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Students major in communication studies, with a concentration in communication disorders. Communication disorders students complete 45 credit hours of required courses for the major/concentration. This coursework includes study in communication sciences and disorders, psychology, English/linguistics, as well as statistics and research design.
Following completion of an undergraduate degree, students can pursue a master’s degree in speech-language pathology. Typically a master’s degree requires two additional years of study beyond the bachelor’s degree. At CWRU undergraduate students can apply to participate in the Integrated Graduate Studies program. In this program, a student can complete an undergraduate degree in communication disorders and a master’s degree in communication disorders in five years. On the following page, the recommended sequence for an undergraduate degree in communication disorders is provided. The recommended undergraduate sequence is slightly different for students interested in the IGS program.
Typically, students who complete an undergraduate degree in communication disorders pursue graduate education in speech-language pathology or audiology. A master’s degree is the entry level degree for professional clinical practice in speech-language pathology and currently for audiology as well. (A clinical doctorate in audiology (AuD) is the entry level professional degree in audiology.) Thus, for many students an undergraduate degree in communication disorders is a pre-professional degree in preparation for graduate study. As such the undergraduate coursework in the communication disorders curriculum emphasizes the basic processes and acquisition of normal communication in children and adults. Graduate study then focuses on the study of disordered communication.
Many students pursue undergraduate study in communication disorders as preparation for further study in other fields or in conjunction with study in other fields. For example, one can combine a major in communication disorders with a major in sociology or psychology or with a minor in gerontological studies. Those professionals involved in human services fields such as medicine, social work, nursing or education work with persons with communication disorders. For students interested in academic or research careers, investigation in the field of communication disorders is often done alongside investigation of normal human behavior. For example, one might study the word learning of children with normal language as well as children with language impairments.
Careers in Communication Disorders
The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) is the national professional organization for speech-language pathologists and audiologists. Speech-language pathologists and audiologists are professionals who provide assessment and intervention services to persons with communication disorders. They are employed in a variety of settings including hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and private practice. A master’s degree is the entry level degree for practice in speech-language pathology. A clinical doctorate in audiology (AuD) is the entry level degree for practice in audiology. ASHA issues a professional certification in the fields, the Certificate of Clinical Competence. In most states speech-language pathologists and audiologists must be hold a state license to practice. In addition, many states require that speech-language pathologists employed in the public schools hold some sort of teacher certification or teacher licensure.
The ASHA website provides a wealth of information that can orient students to the professions. You can find information specific to students as well. In addition, persons interested in research in communication disorders will find helpful information at the ASHA website.
www.asha.org provides information on communication disorders to the public.
SUGGESTED SEQUENCE OF REQUIRED COURSES FOR THE BACHELOR OF ARTS DEGREE (45 credits)
| Year |
Fall |
Spring |
| Freshman |
PSCL 101 General Psychology (3) |
COSI 109 Introduction to Communication Disorders (3) |
| Sophomore |
COSI 211 Phonetics and Phonology (3)
COSI 260 Multicultural Aspects of Communication (3)
PSCL 230 Child Psychology (3) |
COSI 220 Introduction to American Sign Language (3)
PSCL 282 Quantitative Methods in Psychology (3)
ENGL 301 Linguistic Analysis (3)* |
| Junior |
COSI 313 Language Development (3)
COSI 325 Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech & Hearing Mechanism (3)
PSCL 375 Research Design and Analysis (3) |
COSI 321 Speech and Hearing Science (3) |
| Senior |
COSI 352 Introduction to Clinical Practice in Speech-Language Pathology (3)
COSI 370 Introduction to Audiology (3)
Spring |
COSI 345 Communication and Aging (3) |
COSI 109 is offered in the Fall and Spring semesters. All other COSI courses are offered only one semester per year, as noted above.
* ENGL 301 is offered in alternate years (Spring semester) and thus, may be taken either Sophomore or Junior year.
** This is the suggested sequence of courses; an individual student’s sequence may differ.
Undergraduate students may elect to take 400 or 500 level graduate courses with departmental/instructor permission.
DEPARTMENT ELECTIVES:
COSI 305, Neuroscience of Communication and Communication Disorders is an elective offered each Fall semester.
COSI 390, Independent Study allows students an opportunity to develop knowledge in an area of special interest. COSI 395, Honors Program provides students an opportunity to complete an independent research project under the guidance and mentoring of a faculty member in the COSI department.
Descriptions of Required Courses
Required Communication Sciences Courses:
COSI 109 Introduction to Communication Disorders
Forty-two million Americans have some type of communication disorder. How does a person with a communication disorders cope with the challenges of daily living? This course will examine the characteristics of communication disorders via first hand and fictionalized accounts in books, films, and simulated communication disorders experiences. Topics will include disorders of speech, language, and hearing in children and adults. Effects of communication disorders on families.
COSI 211 Phonetics and Phonology
Theoretical and applied study of the speech sounds of language. The use of the international phonetic alphabet as a tool for characterizing normal and deviant sound patterns. The linguistic structure and function of speech sound systems of both the adult and developing child.
COSI 220 Introduction to American Sign Language I
This course offers basic vocabulary training and conversational interaction skills in American Sign Language. Syntactic and semantic aspects of American Sign Language will be addressed. (Note: Students can opt to complete an additional semester of sign language, COSI 221.)
COSI 260 Multicultural Aspects of Human Communication
Introduces intercultural/interracial communication by discussing specific communication principles and by putting theory into practice by exploring differences in perception, and verbal and nonverbal communication messages. Course emphasizes relationship between communication, race, culture; nature of race and culture; and how they influence the communication process. Various theories and approaches to study of intercultural/interracial communication will be discussed, along with significant concepts, processes and considerations. Practical outcomes of intercultural/interracial encounters also will be discussed.
COSI 313 Language Development
Language acquisition theory and stages of development of syntax, semantics, pragmatics, and phonology in children. Contributions of biological, social, cognitive, and environmental factors to process of language development. Information on language variation in multicultural populations. Recommended prerequisite: PSCL 230 Child Psychology
COSI 321 Speech and Hearing Science
The course will focus on the aspects of normal speech productin and perception and hearing perception. The purpose of this course is to provide a foundation in normal aspects of oral communication that will prepare students for advance study in the assessment and management of disorders of speech and hearing perception. Topics to be covered include motor speech control, aeromechanics, basic acoustics, phonatory acoustics, speech and hearing acoustics, psychoacoustics, and speech and hering perception. Prerequisite: COSI 325
COSI 325 Anatomy and Physiology of Speech and Hearing Mechanisms
The course will focus on normal anatomy and physiology of the body systems involved in the processes of speech, language, hearing, and swallowing including the following: the auditory, respiratory, phonatory, articulatory, resonatory, and nervous systems. In part, the course material will be presented in a problem-based learning format. That is, normal aspects of human anatomy and physiology will be discussed in the context of the disorders that affect the processes of human communication and swallowing.
COSI 345 Communication and Aging
The normal and abnormal psychobiological changes that occur during aging and their effects on communication are addressed, as are communicative interaction styles, disordered communication, and rehabilitation practices.
COSI 352 Introduction to Clinical Practice
Clinical assessment and teaching procedures as well as the role of research/theory in clinical practice. Procedures to observe, measure, analyze communication skills. Practical application through case studies. Students complete 25 hours of observation of speech/language assessment and intervention. Prerequisite: COSI 211, COSI 313, or consent of instructor.
COSI 370 Introduction to Audiology
Disorders of hearing, assessment of hearing; including behavioral and objective measures; intervention strategies; and identification programs. Prerequisite: COSI 325 and COSI 321 or COSI 421.
Additional Required Courses Outside the Department:
The following courses are required courses that are offered by other departments in CWRU. Coursework in psychology provides an orientation to basic human development and behavior, an essential foundation in an applied field such as communication disorders.
PSCL 282 and PSCL 375 provide students with the knowledge necessary to participate in the research process as well as to be a consumer of research. Professionals in communication disorders must keep abreast of current research so as to provide state-of-the-art services to individuals with communication disorders. Increasingly, undergraduate students have opportunities to participate in research and to consider careers in research.
ENGL 301 provides students with a basic foundation in language science, crucial information to understanding language acquisition (COSI 313).
PSCL 101 General Psychology
Introduction to methods, research and theories of psychology. Basic findings from such areas as psychophysiology, sensation, perception, development, memory, learning, psychopathology, and social psychology.
PSCL 230 Child Psychology
Basic facts and principles of psychological development from the prenatal period through adolescence.
PSCL 282 Quantitative Methods in Psychology
Introduction to the theory and application of basic methods used in the analysis of psychological data.
Electives in Communication Disorders
Students can elect to take any of the following courses:
COSI 305 Neuroscience of Communication and Communication Disorders
The course focus is neuroanatomy and neurophysiology related to motor control and cognition, particularly aspects of cognition involved in language functions. Topics to be addressed include: principles of neurophysiology and neurochemistry; functional neuroanatomy of the central and peripheral nervous systems; neurological and neuropsychological assessment of communication; neurodiagnostic methods. In part, the course material will be presented in a problem-based learning format. That is, normal aspects of human neuroscience will be discussed in the context of neurological disorders affecting communication. (Note: This course can also be enrolled in at the graduate level, COSI 405, with permission of the undergraduate advisor and course instructor.)
COSI 395 Honors Program
Prerequisite: STAT 201 or PSCL 282 and PSCL 375, and faculty approval. Consult with your faculty advisor for more information.
COSI 390 Independent Study
Recommended Electives
Communication Sciences Major
Concentration: Communication Disorders
Behavioral and Social Sciences
COSI 305 Neuroscience of Communication Disorders
PSCL 290 Adolescence
PSCL 317 Health Psychology
PSCL 344 Developmental Psychopathology
PSCL 350 Behavior Genetics
PSCL 353 Psychology of Learning
PSCL 357 Cognitive Psychology
PSCL 370 Human Intelligence
PSCL 382 Psychological Measurement
PSCL 393 Experimental Child Psychology
ANTH 306 Anthropology of Childhood and the Family
EDUC 304 Educational Psychology
Language, Writing
ENGL 379 Topics in Language
ENGL 317 Business and Technical Writing
ENGL History of the English Language
PHIL 385 Philosophy of Language
Sciences
BIOL 150 Human Anatomy and Physiology for Health Science Students
Students who are interested in coursework in education, educational psychology, early childhood, and literacy can explore opportunities to take coursework at other colleges/universities in the Cleveland area. Contact the undergraduate advisor for more information.
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