Speech-Language Pathology
Degrees and Certificates
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Curriculum -
Leveling Track Curriculum
Courses
SLPPD 0501: Neurological Bases of Communication Disorders
Credits 4.0This course covers the neurological and physiological bases of normal and disordered communication. Embryological development of the central nervous system, and neuroanatomy and neurophysiology of the motor and sensory systems, including vision and audition are covered. Brain dissection laboratory experiences enhance mastery of neurological concepts introduced in the course. The course integrates basic neuroanatomy with cognitive neuroscience through assigned readings, lectures, and laboratory experiences.
SLPPD 0502: Research Methods in Communication Sciences and Disorder
Credits 4.0This course introduces students to research methods, including basic research concepts, common research designs, and methods of data analysis commonly used in the field of speech-language pathology. Students will learn to critically read and evaluate research manuscripts.
SLPPD 0503: Evidence-Based Practice in Communication Sciences and Disorders
Credits 3.0In this course, students will gain experience critiquing professional literature relevant to clinical and/or research practices. They will complete a literature review on a topic of interest and use it to inform evidence-based, clinical decisions.
SLPPD 0504: Cultural and Linguistic Diversity in Communication Disorder
Credits 3.0This course will instruct the student on evidence-based practices for meeting the needs of culturally and linguistically diverse populations across the lifespan. The course will focus on developing cross-cultural competence through understanding cultural diversity, multilingual acquisition, multilingualism, effective use of interpreters and translators, and service delivery strategies.
SLPPD 0511: Thesis I
Credits 0.0 2.00This course is required by all students electing the thesis track. It involves one hour of class attendance in which thesis students will work together to develop their research questions and methods, and one hour of independent study. Students will work with the Program Director to secure a Thesis Chair and two other faculty members to comprise their thesis committee. Students will meet with their Thesis Chair to devise an original research project, timeline, and budget. Completion of a literature review, rationale for research, and research plan is expected this term.
SLPPD 0512: Thesis II
Credits 0.0 1.00This course is required of all students completing a master's thesis. It again involves one hour per week of class attendance in which students will review the technicalities of writing and formatting a professional manuscript. One hour of independent study with the Thesis Chair is also incorporated into this thesis experience. Completion of the first three chapters of a five chapter manuscript is expected, along with a timeline for collection of data.
SLPPD 0519: Pediatric Speech Sound Disorders
Credits 4.0This course covers speech disorders of developmental or linguistic origin. Students will learn to assess and treat articulation and phonological impairment. Highlights include practice collecting and analyzing comprehensive speech samples, administering standardized tests, and planning therapeutic interventions specific to individual cases.
SLPPD 0521: Language Disorders in Early Childhood
Credits 4.0This course covers assessment and treatment of children with language disorders, focusing on the period from birth to age five. Language disorders experienced by children with cognitive challenge, hearing impairment, autism, other developmental disorders or traumatic brain injury will be addressed. The course will address special considerations for high-risk infants, emergent literacy, and how to work collaboratively with families to improve language and learning in the young child.
SLPPD 0522: Language Disorders in School-Age Children
Credits 4.0This course explores language disorders of school-age children and adolescents. Students will study the social, cognitive and linguistic aspects of language impairment. The interplay of language and literacy and its implications for intervention in this age group will be examined. Students will practice conversational and narrative analysis. Other formal and informal assessment methods will be reviewed, along with intervention models commonly used in school and private settings.
SLPPD 0525: Dysphagia I
Credits 4.0This course reviews the anatomy and physiology of swallowing, and disorders that impact this vital function in children and adults. Etiologies of swallowing disorders, as well as their evaluation and management will be addressed. Students will appreciate the concomitant conditions that typically accompany dysphagia, and learn to prioritize treatment objectives. Ethical considerations in swallowing intervention will also be incorporated.
SLPPD 0526: Aphasia
Credits 4.0This course examines communication disorders that result from acquired conditions, such as left or right hemisphere strokes or other acquired brain pathologies. Etiologies of these conditions, including neurological correlates for presenting symptoms, will be reviewed. Assessment and intervention models will be discussed, with attention to the cognitive, linguistic, and social aspects of resulting communication disorders.
SLPPD 0527: Cognitive-Communication Disorders
Credits 4.0This course examines communication disorders that result from acquired conditions, with emphasis on traumatic brain injury, dementia, and other degenerative neurological conditions. Etiologies of these conditions, including neurological correlates for presenting symptoms will be reviewed. Assessment and intervention models will be discussed, with attention to the cognitive, linguistic, and social aspects of resulting communication disorders.
SLPPD 0529: Voice and Resonance Disorders
Credits 4.0This course teaches evaluative and therapeutic aspects of voice and resonance disorders. Students examine the anatomical and physiological correlates of phonation and oral/nasal resonance. Embryology of the vocal mechanism is reviewed, including nasal, oropharyngeal, laryngeal, and pulmonary regions. Assessment and intervention of a variety of common voice/resonance disorders will be covered, including laryngectomy, cleft lip/palate, vocal fold hyperfunction, and therapies associated with a variety of neurogenic communication disorders.
SLPPD 0540: Clinical Methods in Speech-Language Pathology
Credits 3.0This course reviews general procedures for assessing and treating individuals with communication disorders. Techniques for administering and interpreting formal and informal measures of communicative behavior and the basics of treatment procedures are discussed. The basics of clinical writing are covered, highlighting preparation of documents that support the assessment and treatment process. The course is supplemented by supervised observation and/or shadowing experiences in the Midwestern University Speech-Language Institute or off-site school or healthcare locations.
SLPPD 0550: Clinical Practicum I
Credits 3.0This is the first of four supervised part-time speech-language pathology practicum experiences in the Midwestern University Multispecialty Clinic or other community-based sites. Students will learn how to plan and conduct assessment and intervention sessions for clients with communication disorders. One hour meetings will be included to review practicum experiences with other student clinicians to foster collaboration. Students will present clinical cases in grand rounds fashion. Essential functions for clinical performance will be covered, in addition to standards for ethical practice.
SLPPD 0552: Clinical Practicum II
Credits 3.0This is the second of four supervised part-time speech-language pathology practicum experiences in the Midwestern University Multispecialty Clinic or other community-based sites. Students will learn how to plan and conduct assessment and intervention sessions for individuals with communication disorders. One hour meetings will be included to provide an opportunity for students to review practicum experiences with other student clinicians to foster collaboration. Students will present clinical cases in grand rounds fashion. Working independently and as a member of an inter-disciplinary team will be explored.
SLPPD 0580: Phonetics
Credits 3.0This course introduces students to the study of the sound system of speech including terminology related to the study of phonetics. An applied component enables students to learn the International Phonetic Alphabet and to develop broad transcription skills at the sound, word, and sentence level. Dialectical variations of Standard American English will be discussed and students will learn about transcription of articulation and phonological disorders.
SLPPD 0585: Speech and Language Development
Credits 3.0This course educates students on speech and language acquisition and development for children from birth to school-age. Theories of language acquisition, speech and language developmental milestones, as well as traditional grammar models will be discussed.
SLPPD 0590: Speech and Hearing Science
Credits 3.0This course addresses the fundamentals of the sciences pertaining to articulation and voicing. Students will explore acoustics, respiratory science, voice production, acoustic phonetics, and sound spectrography. Fundamentals of speech perception and instrumentation will also be explored.
SLPPD 0604: Professional Issues and Ethics in Speech-Language Pathology
Credits 2.0This course focuses on the scope of practice for the speech-language pathology profession. Students will explore expectations for professional behavior based upon standards of practice and the ASHA Code of Ethics. Ethical dilemmas will be debated in preparation for a variety of clinical experiences. Procedures for obtaining the ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence, state licensure, and school certification will be reviewed.
SLPPD 0613: Thesis III
Credits 0.0 1.00This course is for all students on the thesis track. It involves one hour per week of independent study with the Thesis Chair. Completion of data collection and analysis is expected this term. Students should complete a draft of the final two chapters.
SLPPD 0614: Thesis IV
Credits 0.0 1.00This course is required of all students completing a master's thesis. It involves one hour per week of independent study with the Thesis Chair. Students should complete revision of their document and defend their thesis this term.
SLPPD 0625: Hearing and Aural Rehabilitation
Credits 2.0This course will teach basic methods for addressing the communication needs of individuals with hearing impairment and/or central auditory processing disorders. Students will learn how to read and interpret basic audiometric test results in order to recommend appropriate communication therapy. Communication modalities for individuals with hearing loss, and a variety of therapy methods to enhance language comprehension and production will be covered. Maintenance of amplification devices, collaboration with families and educators, and counseling for individuals with hearing loss will also be included.
SLPPD 0626: Autism and Other Developmental Disorders
Credits 2.0This course will provide information on the prevalence, incidence, and classification of autism and social communication disorders across the lifespan; collaborative model of evidence-based practices; assessment and treatment approaches for communication and social skills, and cultural considerations.
SLPPD 0628: Motor Speech Disorders
Credits 3.0This course covers assessment and treatment of neurogenic speech disorders, including the various types of dysarthria and apraxia. The complex process of differential diagnosis of these conditions will be addressed, along with numerous treatment approaches designed to target respiration, phonation, articulation, resonance and prosodic components of motor speech disorders.
SLPPD 0630: Fluency Disorders
Credits 3.0This course describes the nature and proposed etiologies of stuttering and associated disorders. Assessment and treatment of children and adults with fluency disorders will be addressed, including the need for counseling and ongoing management across the lifespan.
SLPPD 0631: Augmentative and Alternative Communication
Credits 3.0This course will address the complex communication needs of individuals with severe communication, sensory and/or physical impairments which may necessitate the use of augmentative and alternative communication systems (AAC). Students will become familiar with various types of assistive technologies used for AAC. The course will cover cognitive, educational, physical, psychosocial, and linguistic aspects of human behavior that impact AAC selection and implementation. AAC assessment and intervention strategies will be addressed, including interdisciplinary contributions from physical and occupational therapists.
SLPPD 0632: Dysphagia II
Credits 4.0This course will require students to apply knowledge to clinical cases. Students will be expected to generate diagnostic reports and treatment plans targeting pediatric and adult dysphagia. Interpretation of videoflouroscopic and endoscopic swallowing assessments will assist students in profiling phase-specific sensory and motor swallowing abnormalities. Complex cases will be addressed.
SLPPD 0633: Language, Literacy and Learning
Credits 4.0This course provides students with the theoretical models of language, literacy and learning. Examination of the interconnections between reading, writing, speaking and listening will be explored. The patterns of child and adolescent reading and writing are emphasized.
SLPPD 0640: Healthcare and Educational Settings
Credits 2.0This course focuses on speech-language pathology practice within healthcare and educational settings, to better prepare students to work in these environments. Topics covered will include terminology, legislation and regulations, oversight and responsibilities, interprofessionalism, and documentation required for effective practice.
SLPPD 0654: Clinical Practicum III
Credits 3.0This is the third of four supervised part-time speech-language pathology practicum experiences in the Midwestern University Multispecialty Clinic or other community-based sites. Students will learn how to plan and conduct assessment and intervention sessions for clients with communication disorders. One hour meetings will be included to provide an opportunity for students to review practicum experiences with other student clinicians to foster collaboration. Students will present clinical cases in grand rounds fashion. Addressing the needs of complex cases will be explored.
SLPPD 0656: Clinical Practicum IV
Credits 3.0This is the last of four supervised part-time speech-language pathology practicum experiences at the Midwestern University Clinic or other community-based sites. Students will learn how to plan and conduct assessment and intervention sessions for clients with communication disorders. One hour meetings will be included to provide an opportunity for students to review practicum experiences with other student clinicians to foster collaboration. Students will present clinical cases in grand rounds fashion. Continuing to learn how to address the needs of complex cases will be explored.
SLPPD 0660: Advanced Practicum in Speech-Language Pathology: Public School
Credits 12.0This is a supervised clinical experience in speech-language pathology in a public school setting. Students will acquire experience in individual and group therapy, assessment and consultation. This course consists of a 12 week, full-time school site placement. May be taken before or after SLPPD 0662 Advanced Practicum in Speech-Language Pathology: Medical/Healthcare Facility.
SLPPD 0662: Advanced Practicum in Speech-Language Pathology: Medical/Healthcare Facility
Credits 12.0This is a supervised clinical experience in speech-language pathology in a healthcare setting. Students will acquire experience in individual and group therapy, assessment, consultation and interdisciplinary staffing. It consists of a 12 week, full-time clinical site placement.
SLPPD 0670: Thesis Continuation I
Credits 0.5This course is reserved for SLP students needing additional time to complete and successfully defend their thesis project. Enrollment is necessary only when students have completed all other required coursework and are enrolled in Advanced Practicum courses. This is considered an extension of the thesis and must be approved by the Program Director.
SLPPD 0671: Thesis Continuation II
Credits 0.5This course is reserved for SLP students needing additional time to complete and successfully defend their thesis project. Enrollment is necessary only when students have completed all other coursework and are enrolled in Advanced Practica courses. This is considered an extension of the thesis and must be approved by the Program Director.
SLPPD 0800: Independent Study
Credits 1.0 3.00This course is designed to facilitate scholarly inquiry into a topic related to a specific component of speech-language pathology theory and practice. Course content, assignments and learning outcomes are developed in collaboration with the faculty mentor and the student, and the Program Director must approve the plan. Course credit is variable depending on the scope of work to be accomplished.