The Department of Communication Disorders prepares students at the graduate level to diagnose and manage speech-language problems in children and adults. A four-year baccalaureate degree, the Bachelor of Science in Communication Disorders with a major in Communication Disorders, is required for entry into the graduate program. A master's degree is required for national certification and state licensure. A minimum of 400 documented and verified clock hours of supervised clinical practicum are required for certification.

The graduate program is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology. Students work in the Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic on campus and also have the opportunity to participate in clinical experiences throughout Texas and the United States.

Click here to download the Undergraduate Recommended Course Sequence

Admission Process

Admission to the undergraduate major in Communication Disorders is competitive and selective. The academic sequence begins during the fall semester. Enrollment is limited by student/faculty ratios in both academic and clinical components of the program.

1. To be considered for admission to the preprofessional sequence:

• Completion of a minimum of 50 hours of General Education core course-work with a minimum GPA of 2.75. The following courses must be included in the GPA calculation: CDIS 1331; ENG 1310, 1320; BIO 1421, 2430; PSY 3300; PHYS 1310, 1110; MATH 1315 and HP 3302.
• Submit a completed application form and Texas State transcript to the Chair of the Department of Communication Disorders through an academic advisor. The academic advisor will be assigned during the first advising session.
• New transfer students must submit a Texas State evaluated transcript and letter of acceptance.
• Student selection is made on academic performance and not on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, age, or national origin.
• The application deadline is May 1.

2. The progression requirements for CDIS courses are as follows:

• Courses must be taken in sequence identified in the catalog.
• Must make no less than a "C" in a prerequisite course before the next course is taken.
• Make no less than a "C" in support courses.
• Have a GPA of 2.75 in the major in order to graduate.
 

Liability Insurance

1. Students who participate in the clinical or internship portions of the Department of Communication Disorders are required to purchase liability insurance or demonstrate proof that they are insured.
2. Students may obtain information on liability insurance from the departmental office.

Immunization Requirements

It is a policy of the College of Health Professions that each student must provide a Health Report completed by a physician, and must take certain immunizations before the student can be placed in a clinical or internship assignment. Information on these requirements may be obtained through the departmental office.
 

Bachelor of Science in Communication Disorders
Major in Communication Disorders
 

Minimum required: 120 semester hours

1. Any student who did not complete al least two years of the same foreign language in high school is required to take 6-8 hours of the same foreign language.
2. See University College section of the catalog for course options that satisfy literature, natural science, and social science components.

Freshman Year Hours
COMM 1310 ----3
CDIS 1331----3
ENG 1310, 1320 ----6
US 1100 1----1
HIST 1310, 1320 ----6
MATH 1315 ----3
PFW (Physical Fitness/Wellness) (2 courses) ----2
PSY 1300 ----3
BIO 1421----4
Total 31

Sophomore Year Hours
Bio 2430 ----4
ART, DAN, MU or TH 2313 ----3
ENG Literature ----3
HIM 2360 ----3
PHIL 1305 or 1320 ---3
PHYS 1110, 1310 ----4
POSI 2310, 2320 ----6
HP 3302 or equivalent-Statistics ----3
PSY 3300 ---3
Total 32

Junior Year ---- Hours
CDIS 3325, 3312, 3459 ----10
CDIS 3462, 3469, 3475 ----12
COUN 3320 ----3
ENG 3303 ----3
Total 28

Senior Year ---- Hours
CDIS 4317, 4330, 4340, 4344 ----12
CDIS 4350, 4370, 4420, 4466 ----14
PSY 4342 or PSY 3350----3
Total 29

6-8 hours of foreign language are required if two years of the same language were not taken in high school. If the computer proficiency requirement is not met through high school coursework, the student will be required to take a computer science course.

Courses in Communication Disorders (CDIS)

1331 Introduction to Communication Disorders. (3-0) Study of speech, hearing, and language development and its disorders; descriptions of communicative disorders and their etiologies for the speech-language pathologist, health professional and classroom teacher.
3325 Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech Production System. (3-0) Description of structure and function of the speech production system with emphasis on physical problems in speech, language, and hearing.
3312 Neuroanatomy for Communication Disorders. (3-1) This is a lecture course that examines the organization of the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nervous system. Significance of the areas of the nervous system that are primary or secondary for speech, language and hearing are the main focus of this course.
3459 Phonemics and Phonetics. (3-1) Analysis of normal and abnormal phonological processes in children and adults. Proficiency in transcription using the alphabet of the International Phonetic Association emphasized.
(WI) 3462 Remediation of Articulatory and Phonological Disorders. (3-2) This course prepares students to manage articulation and phonological disorders. Current therapeutic models are reviewed. Observation of therapy and instruction in preparation of written clinical reports are required. Prerequisites: CDIS 3325, 3459.
3469 Introduction to Hearing Science. (3-2) Study of acoustics, auditory physiology and perception of sound. Includes discussion of auditory sensitivity, signal detection, psychoacoustic methods, perception of pitch and loudness, binaural hearing and speech perception. Associated laboratory promotes reinforcement of concepts addressed in lecture through review, problem solving and weekly assignments.
3475 Speech Science. (3-2) Normal processes of speech production will be addressed from anatomic, physiologic, kinematic, aerodynamic, acoustic, and perceptual perspectives. Measurement and analysis techniques, instrumentation, and experimental paradigms used to study speech production and perception will be emphasized. Prerequisites: CDIS 3325, 3459.
4301 Selected Topics in Communication Disorders. (3-0) In-depth study of selected topics in Communication Disorders for the exceptionally motivated student. Work done on an independent basis with faculty member and only with prior departmental permission.
(WI) 4317 Service Delivery in Communication Disorders. (3-0) Provide a foundation of clinical management to prepare CDIS students to work in a variety of settings. Emphasis will be placed on techniques of goal and objective sequencing, report writing, evaluation of services, ethics, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Prerequisites: CDIS 3459, 3462, 4330 and 4466. (Capstone Course).
4330 Speech and Language Development. (3-0) Course to acquaint students with acquisition of speech and language in children. Basic information from linguistics, psycho-linguistics, psychology, and communication are examined for children in various stages of development.
4340 Augmentative Communication Systems. (3-0) Designed to review methods of non-oral communication as applied to hospital, rehabilitation, and special College settings. Use of electronic communication systems emphasized. Prerequisites: CDIS 4330 or equivalent.
4344 Clinical Practicum in Communication Disorders. (1-4) Supervised clinical practicum in speech-language pathology. Must be taken each semester student participates in any supervised clinical practicum in speech-language patholgy. Prerequisites: CDIS 1331, 3459, 3462, 4340 or permission from the Clinic Director.
4350 Survey of Neurogenic Communication Disorders. (3-0) This course provides an introduction to acquired speech, language, cognitive and swallowing disorders resulting from brain injury. Basic neuroanatomy and physiology are reviewed, followed by discussion of the etiology, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of these disorders. Emphasis is placed on aphasia, dysarthia, apraxia of speech, right hemisphere syndrome, traumatic brain injury, dementia, and dysphagia. Prerequisites: CDIS 3312
(WI) 4370 Aural Rehabilitation. (3-0) Principles and procedures in the habilitation and rehabilitation of hearing impaired children and adults. Prerequisites: CDIS 4420.
4420 Introduction to Audiology. (3-2) Relates anatomy and physiology of the auditory system and the science of acoustics to the study of normal and pathological auditory function. Laboratory experience in administration and interpretation of audiological tests. Discussion of professional opportunities in the field of audiology and provision of audiological service to special populations. Prerequisite: CDIS 3469.
4466 Clinical Management of Language Disorders. (4-2) Study of principles and procedures for the identification, description, assessment and remediation of language disorders in infants, children, and adolescents. Students will observe demonstrations of assessment procedures and types of language disorders within the context of clinical procedures. Describing observed behaviors and analyzing language samples will be emphasized. Prerequisite: CDIS 4330