) the application of neuroscience in communication disorders.
Admission Requirements
Applicants for admission must possess a bachelor's degree prior to beginning the master's program. While the bachelor's degree need not be in communication sciences and disorders, applicants are expected to complete the following courses, or their equivalents, prior to admission into the graduate program:
- Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech and Hearing Mechanism
- Language Acquisition
- Clinical Phonetics
- Basic Audiology
- Speech-Hearing Science
- Neurology or Neuroanatomy
Applicants must also complete coursework in the following areas in preparation for fulfillment of certification requirements:
- Biology
- Physical Science (Chemistry or Physics)
- Statistics
- Social/Behavioral Sciences
- Typical Human Development across the Life Span
- Multicultural issues
Acceptance to the program is based on grade-point average, GRE scores, letters of recommendation, and a written statement. Applicants must submit current scores of the GRE Revised General Test. Applications are due by January 15. Generally, accepted students have a minimum grade-point average of 3.6 and GRE scores at the 50th percentile or higher. Grade-point average, GRE scores, and other application materials are used for the awarding of graduate assistantships and other sources of support.
Communication Sciences and Disorders (COMM)
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.
Prerequisite(s): COMM 632.
Grade Mode: Letter Grading
COMM 803 - Ethical and Professional Issues in Communication Sciences and Disorders I
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 - Research Methods in Communication Sciences and Disorders
Credits: 3
This course introduces students to concepts, procedures, and application of research methods in communication sciences and disorders. The course covers group, single subject, experimental, quasi-experimental, correlational, and qualitative designs with an emphasis on clinical application. CSD majors only.
Equivalent(s): COMM 917
Grade Mode: Letter Grading
COMM 811 - Brain and Behavior
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
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. Permission required.
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 - Stuttering
Credits: 3
This course provides students with an in-depth knowledge of stuttering from theoretical and clinical perspectives. Emphasis is placed on clinical decision making. Current practices are discussed that cover diagnosis of stuttering, differentiating it from "normal" dysfluencies, etiological considerations, and treatment options. Emphasis is placed on a psycho-social approach to intervention. Evidence based practices in stuttering are covered as well as issues associated with diverse populations.
Equivalent(s): COMM 902
Grade Mode: Letter Grading
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. Prereq: a course in neuro-anatomy or permission.
Equivalent(s): COMM 904
Grade Mode: Letter Grading
COMM 841 - Cognitive Communication Disorders
Credits: 2
This course addresses the nature of cognitive-communicative impairments in children and adults with acquired brain injury and links theory and practice to community reintegration. Prereq: a course in neuro-anatomy.
Equivalent(s): COMM 913
Grade Mode: Letter Grading
COMM 842 - Autism Spectrum Disorders
Credits: 2
Provides an overview of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) including perspectives of individuals and their families. Current practices are discussed in relation to early identification, screening, diagnosis, and possible etiology of ASD, including and overview of medical considerations. Evidence-based practices across the life-span are critically reviewed in areas of behavior, communication, play, social interactions, and sensory-motor. Teaming approaches and transition to adult life to support a high quality of life are presented. Current "hot topics" in ASD research are presented.
Equivalent(s): COMM 916
Grade Mode: Letter Grading
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 851 - Advanced Audiology for Speech Language Pathologists
Credits: 3
This course prepares speech-language pathology students to provide clinical services for individuals, across the age span, with hearing loss/auditory disorders. Acquisition of knowledge and skills within the speech-language pathology scope of practice including screening protocols, communication assessment, assistive technology, re/habilitation techniques and referral procedures will be provided. Interprofessional collaboration strategies and ethical considerations will also be addressed.
Equivalent(s): COMM 890
Grade Mode: Letter Grading
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 910
Grade Mode: Letter Grading
COMM 872 - Externship
Credits: 1-4
Application of advanced theoretical knowledge through clinical work in an off-campus clinical setting. Prereq: COMM 870, Clinical Practicum with a grade of "B" or above.A maximum of total of 8 credits required.
Repeat Rule: May be repeated for a maximum of 8 credits.
Equivalent(s): COMM 911
Grade Mode: Letter Grading
COMM 895 - Special Topics
Credits: 1-3
Advanced study in specific areas; involves an independent project. Prereq: permission. May be repeated.
Grade Mode: Letter Grading
COMM 899 - Master's Thesis
Credits: 1-6
Prereq: permission. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits. Cr/F.
Repeat Rule: May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits.
Grade Mode: Graduate Credit/Fail grading
COMM #920 - Graduate Seminar
Credits: 1-6
Current topics, recent investigations, and library research. May be repeated barring duplication of subject matter. A minimum of 2 credits is required for M.S. degree.
Repeat Rule: May be repeated for a maximum of 9 credits.
Grade Mode: Letter 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
See https://chhs.unh.edu/directory/all for faculty.