Academic Programs Catalog

College of Communication Arts and Sciences

Department of Communicative Sciences and Disorders

Dimitar Deliyski, Chairperson

The Department of Communicative Sciences and Disorders (CSD) brings together national and international leaders who work in state-of-the-art laboratories to advance knowledge and transform lives of people with communication disorders. The department offers an undergraduate major and minor, a master’s degree, and a doctoral degree.

 

Undergraduate Program

The Department of Communicative Sciences and Disorders (CSD) offers a Bachelor of Science degree that prepares students for a number of opportunities. These include graduate studies to become a speech-language pathologist or audiologist, doctoral studies in CSD, graduate studies in other fields, and careers in education, healthcare, or other settings where communication skills, interdisciplinary knowledge, and a strong scientific background are desired.
 

Communicative Sciences and Disorders

The Bachelor of Science degree in Communicative Sciences and Disorders trains students in the understanding of both normal and disordered aspects of speech, language, hearing, and swallowing. The major is designed to equip students with knowledge and emerging skills for the diagnosis and treatment of communication disorders. Primary areas of emphasis are placed on critical thinking and understanding of scientific inquiry as it relates to communication disorders. Students in the major will also learn and practice oral and written communication skills, develop as a reflective learner, and demonstrate growth in professional communication skills. An additional area of emphasis for student learning is understanding issues of diversity, inclusion, equity, and ethical practice within the field of communicative sciences and disorders. Collaboration, teamwork, and interprofessional knowledge and skill development are critical areas of focus for students in the major to prepare them to effectively contribute to the profession of communicative sciences and disorders and to society at large. Majors will commonly pursue graduate degrees in speech-language pathology or audiology. The knowledge and skills acquired in the major can also serve as preparation for other graduate degree programs or for careers in educational, healthcare, and business settings that value scientific training, strong communication skills, and the ability to work collaboratively.

Requirements for the Bachelor of Science Degree in Communicative Sciences and Disorders

  1. The University requirements for bachelor's degrees as described in the Undergraduate Education section of the catalog; 120 credits, including general elective credits, are required for the Bachelor of Science degree in Communicative Sciences and Disorders.

    The University's Tier II writing requirement for the Communicative Sciences and Disorders major is met by completing Communicative Sciences and Disorders 470 and 472.  Those courses are referenced in item 3. below.
  2. The requirements of the College of Communication Arts and Sciences for the Bachelor of Science degree.
  3. The following requirements for the major:
    a. All of the following courses with a cumulative grade-point average of 2.00 or higher in CSD 203, 213, 232, 303, 313,  and 333 (36 credits):
    CSD 203 Introduction to Communicative Sciences and Disorders 3
    CSD 213 Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech and Hearing Mechanisms 3
    CSD 232 Descriptive Phonetics 3
    CSD 303 Fundamentals of Hearing and Audiometry 3
    CSD 313 Speech Science 3
    CSD 333 Language Development 3
    CSD 364 Evaluation Procedures in Speech-Language Pathology 3
    CSD 391 Clinical Methods in Communication Disorders 3
    CSD 444 Clinical Procedures in Audiology and Aural Rehabilitation 3
    CSD 463 Intervention Procedures in Speech-Language Pathology 3
    CSD 470 Introduction to Developmental Communicative Disorders (W) 3
    CSD 472 Introduction to Acquired Communicative Disorders (W) 3
    The completion of CSD 470 and 472 satisfies the capstone/synthesis requirement for the Communicative Sciences and Disorders major.
    b. One of the following courses (3 credits):
    PSY 295 Data Analysis in Psychological Research 3
    STT 200 Statistical Methods 3
    c. One of the following courses (3 or 4 credits):
    ANP 201 Introduction to Cultural Anthropology 3
    PSY 101 Introductory Psychology 4
    SOC 100 Introduction to Sociology 4
    d. One of the following courses (3 credits):
    ISB 202 Applications of Environmental and Organismal Biology 3
    ISB 204 Applications of Biomedical Sciences 3
    e. One of the following courses (3 credits):
    ISP 209 The Mystery of the Physical World 3
    ISP 215 The Science of Sound 3
    ISP 220 Quarks, Spacetime, and the Big Bang 3
    f. One of the following courses (2 credits):
    ISB 208L Applications in Biological Science Laboratory 2
    ISP 209L The Mystery of the Physical World Laboratory 2
    g. One of the following courses (3 or 4 credits):
    LIN 200 Introduction to Language 3
    LIN 401 Introduction to Linguistics 4
    LIN 450 Child Language Acquisition 3
    h. One of the following courses (3 credits):
    HDFS 211 Child Growth and Development 3
    HDFS 225 Lifespan Human Development in the Family 3
    PSY 238 Developmental Psychology: Lifespan 3
    PSY 244 Developmental Psychology: Infancy  Through  3
    i. A minimum of 3 credits from the following courses:
    COM 310 Intercultural Communication 3
    COM 320 Diversity and Communication 3
    CSD 419 International Aspects of Communicative Disorders 1 to 6
    LIN 225 Language and Gender 3
    LIN 471 Sociolinguistics 3
    j. One of the following courses (3 credits):
    LIN 455 Neurolinguistics 3
    LIN 463 Introduction to Cognitive Science 3
    PSY 209 Brain and Behavior 3
    PSY 301 Cognitive Neuroscience 3
    k. Electives:
    Additional credits in CSD courses can be taken as electives. Topics in Communicative Sciences and Disorders (CSD 491) are encouraged to increase breadth and depth of training in communicative sciences and disorders. Only credits in courses graded on the numerical or Pass-No Grade system may be counted toward the requirements for the Communicative Sciences and Disorders major. Communicative Sciences and Disorders students may not enroll in courses required for the major, including courses in other departments, on a Credit-No Credit basis.

 

Minor in Communicative Sciences and Disorders

The Minor in Communicative Sciences and Disorders assists students in acquiring understanding of both normal and disordered aspects of speech, language, and hearing; and knowledge and skills regarding the diagnosis and treatment of communication disorders. Completion of the minor provides most of the required coursework needed for admission to graduate study in communicative sciences and disorders. Students interested in taking the minor who intend to pursue graduate school to become a speech-language pathologist or audiologist should consult with an undergraduate advisor in the College of Communication Arts and Sciences to learn about the recommended set of courses that most graduate programs require.

The minor is available as an elective to students who are enrolled in bachelor’s degree programs at Michigan State University.  With the approval of the department and college that administers the student’s degree program, the courses that are used to satisfy the minor may also be used to satisfy the requirements for the bachelor’s degree.

Students who plan to complete the requirements for the minor should consult an undergraduate advisor in the department.

Requirements for the Minor in Communicative Sciences and Disorders

Students must complete 21 credits from the following:

CSD 213 Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech and Hearing Mechanisms 3
CSD 303 Fundamentals of Hearing 3
CSD 313 Speech Science 3
CSD 333 Oral Language Development 3
CSD 364 Speech and Language Disorders and their Evaluation 3
CSD 444 Audiologic Assessment and Intervention/Rehabilitation 3
CSD 463 Intervention/Rehabilitation Procedures in Speech-Language Pathology 3

Graduate Study

The Department of Communicative Sciences and Disorders offers two graduate degrees, the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) and the Master of Arts (M.A.) in Communicative Sciences and Disorders.

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) is the terminal degree in the areas of speech-language pathology and speech and hearing sciences. The program emphasizes research focused on advancing our knowledge about speech, language and hearing processes, including assessment and rehabilitation of communication disorders. The program, which is tailored to match each student’s interests, requires students to complete advanced course work in several content areas and conduct research that culminates in a doctoral dissertation. Students work with a primary mentor and gain experience with research through multiple research laboratories and other educational and scientific resources. Students work collaboratively with experts in other disciplines such as neurology, radiology, cognitive sciences, linguistics, psychology, education, communication, media and information studies, medicine and other health sciences, and engineering. Students completing the Ph.D. degree generally seek employment as researchers and educators in research-intensive academic institutions.

The Master of Arts (M.A.) is the entry-level degree for professional practice as a Speech-Language Pathologist in the United States. This program is accredited by the Council of Academic Accreditation of the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association (ASHA). This program consists of academic course work and clinical education sufficient in the breadth and depth of clinical practice, including those related to: speech sound production, fluency and fluency disorders, voice and resonance, receptive and expressive language, hearing and its impact on speech and language, swallowing and feeding, cognitive aspects of communication, social aspects of communication, augmentative and alternative communication, as well as professional competencies. The program is structured to emphasize integrated reasoning for evidence-based practice, cultural understanding, leadership and effective communication, as well as professional engagement and outreach. Clinical competencies are established through supervised clinical training in a wide range of patient care facilities including educational (schools), acute care (e.g. hospitals), long-term care facilities (e.g. nursing homes), etc. Students are expected to accrue a minimum of 400 hours of clinical training before completing this program. Students completing the M.A. degree typically seek employment as a speech-language pathologist.

Students who are enrolled in master’s or doctoral degree programs in the Department of Communicative Sciences and Disorders may elect an Interdepartmental Specialization in Cognitive Science.  For additional information, refer to the statement on Interdepartmental Graduate Specializations in Cognitive Science in the College of Social Science section of this catalog.  For additional information, contact the Department of Communicative Sciences and Disorders.

Students who are enrolled in master’s or doctoral degree programs in the Department of Communicative Sciences and Disorders may elect a Specialization in Infancy and Early Childhood.  For additional information, refer to the statement on Interdepartmental Graduate Specializations in Infancy and Early Childhood in the College of Social Science section of this catalog.  For additional information, contact the Department of Communicative Sciences and Disorders.


Communicative Sciences and Disorders - Master of Arts

The master’s degree program in speech-language pathology provides academic and practicum experiences for students preparing for professional careers as speech-language pathologists in settings such as schools, clinics, hospitals, and rehabilitation programs. The master’s degree program also provides the basis for further study for students who wish to pursue more advanced degrees.  The master’s degree program in speech-language pathology has been accredited by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.  The master’s degree program is available under either Plan A (with thesis) or Plan B (without thesis).

Numerous clinical off-campus facilities provide opportunities for students to gain extensive and varied practicum experiences in the evaluation and treatment of communication disorders.

In addition to meeting the requirements of the university and of the College of Communication Arts and Sciences, students must meet the requirements specified below.

Admission

Admission to regular status in the Master of Arts program is contingent upon a bachelor's degree from an approved college or university, an academic grade–point average of 3.0 or better in the last two years of undergraduate study, and approval by the department. Three letters of reference (submitted on forms supplied by the department) attesting to the student's potential for graduate study are required. As part of the admission process, students must also submit a statement of purpose clearly specifying why they wish to earn a master's degree.

Students who hold undergraduate degrees in fields other than communicative sciences and disorders may be accepted in the program and may be required to complete course work in communicative sciences and disorders or other areas to meet American Speech-Language Hearing Association  standards required for certification. This may require an additional one or two semesters of course work.

The deadline for the receipt of all application material is January 15th. Students are admitted only in fall semester.

Requirements for the Master of Arts Degree in Communicative Sciences and Disorders

At least 51 credits are required for the master's degree in Communicative Sciences and Disorders under either Plan A or Plan B.

Speech-Language Pathology (51 credits)
Requirements for both Plan A and Plan B (45 credits):
1. All of the following courses (45 credits):
CSD 803 Research Methods in Communicative Sciences and Disorders 3
CSD 813 Neuroanatomy and Neurophysiology of Speech, Language, and Hearing 3
CSD 815 Acquired Language Disorders 3
CSD 824 Developmental Language Disorders 3
CSD 825 Autism and Related Neurodevelopmental Disorders 3
CSD 830 Fluency Disorders 3
CSD 840 Voice Disorders 3
CSD 855 Assessment and Treatment of Dysphagia 3
CSD 860 Articulation and Phonological Disorders 3
CSD 865 Motor Speech Disorders 3
CSD 880 Clinical Proseminar in Communicative Sciences and Disorders 3
CSD 883 Clinical Practicum in Speech—Language Pathology 12
2. In exceptional circumstances, with the approval of the department chairperson, a program of study may be designed with reduced emphasis on clinical education and increased emphasis on other academic areas, which would be reflected in the content of the master's degree final examination or thesis requirements.
Additional Requirements for Plan A (6 credits):
1. The following courses:
CSD 890 Independent Study 2
CSD 899 Master's Thesis Research 4
2. Successful completion of an oral thesis defense.
Additional Requirements for Plan B (6 credits):
1. Six additional credits in courses approved by the student's academic advisor.
2. Successful completion of a departmental final examination.


Communicative Sciences and Disorders - Doctor of Philosophy

The Department of Communicative Sciences and Disorders offers doctoral programs directed toward advanced study of human communication sciences and disorders.  Doctoral programs of study are designed to meet the individual needs of students preparing for careers in research and education.

In addition to meeting the requirements of the university and of the College of Communication Arts and Sciences, students must meet the requirements specified below.

Admission

Admission to the doctoral program in communicative sciences and disorders requires a minimum of a master's degree or the equivalent that focused on human communication sciences and disorders; evidence of high academic achievement; a minimum of three letters of recommendation (submitted on forms supplied by the department) attesting to the student's academic abilities and achievements, and to the student's potential for doctoral–level academic and research success; and approval of the department.  Students must also submit a statement of purpose clearly specifying why they wish to pursue a doctoral degree including career goals following graduation. In some circumstances, an extremely promising student with an undergraduate degree may be admitted directly to the Ph.D. program. 

Requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Communicative Sciences and Disorders

Students must meet the requirements specified below:

1. Students entering the program without a master’s degree will complete at least 18 credits of graduate-level course work, including 9 credits of clinically-focused courses from CSD, as well as a research experience equivalent to the preparation for a master’s thesis.
2. Students with a master’s degree who did not complete a clinical master’s in communicative sciences and disorders within 3 years of enrolling in the doctoral program will select 6 to 9 credits from the CSD clinical course work. Additional clinical courses may also be required of students with a clinical master’s degree as determined by the guidance committee. Students who are not required to take CSD clinical courses may still elect to take such courses in consultation with their guidance committee.
3. Core Courses (6 to 9 credits):
All students will successfully complete at least 2 of 4 courses addressing fundamental aspects of the field of communicative sciences and disorders, including:
CSD 901 Speech Perception 3
CSD 902 Speech Production 3
CSD 903 Language Science 3
CSD 904 Hearing Science 3
These courses are not offered every semester or every year. Students are encouraged to plan carefully so they can take courses of interest while being mindful of which courses will be available during their programs.
4. All students will select methods and skills courses in statistics and experimental design, as well as in related areas including signal processing, programming, instrumentation, or imaging. As part of these credits, students will be required to gain course work and/or experience in the scholarship and fundamentals of research and teaching.
5. All students will take 18 to 24 credits of advanced graduate specialized study courses in their area of research interest. Courses may be within the Department of Communicative Sciences and Disorders or within other departments at the University. Students may split these specialized study courses into a primary and secondary area as appropriate for their goals and interests. The specific courses that students take must be approved by the guidance committee.
6. In addition to approved course work, all students will engage in the experiences designed to prepare them for academic work in the field, including the responsible conduct of research, research ethics, and grant writing.
7. Successfully complete a one-semester laboratory rotation in a lab other than their primary mentor’s lab, in order to gain experience with other ways of approaching research.
8. Successfully complete a pre-dissertation research project reflecting a semi-independent research study that is acceptable for publication in a scholarly journal.
9. Successfully complete a written and oral comprehensive examination designed to assess the student’s knowledge about topics related to the student’s program of study.
10. Successfully complete a written and oral defense of a dissertation, including 24 to 36 credits of CSD 999: Doctoral Dissertation Research. The dissertation must be based upon original research that represents a contribution to the scientific knowledge base of human communicative sciences and disorders.