Communication Disorders Major
Why study communication disorders at CMU?
Future audiologists or speech-language pathologists must fulfill the academic and clinical requirements for the Certificate of Clinical Competence of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. This certification requires completion of a master's or doctoral degree. The communications disorders program at CMU prepares students for graduate audiology and speech-language pathology programs and for other career opportunities. Consider these key features distinguishing this undergraduate program at CMU:
- A carefully tailored program that complements the audiology and speech-language pathology graduate programs at CMU
- Opportunities for research with faculty who specialize in diagnosing and treating communication disorders
- Extensive hands-on clinical experiences at more than 100 on- and off-campus sites
- Research facilities that include specialized speech, voice, language, and acoustic laboratories
Career outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, for all occupations through the year 2014:
- Employment of audiologists and speech-language pathologists is expected to grow nine to 17 percent.
- Employment of audiologists and speech-language pathologists in educational services will increase along with growth in elementary and secondary school enrollments.
- Greater awareness of the importance of early identification and diagnosis of speech and language disorders will also increase employment.
Career options
Graduates of the communication disorders program will find employment opportunities in a variety of settings. Employment in some of these areas may require additional education.
- Colleges and universities
- Community hearing and speech centers
- Hospitals
- Long-term care facilities
- Private practices
- Public and private schools
- Research laboratories
- Residential health facilities
Program Overview
The course listings below are a representation of what this academic program requires.
For a full review of this program in detail please see our official online academic bulletin
AND consult with an academic advisor. This listing does not include the General Education
courses required for all majors and may not include some program specific information, such as admissions, retention, and termination standards.
(Click on the course name or number for a complete course description.)
Communication Disorders Major
With the exception of CDO 494, courses taken Credit/No Credit do not count toward a major.
( Total: 40 hours
Additional requirements for American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) clinical certification:
1. Completion of an accredited master’s in speech-language pathology or a doctoral degree in audiology.
2. Completion of the academic and clinical requirements for the Certificate of Clinical Competence as delineated on ASHA’s Knowledge and Skills Acquisition (KASA) form.
3. A course in each of the following areas:
a. Statistics/Math
b. Biology
c. Physical Science
d. Social/Behavioral Sciences
For details, see the Department of Communication Disorders in the Graduate Bulletin. )
(34 hours)
Required Courses
3
CDO 230 Introduction to Speech, Language, and Hearing Disorders
Aspects of speech-language pathology and audiology for elementary, secondary, and special education teachers, parents, and allied professionals in the management of speech, language, and hearing disorders. This course is approved for offering in a distance learning format.
2
CDO 278 Descriptive Phonetics
Broad and narrow transcription of normal and disordered American English speech sound production using the International Phonetic Alphabet. This course is approved for offering in a distance learning format.
3
CDO 330 Language Development
Study of language development in normally developing children from birth through adulthood; oral language sample analysis; language characteristics in disordered language learners. This course is approved for offering in a distance learning format.
3
CDO 331 Introduction to Audiology
Anatomy and basic psychophysics of hearing; pathologies causing hearing loss; quantitative measurements of hearing; practice in testing. This course is approved for offering in a distance learning format.
4
CDO 335 The Anatomy and Physiology of Speech and Hearing
Anatomical and neuroanatomical structures and functions for speech and hearing. This course is approved for offering in a distance learning format.
3
CDO 338 Introduction to Articulation and Phonological Disorders
Children's normal and disordered articulation and phonological disorders including neuranatomical development, analysis, treatment, related research, and integration with other areas of communication will be discussed. Prerequisites: CDO 230, CDO 278, CDO 335.
3
CDO 340 Child Language Assessment and Intervention
Formal and informal assessment of language, cognitive and communication functioning in preschool and school-age children not developing language normally; intervention approaches for deficits in language. Prerequisites: CDO 330.
2
CDO 402 Diagnostics in Communication Disorders
Exploration of the diagnostic process in speech and language including formal and informal assessment methods and tools and strategies for analysis/interpretation of diagnostic findings. Prerequisites: CDO 230, CDO 278, CDO 330, CDO 335, CDO 338, CDO 340.
3
CDO 431 Audiologic Rehabilitation
Habilitative and rehabilitative issues/approaches for persons with hearing loss, including hearing aids, cochlear implants, speechreading, conversational strategies, auditory training, speech/language intervention, psychosocial adjustment, and education. Prerequisite: CDO 331.
3
CDO 439 Clinical Methods in Speech Language Pathology
Classroom lecture integrating the clinical interaction process with intervention principles and techniques. Prerequisites: CDO 230, CDO 278, CDO 330, CDO 331, CDO 335, CDO 338, CDO 340, Signed Major in CDO.
2
CDO 463 Introduction to Acoustic Phonetics
Physical bases of sound and the acoustic characteristics of speech production and perception. Prerequisites: CDO 278.
3
CDO 494 Mentored Practicum in Communication Disorders
Supervised clinical assignment with an experienced student mentor encompassing up to 4 hours per week. Weekly lectures regarding clinical procedures, issues, and cases are required. CR/NC only. Prerequisites: CDO 230, 278, 330, 331, 335, 340, 338, a grade point average of at least 3.0 in CDO major courses, and a signed major in CDO.
Select two of the following:
3
CDO 438 Language Disorders in Special Education Populations
To assist special education, elementary, and secondary teachers in the management of language disorders in mentally impaired, emotionally impaired, learning disabled, and autistic populations. Prerequisite: one course in the area of CDO.
3-6
CDO 495 Clinical Experience: Communication Disorders
Enables students in communication disorders to carry out directed clinical practicum. Weekly discussion of clinical problems and cases. Prerequisite: CDO 230, 278, 330, 331, 335, 338, 340, 402, 439, 494, a grade point of at least 3.0 in CDO major courses, and a signed major in CDO.
3
CDO 513 Voice Disorders/Laryngectomee Rehabilitation
This course covers etiology, types, evaluation, and treatment of persons with voice disorders and laryngectomees. Prerequisites: 30 hours of undergraduate coursework in CDO or admission to the graduate program in SLP.
3
CDO 535 Augmentative and Alternative Communication
Assessment and treatment of communications disorders resulting from multiple deficits originating from neurological, neuromuscular, sensory, and cognitive disorders. Verbal and nonverbal management approaches are considered. Prerequisites: 30 hours of undergraduate coursework in CDO or admission to the graduate program in SLP.
3
CDO 539 Stuttering
Overt and covert characteristics of stuttering behavior including their prevention, etiology, and modification. Prerequisites: 30 hours of undergraduate coursework in CDO or admission to the graduate program in SLP.