Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College · Courses
CSD
76 courses with the subject CSD, each shown exactly as we captured it from the college's catalog, with every element we hold. Where the wording looks broken, that is our reading of the catalog, not the college's text.
CSD 100Preventing Vocal Abuse, Misuse, and Disorders3
Preventing Vocal Abuse, Misuse, and Disorders is a 3 credit course intended to be the first course for all University students exploring communication sciences and disorders as a possible major, and students interested in learning specifically about vocal hygiene, voice use, vocal abuse and voice disorders. Principles of the voice mechanisms, preventing vocal abuse, and promoting vocal health across the life span are core principles of the course. The focus of this course is on preventing voice disorders and promoting activities that contribute to healthy vocal habits across the life span. The course is designed to integrate theoretical knowledge, practice-based, and measurement- focused activities to assist learners in understanding, achieving, maintaining, and promoting a lifetime of healthy vocal activities. Learning activities include use of specialized computer instrumentation for analyzing voice qualities. The educational objectives of the course are to: 1) develop a basic understanding of the normal and disordered vocal mechanism; 2) understand the need for maintaining and promoting lifetime wellness in your vocal activities and habits for any occupational choice; 3) learn about the prevention of vocal disorders across the life span from vocal nodules to laryngeal cancer; 4) understand the subjective and objective measures of vocal qualities to assist in changing and altering vocal abuses and misuses while improving and enhancing good vocal habits, and 5) developing an understanding of how vocal behaviors influence social behaviors, employment, and quality of life. The course includes an overview of the anatomy and physiology of the respiratory and vocal mechanisms, physics of voice production, development of vocal abuses and resulting pathologies, disorders including vocal growths, paralysis, voice disorders associated with cleft lip and cleft palate, syndromes, neurodegenerative disorders, aging and head and neck cancer. United States Cultures (US) General Education: Health and Wellness (GHW) GenEd Learning Objective: Effective Communication GenEd Learning Objective: Creative Thinking GenEd Learning Objective: Crit and Analytical Think GenEd Learning Objective: Key Literacies
CSD 146Introduction to Communication Sciences and Disorders3
Classification of speech, language, and hearing disorders, diagnostic and treatment procedures; skills and responsibilities of the speech- language pathologist and audiologist. CSD 146CSD 146 Introduction to Communication Disorders (3) (US;IL) CSD 146, Introduction to Communication Sciences and Disorders (INTRO TO CSD), is a 3-credit course typically offered every semester. The course is intended as the first course for Communications Sciences and Disorders majors or for students exploring Communications Sciences and Disorders as a possible major. For Communications Sciences and Disorders majors, CSD 146 is a required course, requiring a grade of "C" or better, and should be taken during the first or second year (semester standing 1-4) since CSD 146 is a prerequisite for CSD 230, 245, 395W, 442, 444, 451, and 459W. The educational objectives of the course are to introduce students to speech, language, and hearing disorders and the professions of speech/language pathology and audiology. This is done by providing an overview of the normal aspects of speech, language, and hearing followed by an overview of speech, language, and hearing disorders with emphasis on assessment and intervention strategies. The course includes an overview of the anatomy and physiology of the speech and hearing mechanisms, physics of sound, and linguistic and
In this course, students will develop their knowledge and awareness of American Sign Language (ASL). Students will learn and develop comprehension and production abilities in ASL. Emphasis will be on recognition and demonstration of basic grammatical features of ASL with focus on development of fluency and accuracy. The primary components of this course will be to introduce and practice what students are learning in this language class including, vocabulary development, grammatical features, conversation and communication skills, and cultural awareness. When possible, classroom instruction will be augmented with guest speakers and videos. Class attendance and outside practice with other people who know or are studying ASL are essential in this course. Bachelor of Arts: World Language (All)
Basic measurement procedures, evaluation, and screening of hearing loss using pure-tone and speech audiometry, immittance, and physiological measurements. CSD 230CSD 230 Introduction to Audiology (3)
CSD 240Supporting Communication Through The Performing Arts3
This course will allow students to acquire skills, knowledge, and experiences about the ways in which performance activities such as improvisation, vocal performance, and dance can promote valued communication and developmental outcomes for individuals with and without developmental and intellectual disabilities. The course is explicitly designed to include students from the Lifelink PSU program Undergraduate - The Pennsylvania State University 2026-2027 3837 who have intellectual disabilities, who learn with and alongside enrolled students. This structure directly emphasizes the interconnections between students with and without disabilities, as well as between the knowledge bases and theoretical approaches brought by specialists in the performing arts and in diverse areas of disability services. The course will emphasize the pluralistic nature of knowledge in the social and behavioral sciences by incorporating the pedagogy and knowledge of experts from the performing arts with the empirical scientific approach taken in diverse disciplines dedicated to disability services and rehabilitation, including but not limited to Communication Sciences and Disorders, Education and Special Education, Psychology, Music Therapy, and Rehabilitation. Students will collaborate to analyze both in the empirical research literature as well as in their classroom experiences with the Lifelink students the specific ways in which various performing arts offer opportunities for growth in self-expression, interpersonal understanding, and other important communication skills. General Education: Social and Behavioral Scien (GS) GenEd Learning Objective: Effective Communication GenEd Learning Objective: Crit and Analytical Think GenEd Learning Objective: Global Learning GenEd Learning Objective: Integrative Thinking
CSD 250Professional Issues in Communication Sciences and Disorders2
This course is an overview of contemporary professional issues within the field of communication sciences and disorders. Topics include choosing an appropriate graduate school, understanding the processes of credentialing Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) and audiologists, exposure to employment settings in the field, and current legislation and topics affecting service delivery. This course provides coursework on ethics, universal precautions, and patient confidentiality to meet the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) Speech- Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) Certification requirements. Enforced Concurrent at Enrollment: CSD 146
/Maximum of 18 Creative projects, including research and design, which are supervised on an individual basis and which fall outside the scope of formal courses.
CSD 300Developmental Considerations in the Assessment and3
Treatment of Language Disorders Using a developmental framework to interpret problems in child language acquisition. CSD 300 Developmental Considerations in the Assessment and Treatment of Language Disorders (3) (US;IL) CSD 300, Developmental Considerations in the Assessment and Treatment of Language Disorders (DEV OF LANG DIS), is a 3-credit course typically offered every Fall semester. For Communications Sciences and Disorders majors, CSD 300 is a required course, requiring a grade of 'C' or better, and should be take during the second or third year (semester standing 3-6). The course is oriented toward students who intend to pursue a career in speech- language pathology and provides the foundation for higher level speech and language courses in Communications Sciences and Disorders. The overall educational objective of the course is to introduce students to child language development as the foundation for assessing and treating children with language disorders. This is done by lecture and active learning experiences so that students understand (a) several theories and information concerning the relations between normal and abnormal language development in children, (b) how individual, cultural, and linguistic differences contribute to language development, (c) the relations between theories of language development and empirical research, and (d) the interaction between normal and abnormal language development in children. Students are required to complete reading assignments and participate in group activities. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: CSD 146
Introducton to phonetic transcription of speech emphasizing articulatory phonetics of American English, its dialects, and disordered speech; extensive transcription experiences. CSD 311 Clinical Phonetics (3) For Communications Sciences and Disorders majors, CSD 311 is a required course, requiring a grade of "C" or better, and should be taken during the second or third year (semester standing 3-6). The educational objectives of this course are to introduce students to the phonetic transcription of speech sounds using the Internal Phonetic Alphabet, provide an overview of articulatory phonetics, describe representative sounds from languages of the world with primary emphasis on American English and its dialects, and the transcription of disordered speech production. Students will be expected to read and transcribe broad and narrow phonetic symbols, become familiar with sociolinguistic factors and non-organic and organic speech disorders that affect pronunciation. In addition, students will be expected to describe the phonetic capabilities of humans including the articulary basis of speech sounds, aspects of speech production, and speech sounds produced by the world's languages and disordered speakers. Recitation and extensive practice in transcription of live speech are integral parts of the course. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: CSD 146
In this course, the students will use their knowledge from the introductory course to further their development of comprehension and production abilities in American Sign Language (ASL). Emphasis will be on recognition and demonstration of more sophisticated grammatical features of ASL with focus on increasing fluency and accuracy. The primary components of this course will be to practice what students are learning in this language class including vocabulary development, grammatical features, conversation and communication skills, and cultural awareness. Speech will not be permitted in the classroom; communication will be in American Sign Language. When possible, classroom instruction will be augmented with guest speakers and videos. Class attendance and outside practice with other people who know or are n studying ASL are essential in this course. Bachelor of Arts: World Language (All)
CSD 331Anatomy and Physiology for Speech and Hearing3
Structure and function of the physical systems involved in speech and hearing, including respiration, phonation, articulation, perception, and neurology. CSD 331 Anatomy and Physiology for Speech and Hearing (3) For Communications Sciences and Disorders majors, CSD 331 is a required course, requiring a grade of "C" or better, and should be taken during the second or third year (semester standing 3-6). The overarching goal of this course is to provide a comprehensive foundation
In this course, the students will continue to further development of comprehension and production abilities in American Sign Language (ASL). Emphasis will be on recognition and demonstration of more sophisticated grammatical features of ASL with focus on increasing fluency and accuracy. The primary components of this course will be to practice what students are learning in this language class including vocabulary development, grammatical features, conversational and communication skills, and cultural awareness. Speech will not be permitted in the classroom; communication will be in American Sign Language. When possible, classroom instruction will be augmented with guest speakers and videos. Class attendance and outside practice with other people who know or are studying ASL are essential in this course. Bachelor of Arts: World Language (All) Undergraduate - The Pennsylvania State University 2026-2027 3839
In this course, the students will continue to further development more advanced comprehension and production abilities in American Sign Language (ASL). Emphasis will be on recognition and demonstration of more sophisticated grammatical features of ASL with focus on increasing fluency and accuracy. The primary components of this course will be to practice what students are learning in this language class including vocabulary development, grammatical features, conversational and communication skills, and cultural awareness. Speech will not be permitted in the classroom; communication will be in American Sign Language. When possible, classroom instruction will be augmented with guest speakers and videos. Class attendance and outside practice with other people who know or are studying ASL are essential in this course. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: CSD 418 Bachelor of Arts: World Language (All) Bachelor of Arts: World Lang (12th Unit)
This course will provide the CSD major with foundational knowledge on the anatomy, physiology, and neurology of the typical, healthy swallowing process (deglutition). This is an elective course for CSD majors and should be taken during the third or fourth year of the major. The overarching goal of this course is to provide the student with a comprehensive foundation on the swallow and to better prepare the student for their graduate course in dysphagia. Through lectures and experiential learning, students will be expected to: (a) understand the anatomy, physiology, and neurology of the typical swallow; (b) understand the different stages of the typical swallow; (c) understand various methods of clinical and instrumental evaluation techniques used to assess the swallow; (d) understand the importance of the ability to swallow on a person's overall quality of life; and (e) understand the legal issues surrounding a person's ability to swallow. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: CSD 146 and CSD 331 or one of the following BIO courses: BIOL 155 or 161 or BIOL 163 or BISC 2 or BISC 4 or undergraduate standing in the CSD program and/or consent of department.
Methods for improving receptive skills of persons with hearing impairments; clinical observation and practice. CSD 433 Aural Rehabilitation (3) Students will gain a basic understanding of the principles of aural rehabilitation for hearing impaired (HI) and deaf infants, children, and adults. Specifically, students will gain an understanding of: 1) hearing loss and hearing handicap in relation to speech understanding and communication, 2) the principles of amplification systems and assistive listening and alerting devices, 3) assessment of communication and communication strategies, 4) auditory training, 5) speech reading, 6) aural rehabilitation for adults, a 7) aural rehabilitation for infants/children. In addition, students will al acquire knowledge concerning the roles and work-sites of professionals working with HI and deaf individuals, and the impact of hearing loss and deafness on the individual, family, and society. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: CSD 146 and CSD 230
CSD 442Introduction to Disorders of Articulation and Phonology3
This course is required for Communications Sciences and Disorders majors and should be taken during the third or fourth year. The intent of this course is to provide students with a basic understanding of the etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of children having articulatory and phonological disorders. The course is designed to facilitate critical thinking through problem solving. The educational objectives are that students will acquire an understanding of: 1) the theoretical and practical bases of language and dialectal variations, 2) normal and abnormal articulatory and phonological acquisition, 3) factors related to phonological disorders, 4) assessment procedures and analysis and interpretation of assessment results, and 5) remediation concepts, principles, and methodologies. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: CSD 311 and CSD 331
CSD 444Introduction to Organic Disorders of Speech and Language3
The profession of speech-language pathology and audiology deals with varied disorders of communication and swallowing. Many clients demonstrate communication challenges due to acquired disorders such as stroke, traumatic brain injury, dementia, laryngeal cancer, stuttering and various voice disorders. This course will introduce basic concepts and pathophysiology of selected organic disorders and the role of the speech-language pathologist in treating organic disorders in adults. Students will gain basic knowledge in the pathophysiology, assessment, and treatment related to a variety of acquired disorders in field of Communication Sciences and Disorders. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: CSD 300 and CSD 331
CSD 459Principles of Clinical Management in Communication Disorders
(PRIN CLIN MGMT), is a 3-credit writing-intensive course required for Communications Sciences and Disorders majors, and should be taken during the final year of their undergraduate curriculum. The intent of this course is to closely review the principles and practices for assessing and treating people across the life span who have a communication disorder as well as reviewing, interviewing, counseling, and report writing skills. Overall, this "how-to" course is designed to provide students with practical solutions and methods when serving persons with communication disorders. The educational objectives are that students will acquire an understanding of: 1) report writing with emphasis on different styles and the need for clear documentation and explanations, 2) assessment with emphasis on interviewing skills, preparation and test administration, interpretation of the results, and oral and written presentation, 3) therapy practices with emphasis on task analysis, behavioral objectives, and implementation, 4) documentation with emphasis on lesson plans, mid and final reports, documentation specific to school versus medical settings, and billing, and 5) client and family counseling and group sessions. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: CSD 300 and (CSD 431 or CSD 442 or CSD 444 or CSD 462 or CSD 451) Writing Across the Curriculum
/Maximum of 3 The course is required for Communications Sciences and Disorders majors. The course is designed to be an overview of language disorders with emphasis given to child language disorders. Specifically, the course provides information with a wide range of language disorders that affect individuals having different disabilities such as autism spectrum disorder, deaf and hard of hearing, intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, specific language impairment, learning disabilities, and traumatic brain injury. Through lecture, active learning experiences, and out-of- class assignments, students will learn to differentiate communication characteristics and associated problems for specific populations and become familiar with basic assessment and intervention principles. In
/Maximum of 18 Creative projects, including research and design, which are supervised on an individual basis and which fall outside the scope of formal courses.
This course will introduce students to the underlying neuroanatomy and neuroph, ysiology of communication and social disabilities focus will be on the role, of the nervous system plays in communication (e.g., speaking, listening, ,writing). This course will prepare CSD majors for higher level course, dealing with assessment and treatment of individuals who suffer from, neurological insult, injury, lesions, as well as congential and degenerative, disorders. ,
CSD 520Physiologic and Acoustic Issues in Speech Science3
Seminar in the physiologic and acoustic aspect of normal and disordered speech production. CSD 520CSD 520 Physiologic and Acoustic Issues in Speech Science (3) CSD 520, Physiologic and Acoustic Issues in Speech Science (PHSIO-ACS SPCH SCI), is a 3-credit course offered every Fall semester. The course is required of all CSD graduate students working towards a masters degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders. The educational objectives of the course are to provide information on acoustical and some physiological aspects of normal speech production, along with some applications to disordered speech production, particularly neurogenic speech disorders, stuttering, and voice disorders. The goal of the course is to provide the graduate student with experience using the most common methods of speech analysis in the research laboratory and the clinic. Because of the frequent use of audio recording equipment in the field, the emphasis is on acoustical analyses for measurement of vowel and consonant properties. Considerable emphasis is placed on coarticulation. Assessment is based on student projects including vocal fundamental frequency analysis, electroglottographic analysis, acoustic analysis of articulation, analysis of vowels of typical speakers as well as vowels of speakers who stutter, and acoustical analysis of consonants.
12 credits in communication sciences and disorders
CSD 540Phonological Disabilities3
Speech-sound production disorders in children and adults; methods of examination, diagnosis, and treatment. CSD 540CSD 540 Phonological Disabilities (3) CSD 540, Phonological Disability (PHONOL DISABLITY), is a 3-credit graduate course typically offered every spring semester. The course is required of all graduate students pursuing a masters degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders. The course has two prerequisites, CDS 442, Introduction to Disorders of Articulation and Phonology and CSD 495A, special topics in phonetics. The objectives of the course are to develop an attitude of critical thinking in the areas of phonological disorders. Class discussions, tests, and projects promote synthesis of ideas. In addition, the course integrates research and practice and a portion of class meetings is spent relating research findings to clinical practice in the treatment of phonological disorders. Original articles focusing on treatment of phonological disorders are required reading. Class sessions and independent and group projects
Physical, physiological, and psychological bases of voice production; causes, nature, and symptoms of its disorders; current clinical methods in voice improvement. CSD 541CSD 541 The Voice and Its Disorders (3) This course presents information on vocal function for speech and the disorders that are common to the human vocal folds. During the first section of the course, the physical, physiological, and psychological bases of voice production are discussed along with the causes, nature, and symptoms of voice disorders. Voice disorders are difficult to understand without adequate demonstrations; therefore, the class uses videotapes and voice samples to help foster understanding of the course material. The first portion of the course also includes a review of the anatomy and physiology of the voice and vocal acoustics and extensive coverage of various laryngeal pathologies. Second, voice evaluation and diagnosis are examined including VisiPitch training, electroglottography, endoscopy and stroboscopy. Third, specific clinical management techniques are examined including treatment for vocal abuse and laryngeal muscle tension reduction. Alaryngeal voice disorders are examined including pre- and post-operative counseling and tracheosophageal speech and voice prosthetics. Finally, neurological disorders of the voice and resonance disorders are examined.
The purpose of this course is to analyze modern theories of causes of disorders of rhythm in speech; methods of examination, diagnosis, and treatment in fluency disorders; and, the supporting evidence-based practice research. Topics covered include facts about stuttering and its core behaviors, the etiology of stuttering, the development of stuttering. Furthermore, students learn to evaluate stuttering behaviors and to work as part of an interdisciplinary team. Students will learn to evaluate and treat preschool children, school-age children and adults who stutter. In addition, other types of fluency disorders are covered.
CSD 543Craniofacial Anomalies: Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate1
This course enhances graduate students' understanding of the following topics: 1) velopharyngeal mechanism and function for speech production in individuals with and without cleft palate and craniofacial anomalies; 2) basic embryological development related to the lip and palate fusion process; 3) common genetic syndromes that involve cleft palate; 4) in- depth understanding of resonance disorders; and 5) assessment and treatment of resonance disorders.
Etiology and symptomatology of dysarthric and apraxic speech: diagnosis, treatment, and the team rehabilitative program approach to these disorders. CSD 545CSD 545 Neuromotor Disorders of Speech (3) In this course, students gain basic knowledge of neurological bases for speech-motor control. Students learn to identify and describe diseases/ conditions that result in acquired and developmental motor speech disorders. Students learn to identify and describe the dysarthrias in clinical populations across the age span. Emphasis is placed on the development and implementation of appropriate intervention plans to remediate and/or compensate for motor speech disorders. Students complete three examinations during class and write a paper that synthesizes current research on a topic in motor speech disorders.
Nature, etiology, diagnosis, and management of language disorders in adults. CSD 546CSD 546 Language Disorders in Adults (3) This course provides information about the disorders of language that result from impairments to the central nervous system. Basic neurology, the aging process, and the nature and cause of aphasia-producing conditions are covered along with issues related to the assessment and management of adults with aphasia. Stroke-related aphasia in adults is the emphasis of this course, but it also briefly covers other common language and cognitive neuropathologies of traumatic brain injury, Alzheimer's Disease, and right-hemisphere brain damage. related fields such as psychology, linguistics, or human development.
9 credits in communication sciences and disorders or
CSD 547Language Disorders in Children3
This course provides students with a strong foundation in the nature of language disorders, the current issues in and theories of language disorders, assessment and intervention, and key language assessment and intervention approaches. Major topics include assessments and interventions with infants, toddlers, preschoolers, school-age children, adolescents, children from diverse cultures, and children with communication disorders as the result of autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, and intellectual disability. As a result of the foundation laid in this course, students will be able to critically evaluate and apply the current literature and forthcoming research to their clinical practice.
Understanding the process of the swallowing mechanism and the management and treatment of swallowing disorders. CSD 548 Dysphagia (3) This course is designed to provide graduate students with basic knowledge of the swallowing process/mechanism. A brief overview of normal swallowing from birth to the aging adult will be presented.
CSD 549Speech-Language Pathologists in the Schools3
Topics concerning service delivery in the school setting; legislation related to service delivery, special education enrollment, collaboration, caseload management, special populations. CSD 549 CSD 549 Speech- Language Pathologists in the Schools (3) This course covers multiple aspects related to becoming a competent speech-language pathologist in the public school system. Topics include: legislation related to school- based service delivery; the hierarchy of special education enrollment; considerations for special populations; caseload management and logistical aspects of work in the public school system., Case examples, class discussion, and group activities will be used to illustrate various aspects of this work setting.
CSD 550Seminar in Communication Sciences and Disorders1-6
/Maximum of 6 Advanced study of special problems and new developments in communication sciences and disorders. CSD 550CSD 550 Seminar in Communication Disorders (1-6) This seminar is designed to address special topics of interest to doctoral students in the Communication Sciences and Disorders. Topics covered vary from semester to semester and include the art and science of grant writing; various research approaches such as qualitative research methods or single-subject experimental research methods, etc.; issues related to teaching at the university level, speech perception, neuroscience, cognitive science, and cochlear implants.
/Maximum of 5 CSD 595ECSD 595E Audiology Practicum (1-5) This course provides speech-language pathology graduate students with a detailed and pragmatic understanding of hearing testing, normal and abnormal auditory systems, and common practices used to evaluate hearing ability. Students will gain experience in pure-tone audiometry, tympanometry, speech audiometry, central auditory processing disorders, and otoacoustic emissions. Students participate in hearing aid fittings, programming and repairs. Students learn to interpret the results of audiological evaluations and make appropriate recommendations based on results of audiological evaluations.
/Maximum of 9 Creative projects, including nonthesis research, which are supervised on an individual basis and which fall outside the scope of formal courses.
or CSD 596 Individual Studies Students will have the option to choose between CSD 549 and CSD 853. CSD 549 is required for students who plan on obtaining teacher certification. Students can choose to complete a thesis or a scholarly paper as the culminating experience for the degree. The non-thesis option for the Master of Science degree requires a scholarly paper and additional course credits in lieu of a thesis. Students choosing to complete a thesis must complete at least 6 credits in thesis research (600 or 610). Students choosing to complete a scholarly paper must complete at least 18 credits in 500-level courses. The thesis must be accepted by the advisers and/or committee members, the head of the graduate program, and the Graduate School, and the student must pass a thesis defense. The scholarly paper must be accepted by the student’s adviser and the head of the graduate program. Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Requirements listed here are in addition to Graduate Council policies listed under GCAC-600 Research Degree Policies. (https:// gradschool.psu.edu/graduate-education-policies/) The Doctor of Philosophy degree normally requires a master's degree in communication sciences and disorders or a related field, plus a minimum of two years of advanced study, and presentation and oral defense of a s research-based dissertation. The Doctor of Philosophy degree normally requires a master's degree in 2 communication sciences and disorders or a related field, plus a minimum of two years of advanced study, and presentation and oral defense of a 3 research-based dissertation (the final oral examination). The dissertation 3 must be accepted by the Ph.D. committee, the head of the graduate program, and the Graduate School. 2 There are no core or required courses for the Ph.D. degree. Two research exercises, one of which is used for doctoral qualifying examination early in the doctoral program, are required prior to the
or CSD 596 Individual Studies Total Credits 60 Incorporates SARI requirement. Students may only register for CSD 600 / CSD 610 if they are pursing the Thesis Option.
CSD 845Professional Issues in Speech-Language Pathology1
This course provides a review of professional ethics, reviews regulations and requirements for professional practice across a variety of settings, and discusses cultural considerations for studying, assessing, treating, and counseling those clients and their families/caregivers with communication and swallowing disorders across the lifespan. Students will also explore contemporary issues related to the field of speech- language pathology through the lens of mass media and diverse patient populations.
CSD 846Language Disorders in School-Aged Children3
Characteristics of language disorders specific to school-aged children, including principles and best practices for the assessment, diagnosis, and intervention techniques for children and adolescents across diverse patient populations. Special focus will also be placed on synthesizing the available evidence-based medicine to expand the students' knowledge base.
Information on written language across the lifespan including the relationship between spoken and written language, typical written language development, developmental written language disorders, and acquired written language disorders across diverse populations. Students will also gain experience with evidence-based practice as it relates to assessment plans and interventions for written language disorders and will gain practical information on providing written language services across a variety of educational and clinical contexts/settings.
This lab-based course will provide students the unique experience of manipulating rigid and flexible endoscopes for assessment of the velopharynx, larynx and swallow anatomy and physiology. There will be hands on practice in a small group setting with direct instruction from experts in the field of laryngology. Students will have opportunity to learn and refine skills for interpretation of stroboscopy and flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES).
s This course covers the unique challenges of evaluating and treating speech, voice, and swallowing disorders resulting from treatment for head and neck cancer. A basic understanding of the causes of and surgical/chemoradiation treatments for various types of head and neck cancers will be obtained. Emphasis will be placed on communication and swallowing evaluations and rehabilitation following cancer treatments. A team approach to patient care will be stressed.
Current topics related to the field of speech-language pathology in a medical setting with a focus on medical terminology, interdisciplinary models, medical billing and insurance reimbursements, evidence-based practice, common medications, and other topics of contemporary interest (e.g., tracheotomy, head and neck cancer). Students will also gain experience in conducting chart reviews, writing clinical notes, and role-playing experiences with other disciplines and family members/ caregivers. Differences between patient populations seen in adult and pediatric settings will also be discussed.
This lab-based course covers the unique challenges of evaluating and treating speech, voice, and swallowing impairments demonstrated by patients requiring tracheostomy tube placement with and without mechanical ventilation. Hands-on education will include task training with various tracheostomy tubes, oneway speaking valves, and ventilators/ ventilator settings; as well as interprofessional case studies using high- fidelity mannequins and simulated patient modalities/technologies.
This course explores current research and best practice in the study of autism across the lifespan, including language, cognition, social, and emotional processes. We will discuss varying approaches to assessment and intervention based upon evidence-based practices.
Principles, theories, and characteristics of cognitive disorders associated with acquired adult neurogenic disorders with a focus on dementia and traumatic brain injury. Emphasis will be placed on assessment, diagnosis, intervention, and prognosis of the disorders across diverse populations using evidence-based practice. Graduate - The Pennsylvania State University 2026-2027 1009
/Maximum of 15 This course covers clinical diagnostics and intervention practices across the lifespan with individuals with a variety of communication disabilities. Students will have the opportunity to develop their clinical knowledge and skills by accruing practicum hours. The number of clinical hours assigned each semester depends on the number of credits being taken as well as the number and types of hours that need to be accrued to meet certification requirements. The graduate student will attend one weekly meeting with each supervisor with whom a client is assigned. Additionally, this course includes a weekly class lecture, providing instruction in and application of diagnostic and therapy procedures. Topics covered include interviewing clients, parents, and spouses, counseling clients and their families, clinical teaching, and activities to enhance teaching and learning. Students also learn appropriate methods of report writing, data collection, writing clinical objectives, and intervention plans.
/Maximum of 15 This course is a full-time externship experience in the assessment and treatment of communication disorders and is completed at an off-campus site. Graduate students in Communication Sciences and Disorders participate in an active learning clinical practicum with working professionals to enhance their academic and clinical competencies and skills. Students will accrue required clinical practice hours in an off-campus clinical and/or educational setting including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, early intervention programs, and public schools including pre-school programs. accrual of >200 clinical hours
45 credits in communication sciences and disorders and
CSD 895ISpeech Pathology Mini-Placement1-9
/Maximum of 9 Graduate students in Communication Sciences and Disorders participate in an active learning clinical practicum with working professionals to enhance their academic and clinical competencies and skills. Students will accrue these required clinical practice hours by completing this mini- placement in an off-campus clinical and/or educational setting including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, early intervention programs, and public schools including pre-school programs.
