2018-19 Graduate Catalog 
    
    Mar 29, 2024  
2018-19 Graduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]

Communication Disorders and Sciences


Communication Disorders and Sciences Department

Ann Blanton, chair
Professional Studies Building, Room 2201
607-756-5423
Fax: 607-753-5940
Email: department secretary
cortland.edu/spchpath

School of Professional Studies

Faculty

Ann Blanton, Mary Emm, Eileen Gilroy, Regina B. Grantham, Joan Luckhurst, Deborah Matheron, Michael Pitcher, Chea Snyder, Jill Toftegaard, Irena Vincent, Deborah Wilson

Adjunct Faculty

For a listing of adjunct faculty see the Faculty and Administration section.

Degrees

Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders

Description

Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders is a program intended for students who have a bachelor's degree in speech-language pathology or its equivalent. It requires a minimum of 58 credit hours of approved graduate work, including clinical experience. Graduates will be prepared to qualify for ASHA's Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC), New York State Licensure as a Speech-Language Pathologist, and New York state teacher certification for teachers of speech and language disabilities.

Accreditation Status

The master's (M.S.) program in Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) at SUNY Cortland is a Candidate for Accreditation by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). This is a "pre-accreditation" status with the CAA, awarded to developing or emerging programs for a maximum period of five years.

Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology
American Speech-Language Hearing Association
2200 Research Boulevard #310
Rockville, MD 20850
800-498-2071

Frequently Asked Questions

Do graduates of CAA candidate programs have the skills and knowledge for professional practice?

Yes, graduates of CAA candidate programs are educated in a core set of skills and knowledge required for entry into independent professional practice.

Does the M.S. program at SUNY Cortland qualify graduate students for the ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence?

Yes, it does. All graduate students who complete the M.S. program, the clinical fellowship and the Praxis are eligible for the ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence.

Are past graduates of the M.S. program at SUNY Cortland ASHA certified?

Yes, all past graduates are either ASHA certified or in the process of obtaining their ASHA certification. The first graduating cohorts (Class of 2015 and 2016) are certified, and the third graduating cohort (Class of 2017) is completing the clinical fellowship and in the process of applying for ASHA certification.

Graduate Student Outcomes

Graduate Student Outcome Data Program Completion Rate

Period Total Number of Students Number Completed Within
Expected Time Frame
Percent Completing Within
Expected Time Frame
2017 10 9** 90%
2016 14 13* 92.8%
2015
(inaugural class)
12 12 100%

*One student withdrew. ** One student on medical leave.

Employment Rate

Period Number of Graduates Number of Graduates/
Percent of Graduates Employed
2017 9 Information not available to date
2016 13 13/100%
2015 12 12/100%

PRAXIS Pass Rate

Period Number of Students
Taking the Exam to Date
Number of Students Passed Pass Rate (%)
2017 8 8 100%
2016 13 13 100%
2015 12 12 100%

Special Features

  • Speech-language pathologist in the schools
  • Speech-language pathologist in a hospital
  • Speech-language pathologist in a free standing clinic
  • Speech-language pathologist in private practice

Admission Requirements

In addition to meeting the requirements for admission to a graduate degree program as stated in this catalog, the applicant for enrollment in the program leading to an M.S. degree in communication sciences and disorders should present the following:

  1. Official transcripts documenting a bachelor's degree in speech-language pathology/communication disorders or its equivalent from an accredited college or university.
  2. Overall and major undergraduate grade point average of at least 3.0 and a Graduate Record Examination (GRE) - minimum score of 280 required - that includes verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning and analytical writing. Entry into speech-language pathology master's programs is very competitive, with more eligible applicants than can be accommodated. Meeting the above requirements does not guarantee admission into the program.
  3. Three letters of reference. Two must be from academics.
  4. A typewritten statement of 250 words or less, demonstrating commitment to, and interest in the profession of speech-language pathology. The applicant should demonstrate an ability to write clearly and well.
  5. If, upon admission, you have an initial/provisional certificate or a certificate of qualification for initial or provisional certification as teacher of students with speech and language disabilities issued by the New York State Education Department, present this documentation to your graduate advisor at the beginning of the initial semester.

Additional Requirements

Candidates for the degree must meet any additional undergraduate and graduate requirements for the award of the degree established by the department. The student in consultation with the department's chair (or the chair's designee) must ascertain such additional requirements.

Programs

Courses

  • EDU 596 - Organization of Speech/Language/Hearing Programs in the Schools

    Historical, social and legal foundation for establishing and providing speech/language/hearing services within the curricula of different school settings. Emphasis on legal and professional concerns including eligibility issues for the Individualized Family Service Plan and Individualized Education Plan; the impact of language-based learning disabilities on classroom performance, particularly reading and writing, curricular development and instructional planning strategies for various populations, differentiated instruction within the classroom, classroom/behavioral management and the role of ASHA in the schools. Applying concepts to specific cases and employing collaboration with parents and other school based professionals are addressed. Not open to those having credit for EDU 496. (3 cr. hr.)
    Frequency code B = offered at least once per year
  • SHH 529 - Special Topics in Speech Pathology and Audiology

    Selected topics in Communication Sciences and Disorders. May be taken more than once as subtitle changes. Prerequisites: Designated by department as appropriate for content and academic level of credit. (1-4 cr. hr.)
    Frequency code O = offered occasionally
  • SHH 640 - Clinical Practicum and Seminar: Clinical Issues

    A course that provides supervised clinical experiences sufficient in breadth and depth of evaluation, intervention and interaction with clients and their families This course partially fulfills ASHA requirements for clinical hours. Open to students in the M.S. program in communication sciences and disorders. (1 cr. hr.)
    Frequency code B = offered at least once per year
  • SHH 641 - Clinical Practicum and Seminar: Multiculturalism

    A study of characteristics of and assessment and treatment to clients with diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds. This course partially fulfills ASHA requirements for clinical hours. Open to students in the M.S. program in communication sciences and disorders. Prerequisite: SHH 640. (1 cr. hr.)
    Frequency code B = offered at least once per year
  • SHH 642 - Clinical Practicum and Seminar: Counseling

    A study of the social-emotional impact of communication disorders and the role of speech pathologist. The course will provide practical knowledge in counseling approaches, applying these approaches to different populations, the counseling process and ethics. This course partially fulfills ASHA requirements for clinical hours. Open to students in the M.S. program in communication sciences and disorders. Prerequisite: SHH 640. (1 cr. hr.)
    Frequency code B = offered at least once per year
  • SHH 643 - Clinical Practicum and Seminar: Instrumentation

    An in-depth study and training of instrumentation used for assessment and treatment in the field of speech pathology. This course partially fulfills ASHA requirements for clinical hours. Open to students in the M.S. program in communication sciences and disorders. Prerequisite: SHH 640. (1 cr. hr.)
    Frequency code B = offered at least once per year
  • SHH 645 - Externship in Communication Disorders

    A supervised clinical practicum involving a full-time, off-site placement in clinical settings such as hospitals, private practice, nursing facilities, rehabilitation centers and clinics under the direct supervision of a licensed and certified speech language pathologist. A university supervisor will also be assigned to the externship. The clinical practicum will involve the student's participation in assessment, intervention, client management and other activities that are involved in the particular setting. This course partially fulfills ASHA requirements for clinical hours. S and U grades assigned. May be repeated once. Open to students in the M.S. program in communication sciences and disorders. Prerequisite: Consent of department. (6 cr. hr.)
    Frequency code B = offered at least once per year
  • SHH 646 - Practicum in an Educational Setting

    Supervised clinical practicum in the public schools. Speech-language assessment, intervention and workload management are emphasized. This course partially fulfills ASHA requirements for clinical hours and fulfills the 150 hours needed for teacher certification. S and U grades assigned. May be repeated once. Open to students in the M.S. program in communication sciences and disorders. Prerequisite: Consent of department. (6 cr. hr.)
    Frequency code A = offered every semester
  • SHH 650 - Cleft Palate, Craniofacial Disorders and Genetics

    A study of etiology, assessment and treatment of the cleft palate, other craniofacial anomalies and syndromes with an overview of genetics. Open to students in the M.S. program in communication sciences and disorders. (3 cr. hr.)
    Frequency code O = offered occassionally
  • SHH 651 - Multiculturalism and Bilingualism

    This course develops competencies in assessment and intervention of culturally and linguistically diverse children and offers a more general overview of adults. Open to students in the M.S. program in communication sciences and disorders. Prerequisite: SHH 641 and SHH 677. (3 cr. hr.)
    Frequency code O = offered occassionally
  • SHH 652 - Early Intervention in Speech Language Pathology

    Examination of the program of early intervention in speech pathology and the infants, toddlers and preschoolers that it serves. Students will look at normal development, at-risk children, assessment, service delivery models and intervention services. Open to students in the M.S. program in communication sciences and disorders. Prerequisite: SHH 668 and SHH 669. (3 cr. hr.)
    Frequency code O = offered occassionally
  • SHH 668 - Language Disorders - Birth to Five Years

    Overview of language development and disorders in children from birth to age five. Assessment and strategies for children with disorders as well as those at risk. Strategies for helping children and families from diverse backgrounds. Focus is on theories of language development and research findings particularly as they relate to literacy and academics and the effects of disorders on students' educational settings. Includes prevention strategies, assessment, service delivery models and intervention principles and strategies. Open to students in the M.S. program in communication sciences and disorders. (2 cr. hr.)
    Frequency code B = offered at least once per year
  • SHH 669 - Language Disorders - School Age

    Overview of language development and disorders of school-aged children and adolescents. Focus is on theories of language development and research findings particularly as they relate to literacy and academics and the effects of disorders on students in educational settings. Includes prevention strategies, assessment, service delivery models and intervention principles and strategies. Open to students in the M.S. program in communication sciences and disorders. Prerequisite: SHH 668. (2 cr. hr.)
    Frequency code B = offered at least once per year
  • SHH 670 - Phonology and Articulation Disorders

    Advanced study of theory, assessment and treatment of articulation and phonology disorders. Open to students in the M.S. program in communication sciences and disorders. (3 cr. hr.)
    Frequency code B = offered at least once per year
  • SHH 671 - Voice Disorders

    An in-depth study of the production of voice and the assessment and treatment of voice disorders. Open to students in the M.S. program in communication sciences and disorders. Prerequisite: SHH 681. (3 cr. hr.)
    Frequency code B = offered at least once per year
  • SHH 672 - Fluency Disorders

    Study of etiological views of stuttering and other fluency disorders. Emphasis on comprehensive evaluation procedures and treatment models for people who stutter, exploring issues within a developmental and multicultural framework. Open to students in the M.S. program in communication sciences and disorders. (3 cr. hr.)
    Frequency code B = offered at least once per year
  • SHH 673 - Communication Disorders in Adults

    A study of the theoretical basis; prevention, diagnosis and management of adult language disorders resulting from the aphasias, right hemisphere impairment, traumatic brain injury and dementias. Special emphasis is given to various cultural perspectives as well as ethical, safety and legal aspects. Open to students in the M.S. program in communication sciences and disorders. (3 cr. hr.)
    Frequency code B = offered at least once per year
  • SHH 674 - Neuromotor Speech Disorders

    Study, assessment and treatment of speech disorders resulting from neurological damage/lesions of the central and peripheral nervous systems. Emphasis is also on the etiology and neuropathology of various syndromes to include etiologies that affect various cultural groups (e.g. hypertension, sickle cell, substance abuse). Open to students in the M.S. program in communication sciences and disorders. (3 cr. hr.)
    Frequency code B = offered at least once per year
  • SHH 675 - Augmentative and Alternative Communication

    An in-depth study of augmentative and alternative communication, devices and assessment strategies of persons with limited functional speech. Open to students in the M.S. program in communication sciences and disorders. (2 cr. hr.)
    Frequency code B = offered at least once per year
  • SHH 676 - Dysphagia

    Study of dysphagia in adults and children including etiology, evaluation and clinical management. The course will determine the effect that dysphagia has on quality of life, and medical issues in a multicultural framework. Open to students in the M.S. program in communication sciences and disorders. Prerequisite: SHH 681. (3 cr. hr.)
    Frequency code B = offered at least once per year
  • SHH 677 - Advanced Diagnostics

    Theory and application of diagnostic procedures for assessment in all linguistic areas. Informal and formal procedures and reporting procedures will be included. Open to students in the M.S. program in communication sciences and disorders. (3 cr. hr.)
    Frequency code B = offered at least once per year
  • SHH 679 - Research Methods

    Introduction to fundamental concepts of research in the basic and clinical aspects of speech, language and hearing. Includes quantitative and qualitative methods of research in the field; processes involved in conducting basic clinical and experimental research in the field; reading and evaluating research articles and ethics in clinical practice and research. Open to students in the M.S. program in communication sciences and disorders. (3 cr. hr.)
    Frequency code B = offered at least once per year
  • SHH 681 - Advanced Speech Science

    A study of speech sound production. Students will explore anatomic and physiologic bases for speech sound production, speech acoustics, the acoustic analysis of speech, instrumentation and speech perception. Open to students in the M.S. program in communication sciences and disorders. (3 cr. hr.)
    Frequency code B = offered at least once per year
  • SHH 683 - Auditory Disorders

    A study of the disorders of the auditory system including anatomical, physiological, perceptual and audiological manifestations of pathologies affecting hearing. Open to students in the M.S. program in communication sciences and disorders. (3 cr. hr.)
    Frequency code B = offered at least once per year
  • SHH 688 - Comprehensive Examination in Communication Disorders

    This course is designed to assist those graduate students who are preparing to take the graduate comprehensive examination. Open to students in the M.S. program in communication sciences and disorders. S and U grades assigned. Prerequisite: Consent of department. (3 cr. hr.)
    Frequency code A = offered every semester
  • SHH 689 - Master's Thesis in Communication Disorders

    This course is for the development and the defense of the master's thesis. Open to students in the M.S. program in communication sciences and disorders. Prerequisite: SHH 679; consent of department. S and U grades assigned. (3 cr. hr.)
    Frequency code A = offered every semester
  • SHH 697 - Extension of Graduate Culminating Activity

    This course is designed to serve as a continuation/extension of the culminating activity (i.e., thesis, comprehensive exam, and project) in the master's program. The student will continue to work toward meeting the necessary criteria for completing the culminating activity under the direction of department faculty and/or graduate advisor. Open to students in the M.S. program in communication sciences and disorders. S, U grades assigned. May be repeated. Prerequisite: Consent of department. (1 cr. hr.)
    Frequency code A = offered every semester


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