updated 8/15/2006

Communication Sciences and Disorders

Elaine M. Frank, Chair

Associate Professors
Elaine M. Frank, Ph.D., University of South Carolina, 1988
Hiram L. McDade, Ph.D., University of Tennessee, 1976

Assistant Professors
Dimitar Delyski, Ph.D., Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 1989
Eric W. Healy, Ph.D., University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee, 1998
Julius Fridriksson, Ph.D., University of Arizona, 2001

Overview

The Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders offers programs leading to the degrees of Master of Speech Pathology, Master of Communication Disorders, and Doctor of Philosophy. Programs are accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation and its graduates are eligible for national certification, state licensure, and certification by the public schools of South Carolina.

Admission Standards

Due to the large number of applicants to the various graduate degree programs in speech-language pathology, admission is highly competitive. The department has no set minimum admission standards for grades or standardized test scores. All aspects of an applicant's packet are examined for signs of promise as a future professional.

Master’s Degrees

The department offers two master's degrees: the traditional, on-campus M.S.P. degree (which requires full-time, year-round enrollment for two calendar years), and the M.C.D. degree (offered on a part-time basis via distance education). The curricula for the M.S.P. consists of five principal areas of study: the normal development and use of speech, language, and hearing; information and training in speech-language pathology; information and training in audiology; clinical practice; and research. All requirements are dependent upon the student’s prior academic experience. During each semester of study, students have concurrent practicum placements in selected school or clinical locations to develop skills in the practice of speech-language pathology.

The M.C.D. was developed to assist the South Carolina state Department of Education with its plan to upgrade bachelor's-level public school "speech correctionists" to the master's degree and to address the national shortage of qualified personnel by bringing individuals from other disciplines into the profession.

Applications must be submitted no later than February 1 of the year in which they wish to enroll.

M.C.D. Degree Curriculum

The M.C.D. is nearly identical to the traditional, on-campus M.S.P. degree, with two exceptions: 1) courses are offered on a part-time basis, and 2) courses are presented through a variety of multimedia formats, including videotape, DVD, interactive video, and Web-based instruction (online chat rooms, bulletin boards, etc.). The curriculum leading to the M.C.D. degree is fairly rigid and requires that students take academic courses (as specified by the curriculum) each fall and spring semester and participate in a clinical practicum during the summer. The curriculum consists of five principal areas of study: courses related to the normal development and use of speech, language, and hearing; courses that provide information and training in speech-language pathology; courses that provide information and training in audiology; clinical practice; and research.

Admission Requirements

To be admitted to graduate study in the M.C.D. program, the applicant must meet the requirements of both The Graduate School and the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders. Applicants should have a broad educational background including physical, social, and behavioral science courses. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association requires that applicants have, as a part of their undergraduate preparation, a minimum of three credit hours of course work in each of the following areas: biological science, physical science, and mathematics. An additional six credit hours are required in behavioral anr/or social sciences. Intellectual and academic maturity, emotional stability, and capacity to work with people are essential personal qualifications. Applicants must furnsh three letters of recommendation (preferably from three former professors) regarding the applicant's academic and intellectual abilities, character, and potential for success in the field of speech-language pathology. Official transcripts from all schools attended must be submitted, and GRE scores are required for admission to the M.C.D. program.

Questions concerning admission to the M.C.D. program may be directed to Teresa Boyett, graduate admissions counselor, by calling 803-777-3080 or e-mailing her at tboyett@sc.edu. Alternatively, the application for admission may be downloaded by going to www.gradschool.sc.edu and clicking on "Admission Application." Questions about the program itself may be directed to Crystal Murphree-Holden at 803-777-1170 or cmholden@sc.edu.

Tuition

Tuition and fees are subject to change without notice and vary for different programs. Certified and cooperating teachers are eligible for reduced tuition rates. Current tuition and fee information is available from the Office of the Bursar.

Doctor of Philosophy

The Doctor of Philosophy program prepares professionals for academic careers, and therefore its emphasis is on research and the scholarly study of the science of human communication and its disorders. While students are permitted to pursue the Ph.D. degree on a part-time basis, a minimum of one full semester must be spent in residence. During this time the student is expected to conduct experiments in the department’s various laboratories and gain experience in curriculum development and classroom teaching.

USC Speech and Hearing Center

The USC Speech and Hearing Center is one of more than 300 practicum sites where students majoring in communication sciences and disorders receive supervised clinical training. Through the center, speech, language, and hearing diagnostic and therapy services are offered to persons of all ages, including University students and faculty members. The center is located at 1601 St. Julian Place, Middleburg Office Park, Columbia, S.C.

Course Descriptions

Communication Sciences and Disorders (COMD)

• 500 -- Introduction to Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology. (3) Human communication disorders with an overview of prevention and treatment programs.
  
• 501 -- Anatomy and Physiology of Speech and Hearing Mechanisms. (3) An intensive study of the anatomy and physiology of the speech and hearing mechanisms.
  
• 502 -- Neurocognitive Bases of Language Behavior. (3) (Prereq: consent of instructor) Neurocognitive bases for speech and language in the central nervous system including anatomy and physiology and theoretical constructs of language.
  
• 503 -- Anatomy and Physiology of the Auditory and Vestibular System. (3) (Prereq: COMD 501 or permission of instructor) Detailed examination of the anatomy and physiology of the auditory and vestibular system.
  
• 504 -- Introduction to Speech Science and Acoustic Measurement. (3) The physical and related psychological attributes of speech. Use of electronic instruments and laboratory practices in measurement of acoustic variables. Introduction to information theory.
  
• 505 -- Instrumentation in Speech and Hearing Science. (3) (Prereq: permission of instructor) Theory and use of electrical-acoustic and mechanical laboratory devices used in diagnosis and treatment of communicative disorders including teaching machines and programmed instruction. Laboratory practices and observation.
  
• 506 -- Introduction to Psychoacoustics. (3) Classical and modern psychophysical procedures in audition including absolute and differential sensitivity, loudness pitch, masking, and binaural listening.
  
• 507 -- Language Theory and Phonetics. (3) (Prereq: permission of instructor) Study of language theory and international phonetics alphabet transcription.
  
• 520 -- Principles of Speech Pathology. (3) Types of communicative abnormalities exhibited by children and adults; emphasis given to speech and hearing defects encountered by the classroom teacher and professional personnel in the field of health, rehabilitation, and welfare.
  
• 521 -- Introduction to Clinical Procedures in Speech Pathology. (1) (Prereq: introduction to phonetics or equivalent or permission of instructor) Diagnostic and therapeutic programs for the communicatively handicapped will be observed in the public school and various rehabilitative settings. Discussion and study of basic therapeutic theories and procedures utilized in speech therapy.
  
• 523 -- Speech and Language Problems of the Developmentally Disabled. (3) (Prereq: permission of instructor) Neurological and psycholinguistic factors in the diagnosis of language impairment and therapy procedures for language disorders of the developmentally handicapped.
  
• 524 -- Speech Therapy in the Public Schools: Modern Developments and Experimental Programs. (3) (Prereq: permission of instructor) Review of various approaches to public school speech therapy programs; the clinical approach; the individual versus group therapy programs; utilization of the block system; special administrative problems and current experimental programs in diagnosis and treatment of the speech defective school child.
  
• 525 -- Selected Topics. (1-3) (Prereq: permission of instructor) Presentation of current experimental or innovative programs in diagnosis and treatment of the communicatively impaired. Course is designed to update the practicing clinician in specific areas of expertise. May be repeated for credit. Individual topics to be announced with suffix and title.
  
• 526 -- Disorders of Articulation: Evaluation and Therapy. (3) The diagnosis and treatment of articulation problems in children and adults, including analysis of current research in testing and therapy for articulation disorders.
  
• 540 -- Principles of Audiology. (3) Basic anatomy and psycho-physics of hearing, the pathologies of hearing loss, introduction to identification procedures including organization of hearing conservation programs and practice in pure-tone audiometry, and impact of hearing loss on preschool and school-age children and educational, psychological, and medical aspects of habilitation.
  
• 541 -- Industrial Audiology. (1) (Prereq: permission of instructor) Hearing loss due to noise exposures, present noise standards, management considerations, noise surveys, personal protection, engineering controls, and audiological hearing conservation programs.
  
• 560 -- Observation of Speech Language Pathology. (1-3) (Prereq: permission of instructor) Introduction to the clinical process through observation of various diagnostic reports and intervention programs included.
  
• 570 -- Introduction to Language Development. {=LING 570} (3) (Prereq: permission of instructor) The language acquisition process in normal children, including the development of semantics, morphology, syntax, phonology, and pragmatics; American dialects and bilingualism.
  
• 700 -- Evaluation and Treatment of Speech Sound Disorders in Children. (3) Study of advanced alternative procedures for the evaluation and management of children with significant phonological disturbances.
  
• 701 -- Stuttering: Evaluation and Therapy. (1-3) (Prereq: permission of instructor) An introduction to the problem of stuttering; its possible causes; the management and training of clients.
  
• 702 -- Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Disorders: Evaluation and Management. (1-3) (Prereq: permission of instructor) Nature, diagnosis and treatment of cleft palate and craniofacial anomalies.
  
• 703 -- Genetics of Communication Disorders. (1) (Prereq: consent of instructor) Genetic factors that contribute to disorders of speech, language, and hearing.
  
• 704 -- Disorders of Voice: Evaluation and Therapy. (1-3) (Prereq: permission of instructor) The diagnosis and treatment of voice disorders in children and adults. The neurological, physiological, and psychological bases of voice disorders will be considered.
  
• 705 -- Language Disorders in Adults. (3) (Prereq: permission of instructor) Neuropathological bases for language disorders in adults; includes differential diagnosis and remediation techniques.
  
• 706 -- Language Disorders in Children. (3) (Prereq: permission of instructor) The neurophysiological and psychological bases of language disorders in children. Differential diagnostic and educational-rehabilitative procedures for treatment of language-impaired children.
  
• 707 -- Clinical Evaluation in Communicative Disorders. (1-3) (Prereq: permission of instructor) Assigned readings and reports combined with clinical practice in the evaluation of cases in areas such as aphasia, cerebral palsy, voice disorders, articulation problems, stuttering, or cleft palate.
  
• 708 -- Directed Study in Speech Pathology. (3) Directed readings and/or research in speech pathology. May be repeated for credit.
  
• 709 -- Laryngectomy Clinical Management. (1-3) (Prereq: permission of instructor) Pre- and postoperative clinical management of the laryngeal patient with emphasis on communication and related problems.
  
• 710 -- Selected Topics in Speech Pathology. (1-3) (Prereq: permission of instructor) Individually assigned directed readings in speech pathology. May be repeated for credit when the topics covered or subject matter is different.
  
• 711 -- Seminar in Speech Pathology. (1-3) (Prereq: permission of instructor) An in-depth study of selected issues. May be repeated for credit when the topics covered or subject matter is different.
  
• 712 -- Management and Coordination of Programs in Speech Pathology and Audiology. (1-3) (Prereq: permission of instructor) A study of management systems in funding, scheduling, and case load.
  
• 713 -- Neurogenic Disorders of Speech. (1-3) (Prereq: permission of instructor) Clinical management of the neurogenic speech disorders. Major emphasis on neuroanatomy and pathophysiology; sign and symptoms, etiology, and the diagnosis and treatment of the major disorders.
  
• 714 -- Gerontology and Communicative Disorders. (1-3) (Prereq: permission of instructor) Aging, communicative processes and problems associated with aging, and specific communicative disorders associated with aging. Methods of assessment and rehabilitation will be considered.
  
• 715 -- Augmentative Communication: Assessment and Intervention. (1-3) A study of historical perspectives, current issues, assessment, intervention techniques, and training strategies in augmentative communication.
  
• 717 -- Professional Issues in Speech-Language Pathology. (1) (Prereq: COMD 521 and COMD 712) Issues affecting speech-language pathologists including professional education, certification, licensure, legislation, standards, and ethics.
  
• 721 -- Cognitive Retraining. (1) (Prereq: COMD 705 and permission of instructor) Traumatic brain injury and implications for speech and language function including diagnostic evaluation and remediation.
  
• 722 -- Dysphagia. (1-3) (Prereq: permission of instructor) Normal function and pathologic changes of the swallowing mechanism, including evaluation and therapeutic techniques.
  
• 723 -- Language Disorders in Adolescents. (1) (Prereq: permission of instructor) Diagnosis and treatment of communication problems in adolescent children, including educational psychosocial sequelae.
  
• 724 -- Introduction to Medical Speech-Language Pathology. (1) Practical application skills for speech-language pathology in the medical setting.
  
• 725 -- Pediatric Dysphagia. (1-3) (Prereq: COMD 722 and consent of instructor) Anatomical and physiological orientation to oral-pharyngeal swallowing disorders in young children.
  
• 726 -- Advanced Cognitive Retraining. (1) (Prereq: consent of instructor) Issues in traumatic brain injury and implications for speech and language function.
  
• 752 -- Auditory Assessment of Children. (3) Special audiometric techniques to be used with children from birth to 12 years of age.
  
• 754 -- Aural Habilitation of Children. (3) Effects of severe-to-profound hearing loss on a child's total development (linguistic, intellectual, social, and educational). Communication assessment and case management, including parent training, education, and counseling.
  
• 755 -- Aural Rehabilitation of Adults. (3) Comprehensive rehabilitation of hearing-impaired adults with emphasis upon amplification, auditory training, and speech reading in developing communication skills.
  
• 756 -- Directed Study in Audiology. (1-3) (Prereq: permission of instructor) Directed reading or research in the student's area of interest. Maybe repeated for credit.
  
• 758 -- Auditory Assessment of Adults. (3) (Prereq: COMD 540) Auditory assessment procedures of adults, including case history, pure-tone testing, masking, speech audiometry, immitance, functional hearing loss, and site-of-lesion test battery.
  
• 760 -- Cochlear Physiology and Cochlear Implant. (3) Anatomy and physiology of the normal cochlea and the eighth cranial nerve. Evoked otoacoustic emissions as a diagnostic medium. Cochlear pathology with emphasis on candidacy for cochlear implantation.
  
• 761 -- Habilitation of Children with Cochlear Implants. (1-3) Clinical techniques for the communication assessment and habilitation of the child post cochlear implantation.
  
• 762 -- Aural Habilitation: Manual Communication. (1-3) (Prereq: consent of instructor) Basic sign vocabulary for speech-language pathologists' professional use with hearing-impaired clients. Focus on the nature and components of manual language systems.
  
• 771 -- Observation of Audiology. (1-3) (Prereq: permission of instructor) Introduction to the clinical process through observation of various diagnostic and therapy sessions. Experience in reviewing case histories, diagnostic reports and intervention programs included.
  
• 772 -- Practicum in Speech Language Pathology and Audiology. (1-13) (Prereq: permission of instructor) Supervised clinical practice in screening, diagnosis, and therapy.
  
• 774 -- Internship in Speech Pathology. (3-13) (Prereq: permission of instructor) Supervised internship in diagnosis and treatment of children and adults with communicative disorders in clinical and public school settings in field situations.
  
• 790 -- Introduction to Research in Speech Pathology and Audiology. (3) (Prereq: permission of instructor) An introduction to research methods applicable to and utilized in speech pathology and audiology. An analysis of basic and applied research.
  
• 791 -- Research Methodology. (3) (Prereq: permission of instructor) Preparation of research designs, procedures of sampling and use of statistical measures.
  
• 799 -- Thesis Preparation. (1-9)
  
• 800 -- Seminar in Speech Pathology. (3) (Prereq: permission of instructor) An in depth exploration of problems, theories, and research in a specific area of speech pathology. May be repeated for credit when the topic(s) covered is different. Individual topics to be announced with suffix and title.
  
• 801 -- Advanced Topics in Speech Pathology. (3) (Prereq: permission of instructor) A series of lectures, presentations, and discussion sessions in a selected area of speech pathology. May be repeated for credit when the topic(s) covered is different. Individual topics to be announced with suffix and tide.
  
• 802 -- Contemporary Issues In Speech Pathology. (3) (Prereq: permission of instructor) Issues of local, state, and national import related to the prevention or solution of problems in speech pathology.
  
• 803 -- Advanced Study of Clinical Phonology. (3) (Prereq: permission of instructor) Introduction to nonlinear phonological theory (e.g., autosegmental, metrical) and its application for assessment and intervention of children with phonological disorders.
  
• 805 -- Advanced Study of Language Disorders in Adults. (3) Theories of language processing, language development, and the effects of neural pathology on the normal language process.
  
• 820 -- Advanced Speech Science. (3) (Prereq: permission of instructor) Advanced study of the physical and related psychological attributes of sound and measurement of acoustic variables of sound and speech. Review of current research in speech science.
  
• 821 -- Advanced Hearing Science. (3) (Prereq: permission of instructor) The normal auditory system; middle ear and cochlear physiology as determiners of auditory psychophysics.
  
• 822 -- Normal Bases of Speech Production. (3) (Prereq: permission of instructor) Processes underlying speech production, including neural control, respiration, phonation, and articulation; theories explaining the processes; measurements of physical properties of speech.
  
• 823 -- Normal Bases of Language. (3) (Prereq: permission of instructor) Advanced study of the effects of pathology on the normal language processes. Theories of language processing and development over the life span. Effects of focal and diffuse neutral pathologies on language processes.
  
• 840 -- Seminar in Audiology. (3) (Prereq: consent of instructor) An in-depth exploration of problems, theories, and research in a specific area of audiology. May be repeated for credit when the topic(s) covered is different. Individual topics to be announced with suffix and title.
  
• 899 -- Doctoral Research and Dissertation Preparation. (1-12)

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