Communication Sciences and Disorders

Department of Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences (formerly Communication Sciences and Disorders)

Mission: The Department of Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences serves to meet the needs of its students by providing a rigorous, scientifically sound, culturally responsive, evidence-based education with experiential learning opportunities. In doing so, students receive the opportunity to gain the knowledge and skill necessary for personal, professional, and intellectual achievement within their community.

Vision: The Department of Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences will be a respected partner in the community by fostering academic, research, and clinical excellence, as well as engaged citizenship. Students are prepared to be valued members and leaders of their communities.


 

Faculty and Instructors

Suzanne Crawford-Stacy, Clinical Instructor (2013), B.S., Worcester State University; M.S., University of Vermont

Kristina A. Curro, Department Chair, Associate Professor (2015), B.A., University of Rochester; M.A., University of Massachusetts-Amherst; Ph.D., University of Massachusetts-Amherst

Keith N. Darrow, Professor (2010), B.S., University of Massachusetts; M.S., Brooklyn College; Ph.D., Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard Medical School

Colleen Karow, Associate Professor (2017), B.A., M.A., Western Illinois University; Ph.D., University of Texas at Austin 

Andrea Quinn, Center Director (2023), B.A., Northeastern University, M.S. Massachusetts-General Hospital Institute of Health Professions

Jaime L. Marino, Clinical Instructor (2021), B.A., Simmons College; M.S., Worcester State University

Kenneth S. Melnick, Associate Professor (2004), B.A., University of Michigan; M.A., University of Cincinnati; Ph.D., Vanderbilt University

Kym Meyer, Assistant Professor (2022), B.A., Hofstra University; M.S., Gallaudet University; Ph.D., University of Massachusetts-Amherst

Athena Reese, Clinical Instructor (2023), B.A., University of Louisville, M.S. University of North Texas

Samantha L. Scripture, Assistant Professor (2022), B.A., Elms College; M.A., University of Massachusetts-Amherst; Ph.D., University of Massachusetts-Amherst

Courses

CD-100 Introduction to Human Communication and its Disorders

LASC Categories: HBS, ICW

Nature and causes of organic and functional speech/language and hearing problems, general awareness of diagnostic and therapeutic techniques.

Fall and Spring and every year. 3 Credits

CD-103 Language Science

LASC Categories: TLC

Introduction to basic linguistic knowledge including theoretical areas of pragmatics, semantics, syntax, morphology and phonology in a multicultural perspective.

Fall and Spring and every year. 3 Credits

CD-105 Phonetics

Introduction to the study of English speech sounds, their articulation and acoustic characteristics, and speech transcription using the International Phonetic Alphabet.

Fall and Spring and every year. 3 Credits

CD-110 Anatomy and Physiology of Speech And Hearing

LASC Categories: NSP, TLC

Normal anatomy and physiology of the speech and hearing mechanisms with emphasis on respiration, phonation, resonance, articulation, and audition.

Fall and Spring and every year. 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.

Fall and Spring and every year. 3 Credits

CD-120 An Introduction to American Sign Language

An introduction to American Sign Language; vocabulary, grammar and colloquialism as used in the Deaf community. Deaf culture, history, and social justice themes will be introduced through readings and movies.

Fall and Spring and every year. 3 Credits

CD-193 Special Topics in Communication Sciences And Disorders for First-Year Students

LASC Categories: FYS

Introductory level course covering topics of special interest to first-year students. Offered only as a First-Year Seminar.

Every year. 3 Credits

CD-201 Hearing Science

LASC Categories: QAC

Prerequisites: CD-110. Math placement code of 3 needed.

Basic information to understand concepts in audiology: physical concepts, acoustics, psychoacoustics, measurement of sound and speech perception theories.

Fall and Spring and every year. 3 Credits

CD-202 Speech Science

Prerequisites: CD-110 and CD-105 (new number)/CD-205 (old number) with C or above and Math placement code of 3 needed.

Basic information to understand concepts in speech; physical and psychophysical bases, linguistic and psycholinguistic aspects and clinical instruments.

Fall and Spring and every year. 3 Credits

CD-203 Language Science

LASC Categories: TLC

Basic linguistic knowledge including theoretical areas of pragmatics, semantics, syntax, morphology and phonology in a multicultural perspective.

Fall and Spring and every year. 3 Credits

CD-207 Intermediate Sign Language

Prerequisites: CD-120 with a grade of C or above.

Students gain more facility in sign usage. Receptive and expressive vocabularies are expanded and fluency increased.

Spring only and every year. 3 Credits

CD-230 Neuroscience for Communication Sciences and Disorders

LASC Categories: NSP

Prerequisites: CD-110

Structure and function of the nervous system and its relation to normal and disordered speech, language, and hearing.

Fall and Spring and every year. 3 Credits

CD-301 Directed Observations

LASC Categories: WAC

Prerequisites: EN-102
Prerequisites or Corequisite: CD-305 CD-310 CD-320

Beginning aspects of clinical issues including objectives, rapport and timing. Therapy/diagnostic sessions will be viewed and highlighted by the instructor.

Spring only and every year. 2 Credits

CD-305 Introduction to Audiology

Prerequisites: CD-201 with a minimum grade of C.

Introduction to audiometric testing techniques and interpretation as related to ear pathologies.

Spring only and every year. 3 Credits

CD-310 Language Disorders

Prerequisites: CD-100 CD-103 CD-110 CD-115 CD-205 CD-202 with a minimum grade of C.

Examiniation of the processes interfering with normal language acquisition and the disorders which disturb established language skills in children and adults.

Spring only and every year. 3 Credits

CD-320 Speech Disorders

Prerequisites: CD-100 CD-110 CD-115 CD-201 CD-202 CD-205 with a minimum grade of C.

Study of the theoretical bases of articulation, voice and fluency disorders. Etiology, characteristics, evaluation and rehabilitation of these disorders.

Spring only and every year. 3 Credits

CD-400 Introduction to Aural Rehabilitation

LASC Categories: DAC

Prerequisites: CD-201 CD-202 CD-305 CD-310 CD-320 with a minimum grade of C.

Study of the theoretical bases of the characteristics, evalutation and treatment of individuals with hearing impairment across the life span.

Fall only and every year. 3 Credits

CD-401 Advanced Directed Observations

LASC Categories: WAC

Prerequisites: CD-301 with a minimum grade of C and EN-102/EN-250

Advanced aspects of clinical issues including procedures and material selection. Therapy/diagnostic sessions will be viewed and highlighted by the instructor.

Fall only and every year. 2 Credits

CD-408 Directed Study: Communication Sciences and Disorders

Directed study offers students, who because of unusual circumstances may be unable to register for a course when offered, the opportunity to complete an existing course with an established syllabus under the direction and with agreement from a faculty member.

3 Credits

CD-410 Professional Guidelines and Skills

LASC Categories: CAP

Prerequisites: CD-305 CD-310 CD-320 with a minimum grade of C.

Exploration of topics related to career preparation, personal wellness and professional practice in communication sciences & disorders and allied fields.

Fall only and every year. 3 Credits

CD-475 Selected Topics in Communication Sciences and Disorders

Prerequisites: CD-310 CD-320 with a minimum grade of C.

Selection of topics of mutual interest to the student and faculty. Timely topics and issues will be covered.

Spring only and every year. 3 Credits

CD-490 Independent Study in Communication Sciences and Disorders

The student will pursue an area of special interest in speech pathology or audiology through research or field experience, under faculty supervision. Junior and senior majors only.

Fall and Spring and every year. 1-6 Credits

Program Goals

 

  • Students will demonstrate knowledge and skills of the science underlying human communication, including anatomy and physiology, speech science, phonetics, language science, hearing science, and neuroscience.

  • Students will demonstrate introductory knowledge and application regarding etiology and characteristics of communication disorders.

  • Students will demonstrate introductory knowledge and application of assessment, prevention, and intervention of communication disorders.

  • Students will demonstrate pre-professional written and oral language skills pertaining to communication sciences and disorders.

  • Students will develop critical thinking skills pertaining to their understanding of the normal and disordered processes of communication.

 

Program Learning Outcomes

 
  • Students will demonstrate growth in understanding and application of knowledge associated with anatomy and physiology of the speech and hearing mechanisms and processes. 
  • Students will demonstrate growth in understanding and application of knowledge and skills associated with phonetics.
  • Students will demonstrate growth in understanding and application of knowledge associated with speech science.
  • Students will demonstrate growth in understanding and application of knowledge associated with language science.
  • Students will demonstrate growth in understanding and application of knowledge associated with hearing science.
  • Students will demonstrate growth in understanding and application of knowledge associated with neuroscience.
  • Students will demonstrate growth in understanding and applying knowledge regarding etiology and characteristics of communication disorders
  • Students will demonstrate growth in understanding  and applying knowledge  of assessment, prevention, and intervention of communication disorders
  • Students will demonstrate growth in pre-professional written language skills pertaining to communication sciences and disorders
  • Students will demonstrate growth in pre-professional oral language skills pertaining to communication sciences and disorders
  • Students will apply critical thinking skills pertaining to communication sciences and disorders