School of Science, Technology, and Health|
The goal of the undergraduate program of the Department of the Communication Sciences and Disorders is to facilitate an understanding of normal human communication processes and communication disorders. These disorders can develop in children or occur later in life.
Communication is defined as the sharing of needs, experiences, ideas, thoughts, and feelings with other people through modalities such as talking, listening, writing, reading, and nonverbal means. Undergraduate students in Communication Sciences and Disorders begin by learning the scientific foundations of the normal processes of communication. This scientific basis is followed by an introduction to the disorders that can occur in speech, language, and hearing in children and adults.
Disabilities Studies Minor
Katherine Bianchi, Clinical Instructor (2021), B.S., Bridgewater State University; M.S., Worcester State University
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
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
Emily Maloney, Visiting Instructor (2021), B.A., Tufts University; M.S., Worcester State University
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
Roger L. Towne, Associate Professor (2004), B.A.,M.A. University of Montana; Ph.D. Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Anne T. Veneziano-Korzec, WSU Speech-Language-Hearing Center Director (1988), B.S. Boston College; M.S. Syracuse University
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.
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.
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.
CD-120 Introduction to Sign Language
Sign language systems and fingerspelling with emphasis on American Sign Language vocabulary and word order.
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.
CD-202 Speech Science
Prerequisites: CD-110 and CD-205 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.
CD-205 Phonetics
The study of English speech sounds, their articulation and acoustic characteristics, and speech transcription using the International Phonetic Alphabet.
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.
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.
CD-307 Intermediate Sign Language
Students gain more facility in sign usage. Receptive and expressive vocabularies are expanded and fluency increased.
Other or on demand 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.
CD-320 Speech Disorders
Study of the theoretical bases of articulation, voice and fluency disorders. Etiology, characteristics, evaluation and rehabilitation of these disorders.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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