Doctoral Degree

Course Descriptions

Professional Development Study Areas
CSD 7000 Technology and Instrumentation in Communication Sciences (1 Cr)
This course presents advanced applications in the use of computer hardware and software in communication sciences and disorders. Doctoral candidates will receive hands-on experience in the use, application, and configuration of software for distance learning technologies and for management of clients and for business issues. Doctoral candidates will explore the impact of emerging technology and instrumentation in their professional arenas.

CSD 7030 Gerontology (2 Cr)
This study area presents an overview of gerontology with emphasis given to differentiation between normal aging process and pathological changes. Multicultural perspectives of aging will be addressed. Doctoral candidates will develop effective planning and management services for the “older” client with multiple problems. The communication disorders of these clients will be viewed in the context of home health care, community agency resources, recreation, attrition, and socioeconomic and psychosocial consequences of aging and illness.

CSD 7040 Supervision (3 Cr)
The identification and analysis of the processes of supervision along the continuum of supervision from support personnel to peer will be examined. Topics will include planning and executing the supervisory conference, data collection procedures, and evaluation. The research in the field of supervision will be examined with an emphasis on practical application. The impact of cultural diversity on supervision will be addressed.

CSD 7060 Genetics (2 Cr)
Doctoral candidates will be exposed to a general overview of genetics and will investigate the spectrum of genetic syndromes common to clients with communication disorders. Doctoral candidates will study the embryologic development with an emphasis on normal and abnormal or interrupted development at various stages and outcomes.

CSD 7070 Pharmacology (2 Cr)
Doctoral candidates will learn the general principles of drug action, particularly as related to communicative function. The classes of drugs used in clinical practice will be examined with emphasis on activity, mode of action, side effects, toxicity, and drug interactions. Case studies in the fields of speech-language pathology and audiology will be presented.

CSD 7075 Counseling (2 Cr)
Doctoral candidates will explore theories of counseling with an emphasis on management of individuals with communication disorders and their families. Doctoral candidates will experiment with different approaches to interacting with clients and their families individually and in groups. Cultural impact on the counseling process will be addressed. Doctoral candidates will be exposed to role-play situations for use with clients demonstrating a variety of audiologic and/or speech-language problems.

CSD 7080 Business Management and Leadership (2 Cr)
Doctoral candidates will learn basic management principles as they relate to the conduct of speech-language or audiology practice in a variety of settings. Legal and ethical issues in practice management will be covered. Doctoral candidates preparing for personal and professional development assess the skills and behaviors of the leader or change agent in terms of their own potential for growth and future leadership positions.

SLPD 7200 Neuroscience/Neuropsychology and Communication Disorders (3 Cr)
Neuroanatomical and neurophysiological bases for speech-language disorders will be presented. The emphasis will be a study of the neuroscience and neuropsychological bases for neuropathological conditions and the speech-language disorders that result from these conditions.

SLPD 7210 Advanced Seminar in Pediatric Development (3 Cr)
Theories of cognitive, social, linguistic, cultural, and perceptual development of children and adolescents will be examined. Information presented will be based on current research. Terminology, current theoretical positions, and educational practices stemming from these positions will be stressed.

SLPD 7220 Advanced Seminar in Voice and Swallowing (3 Cr)
This course will explore current issues pertaining to voice and swallowing, and their disorders. Principles and application of clinical instrumentation and intervention strategies will be investigated. Case studies and practice with state-of-the-art equipment will be utilized to enhance learning.

SLPD 7250 Advanced Seminar in Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) (3 Cr)
This study area provides a discussion of the critical issues in augmentative communication and assistive technology with a focus on planning, implementing, and evaluating augmentative communication assessment and intervention programs. Hands-on experience with non-electronic communication displays, various input devices, and low-tech communication devices, as well as high-technology voice-output communication aids (VOCAs) will be presented. A discussion of recent trends and future needs, as well as strategies for keeping up with new technology and a rapidly expanding knowledge base will be included.
Research Courses

ARO 8711 Research Design and Methods (3 Cr)
The purpose of the Research Design and Methods course is for doctoral students to demonstrate an understanding of the purpose of research, research design, and research methods. Research is the application of the scientific method to solving real world problems; research design is the plan for the application of accepted practices; and research methods provides models for the appropriate collection organization, and analysis of unbiased data for decision making, replication, and to contribute to the knowledge base. This course is delivered exclusively online.

ARO 8712 Statistical Methods (3 Cr)
Statistical Methods is a course in applied statistics that will investigate concepts, and methods in descriptive and inferential statistics. The course is designed to provide students with the statistical background for doctoral level research. The application of statistics will be emphasized. Areas of study will include probability, randomization, variables, normal distribution, t-distribution, chi-square distribution, F-distribution, confidence intervals, hypotheses testing, and correlation. This course is delivered exclusively online.

ARO 8713 Program Evaluation and Policy Analysis (3 Cr)
This course will examine key concepts, methods, and approaches in the field of evaluation research. Students will be exposed to the theoretical and methodological diversity inherent in current evaluation practice across a number of substantive areas (e.g., social services, education, and business). The comprehensive range of activities involved in designing, implementing, and assessing the utility of social and educational programs will be a primary focus of the course. This course is delivered exclusively online.

ARO 8714 Measurement, Testing and Assessment (3 Cr)
The purpose of the Measurement, Testing and Assessment course is to provide doctoral students with the knowledge and skills necessary to understand psychometric issues. The course emphasizes the relationship between research and practice. It also provides a theoretical and practical basis for choosing and using the wide range of test and measurement data available to applied researchers. The course focuses on the uses of different tests in a variety of settings and is appropriate for applied researchers and practitioners. This course is delivered exclusively online.

Benchmark Courses
ARO 8766 Applied Dissertation Seminar 1- Concept Paper (2 Cr)
The content of applied dissertation seminar 1 focuses on formulating research questions and writing the concept paper. The committee chair and member roles are discussed as well as the roles and responsibilities of the Applied Research Office faculty and staff. This seminar will culminate in the completion of the first corresponding benchmark, the concept paper. Credit for this seminar will be assigned following approval of the concept paper.

ARO 8767 Applied Dissertation Seminar 2 – Proposal (5 Cr)
The content of applied dissertation seminar 2 emphasizes the formulation and writing of the dissertation proposal and the process for IRB approval. Methodology and content for each of the proposal chapters are defined, including a thorough discussion of the role of the literature review to support or refute the dissertation topic. This seminar focusing on scientific inquiry will culminate in the completion of the second corresponding benchmark, the applied dissertation proposal. Credit for this seminar will be assigned following approval of the proposal.

ARO 8768 Applied Dissertation Seminar 3 – Dissertation (5 Cr)
Applied dissertation seminar 3 involves data collection/implementation, the applied dissertation (final report) and the final approval process. Content and format issues as well as recommendations for further research are highlighted. Dissemination of the dissertation and possible outlets for publication are covered. This seminar will culminate in the completion of the third corresponding benchmark, the applied dissertation (final report). Credit for this seminar will be assigned following approval of the applied dissertation (final report).

ARO 8769 Continuing Dissertation Services (0 Cr)
Description: TBD