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COMMUNICATION DISORDERS

(This information is updated as needed and does not reflect the current, published Graduate Catalog. A new edition of the Graduate Catalog is printed annually in April.)

DEMPSEY, JAMES, J., Chairperson, Graduate Program Coordinator—Audiology, Professor; B.A., Queens College, CUNY; M.S., Pennsylvania State University; Ph.D., University of Connecticut. Tel. (203) 392-5962 Email: DempseyJ1@southernct.edu

SANSONE, FRANK E., JR., Graduate Program Coordinator—Speech-Language Pathology, Professor; B.S., Emerson College; M.A., University of Alabama; M.F.T., Southern Connecticut State University; Ph.D., University of Oklahoma. Tel. (203) 392-5954

BELLANDESE, MARY H., Assistant Professor; B.A., St. Francis College; M.A., Ph.D., University of Connecticut.

CASCELLA, PAUL, Associate Professor; B.S., Marquette University; M.A., University of Buffalo; Ph.D., University of Connecticut.

DE JARNETTE, GLENDA, Associate Professor; B.A., Allegheny College; M.A, Cleveland State University; Ph.D., Bowling Green State University.

JIRSA, ROBERT E., Professor; B.S., Western Illinois University; M.A., Ohio University; Ph.D., University of Kansas.

KENNEDY, MARIANNE, Professor; A.B., Trinity College; M.A., Ph.D., University of Connecticut. Tel. (203) 392-5954.

PAUL, RHEA, Professor; B.A., Brandeis University; Ed.M., Harvard University; Ph.D., University of Wisconsin.

PURDY, MARY, Associate Professor; B.S., Northwestern University; M.S., Southern Connecticut State University; Ph.D., University of Connecticut.

WEISS, DEBORAH, Assistant Professor; B.S., New York University; M.A., Hebrew University; Ph.D., University of Connecticut.

Application deadline: March 1st

The Department of Communication Disorders offers programs leading to the Master of Science degree in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology. Students are admitted for the fall semester. To be considered for admittance, the application process must be completed by March 1st. As of Fall 2004, the Department of Communication Disorders is no longer accepting applications for admission to the Audiology Program.

Students may be admitted to graduate study from a variety of undergraduate majors. Individual programs are designed for each candidate to meet the requirements for certification in speech-language pathology and audiology by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), and Connecticut licensure and teacher certification. When necessary, graduate programs are developed to include prerequisite courses in normal speech and language development, speech and hearing science, anatomy and physiology of the speech and hearing mechanism, and introductory courses in communication disorders. A total of 375 hours of supervised clinical experience and 25 hours of observation are required for graduation with a minimum of 325 hours obtained at the graduate level. Registration for all departmental courses requires departmental permission.

The graduate academic programs of the Department of Communication Disorders are accredited in speech-language pathology and audiology by the Council on Academic Accreditation of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (These programs are accredited through December 31st, 2010. Clinical services offered by the departmental Center for Communication Disorders rigorously adhere to quality standards recommended by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.

For more detailed information regarding programs, please visit our departmental web site at: www.southernct.edu/departments/communicationdisorders.

DEPARTMENTAL ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

To be accepted into the Department of Communication Disorders, candidates must meet the following criteria in addition to the all University requirements. They must have a cumulative undergraduate quality point ratio of 3.0 or higher, and they must demonstrate professional promise and scholastic ability. If eligibility for a teaching certificate in speech pathology is desired, all teacher certification entrance and exit requirements must be met. Refer to the section entitled "Admission to Teacher Certification Programs" in the beginning of this catalog under "Application and Admission" for additional information regarding acceptance to a certification program and PRAXIS examinations.

In addition, the Communication Disorders Department requires that candidates submit:

• scores obtained on the GRE.

• a minimum of three recommendations attesting to their professional promise and academic ability.

• a 250-300 word essay on a personal challenge and how it was handled, or on a project initiated and maintained independent of parental or school assistance.

Pre-Professional Program

Persons who do not meet all departmental admission requirements may be permitted to enroll in the department's Pre-Professional Program. Applicants accepted into this program will receive provisional acceptance into the department and conditional matriculation into the School of Graduate Studies. Students may be permitted to enroll in a maximum of 20 credits of prerequisite courses. Upon completion of assigned prerequisite courses, maintaining a grade of "B" or higher in each course, students will be evaluated for full acceptance into the graduate program.

Prerequisite courses will be assigned after transcript review and an interview with the graduate program advisor. Students will be requested to repeat prerequisite courses in Communication Disorders for which a grade of "B-" or lower has been earned at the undergraduate level. Further, students may be requested to repeat prerequisite courses which do not meet all departmental content requirements regardless of the grade earned.

Students will be admitted to this program on a first-come, first-served basis. The department holds a limited number of places for Pre-Professional students.

Students should apply to the program following the guidelines set for application and admission. A statement indicating interest in the Pre-Professional Program should be included.

PREREQUISITE COURSES FOR ALL PROGRAMS

CMD 200 — Introduction to Developmental Communication Disorders

CMD 201 — Introduction to Communication Disorders in Medical Settings

CMD 203 — Phonetics and Phonological Systems (4 credits)

CMD 317 — Anatomy and Physiology of Speech Mechanism

CMD 319 — Language Development: Ages Birth to Five

CMD 320 — Introduction to Hearing Science

CMD 321 — Introduction to Audiology

CMD 418 — Neurological Bases of Communication

CMD 419 — Language Acquisition: School-Age — Adolescence

CMD 420 — Speech Science (4 credits)

CMD 461 — The Clinical Practice of Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology

AUDIOLOGY

James J. Dempsey, Ph.D., Program Coordinator, Tel. (203) 392-5962

The Master of Science degree in audiology prepares students to function in clinical settings, including hospitals and rehabilitation centers, and in schools as audiologists. As of Fall 2004, the Department of Communication Disorders is no longer accepting applications for admission to the audiology program.

Area of Specialization

All students enroll for 30 credits of required audiology core courses; a minimum of 6 credits of speech-language pathology; 30 credits of practicum; and either CMD 605—Special Projects for 3 credits, or CMD 590—Thesis Seminar for 6 credits, depending on track selected.

CMD 530 — Measurement and Diagnosis in Audiology

CMD 532 — Medical Audiology

CMD 533 — Audiological Assessment for the Difficult to Test: Pediatrics

CMD 553 — Amplification Systems

CMD 554 — Electrophysiological Measures of Auditory Function

CMD 555 — Audiology and Audiometry II

CMD 559 — Educational Audiology

CMD 574 — Environmental Audiology

CMD 575 — Central Auditory Processing Disorders in Children

CMD 630 — Adult Aural Rehabilitation

Practica

CMD 560 — Speech and Language Practicum A (3 credits only)

CMD 568 — Audiology Practicum

Master's Thesis

The student enrolls in CMD 590 and completes a thesis.

Special Project

The student enrolls in CMD 605 and is required to complete a special project.

ASHA National Examination

Successful passage of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association National Examination in Audiology (Praxis II) is required for graduation.

SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY

Frank E. Sansone Jr., Ph.D., Program Coordinator, Tel. (203) 392-5954

The Master of Science degree with a major in Speech-Language Pathology prepares students to practice in public and private schools, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and in private practice as speech-language pathologists.

Area of Specialization

All students enroll for 30 credits of required core courses; 30 credits of practicum; 3 credits or more of electives; and either CMD 605 — Special Projects for 3 credits, or CMD 590 — Thesis Seminar for 6 credits depending on track selected. An additional course, CMD 530 — Measurement and Diagnosis in Audiology, may be assigned if preparation in this area is required. Courses in health, special education and psychology may be required for teacher certification. (Credit enrollment for the degree is subject to modification according to previous academic and clinical work.)

The 30 credits of required courses are:

CMD 503 — Research Methods in Communication Disorders - 3 credits

CMD 527 — Neurogenic Speech and Language Disorders - 3 credits

CMD 531 — Disorders of Phonology - 3 credits

CMD 537 — Cognitively Based Communication Disorders in Adults - 3 credits

CMD 545 — Disorders of Fluency - 3 credits

CMD 550 — Language Acquisition Disorders: Birth to Five - 3 credits

CMD 551 — Language Disorders: School-Age - 3 credits

CMD 559 — Educational Audiology - 3 credits

CMD 583 — Voice and Velopharyngeal Disorders - 3 credits

CMD 627 — Dysphagia - 3 credits

In each course students study current literature and prepare projects. Different clinical approaches are presented with emphasis on the use of recent technology. Each course includes study of the impact of multicultural, linguistic and sociological factors in the design of assessment and intervention procedures. Information on augmentative communication methods is included in appropriate contexts.

The 30 credits of practica are:

CMD 560 — Speech and Language Practicum A — 5 credits

CMD 561 — Speech and Language Practicum B — 5 credits

CMD 562 — School Practicum — 6 credits

CMD 564 — Diagnostic Practicum in Speech and Language Pathology — 5 credits

CMD 568 — Audiology Practicum — 3 credits

CMD 569 — Neuropathologies Practicum — 6 credits

These practica combine both on-campus and off-campus experiences. The on-campus work is completed in the Department's Center for Communication Disorders. The off-campus work is completed in Connecticut public schools, hospitals, and rehabilitation centers. In order to participate in a public school practicum, the Praxis I Pre-Professional Skills Test must be passed or waived. Students should complete this requirement prior to enrollment or during the first semester of graduate work.

Please note: Students enrolled in any of the above practica may be required to engage in both diagnostic and therapy activities with clients of all ages who present with a wide range of communication disorders.

Special Education courses are selected with adviser's consent for teacher certification

School Health Education courses are selected with adviser's consent for teacher certification

Master's Thesis

The student enrolls in CMD 590 and completes a thesis.

Special Project

The student enrolls in CMD 605 and is required to complete a special project.

ASHA National Examination

Successful passage of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association National Examination (Praxis II) is required for graduation.

COMMUNICATION DISORDERS COURSES

CMD 503 — Research Methods in Communication Disorders

Research techniques and experimental design schemes, critical reviewing of the current literature, oral technical reporting, and reporting by written technical papers. Prerequisite: departmental permission. Scheduled fall and spring semesters. 3 credits.

CMD 527 — Neurogenic Speech and Language Disorders

Survey of neurologically-based disorders of speech in adults and children. Differential diagnosis and treatment of cerebral palsy, the dysarthrias, apraxia of speech, and aphasia. Prerequisites: CMD 418 and departmental permission. Scheduled fall and spring semesters. 3 credits.

CMD 530 — Measurement and Diagnosis in Audiology

Measuring hearing by pure tones and speech audiometry, evaluating test results, types and causes of hearing problems. Prerequisite: CMD 320 and department permission. Scheduled fall semesters. 3 credits.

CMD 531 — Disorders of Phonology

Etiology and nature of articulation/phonology disorders and theoretical considerations underlying successful assessment and clinical procedures. Prerequisite: departmental permission. Scheduled fall and summer semesters. 3 credits.

CMD 532 — Medical Audiology

Overview of disorders affecting hearing, their symptomology and audiologic signs. Concepts and underlying principles of basic and advanced audiometric techniques, calibration, interpretation of audiological results as they relate to identification of pathologies. Prerequisites: CMD 530 and department permission. Scheduled spring semesters. 3 credits.

CMD 533 — Audiological Assessment for the Difficult to Test: Pediatrics

A survey of audiological techniques employed in assessing hearing sensitivity in difficult to test populations, with an emphasis on pediatrics. Areas to be covered include embryology, etiology and modifications of various standard tests as applied to a pediatric population. Prerequisites: CMD 530 and department permission. Scheduled fall semesters. 3 credits.

CMD 537 — Cognitively-Based Communication Disorders in Adults

Survey of cognitively-based communication disorders in adults including: right brain damage, traumatic brain injury and dementia. Emphasis on differential diagnosis with some discussion of treatment planning. Prerequisites: CMD 418 and departmental permission. Scheduled fall and summer semesters. 3 credits.

CMD 545 — Disorders of Fluency

Theories of the causes of disorders of fluency; methods of examination, diagnosis, therapy and research in fluency. Prerequisite: department permission. Scheduled fall and spring semesters. 3 credits.

CMD 550 — Language Acquisition Disorders: Birth to Five

This course provides instruction in developmentally appropriate practices for young children and individuals with severe disabilities. Both formal and naturalistic assessment methods will be introduced. Students will gain experience with child-centered, clinician-directed and hybrid methods of intervention. Family-centered and culturally sensitive practice will be emphasized. Use of alternate and augmentative communication strategies will be discussed. Prerequisites: CMD 319 and department permission. Scheduled fall and spring semesters. 3 credits.

CMD 551 — Language Disorders: School-Age

This course provides instruction in the assessment and treatment of language-learning disorders in school-aged children and adolescents. Assessment methods that evaluate conversation, narration, and written language will be introduced. Curriculum-based methods will be stressed. Intervention techniques that integrate oral and written language, develop learning strategies, and involve collaboration among professionals will be discussed. Student-centered and culturally sensitive practice will be emphasized. Prerequisites: CMD 319 and department permission. Scheduled fall and spring semesters. 3 credits.

CMD 553 — Amplification Systems

Principles underlying the measurement of electroacoustical characteristics of hearing aids; clinical selection of wearable amplification; assistive listening devices; group auditory training systems; and related client management issues. Prerequisites: CMD 530 and department permission. Scheduled spring semesters. 3 credits.

CMD 554 —Electrophysiological Measures of Auditory Function

Principles underlying the electrophysiological assessment of the auditory system; emphasis on instrumentation, test protocols, research methodologies, and clinical implications and interpretations. Prerequisites: CMD 530 and department permission. Scheduled fall semesters. 3 credits.

CMD 555— Audiology and Audiometry II

Introduction to advanced diagnostic techniques in audiology. Included are specialized behavioral and objective tests for retrocochlear and central evaluations. The use of these tests in the differential diagnosis of auditory pathology is stressed. Prerequisites: CMD 530 and department permission. Scheduled spring semesters. 3 credits.

CMD 559 — Educational Audiology

Methods of intervention in communication disorders related to loss of hearing and auditory deprivation for school-aged children. Prerequisites: CMD 530 and department permission. Scheduled fall and spring semesters. 3 credits.

CMD 574— Environmental Audiology

Study of the effects of noise on hearing; emphasis on government regulations and the development of hearing conservation programs in industry and the environment. Prerequisites: CMD 530 and department permission. Scheduled alternate summers.3 credits.

CMD 575 — Central Auditory Processing Disorders in Children

Theory, diagnosis, and treatment underlying central auditory processing disorders in children as differentiated from language and learning disorders. Emphasis placed on both behavioral and electrophysiological assessment protocols and their relationship to therapeutic intervention. Prerequisites: CMD 530 and department permission. Scheduled summer terms. 3 credits.

CMD 583 — Voice and Velopharyngeal Disorders

Theory, diagnosis and treatment underlying the articulation, resonance, and phonatory problems associated with voice and velopharyngeal disorders. Consideration is given to current research in etiology, technology, and multicultural issues affecting appropriate intervention. Prerequisites: CMD 317, CMD 420 and department permission. Scheduled fall and summer semesters. 3 credits.

CMD 600 — Directed Study and Research

Directed study and research project under guidance of a faculty member. Regularly scheduled meetings, an examination upon the completion of the project. Prerequisite: department permission. Scheduled fall and spring semesters. 3 credits.

CMD 602 — Augmentative and Alternative Communication

Principles of assessment and intervention for persons requiring augmentative and alternative communication strategies. Topics will include low and high technology aids and adaptations, symbol systems, vocabulary selection, interdisciplinary team work, and procuring funding. Prerequisite: departmental permission. Scheduled spring and summer semesters. 3 credits.

CMD 605 — Special Project in Communication Disorders

Synthesis of research, theory, and practice in communication disorders. Prerequisites: 35 credits in Communication Disorders, departmental permission. Scheduled fall and spring semesters. 3 credits.

CMD 610 — Communication and Developmental Disabilities

A survey course regarding the speech-language status of individuals with mental retardation, autism, and cerebral palsy. The course content will include developmental concerns, current research, assessment practices, and speech-language intervention. Prerequisites: departmental permission. Scheduled alternate fall terms. 3 credits.

CMD 627 — Dysphagia

Anatomy and physiology of normal swallowing. Nature and causes of dysphagia. Assessment including: clinical examination and radiologic methods; treatment. Prerequisites: CMD 527 and departmental permission. Scheduled wintersession and summer terms. 3 credits.

CMD 630 — Adult Aural Rehabilitation

Management of adults with functional residual hearing. Emphasis is on development and maintenance of aural-oral communication through amplification, auditory training, speechreading and speech and language intervention and use of assistive listening devices. Current research and theory in aural-oral rehabilitation, education and counseling techniques are presented. Prerequisites: CMD 530 and department permission. Scheduled alternate summers. 3 credits.

CMD 652 — Autistic Spectrum Disorders: Clinical and Educational Approaches

Study of the social, cognitive, neurological, and communicative aspects of Autistic Spectrum Disorders. A range of assessment and intervention techniques for individuals at various levels of functioning will be stressed. Prerequisite: departmental permission. Scheduled fall, spring and summer semesters. Same as SED 652. 3 credits.

CMD 665 — Counseling and Guidance Procedures in Speech and Hearing

This course thoroughly acquaints the student with those counseling and guidance procedures necessary for the most efficient rehabilitation of the patient with a speech and/or hearing disorder. Interview techniques, parent-child relationships, and client and family adjustment problems will be discussed. Prerequisite: departmental permission. Scheduled summer semesters. 3 credits.

PRACTICA

CMD 560-561 — Speech and Language Practicum A & B

Supervised clinical practice at the Center for Communication Disorders with children and adults who have language, speech, and hearing disorders. Training in clinical procedures, including case history taking, examination and evaluation of communication disorders. Individual and group sessions are included. Each student is required to attend a staffing session each week. Prerequisite: departmental permission. Scheduled fall, spring and summer semesters. 3-5 credits each semester.

CMD 562 — School Practicum

An advanced practicum. Students are assigned to approved school settings. Students are expected to complete in hours the equivalent of full time employment at the setting for one semester. Scheduled fall, spring and summer semesters. Prerequisite: departmental permission. 6 credits.

CMD 564 — Diagnostic Practicum in Speech-Language Pathology

Clinical practicum and weekly lectures/meetings focusing on skill development necessary for planning and executing a diagnostic assessment of speech, language, and related communication disorders, interpreting and reporting clinical findings, and developing appropriate recommendations for intervention. Prerequisites: CMD 461 and departmental permission. Scheduled fall, spring, and summer semesters. 3-5 credits.

CMD 568 — Audiology Practicum

Supervised clinical practice in audiology at the Center for Communication Disorders and at approved public school, hospital, and rehabilitation settings with children and adults who have all degrees of hearing sensitivity. Training in clinical procedures, including case history taking and the evaluation and rehabilitation of hearing disorders. Individual and group sessions may be included. Each student is required to attend a staffing session each week. Prerequisites: CMD 530 and departmental permission. Scheduled fall, spring and summer semesters. 3-9 credits.

CMD 569 — Neuropathologies Practicum

An advanced practicum. Students are assigned to approved hospitals or rehabilitation centers. A minimum of 25 hours per week is required at the assigned site. Prerequisites: completion of all on-campus practica and departmental permission. Scheduled fall, spring and summer semesters. 6 credits.


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