Communicative Disorders and Sciences MA

The graduate curriculum in speech-language pathology covers various aspects of communication, with an emphasis on communicative disorders. Included are courses on normal processing and research methods, as well as on the etiology, symptomatology, prevention and remediation of disorders of speech, language, and hearing. The programs also allow students to qualify for New York State licensure needed to practice in the medical and educational settings. Students in the MA program in speech-language pathology also can qualify for New York State certification for teachers of students with speech-language disabilities.

Required Core (39-42 credits)

CDS 502LEC - Evaluating Clinical Change Credits: 3
CDS 522LEC - Disorders Diagnosis Credits: 3 **
CDS 525LEC - Clinical Process Comm Dis Credits: 3
CDS 528LEC - Neural Basis of Communication Credits: 3
CDS 529LEC - Aural Rehabilitation Credits: 3
CDS 544LEC - Phonological Disorders: Diagnosis and Management Credits: 3
CDS 560LEC - Voice Disorders Credits: 3
CDS 563SEM - Lang Disorders in Childrn Credits: 3
CDS 564SEM - Lang Disorders in Adults Credits: 3
CDS 565LEC - Language Disorders in the School-Age Population Credits: 3
CDS 575LEC - Dysphagia Credits: 3
CDS 580LEC - Speech Path in Schools Credits: 3 ** OR additional Graduate Elective
CDS 640LEC - Motor Speech Disorders Credits: 3
CDS 670SEM - Augmentative Communication Credits: 3
**Required courses for students seeking the additional K-12 pupil preparation certification.

Elective Courses (11-14 credits)

14 elective credits required, if student elects not to take CDS 580. Students limited to 6 credits of electives in eduction/outside the CDS department.

CDS 549LEC - Cultural and Linguistic Diversity in Communication Sciences and Disorders Credits: 3
CDS 569LEC - Stuttering Therapy Credits: 2
CDS 686SEM - Special Topics Credits: 1 - 3
CDS 687SEM - Special Topics Credits: 3
CEP 501LEC - Psychological Foundations of Education Credits: 3
CEP 560LEC - The Psychology of Learning and Instruction Credits: 3
ELP 585SEM - Sociological Bases of Education Credits: 3
LAI 550LEC - Literacy Acq/Inst Prek-Pri Credits: 1-3
LAI 551LEC - Childhood Literacy Methods Credits: 1-3
LAI 552LEC - Middle Childhood/Adolescent Literacy Methods Credits: 1 - 3
LAI 577LEC - Technology in Special Education Credits: 3

Onsite Clinical Practicum (6 credits)

Students will take credits in CDS 595 Practicum I and CDS 596 Practicum II to represent the clinical contact hours they will complete onsite in the UB CDS Clinic during the coursework phase of the program.

CDS 596LAB - Practicum Credits: 1 - 6
CDS 595LAB - Practicum Credits: 1 - 6

Culminating Experience (12 credits)

During the final semester of the program, students are fully emersed in hands-on communication disorder science training at thier clinical externship site.

CDS 624LAB - Communication Internship Credits: 1-12

Total Credit Hours: 71

3.0 Degree GPA required

Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)

1) Students will demonstrate knowledge across the age span for individuals with typical speech and language production, hearing, and swallowing as compared to individuals with disorders of speech, language, hearing, and swallowing disorders.

2) Students will demonstrate in standard oral and/or written form the ability to: design and implement appropriate direct and indirect intervention plans for differences and disorders related but not limited to: phonology, receptive and expressive language, fluency, vocal production, resonance, cognition/communication, social communication, swallowing, hearing, and augmentative communication.

3) Students will demonstrate in standard oral and/or written form the ability to: design and implement appropriate direct and indirect intervention plans for differences and disorders related but not limited to: phonology, receptive and expressive language, fluency, vocal production, resonance, cognition/communication, social communication, swallowing, hearing, and augmentative communication.

4) Students will be able to recognize and apply evidenced-based practice and ethical conduct in a culturally and linguistically sensitive way.

5) Students will understand the components of and design research in clinical practice, including evidence-based practice principles.

6) Students will be able to discuss current issues related to professional credentialing at state and national levels

SED Statement

This program is officially registered with the New York State Education Department (SED).