HELP 2019-2020 Graduate Bulletin [ARCHIVED CATALOG] Department of Communication Science and Disorders Contract All Courses | Print this Page Facebook this Page (opens a new window) Tweet this Page (opens a new window)

Mission

The mission of the Department of Communication Science and Disorders is to establish and provide distinctive academic programs for students in Speech-Language Pathology, collaborations with community partners, and service to individuals with communication disorders across the life span.

The department is committed to preparing students to become dedicated, competent clinical leaders in the field of Speech-Language Pathology. The curriculum emphasizes the problem solving and critical thinking skills necessary to become strong clinical professionals capable of serving a diverse client population.

Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology

The department offers the Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology. The graduate program of study  is available primarily for applicants with undergraduate degrees in Communication Science and Disorders (CSD) or related fields. The degree requires five (5) semesters (2 years) and includes academic coursework as well as clinical practicum requirements. The Master of Science (M.S.) in Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) program at the University of Montevallo is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 2200 Research Boulevard #310, Rockville, Maryland 20850, 800-498-2071 or 301-296-5700.

All applicants must have coursework equivalents in biology and physical science (chemistry or physics), statistics, and speech science. The science courses must have a lab component and be 4 credit hours, unless a 3 credit hour science was completed as part of the earned undergraduate degree. Any of these additionally listed courses not obtained at the undergraduate level must be completed in addition to the graduate curriculum while at UM.

CSD Department Policies and Procedures

All academic and practicum requirements of graduate students meet ASHA Council for Clinical Certification (CFCC) standards. The SLP graduate program involves five semesters of full-time work, including a summer semester that includes courses in both Summer I and Summer II. The typical graduation date would be May of the second year.

Each graduate student is assigned to a faculty academic advisor who will guide the student through his/her entire academic and clinical program. However, fulfillment of all requirements for the graduate degree, the ASHA CCC, the state license, and teacher certification is the responsibility of the student.

Graduate SLP students will complete a minimum of 400 clock hours of clinical practicum (375 in direct clinical contact; 25 in observation), of which a minimum of 325 clock hours will be at the graduate level. Students may bring clinical practicum hours from their undergraduate program if they were properly supervised and meet all other ASHA Certification standards. Students transferring more than 75 graduate clock hours from another CAA-accredited institution must complete at least 325 graduate clock hours at Montevallo.

The CSD Department has arrangements with a number of off-campus clinical facilities (e.g., hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, public schools, etc.) where students may obtain properly supervised clinical practicum hours. During the first Fall semester, SLP graduate students obtain practicum experience primarily within the Speech and Language Center, and will begin to obtain practicum experiences off campus as they are ready. During the fall term of the second year, graduate students are assigned part-time to approved off-campus sites. During the Spring term of the second year, graduate students are assigned to approved full-time off-campus externships. Students work in both a pediatric setting and an adult medical setting for their externships. Because there are no academic courses during the externship, students may arrange an externship outside the local area with approval of the clinic director. If going outside the local area to facilities with no previous contracts with the University, the signed contracts must be returned to the department by October 1 prior to the spring externship. Out-of-state placements will require State Authorization.

Courses in Communication Science and Disorders

• Courses of Instruction  

Programs

Master of Science

• •  Speech-Language Pathology, M.S.

Courses

Communication Science and Disorders

• CSD 500 - Thesis

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  1-2 credit hours
  Elective master’s thesis for graduate SLP or AUD students, representing a formal research project involving normal or disordered aspects of speech, language, or hearing in children or adults. Selected with permission of the graduate adviser.
• CSD 501 - Neuroscience for Speech, Language, and Hearing

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  3 credit hours
  This course introduces the study of brain structure and function and how principles of neuroplasticity relate to human behavior in the areas of speech, language, hearing, cognition, and swallowing.
• CSD 502 - Research in Speech-Language Pathology

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  3 credit hours
  Explores fundamentals of research design critical to both evaluating and conducting research within the field of speech-language pathology.
• CSD 511 - Language Development and Disorders: Birth to Five

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  3 credit hours
  A review of language development and a study of assessment, analysis, and intervention of language disorders in children ages birth-five. Issues of emergent literacy will be included.
• CSD 512 - School Age Language and Literacy

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  3 credit hours
  An exploration of language and literacy assessment and intervention practices in the school-age population. Emphasis on special education laws with an introduction to Alabama Department of Education curriculum standards for grades K-12. Behavior plans and individualized education programs according to state and federal regulations will be written.
• CSD 514 - Professional Issues

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  1 credit hour
  This seminar will cover issues of relevance to professional practice including the code of ethics, praxis review, certification and licensure, professional organizations, counseling strategies, and supervision.
• CSD 530 - Introduction to Dysphagia

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  3 credit hours
  The study of the normal and abnormal neurological/physiological components of swallowing and related disorders. Special emphasis is given to the diagnosis and treatment of swallowing problems in the adult population.  Prerequisite(s): CSD 501  or equivalent.
• CSD 534 - Motor Speech Disorders

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  3 credit hours
  Motor speech disorders, the etiology of the disorders, and the diagnostic and treatment associated with various types of motor speech disorders. Portions of the course will relate to medical terminology and counseling related to persons with these specific disorders.
• CSD 539 - Augmentative and Alternative Communication

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  2 credit hours
  Principles and guidelines governing the use and implementation of an AAC system. A practical “hands on” approach to using and creating systems that meet the needs of AAC users and their families. Focus on assessment, intervention, current issues and trends, including a transdisciplinary approach to assessment and intervention.
• CSD 540 - Acquired Cognitive-Communicative Disorders in Adults

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  2 credit hours
  This course addresses the study of cognitive-communicative disorders in adults, including evaluation techniques and evidence-based treatment strategies, specifically related to dementia, acquired brain injury, and right-hemisphere syndrome.
• CSD 542 - Seminar in Cleft Palate and Syndromes

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  2 credit hours
   A study of the etiology, assessment, diagnosis, and treatment associated with cleft lip/palate and related orofacial syndromes. Focus will also be given to pediatric swallowing and feeding disorders among children with orofacial anomalies. 
• CSD 543 - Seminar in Stuttering

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  3 credit hours
  A study of the nature of stuttering, with emphasis on a survey of a number of theories on the causes and symptomatology of stuttering and associated intervention strategies.
• CSD 545 - Seminar in Voice Disorders

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  3 credit hours
  A study of the etiology, physiology, assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of functional and organic voice disorders.
• CSD 546 - Seminar in Aphasia and Related Neurogenic Disorders

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  3 credit hours
  This seminar will focus on aphasia and the myriad of characteristics associated with this disorder. Neurological constructs and neuroplastic changes associated with evidence-based treatment strategies and diagnostic principles will be addressed.
• CSD 547 - Speech Sound Disorders

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  3 credit hours
  A study of phonological theory, normal phonological development, and the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of speech sound disorders in children.
• CSD 548 - Seminar in Communicative Disorders

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  1-2 credit hours
  A variable content course focusing on special problems or current issues in communicative disorders.
• CSD 549 - Clinical Assessment and Counseling

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  2 credit hours
  This course surveys assessment methods used to diagnose and treat individuals with communication disorders. Counseling techniques for use in collaborating with individuals and caregivers during speech-language evaluation and treatment will also be explored.
• CSD 550 - Introduction to Clinical and Educational Interventions for Autism

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  3 credit hours
  Students will be introduced to the characteristics associated with autism and exposed to diagnostic requirements. Learners will describe challenges faced by individuals with autism, identify evidence-based interventions, and design accommodations and modifications appropriate for this population. Learners will develop lesson plans or treatment materials. Admission to the graduate program in M.S. SLP required. Cross-listed with CSD 401.
• CSD 579 - Clinical Practicum in Speech-Language Pathology-Introductory Level

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  1 credit hour
  Supervised clinical practice, including diagnostic and treatment experiences with children and adults exhibiting a variety of communicative disorders. Students will work in the Speech and Language Center and/or in local clinical or educational settings. CSD graduate program admission required. 
• CSD 580 - Clinical Practicum in Speech-Language Pathology-Intermediate Level I

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  2 credit hours
  Supervised clinical practice, including diagnostic and treatment experiences with children and adults exhibiting a variety of communicative disorders. Students will work in the Speech and Language Center, or in local clinical, medical or educational settings.  Prerequisite(s): CSD 579 .
• CSD 581 - Clinical Practicum in Speech-Language Pathology-Intermediate Level II

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  1 credit hour
  Supervised clinical practice, including diagnostic and treatment experiences with children and adults exhibiting a variety of communicative disorders. Students will work in the Speech and Language Center, or in local clinical, medical or educational settings.  Prerequisite(s): CSD 579 .
• CSD 582 - Clinical Practicum in Speech-Language Pathology-Intermediate Level III

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  1 credit hour
  Supervised clinical practice, including diagnostic and treatment experiences with children and adults exhibiting a variety of communicative disorders. Students will work in the Speech and Language Center, or in local clinical, medical or educational settings.  Prerequisite(s): CSD 579 .
• CSD 583 - Clinical Practicum in Speech-Language Pathology-Advanced Level I

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  3 credit hours
  Supervised clinical practice, including diagnostic and treatment experiences with children and adults exhibiting a variety of communicative disorders. Students will work in the Speech and Language Center, or in local clinical, medical or educational settings.  Prerequisite(s): CSD 580 .
• CSD 584 - Clinical Practicum in Speech-Language Pathology-Advanced Level II

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  4 credit hours
  Supervised clinical practice, including diagnostic and treatment experiences with children and adults exhibiting a variety of communicative disorders. Students will complete an off-campus externship placement in a facility with which the University has a contractual agreement.  Prerequisite(s): CSD 583 .
• CSD 585 - Clinical Practicum in Speech-Language Pathology-Advanced Level III

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  5 credit hours
  Supervised clinical practice, including diagnostic and treatment experiences with children and adults exhibiting a variety of communicative disorders. Students will complete an off-campus externship placement in a facility with which the University has a contractual agreement.  Prerequisite(s): CSD 583 .

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