Course Descriptions

This course explores the principles, assessment, identification, and intervention strategies for speech sound disorders and language development disorders in children, from birth through school age. It prepares students with essential knowledge and skills for clinical practice, ensuring culturally and linguistically responsive approaches in diverse settings. Topics include phonological disorders, including typical and atypical speech sound development and theoretical frameworks, and the study of language development and disorders. It addresses the characteristics, assessment, and treatment of speech sound and language disorders, emphasizing developmental disorders such as cleft palate, childhood apraxia of speech, DLD, and dyslexia. Students will engage with video observations, practical assignments, and laboratory experiences that offer practical experience in implementing assessment plans and intervention tactics. The course highlights the impact of these disorders on educational, psychosocial, and vocational domains, addressing the challenges faced by multilingual learners. Learners gain an introductory level competency in professionalism, communication, and speech-language pathology expertise.

Restriction(s): For students in the Master of Speech Language Pathology (M.S.L.P.) program only.

This course is designed to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of acquired language and cognitive-communication disorders in adolescents and adults. Emphasizing evidence-based approaches, it covers the neurophysiological underpinnings, diagnostic methods, and management strategies necessary for effective clinical practice.

Restriction(s): For students in the Master of Speech Language Pathology (M.S.L.P.) program only.

The course integrates principles of neurodiversity with an understanding of comorbid disorders, such as ASD, ADHD, and EBD. It provides a thorough exploration of biopsychosocial frameworks and health psychology approaches to enable positive behavior change and support. Students will learn to account for cultural and linguistic factors and understand the psychosocial effects of communication disorders on clients and their significant others. The course also covers medical interventions' impacts on communication and related functions. Through this course, students will develop skills in interviewing, counseling, and creating family-centered, inclusive interventions. Learners will also gain an understanding of the leadership, management and advocacy roles of speech-language pathologists within diverse contexts of practice.

Restriction(s): For students in the Master of Speech Language Pathology (M.S.L.P.) program only.

This capstone course offers a flexible and interdisciplinary framework for students to design and conduct a project that reflects their specific interests and career goals. With an emphasis on Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles, students can select pathways such as research, policy development, or business innovation. The course includes advanced clinical research methodologies, exploring both quantitative and qualitative methods, as well as principles of evidence-based practice. Students will critically evaluate assessment procedures and treatment efficacy in areas such as hearing disorders and related communication challenges. Learners will refine their professional knowledge, identify personal strengths and areas for development, and craft individualized development plans. Through collaboration with peers and mentors, students will enhance their project management, implementation, and presentation skills. The course culminates in a comprehensive presentation that showcases their findings and application of evidence-based strategies, demonstrating readiness for professional practice.

Restriction(s): For students in the Master of Speech Language Pathology (M.S.L.P.) program only.

This course combines foundational knowledge of the anatomy, neuroanatomy, and physiology of the speech production and swallowing mechanisms with speech science, focusing on speech production, acoustic phonetics, and perception. It aims to equip students with comprehensive insights necessary for proficient communication with professionals across medical and dental fields, ensuring readiness for practical applications and clinical settings.

Restriction(s): For students in the Master of Speech Language Pathology (M.S.L.P.) program only.

This course provides an advanced examination of motor speech disorders, including both congenital and acquired dysarthria and dyspraxia, along with resonance disorders affecting the velopharyngeal mechanism. It will prepare students to assess, diagnose, and manage these disorders, integrating evidence-informed practices and addressing the psychosocial and vocational impacts on individuals. The course covers the neurological basis and clinical characteristics of motor speech disorders, including the effects on respiratory, phonatory, resonatory, articulatory, and prosodic features of speech. It explores the theoretical frameworks and etiological factors relevant to motor speech and resonance disorders. Students will gain expertise in instrumental and perceptual assessment techniques and apply systematic management strategies. Special emphasis is placed on resonance disorders, understanding their etiologies—including structural, neurogenic, and learning factors—and their impact on communication. Additionally, the course examines the broader psychosocial, educational, and vocational implications of these disorders, highlighting their relationships with related neurological or developmental conditions.

Restriction(s): For students in the Master of Speech Language Pathology (M.S.L.P.) program only.

This course aims to provide an in-depth understanding of hearing science, hearing disorders, andtheir impact on speech and language. It prepares students to effectively diagnose, treat, and rehabilitate individuals with hearing impairment, integrating evidence informed contemporary approaches, and technological advancements into practice.

Restriction(s): For students in the Master of Speech Language Pathology (M.S.L.P.) program only.

This course aims to provide students with in-depth knowledge and clinical competencies related to fluency disorders, including stuttering and cluttering. It prepares students to effectively assess, diagnose, and treat individuals with fluency disorders, using evidence informed practice to tailor interventions to the multifaceted nature of these conditions

Restriction(s): For students in the Master of Speech Language Pathology (M.S.L.P.) program only.

This course offers a comprehensive exploration of voice science and its critical role in communication. Students will study the anatomy and physiology of voice production, distinguishing between normal and pathological voice conditions, and examining the influence of various factors on vocal performance. Advanced treatment methodologies and aural (re)habilitation strategies will be developed for individuals with hearing loss, focusing on their impact on voice and communication. Additionally, students will investigate the application of augmentative and alternative communication devices, virtual service delivery models, and digital health platforms. The course emphasizes evidence-informed practices, the psychosocial ramifications of hearing and voice disorders, and the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration.

Restriction(s): For students in the Master of Speech Language Pathology (M.S.L.P.) program only.

This course offers an in-depth exploration of normal and abnormal eating and swallowing processes across the lifespan, focusing on the anatomy, physiology, and neurophysiology of the upper aerodigestive tract. Students will develop the knowledge and clinical skills needed to effectively diagnose, assess, and manage dysphagia using evidence-informed practice and instrumental techniques such as VFSS and FEES. This course explores the social, cultural, ethical, and psychosocial impacts of dysphagia while preparing students to apply tailored therapeutic and management strategies. Additionally, the course delves into the anatomy, physiology, and clinical management of voice and resonance disorders. Through this, students will gain the expertise required to assess, diagnose, and implement evidence-informed interventions for individuals with voice and laryngeal airway disorders, as well as resonance disorders, across the lifespan. Students will develop evidence-informed recommendations, identify potential referrals, and strengthen their capacity for multidisciplinary collaboration, addressing the educational and vocational implications of these disorders.

Restriction(s): For students in the Master of Speech Language Pathology (M.S.L.P.) program only.

This course explores the conditions affecting language, literacy, and cognitive functions from early development through adulthood. By examining both congenital and acquired disorders, such as learning disabilities, genetic disorders, traumatic brain injury, right hemisphere dysfunction, and dementia, students will investigate the underlying neuropathologies, differential diagnosis, assessment, and management strategies. Key areas of focus include the sounds of speech (phonology), the structure of words and sentences (grammar), the meaning of words and sentences (semantics), the use of language in social contexts (pragmatics), and cognitive functions across various communication genres. Students will use evidence-based approaches to support clients' communicative and social participation, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and interventions associated with developmental delays and acquired conditions.

Restriction(s): For students in the Master of Speech Language Pathology (M.S.L.P.) program only.

This is a clinical placement course that introduces students to clinical education in Speech-Language Pathology. This early setting supports students in creating a context for SLP practice, which can be built upon during classroom and lab learning and sets a foundation for future placements.

Restriction(s): For students in the Master of Speech Language Pathology (M.S.L.P.) program only.

Practical learning experience in approved facilities and community agencies to apply and integrate the core knowledge and skills of speech language pathology. At this early stage, students further develop foundational knowledge in SLP by observing and practicing introductory clinical skills with professional SLPs in a practice context.

Restriction(s): For students in the Master of Speech Language Pathology (M.S.L.P.) program only.

This is a clinical placement course that takes place in approved facilities and community agencies for students to apply and integrate knowledge and skills of Speech Language Pathology. Prior to their placement, students will have in-class preparation in communication, culturally relevant practices, and S assessment. Students are expected to be active participants in their placement conducting assessments, applying emerging concepts of clinical reasoning, and building therapeutic relationships. Students will experience a more complex caseload relevant to the content from previous courses.

Restriction(s): For students in the Master of Speech Language Pathology (M.S.L.P.) program only.

Students will gain practical experience in approved facilities and community agencies to apply and integrate knowledge and skills of Speech Language Pathology. This clinical placement focuses on complex SLP interventions, enhancing clinical reasoning and decision-making. It prepares students for more autonomous roles and strengthens competencies critical to SLP functions. This course is designed to provide a diversity of experience and advanced clinical skills with a more complex caseload relevant to the content from previous courses.

Restriction(s): For students in the Master of Speech Language Pathology (M.S.L.P.) program only.

Students will gain practical experience in approved facilities and community agencies to apply and integrate foundational knowledge and skills of Speech Language Pathology. Focused on diverse cases, this placement fosters independent case management and interprofessional teamwork, solidifying professional identity as students handle complex cases with limited supervision.

Restriction(s): For students in the Master of Speech Language Pathology (M.S.L.P.) program only.

Students will gain practical experience in approved facilities and community agencies to apply and integrate advanced knowledge and skills of Speech Language Pathology. This placement prepares students for full caseload management, specialized complex client care, and a focus on professional identity to support the application of competencies at an entry-to-practice level.

Restriction(s): For students in the Master of Speech Language Pathology (M.S.L.P.) program only.

This course supports independent and guided learning experiences to support professional development and growth, based on National Speech-Language Pathology Competency Profile.

Restriction(s): For students in the Master of Speech Language Pathology (M.S.L.P.) program only.