Bachelor of Science in Speech Language & Communication Disorders Curriculum

Prepare to serve people with speech and language disabilities by obtaining your first degree in this growing field. With the Bachelor of Science in Speech-Language and Communication Disorders, you can work as a speech-language pathology assistant (SLPA) or apply for master's programs in speech-language pathology, including at Nova Southeastern University.

Curriculum

TOTAL DEGREE REQUIREMENTS (120 credits)

General Education Requirements: 30 credits
Program Requirements: 24 credits
Major Requirements: 42 credits
Open Electives: 24 credits

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

Course Number	Course Title
ESOL 2903	Cross Cultural Studies This course will enable students to expand their knowledge of a multiplicity of cultural groups nationwide. This knowledge will allow them to identify culture-specific verbal and nonverbal communications and school behaviors resulting from cultural variations and their influence on student behavior/attitudes. The use of recent research findings and cross-cultural awareness will assist participants in maximizing student learning and in designing culturally-sensitive instructional materials while exhibiting appropriate teacher behaviors in cross-cultural school settings. In addition to class meetings, a 10 hour virtual field experience is required for this course. Prerequisite/s: None
PSYC 2390	Adulthood and Aging
SPCH	(3 credits of Oral Communication)
EDUC 3350	Survey of Except Student Education Foundations in exceptional student education in which historical perspectives, student characteristics, prevalence, incidence, etiology and medical aspects of exceptional learners are discussed. Techniques of prevention and intervention, from infancy through adulthood, are explored through classification processes, the continuum of services and the utilization of community services. Current trends and issues will be investigated. In addition to class meetings, a minimum of 10 hours of observation and participation in a field setting is required. Prerequisite/s: COMP 1500, COMP 2000 or COMP 2020, MATH 1040, MATH 1050, and GKEP.
BIOL 1070	Basics of Human Heredity
PSYC 2300	Behavior Modification
BHS 4001	Individuals with Disabilities and Special Needs
BHS 4150	The Science of Sound

TOTAL CREDITS: 24

MAJOR REQUIREMENTS

Course Number	Course Title	Credits
CSAD 2010	Communication Disorders through Film and Media Overview of communication disorders through a representation in films, literature, and media. This course provides an overview of speech, language, and hearing disorders from a clinical perspective. Communication disorders will be examined through the perception of society. Prerequisite/s: COMP 1500.	3
CSAD 3010	Phonetics This class will cover the study of the history, theory and application of phonetics. Students review sampling and transcription techniques and applications to clinical practice. Prerequisite/s: CSAD 2010.	3
CSAD 3020	Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech-Language and Hearing Mechanisms This course is an introduction to the anatomy and physiology of the auditory and vocal mechanisms. Prerequisite/s: BIOL 1100 and PHYS 1020	3
CSAD 3025	Language Science This course will provide the foundation for understanding the morphological and syntactic processes in typical language development. Students will learn to apply this knowledge to the clinical analysis of language. The study of syntactic and morphological processes as it relates to clinical analysis of language. Prerequisite/s: CSAD 2010	3
CSAD 3030	Speech-Language Development Study of prelinguistic and psycholinguistic variables related to normal development from infancy through adolescence. Prerequisite/s: CSAD 3025, and PSYC 1020	3
CSAD 3035	Foundations of Language and Literacy This course will explore the foundations of language and literacy development as content background for effective language and literacy instruction, birth to age 5. Topics include theories of language and literacy development, history of reading and writing instruction, literacy and technology, cultural and linguistic aspects of literacy, and various perspectives and models of literacy learning. Prerequisite/s: CSAD 3030	3
CSAD 3040	Neuroanatomy This course provides an introduction to the gross structure of the brain and spinal cord and functional relationship of their parts with emphasis on the auditory and vestibular peripheral and central nervous systems. Prerequisite/s: CSAD 3020.	3
CSAD 3050	Hearing and Speech Science This course covers the nature of sound, sound transmission, and units of measurement necessary to understand the physiologic, acoustic, and perceptual parameters of hearing and speech production. A basic review of instrumentation and technology available and utilized in speech, hearing, and language research, intervention and assessment is provided. Prerequisite/s: CSAD 3020.	3
CSAD 3060	Directed Observation Students must observe twenty-five clinical clock hours of evaluation and treatment by an ASHA certified and state licensed SLP as an orientation to the clinical aspect of speech-language pathology. Observation hours must be completed at university-affiliated sites and must precede clinical assignments. Prerequisite/s: CSAD 4010, and CSAD 4030.	1
CSAD 3080	Introduction to Research in CSD This course will provide an introduction to research methods used in speech-language and communication disorders. Research studies will be used to illustrate research designs used in the discipline. Ethics of research will be discussed. Academic writing and APA style will be highlighted. Prerequisite/s: MATH 1040, and MATH 1060 or MATH 2020, and COMP 1500, and CSAD 4010 and CSAD 4030	3
CSAD 4010	Evaluation of Speech-Language Disorders Principles of screening and evaluation of clients typically seen in a clinic, school, hospital or nursing home settings, including administration of specific evaluation instruments. Prerequisite/s: CSAD 3010, and CSAD 3030.	3
CSAD 4030	Treatment of Speech-Language Disorders Overview of communication disorders, professional terminology, and intervention strategies. Prerequisite/s: CSAD 3010, and CSAD 3030.	3
CSAD 4050	Introduction to Audiology Instruction in test administration and interpretation of standard and specialized tests of auditory function. Prerequisite/s: CSAD 3050	3
CSAD 4070	Rehabilitation for People with Hearing Impairment Prevention and remediation of communication problems resulting from hearing impairment, in populations from birth to geriatrics. Prerequisite/s: CSAD 3030, CSAD 4010, CSAD 4030, and CSAD 4050.	3
CSAD 4080	Capstone A culminating experience which incorporates knowledge gained in coursework in speech/language and communication science and disorders. The capstone experience offers students the opportunity to bridge theory-to-practice. This experience may be a service-learning project, research paper, or clinical experience. Prerequisite/s: CSAD 3080, CSAD 4010, and CSAD 4030	2
CSAD 4081	Foundations for the Speech-Language Pathology Assistant A culminating experience which incorporates knowledge gained in coursework in speech/language and communication science and disorders. This course focuses on work skills, ethics and professionalism, and basic clinical skills required for work as a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA). Prerequisite/s: CSAD 3080, CSAD 4010, and CSAD 4030.	2
CSAD 4990	Independent Study in Speech, Language and Communication Disorders Students select an area of study in cooperation with a supervising faculty member. The project may be focused on research activities, clinical experiences, conference presentation or publication participation, or other related approved activities. A plan of study must be approved by the supervising faculty member and program director. Prerequisites: Instructor and Program Director approval.	1-3

TOTAL CREDITS: 42

SLP Department Elective Course Options

Course Number	Course Title
CSAD 2015	Introduction to American Sign Language I Students will learn background and historical information related to American Sign Language (ASL) and the Deaf Community. Students will learn the basic parameters, components, linguistic principles, and syntax of ASL. Students will learn how to execute finger-spelled words correctly. Students will demonstrate, both expressively and receptively, mastery of signed vocabulary words totaling approximately 300 concepts. Frequency: Fall and Winter.
CSAD 2020	Introduction to American Sign Language II Students will continue to learn background and historical information related to American Sign Language (ASL) and the Deaf Community. Students will continue to learn the basic linguistic principles, and syntax of ASL. Students will demonstrate, both expressively and receptively, mastery of signed vocabulary words totaling approximately 350 concepts. Pre-Requisite: CSAD 2015. Frequency: Every Winter and Fall.
CSAD 2025	Introduction to American Sign Language III Students will continue to learn background and historical information related to American Sign Language (ASL) and the Deaf Community. Students will continue to learn the basic linguistic principles, and syntax of ASL. Students will demonstrate, both expressively and receptively, mastery of signed vocabulary words totaling approximately 400 concepts. Frequency: Winter Only.

4-Year Plan of Study