"Independent Study was one of the most rewarding experiences I had at The College of Wooster. It allowed me to pursue a topic of my interest in the field of audiology. I think that students at The College of Wooster are fortunate to have the opportunity to work so closely with their advisors in producing undergraduate research." Emily Foreman, '06 Boulder, CO

Communication Sciences and Disorders is a discipline that has evolved from hearing, speech, and language sciences research and the clinical endeavor of assessing, diagnosing, and treating those with communicative disorders. Communication sciences, life sciences, linguistics, psychology, sociology, and physics all contribute to the knowledge, theories, and tools of this field. The curriculum provides the student with an understanding of normal and abnormal human speech, language, and hearing communication, and, when combined with the required research and methodology course, the major prepares the students for graduate or professional work.

The major in Communication Sciences and Disorders requires six courses in the Department, including Introduction to Communication Sciences and Disorders, Phonetic Transcription and Phonology, Language Development in Children, Advanced Communicative Disorders (fluency and voice disorders), Audiology, and Quantitative Methods, as well as Human Anatomy and Physiology or Biopsychology, and two to five electives from within the Department or in related disciplines. Students also must demonstrate proficiency in oral communication, as certified by all faculty members in the Department of Communication, based upon the student’s oral presentation of his/her Senior Independent Study proposal.

Communication Sciences and Disorders majors have the opportunity to learn about procedures and practices in the management of the speech, language, and hearing impaired under direct supervision in the College's Freedlander Speech and Hearing Clinic. The Freedlander Clinic functions as an outpatient clinic to the Wooster community. Clients of all ages, with varying types of disorders, are served, and there are no fees for Clinic services during the academic year. Students must take four semesters of the Speech and Hearing Clinic Practicum.

"I have been interested in pursuing a career in Speech-Language Pathology since high school. I had a vision of attending an undergraduate school that offered a program in my area of interest in a well-rounded and intriguing way. The Communication Sciences and Disorders major at the College of Wooster did just that by providing courses in a welcoming environment where professors knew me individually. I have had the opportunity to observe and lead clinical experiences in speech and language as well as diagnostic audiology. The clinical experiences and course instruction I have received have provided me with solid comprehensive knowledge of the discipline. I feel confident with the preparation I have received for graduate school and the variety of career paths related and inclusive to Communication Sciences and Disorders." Sibyl Williams, '07 Coshocton, OH

When combined with the required research methodology course, the major prepares the qualified student for graduate or professional study. Note: Some nationally certified professional clinicians are employed in the public schools. This usually requires additional certification controlled by state departments of education, requiring the taking of courses in education. The student should consult with the faculty in Communication Sciences and Disorders and the Department of Education about this certification.

The following are abbreviated course descriptions. For complete details on the major and minor in Communication Sciences and Disorders, see the latest issue of The College of Wooster catalogue. Courses in Communication Sciences and Disorders that count toward distribution requirements in Learning Across the Disciplines: History and Social Sciences are indicated by #. Courses that count toward the requirement in Quantitative Reasoning are signified by Q.

140. SPEECH AND HEARING CLINIC PRACTICUM. Procedures and practices in the assessment and management of persons who are speech, language, and/or hearing impaired as applied under the direct supervision of ASHA certified and state-licensed speech-language pathologists and/or audiologists in the Freedlander Speech and Hearing Clinic. Four semesters are required by majors and minors for credit toward graduation. Prerequisite: CSD 141, CSD 143, and CSD 145 or permission of the instructor.

#141. INTRODUCTION TO COMMUNICATION SCIENCES AND DISORDERS. The course examines a host of speech, language, and hearing disorders, and also addresses the study of speech-language pathology and audiology and the nature of these clinical practices.

143. PHONETIC TRANSCRIPTION AND PHONOLOGY. The course addresses the anatomy and physiology of the speech mechanisms; speech acoustics and speech science basics; introduction to articulation, phonological, and speech intelligibility testing; spoken language and communication differences; disordered speech; and phonetic transcription. Prerequisite: CSD 141 or permission of the instructor.

#145. LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT IN CHILDREN. At the completion of this course, the student will have a comprehensive knowledge of the developmental process of children learning spoken language.

200. SPECIAL TOPICS IN COMMUNICATION. A topical seminar that focuses on special issues within communication studies or communication science and disorders.

242. ADVANCED COMMUNICATIVE DISORDERS. The course investigates the speech disorders of voice and fluency. Prerequisite: CSD 141 or permission of the instructor.

244. AUDIOLOGY. At the completion of this course, the student will have comprehensive knowledge, skills, and abilities in the areas of both diagnostic and rehabilitative audiology. Prerequisite: CSD 141 or permission of the instructor.

340. COMMUNICATION SCIENCES AND DISORDERS INTERNSHIP. Variable credit. Negotiated with the Dean of the Faculty and the faculty of the Department.

345. ADVANCED TOPICS IN COMMUNICATION SCIENCES AND DISORDERS. A series of courses to focus upon current topics of interest in the fields of speech, language, and hearing sciences and disorders. Prerequisite: CSD 141 or permission of the instructor.