Communication Sciences and Disorders (COMM)
WHAT IS COMMUNICATION SCIENCES AND DISORDERS?
Communication Sciences and Disorders is the profession devoted to assessing and treating disorders, delays, or differences in speech, language, and hearing. In this program, students learn how the ability to communicate develops —including how the brain and speech and hearing mechanisms function to support the acquisition of speech, language, social communication, and cognition. You’ll review an array of communication disorders that can affect individuals across the lifespan, learning about assessment and treatment. This pre-professional degree will prepare you to successfully enter clinical or research graduate programs in areas such as audiology, speech-language pathology, cognitive science, and education.
WHY STUDY COMMUNICATION SCIENCES AND DISORDERS AT UNH?
As a student in the communication sciences and disorders (CSD) program at UNH, you will learn about speech, language, and hearing through a unique educational model that includes classroom instruction, clinical observation, and research. Students observe at the on-campus Speech-Language-Hearing Center and Clinic for Neurogenic Communication Disorders, premier diagnostic and intervention centers in New Hampshire. In addition, you have the opportunity to participate in research activities in our state-of-the-art research laboratories. For students interested, a limited number of internships are available each semester.
Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) is devoted to helping people overcome disabilities of speech, language, and hearing. The study of Communication Sciences and Disorders may begin in the freshman or sophomore year. Students learn about speech, language, and hearing disorders in the classroom and are involved in clinical observation in the on-campus Speech-Language-Hearing Center and can participate in research projects. Students are encouraged to take elective courses in linguistics, human development, learning theory, early childhood, health administration, special education, and various aspects of rehabilitation.
As this is a pre-professional degree, students generally pursue graduate studies in speech-language pathology or audiology at colleges or universities offering graduate programs leading to a master’s or doctoral degree and to subsequent certification by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). Certified clinicians find employment opportunities in hospitals, schools, community speech and hearing clinics, and private practice. Candidates for a degree must satisfy all of the University Discovery Program requirements in addition to satisfying the requirements of the Communication Sciences and Disorders major.
The Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders' Accelerated Master’s program provides CSD undergraduates with the opportunity to earn graduate credits during their senior year, shorten the length of their graduate studies, and jumpstart their careers. Learn more here!
Communication Sciences & Disorders (COMM)
COMM 401 - American Sign Language I
Credits: 4
This course provides an introduction to American Sign Language with emphasis on visual receptive and expressive use of language, as well as providing opportunities for other forms of visual communication such as facial expression, mime, and gesture. Participants develop their skills through videotapes, classroom participation, and readings that cover issues important to the Deaf community. An online language laboratory is required as part of this course.
Equivalent(s): ASL 435
Grade Mode: Letter Grading
COMM 420 - Survey of Communication Disorders
Credits: 4
This course provides an introduction of Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) as it relates to the CSD undergraduate major and the professions of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology. Students will learn about foundational knowledge of the speech and hearing mechanism, language development, normal communication processes, diagnoses, and treatment across different communication disorders and lifespans. Given the importance of communication, the course information can be applied to various human service careers.
Equivalent(s): COMM 520
Grade Mode: Letter Grading
COMM 502 - American Sign Language II
Credits: 4
This course provides continued acquisition of American Sign Language with an emphasis on active language use to improve speed and accuracy. Advanced linguistic principles of ASL as well as the cultural considerations are presented. Comparison of ASL with signed languages from around the world will be explored. An online language laboratory is required as part of this course.
Equivalent(s): ASL 436, COMM 402
Grade Mode: Letter Grading
COMM 504 - Basic Audiology
Credits: 4
This course provides an overview of the profession and practice of Audiology. Students will learn about the causes of hearing loss and the diagnostic process. The anatomy and physiology of the auditory system will be reviewed. The physical properties of sound will be studied, particularly as these relate to hearing loss.
Prerequisite(s): COMM 522 with a minimum grade of C and COMM 636 with a minimum grade of C.
Equivalent(s): COMM 704
Grade Mode: Letter Grading
COMM 521 - Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech and Hearing Mechanisms
Credits: 4
This course provides the fundamentals of anatomy, physiology, neurology, and function of the mechanisms associated with speech, language, swallowing, and hearing. Multi-media platforms, class and group discussions, and problem-based learning will be utilized. Students will gain the essential foundation and knowledge for assessment, treatment, and management related to communication and swallow disorders.
Prerequisite(s): BMS 507 with a minimum grade of D-.
Grade Mode: Letter Grading
COMM 522 - Language Acquisition
Credits: 4
This course is an introduction to typical language acquisition. The progression of language development is examined within a linguistic framework, phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics. Theories of language acquisition overviewed.
Prerequisite(s): COMM 524 with a minimum grade of C.
Grade Mode: Letter Grading
COMM 524 - Clinical Phonetics
Credits: 4
This course focuses on the application of the International Phonetic Alphabet to describe adult, child, and disordered speech production. Students will learn to use broad and narrow transcriptions of speech. Information on basic speech science, acoustic and articulatory phonetics, and acoustic analysis of speech production will be provided.
Prerequisite(s): LING 405 with a minimum grade of D- or ENGL 405 with a minimum grade of D-.
Grade Mode: Letter Grading
COMM 610 - Fact, Fiction, Fraud: Evaluating Motivations, Claims, and Evidence
Credits: 4
This course provides students with an understanding of evidence‐based practice in communication sciences and disorders. Students will learn critical thinking skills through the evaluation of products, interventions, and claims about them. The course also discusses issues involved in fraudulent claims and the role of the media in perpetuating false claims about different areas of study.
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 402 with a minimum grade of D-.
Equivalent(s): COMM 510
Grade Mode: Letter Grading
COMM 636 - Speech and Hearing Science
Credits: 4
This course provides the student with information on the understanding and application of waveform analysis (acoustic and aerodynamic), basic processing of auditory information, and physiological and cultural bases of hearing and speech production/perception.
Prerequisite(s): COMM 521 with a minimum grade of C.
Grade Mode: Letter Grading
COMM 701 - Principles of Assessment
Credits: 2
Principles and practice for diagnosis of speech and language disorders; examination procedures and measurement techniques. Accelerated Master's CSD majors only.
Prerequisite(s): COMM 723 with a minimum grade of D- and COMM 724 with a minimum grade of D-.
Grade Mode: Letter Grading
COMM 702 - 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. Accelerated Master's CSD majors only.
Prerequisite(s): COMM 723 with a minimum grade of D- and COMM 724 with a minimum grade of D-.
Grade Mode: Letter Grading
COMM 703 - 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. Accelerated Master's CSD majors only.
Prerequisite(s): COMM 723 with a minimum grade of D- and COMM 724 with a minimum grade of D-.
Grade Mode: Letter Grading
COMM 705 - Introduction to Aural Rehabilitation
Credits: 4
This course provides an overview of auditory perception and the re(h)abilitive process for individuals with hearing loss and auditory disorders. The principles of intervention, communication options, and vocational/educational resources will be studied. Students will learn about amplification systems and other technology used to improve audition, including hearing aids and cochlear implants.
Prerequisite(s): COMM 504 with a minimum grade of D-.
Grade Mode: Letter Grading
COMM 711 - 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. Accelerated Master's CSD majors only.
Prerequisite(s): COMM 723 with a minimum grade of D- and COMM 724 with a minimum grade of D- and COMM 742 with a minimum grade of D- and COMM 701 with a minimum grade of D-.
Grade Mode: Letter Grading
COMM 721 - 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. Accelerated Master's CSD majors only.
Prerequisite(s): COMM 723 with a minimum grade of D- and COMM 724 with a minimum grade of D- and COMM 701 with a minimum grade of D- and COMM 702 with a minimum grade of D-.
Grade Mode: Letter Grading
COMM 723 - Observation Skills in Speech-Language Pathology
Credits: 2
This course is designed to provide opportunities to observe clients with communication disorders. Observations will include both assessment and intervention techniques. Students successfully completing this course will accrue observation hours that can be applied to the requirement for graduate studies.
Grade Mode: Credit/Fail Grading
COMM 724 - Senior Capstone
Credits: 4
This course allows students to synthesize and apply their knowledge and skills of communication sciences and disorders. It is designed to foster a reflection of their undergraduate learning experience and further explores areas of professional pathways.
Attributes: Writing Intensive Course
Prerequisite(s): COMM 420 with a minimum grade of C and COMM 522 with a minimum grade of C and (COMM 504 with a minimum grade of C or COMM 604 with a minimum grade of C).
Equivalent(s): COMM 635
Grade Mode: Letter Grading
COMM 740 - Treatment of Adults with Acquired Brain Injury
Credits: 1-4
This course provides a "hands-on" interdisciplinary experience. Students will acquire clinical skills and professional competence in a community-based day program. This experience includes assisting adults with acquired brain injury to meet their physical, emotional, cognitive-linguistic, social, spiritual, recreational, and vocational needs.
Grade Mode: Letter Grading
COMM 741 - Speech-Language Pathology I
Credits: 4
This course provides foundational knowledge related to pediatric speech and language disorders, as well as exposure to principles of assessment and treatment in these populations. Students extend their knowledge of language development in the areas of morphology, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics as well as their knowledge of how the speech mechanism works, to learn about communication breakdowns that may occur during childhood.
Prerequisite(s): KIN 706 with a minimum grade of D- and COMM 636 with a minimum grade of C and KIN 707 with a minimum grade of D-.
Equivalent(s): COMM 631, COMM 731
Grade Mode: Letter Grading
COMM 742 - Speech-Language Pathology II
Credits: 4
This course provides the neurologic bases for understanding the communication disorders from birth to geriatrics, with an emphasis on motor, linguistic, and cognitive communication disorders. Introduction to common approaches to treatment for these disorders is also provided.
Prerequisite(s): COMM 504 with a minimum grade of C and COMM 741 with a minimum grade of C.
Equivalent(s): COMM 630
Grade Mode: Letter Grading
COMM 795 - Independent Study
Credits: 1-8
Individual or group projects involving 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.
Repeat Rule: May be repeated for a maximum of 8 credits.
Grade Mode: Letter Grading
COMM 798 - Special Topics
Credits: 1-4
New or specialized topics not covered in regular course offerings. Special fee on some topics.
Repeat Rule: May be repeated for a maximum of 8 credits.
Grade Mode: Letter Grading
Special Fee: Yes
COMM 799 - Honors Thesis
Credits: 1-4
Supervised research leading to the completion of an honors thesis required for graduation from the university honors program in major.
Attributes: Honors course; Writing Intensive Course
Repeat Rule: May be repeated for a maximum of 4 credits.
Grade Mode: Letter Grading