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Communication Sciences and Disorders Major

Communication Sciences and Disorders Major


IN THIS SECTION
  • Communication Sciences and Disorders
    • Communication Sciences and Disorders Major
    • Communication Sciences and Disorders Minor
  • Disabilities Studies Minor
    • Disabilities Studies Minor
  • Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology
    • Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology
  • Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology
    • Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology
  • Normal and Disordered Speech, Language, and Hearing Minor
    • Normal and Disordered Speech, Language, and Hearing Minor

Learn how to help people effectively communicate.

Explore typical communication processes and how differences and disorders affect everyday life.

You will develop the ability to think critically, evaluate data, engage in scientific reasoning, and write and present professionally. With this degree you will be ready for a career in a helping profession, or you can continue on to graduate school to become a speech-language pathologist or audiologist. Whether you want to work alongside an autistic child, help students learn to read in the classroom, interact with a person who stutters, or help individuals stay part of the conversation as they age, this degree will help you achieve your goals.

What you will do:

  • Understand how humans learn to communicate with each other
  • Apply scientific principles to the basics of diagnosing and treating speech, language, and hearing disorders
  • Observe real-life clinical intervention in the on-campus Speech-Language-Hearing Center
  • Explore the connections among culture, language, and society
  • Participate in faculty research initiatives on topics such as fluency disorders, hearing loss, adult language disorders, cognitive disorders, and autism, among others
  • Discover the positive impact you can have on the lives of people who have difficulty communicating with others

The undergraduate program immerses students in an academically rigorous and challenging course of study. Students learn about the normal development and processes of speech, language, and hearing, as well as its disorders across the lifespan. In addition to the courses offered within the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, students are required to take courses in biological sciences, physical sciences, behavioral sciences, and mathematics.

The undergraduate curriculum allows the opportunity for students who may be interested to study abroad or be part of the National Student Exchange. The second semester of year one or the first semester of year two or three are good choices for these pursuits. Students must plan their semester away with their department advisor at least one year in advance to assure that they complete their major requirements in a timely manner. The curriculum also allows students to declare a minor in an area of interest.

Overall, the Communication Sciences and Disorders major provides students with knowledge and skills that enable them to do well in either graduate school or in the work place. Students will have an excellent liberal arts education with a strong basis of normal and disordered communication. Students acquire interpersonal, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, as well as scientific reasoning, strong writing ability, and strong presentation skills.

The Communication Sciences and Disorders Department’s Program Goals ensure that students will be able to demonstrate knowledge and skills of the science underlying human communication, including anatomy and physiology, speech science, phonetics, language science, and hearing science. Students will also be able to demonstrate knowledge of the etiology, characteristics, assessment, prevention, and intervention of communication disorders. In addition, students will demonstrate written, oral language, as well as critical thinking skills pertaining to normal and disordered communication.

Check Out the Different Communication Sciences and Disorders Courses at Worcester State
CD-100 Introduction to Human Communication and its Disorders
Nature and causes of organic and functional speech/language and hearing problems, general awareness of diagnostic and therapeutic techniques.
3 credits
CD-103 Language Science
Introduction to basic linguistic knowledge including theoretical areas of pragmatics, semantics, syntax, morphology and phonology in a multicultural perspective.
3 credits
CD-110 Anatomy and Physiology of Speech and Hearing
Normal anatomy and physiology of the speech and hearing mechanisms with emphasis on respiration, phonation, resonance, articulation, and audition.
3 credits
CD-115 Normal Development of Speech and Language
An in-depth coverage of the normal acquisition and development of speech and language, including phonology, morphology, syntax, and semantics.
3 credits
CD-201 Hearing Science
Basic information to understand concepts in audiology: physical concepts, acoustics, psychoacoustics, measurement of sound and speech perception theories. Prerequisites: CD-110. Math placement code of 3 needed.
3 credits
CD-202 Speech Science
Basic information to understand concepts in speech; physical and psychophysical bases, linguistic and psycholinguistic aspects and clinical instruments. Prerequisites: CD-110 and CD-205 with C or above and Math placement code of 3 needed.
3 credits
CD-205 Phonetics
The study of English speech sounds, their articulation and acoustic characteristics, and speech transcription using the International Phonetic Alphabet.
3 credits
CD-230 Neuroscience for Communication Sciences and Disorders
Structure and function of the nervous system and its relation to normal and disordered speech, language, and hearing. Prerequisites: CD-110.
3 credits
CD-301 Directed Observations
Beginning aspects of clinical issues including objectives, rapport and timing. Therapy/diagnostic sessions will be viewed and highlighted by the instructor. Spring only. Prerequisite: EN-102. Corequisites: CD-305 CD-310 CD-320.
2 credits
CD-305 Introduction to Audiology
Introduction to audiometric testing techniques and interpretation as related to ear pathologies. Spring only. Prerequisite: CD-201 with a minimum grade of C.
3 credits
CD-310 Language Disorders
Examination of the processes interfering with normal language acquisition and the disorders which disturb established language skills in children and adults. Spring only. Prerequisites: CD-100 CD-103 CD-110 CD-115 CD-205 CD-202 with a minimum grade of C.
3 credits
CD-320 Speech Disorders
Study of the theoretical bases of articulation, voice and fluency disorders. Etiology, characteristics, evaluation and rehabilitation of these disorders. Spring only. Prerequisites: CD-100 CD-110 CD-115 CD-201 CD-202 CD-205 with a minimum grade of C.
3 credits
CD-400 Introduction to Aural Rehabilitation
Study of the theoretical bases of the characteristics, evaluation and treatment of individuals with hearing impairment across the life span. Fall only. Prerequisites: CD-201 CD-202 CD-305 CD-310 CD-320 with a minimum grade of C.
3 credits
CD-401 Advanced Directed Observations
Advanced aspects of clinical issues including procedures and material selection. Therapy/diagnostic sessions will be viewed and highlighted by the instructor. Fall only. Prerequisites: CD-301 with a minimum grade of C and EN-102/EN-250.
2 credits
CD-410 Professional Guidelines and Skills
Exploration of topics related to career preparation, personal wellness and professional practice in communication sciences & disorders and allied fields. Fall only. Prerequisites: CD-305 CD-310 CD-320 with a minimum grade of C.
3 credits
CD-475 Selected Topics in Communication Sciences and Disorders
Selection of topics of mutual interest to the student and faculty. Timely topics and issues will be covered. Spring only. Prerequisites: CD-310 CD-320 with a minimum grade of C.
3 credits

Honors program

The Communication Sciences and Disorders Honors Program is intended for outstanding students within the major. Students completing the requirements will graduate with departmental honors. Applicants must submit a letter of application to the Communication Sciences and Disorders Undergraduate Committee, a research proposal, and a letter of support from a faculty sponsor. Applications are due November 1 for spring semester and April 1 for fall semester.

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