Communication Disorders and Counseling, School, and Educational Psychology

Communication Disorders

Undergraduate Program

Frequently Asked Questions

1. At what point (freshman year, sophomore year, etc.) should a student contact the department about majoring in this area?

Since communication disorders is an intensive professional training program involving considerable clinical experience, it is highly desirable to the student to declare the major and be consulting with an advisor as soon as possible during the freshman year. It is by the middle of the sophomore year; however, later than this may necessitate an additional semester of school.

2. Could you suggest any General Education courses that would be particularly useful for a student to take before entering the program?

Courses in psychology, linguistics, anatomy, special education, and speech.

3. Could you suggest a good introductory course a student could take to get acquainted with the field?

CD 163: Introduction to Language Development and Communication Disorders

4. What are some required courses a student will take to complete the program?

Eng 210 Linguistics – 3 hrs. OR
CD 303 Psycholinguistics CD – 3 hrs.
CD 211 Phonetics – 3 hrs.
CD 212 Anatomy and Neurology – 3 hrs.
CD 213 Speech & Language Development – 3 hrs.
CD 224 Speech Hearing Sciences – 3 hrs.
CD 225 Articulation Disorders & Management – 3 hrs.
CD 226 Language Disorders – 3 hrs.
CD 311 Evaluation of Communication Disorders – 3 hrs.
CD 312 Assessment in Auditory Pathology – 3hrs.
CD 323 Rhythm, Voice, & Neurogenic Disorders – 3 hrs.
CD 324 Speech-Language-Hearing Impairment – 3 hrs.
CD 399 Speech-Language-Hearing Practicum – 3 hrs.
CD 400 Speech-Language-Hearing Practicum – 3 hrs.
CD 411 Phonological Theories & Disorders – 3 hrs.
CD 422 Methods and Administration in Communication Disorders - 3 hrs.
SPED/SPSY 428 Tests and Measurements - 3 hrs.

5. What are some of the typical problems a student experiences while going through the program?

Students sometimes have difficulty in the program for the following reasons:

1. Language problems: Many students with language difficulty (either written or oral find it difficult to handle the subject matter, as well as to work effectively in the clinic with individuals who also have such communication problems.

2. Professional behavior with clients, peers, and instructors

3. Ability to translate theory into practical application with clients

6. What new information or skills will a person have after completing the program?

a) Knowledge of structure and function of speech and hearing disorders.
b) Knowledge of the states of speech and language development and the rules of language usages.
c) Knowledge of speech, language, and hearing disorders.
d) Clinical skills in evaluating and remediating speech, language, and hearing disorders.
e) Skills in behavior modification.
f) Skills in phonetic transcription.
g) Skills in report writing.
h) Skills in setting goals, writing IEPs
i) Skills in working with people.
j) Familiarization with basic electronic equipment used in speech, language, hearing clinics and research

7. What kids of jobs do students who obtain this degree apply for?

Speech-language pathologists and audiologists in public schools, hospitals, rehab clinics, nursing homes, and private practices.

8. Anything you would like to add:

This is an exciting career that permits great flexibility in work environment (hospital, school, private practice) and independence. The interaction with teachers, special educators, doctors, and other medical personnel assure ongoing professional growth. There is great satisfaction in helping a child to begin using speech again, a laryngectomy to talk again, or an aphasic to communicate with his family.