An undergraduate degree in communication sciences and disorders is the first step to a career as a speech-language pathologist or audiologist. Brescia’s CSD program adheres to the current standards of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and provides a strong foundation for graduate study in either speech pathology or audiology. Students benefit from small class sizes, practical application of knowledge, and hands-on learning. By graduation, each student will have completed two clinical practicum experiences in the community under the supervision of licensed and practicing speech-language pathologists. CSD students leave Brescia with a well-rounded education and real-world clinical experiences. Brescia CSD graduates have gone on to study at universities throughout the state and at Brescia’s Master of Science (M.S.) in Speech-Language Pathology program, where students can receive preferential acceptance.
Communication Sciences and Disorders
Back to TopCourses
CSD 240: Introduction to Communication Disorders
An introduction to the most advanced of neurological functions, human communication. An emphasis will be placed on the knowledge of the profession and the disordered populations served by speech language pathologists and audiologists. The course will include an introductory look at the American
Speech Language and Hearing Association’s code of ethics and scope of practice. A total of 25 clinical observation hours (field experience) will be required for this course.
CSD 250: Language Development
An introduction to language acquisition across the lifespan, with an emphasis on basic concepts, theories of development, and consideration of language differences in multicultural diverse populations.
CSD 262: Phonetics
A study of speech sounds and associate International Phonetic Alphabet symbol as they relate to applications to normal and disordered populations, with practical experience in transcription provided. Recommendation: Ideally this course would be taken in conjunction with Eng 306 – Linguistics.
CSD 266: Anatomy and Physiology
A comprehensive study of the anatomical and physiological processes and their related functions for the normal development of speech, language, hearing, and swallowing.
CSD 300: Articulation and Phonological Disorders
A study of normal and disordered speech production. The course content includes the diagnosis and treatment of articulation and phonological disorders, phonological theories, phonetic characteristics, sound acquisition, and speech differences in a multicultural society.
CSD 354: Introduction to Clinical Practice
An introduction to clinical experience reflecting on pre-clinical expectations of various clinical settings, report and goal writing, for various communication, cognitive, and swallowing disorders.
CSD 363: Audiology
Introduction to anatomy and physiology of hearing; hearing science; pure tone audiometric test interpretation; audiogram interpretation; and the nature, degree, and prevention of hearing loss.
CSD 364: Aural Rehabilitation
A study of the development of the auditory function, auditory dysfunction, and multisensory approach to rehabilitation. Introductory knowledge of amplification and assistive listening devices.
CSD 370: Language Disorders
A study of language-disordered populations across the lifespan, including issues in prevention, with practical application for diagnosis and treatment.
CSD 374: Clinical Practicum I
A clinical practicum experience that enables students in the area of Speech Pathology to obtain supervised, hands-on practicum experiences in various communication, cognitive, swallowing, and hearing disorders. This clinical practicum consists of 25 contact hours within pediatric and school-based populations, monthly meetings, and outside assignments. This course is required for all CSD majors.
CSD 399: Independent Study
This elective course designates a field of study that is not part of the regular curriculum. It is generally offered based on student interests and needs. Prerequisite: Submission and approval of “Application for Admission to Independent Study.”
CSD 415: Speech and Hearing Science
Introduction to a basic understanding of acoustics, and of the acoustics involved in speech production and speech perception processes as they relate to the anatomy and physiology of the human speech production mechanism.
CSD 460: Diagnostic Procedures
This course provides the basic foundations of the principles and practices commonly used by professionals in the assessment of communication, cognitive, voice, and swallowing disorders. Experience in the use of standardized and non-standardized instruments with subsequent report and goal writing will be addressed.
CSD 467: Voice and Fluency Disorders
Introduction to voice and fluency disorders across the lifespan, including theory, anatomical and physiological basis, as well as characteristics of the various disorders. Diagnosis and management will be included in discussion.
CSD 470: Neuroanatomy
The study of the structure, organization and development of the central nervous system with a detailed study of the neurology of speech, language, swallowing and cognition. Case studies will be reviewed with discussion on various diseases, illnesses and injury to the central nervous system.
CSD 474: Clinical Practicum II
A clinical practicum experience required for all CSD majors that enables students in the area of Speech Pathology to obtain supervised, hands-on advanced practicum experiences in various communication, cognitive, swallowing, and hearing disorders. This practicum consists of monthly meetings, outside assignments, and 25 contact hours within more complex pediatric and geriatric populations in acute care, rehab, long-term care, and/or other clinical settings.
Mth 250: Statistics for Social Sciences
An introduction to statistical concepts and communications used in social science research at both the descriptive and inferential level in preparation for Psy 405, Psy 410; and Pls 405.
Psy 320: Statistics
This course will teach you how psychologists employ quantitative research methods and techniques to advance our understanding of a variety of topics drawn from controversies and social issues in the world around you.
Edu 255: Teaching Diverse Populations of Children and Youth
Introduction to issues regarding elements of diversity in P–12 children and youth that affect educational performance and outcomes. Elements of diversity examined include: gender, race, ethnicity, culture, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, language, exceptionalities, religion, and geographical area. Current issues include: legal requirements at state and federal levels, definitions, characteristics, educational needs of identified and at-risk students, appropriate adaptations/accommodations/modifications for school environments and for instructional design/implementation/assessment and ethical professional practice. Field experience required.
Psy 300: Developmental Psychology
A study of human growth and development from conception to death. The course deals with physical, social, emotional, intellectual, moral, and personality development at all age levels, and the respective theories; the effects of heredity and environment on the developmental process.
Back to TopFaculty
Lynn Hardesty
Assistant Professor of Communication Sciences & Disorders
Donna Goodlett-Collins
Assistant Professor of Speech Pathology/Audiology