Master of Science (MSc) in Speech-Language Pathology

ABA 521 Autism Spectrum Disorder and Related Disability

This course is designed to provide an overview of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and related disabilities and examines empirical literature regarding treatments in both home and community. Students learn about the prevalence of ASD and related disabilities as well as diagnosis, assessment, and empirically validated treatments. Students are taught to identify skill deficits and behavioral challenges often exhibited by individuals diagnosed with ASD and related disabilities and understand the difficulties when programming treatments in the community and home. The course also presents non-empirically validated treatments as well as the ethical implications associated with selecting treatments for individuals diagnosed with ASD or related disabilities.

SLP 600 Evaluation and Clinical Writing

Principles and methods of assessing and monitoring progress in individuals with speech and language disorders. Examination and measurement techniques are explained and practiced. Reporting and documenting assessment results are also addressed.

SLP 605 Speech-Language Pathology in Schools

Service delivery models, laws and regulations, assessment, documentation, and processes for providing speech-language pathology services in schools. Professionalism and ethical decision making are examined and applied (MS Speech-Language Pathology students only).

SLP 610 Child Language Disorders

Principles and methods of assessment and intervention for children with language and literacy disorders in preschool, elementary, and secondary school are examined. Psychosocial, historical, and multicultural perspectives are explored.

SLP 615 Aphasia

Evaluation and treatment of adult language disorders including aphasia. Neurological, linguistic, cognitive and psychological aspects of acquired communication disorders are discussed. The course will focus on the differential classifications in the diagnosis and treatment of aphasia, as well as comparisons to other neurogenic communication disorders.

SLP 620 Speech Sound Disorders

Articulatory and phonological aspects of typical and disordered speech development in children are examined. Procedures for diagnosis and intervention are discussed and applied.

SLP 625 Fluency

Review of research and evidence-based practice for stuttering and related conditions. Methods for assessment and treatment are examined and applied.

SLP 630 Motor Speech Disorders

Review of neurology and neuropathologies that interfere with speech production, including dysarthria and apraxia of speech. Practical application of evidence-based practice for assessment and treatment of speech motor disorders

SLP 635 Research Methods

Research Methods in SLP

SLP 640 Cognitive-Communication Disorders

Communication issues related to cognitive impairments such as acquired brain injury and neurodegenerative pathologies. Diagnosis and treatment decisions are determined and evaluated.

SLP 645 Voice Disorders

Diagnosis and clinical management of voice disorders. Normal laryngeal structure and function are reviewed and compared with vocal dysfunction.

SLP 650 Counseling

Application of counseling principles and methods to help individuals with communicative disorders and their families. Emphasis is placed on developing self-awareness and clinical insight with a culturally diverse caseload.

SLP 655 Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)

History and recent developments in non-speech communication, including augmentative communication aids, techniques, and symbol systems. Cognitive, educational, social, cultural, and linguistic aspects are identified and discussed.

SLP 660 Dysphagia

Normal and disordered anatomy and physiology of swallowing in children and adults. Principles of diagnosis and treatment are discussed and applied to swallowing disorders.

SLP 665 Professional Issues (1 credit hour)

Important information for students transitioning into clinical fellowships in speech-language pathology. Topics include professional certification exams, preparing documentation for graduation, job searching/interviewing, applying for licensure/certification, ethical challenges in the workplace, and continuing education responsibilities.

SLP 680 Internship (2 credit hours)

The first of a series of clinical classes. Simulation is accompanied by regular group and individual meetings with clinical faculty. Acceptable hours may be applied toward certification.

Prerequisite: SLP 600 or permission of instructor.

SLP 681 Externship I (2 credit hours)

Students are assigned to their first field-based experience from a variety of clinical settings. Students may also be assigned to specialty clinics. Acceptable clinical hours may be applied toward certification.
Prerequisite: SLP 600 or consent of instructor

SLP 682 Externship II (2 credit hours)

Students are assigned to their second field-based experience from a variety of clinical settings. Students may also be assigned to specialty clinics. Acceptable clinical hours may be applied toward certification.
Prerequisite: SLP 681

SLP 683 Externship III (2 credit hours)

Students are assigned their third field-based experience from a variety of clinical settings. Students may also be assigned to specialty clinics. Acceptable clinical hours may be applied toward certification.
Prerequisite: SLP 682

SLP 684 Externship IV (2 credit hours)

Students are assigned their first externship experience from a variety of clinical settings. Acceptable clinical hours may be applied to certification.
Prerequisite: SLP 681 or permission of instructor

SLP 690 Capstone

Students culminate their experience in the program by completing a Capstone Project. Assistance is provided in determining an appropriate topic of study. Case studies, research literature, and/or empirical data will be gathered and analyzed to answer a research or clinical question.