Communication Disorders Undergraduate Program

Program Description

The University’s bachelor of science (BS) in communication sciences and disorders is a program that provides the academic preparation and clinical experience needed to pursue a master's in speech-language pathology as well as employment in a variety of related fields. A master's degree in speech-language pathology is required to work as a speech-language pathologist in schools, hospitals, and other service provision settings.

The Bayh College of Education offers many features that make our Communication Sciences and Disorders Program among the best.

  • Students benefit from small classes taught by dedicated faculty. All students are assigned a faculty mentor who assists students in choosing minors, identifying career options, and developing their post-graduation plans.
  • The Norma and William Grosjean Clinic’s Rowe Center for Communicative Disorders offers frequent opportunities to observe the application of classroom knowledge in a clinical setting. The Center includes therapy rooms with two-way mirrors, sound and video monitoring systems, and a speech and voice science laboratory.
  • The program emphasizes clinical experiences near the completion of the major that are available in the Rowe Center for Communicative Disorders. The two-course clinical sequence includes a paired experience with a senior graduate student and the opportunity to provide direct services in the second semester.
  • Students progress through the program in cohort groups that encourage shared learning experiences and lead to lasting friendships.
  • A number of activities and organizations enable students to interact with other students and professionals in the field. These include the ISU chapter of the National Student Speech-Language-Hearing Association (NSSLHA), the Indiana Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ISHA), the University's Honors Program, and study abroad opportunities, which range from summer programs to a single semester or a full academic year in over 56 countries.

 

Learning Outcomes

Objective 1: The student will demonstrate foundational knowledge required for the evaluation and treatment of communication disorders
1.1 Students will demonstrate knowledge of linguistics
1.2 Students will demonstrate knowledge biological sciences
1.3 Students will demonstrate knowledge of Mathematics/Statistics
1.4 Students will demonstrate knowledge of physical sciences
1.5 Students will demonstrate knowledge of behavioral sciences
Objective 2: Students will demonstrate knowledge of the normal aspects of speech production
2.1 Students will demonstrate knowledge of phonetics
2.2 Students will demonstrate knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the speech mechanism
2.3 Students will demonstrate knowledge of the anatomy and function of the hearing mechanism
Objective 3: The student will describe the cognitive and linguistic processes underlying normal speech and language development
3.1 Students will describe normal process of language acquisition
3.2 Students will use appropriate linguistic terminology to describe components of language
3.3 Students will complete a speech and/or language assessment
Objective 4: The student will identify, describe, and differentiate communication disorders
4.1 Students will describe the characteristics of articulation disorders
4.2 Students will describe the characteristics of language disorders
4.3 Students will describe the characteristics of fluency, voice, and neurogenic disorders
4.4 Students will describe the characteristics of hearing disorder
4.5 Students will accurately determine the correct communication disorder following an evaluation
Objective 5: The student will communicate effectively in both oral and written formats
5.1 Students will demonstrate professional oral communication skills
5.2 Students will write an analysis of a clinical session
5.3 Students will effectively communicate evaluation results and an intervention plan in writing
5.4 Students will effectively communicate evaluation results and an intervention plan to clients and/or caregivers
Objective 6: The student will identify and describe appropriate assessments and interventions for persons with communication disorders
6.1 Students will identify and describe appropriate assessments for persons with communication disorders
6.2 Students will identify and describe appropriate interventions for persons with communication disorders
6.3 Students will identify and describe required modifications due to developmental, physical, linguistic, or cultural considerations
Objective 7: The student will apply legal and ethical practice guidelines for speech-language pathology clinical practice
7.1 Students will demonstrate knowledge of laws governing the practice of speech language pathology
7.2 Students will apply appropriate legal and ethical practices

 

Core Coursework, Related Coursework & Degree Map

Click here to view the core courses, related courses and degree map for the undergraduate communication disorders program.

 

Accreditation

The University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

 

Clinical & Experimental Experiences

Clinical Experience

Undergraduate students in the Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) program are introduced to the provision of services and the clinic in two undergraduate courses: CD 398 AND CD 400. 

In the CD 398: Undergraduate Introducton to Clinical Practicum course, each of undergraduates will be assigned to assist a graduate student with one of their clients. Undergraduate will be given the days and time of the sessions and are expected to be present for all the scheduled sessions. They will be in the room with the client and the graduate student and will assist in any manner directed. They are expected to set up the room, gather materials, make materials, take data, help with behavior and compliance, co-treat, and eventually take over one of the client's goals semi-independently.

In CD 400: Undergraduate Clinical Practicum, students continue to clinical experience. Some students will continue to be paired with a graduate student and others, with faculty recommendation, will be assigned their own client to work with.

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