Communicative Science and Disorders Department

Amy Glaspey, Chair

The Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communicative Sciences and Disorders prepares students for graduate study in speech-language pathology, audiology, various education specialties, business, and health care as well as such fields as developmental and cognitive psychology.  The Master of Science degree in Speech Language Pathology provides students with the foundational knowledge and clinical skills in the field of speech language pathology to work in medical and educational settings with clients across the life span.

Undergraduate Degrees Available

Subject Type Option Track
Commun Sci & Disorders Bachelor of Arts

Department Faculty

Professor

  • Al Yonovitz, Professor / Audiologist

Associate Professor

  • Amy Glaspey, Department Chair / Associate Professor
  • Lucy Hart Paulson, Associate Professor
  • Julie Wolter, Associate Department Chair/ Associate Professor

Assistant Professor

  • Ginger Collins, Assistant Professor
  • Catherine Off, Assistant Professor
  • Jennifer Schoffer Closson, Clinic Director / Assistant Professor
  • Laurie Slovarp, Ph.D., Assistant Professor

Adjunct

  • Julie Doerner, CSD Adjunct Instructor; Rural Instit MonTECH Clinical Coord
  • Nancy Dold, Adjunct Assistant Professor
  • Megan Eandi, Clinical Educator
  • Dana Fitz Gale, Adjunct Assistant Professor
  • Jenna Griffin, Clinical Educator / Adjunct Asst Professor
  • RoseMary Johnson, Adjunct Assistant Professor
  • Mary Morrison, CSD Adjunct Instructor; Rural Instit PEPNET Director
  • Jessica Reynolds

Course Descriptions

Biology-Human

  • BIOH 330 - Anat & Phys Speech Mech

    Credits: 3. Offered autumn. Introduction to anat­omy and physiology of the speech and hearing mechanisms including the anatomical orientation and embryological devel­opment, the breathing mechanism, structures of phonation, articulators, audition and the nervous system.

Communicative Sci & Disorders

  • CSD 110 - The Field of CSD

    Credits: 3. Offered autumn. Introduction to the scientific study of human communi­cation and its disorders and to the professions of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology.  Overview of biological systems of speech, language, and hearing and the nature and treatment of communication disorders.
  • CSD 131 - American Sign Language I

    Credits: 3. Offered autumn. Introduces the fundamentals of American Sign Language (ASL) used by the Deaf Community, including basic vocabulary, syntax, fingerspelling, and grammatical non-manual signals. Focuses on basic expressive and receptive competence.  In addition, the course provides a survey of various issues raised by examining ASL and the Deaf community.
    Course Attributes:
    • Foreign Language Requirement
  • CSD 132 - American Sign Language II

    Credits: 3. Offered spring. Prereq., CSD 131. ASL II emphasizes further development of receptive and expressive skills; use of signing space; further use of non-manual components of ASL grammar including facial expression and body postures, and introduction to conversational regulators. Discussion of regional and ethnic sign variations, and social, political and educational institutions of the Deaf community. Interaction with members of the Deaf community in both directed and non-directed activities will be featured.
    Course Attributes:
    • Foreign Language Requirement
  • CSD 194 - Seminar

    Credits: 1 TO 6. (R-6) Offered intermittently. A review and discussion of current research. Topics vary.
  • CSD 210 - Speech & Lang Devel

    Credits: 3. Offered autumn. Sophomore standing or greater. Topics include typical speech and language development, phonology, semantic, morphological, syntax, and pragmatics, along with individual differences, second language acquisition and literacy.
  • CSD 221N - Fundamentals of Acoustics

    Credits: 3. Offered spring. Provides students with a basic and working knowledge of acoustics and the physics of sound.  Provides the basis for measurement and description of speech stimuli.  Direct application to Speech Hearing and Language intervention as well as application into communicative sciences.
    Course Attributes:
    • Natural Science Course
  • CSD 222 - Intro to Audiology

    Credits: 3. Offered autumn. Introduction to prin­ciples of acoustics as a basis for understanding hearing assess­ment.  Development of ability to interpret audiograms as well as the results from a hearing evaluation.  Includes pure tone and speech audiometry, acoustic immittance and reflex test­ing.  Hearing screening procedures are also included.
  • CSD 320 - Phono Devel & Phonetics

    Credits: 3. Offered autumn. Junior standing or higher. Exploration of the sounds and sound structure of American English and some of its dialects. Introduction to the theory and practice of phonetic and phonological analysis and trained in the transcription of speech into the International Phonetic Alphabet. 
  • CSD 345 - Developmental Speech & Language Disorders

    Credits: 3. Offered spring. Prereq., CSD 210, CSD 320. Nature of developmental speech and language disorders and basic understanding of principles underlying assessment and treatment of these disorders.
  • CSD 365 - Acquired Speech and Language Disorders

    Credits: 3. Offered spring. Prereq., CSD 210. Identification, assessment, and intervention for a variety acquired speech and language disorders. Other topics include secondary conditions, potential psychosocial and educational concerns, multicultural considerations, and family roles.
  • CSD 392 - Independent Study

    Credits: 1 TO 6. (R-6) Offered every term. Prereq., consent of instr. Course material appropriate to the needs and objectives of the individual student.
  • CSD 405 - The Clinical Process

    Credits: 3. Offered spring.  Prereq., CSD 210, CSD 222, CSD 320, CSD 340, CSD 360.  The underlying principles of clinical methods and practice including:  the observation of human behavior and clinical processes, assessment of communication differences, clinical management of these differences, delays and disorders, behavior, interviewing/counseling, lesson planning, and writing skills.
  • CSD 411 - Neuroanatomy & Physiology

    Credits: 3. Offered spring. Prereq.,BIOH 330. Focused study on the anatomy of the nervous system and how the nervous system supports behaviors inherent to communication. Students will be introduced to anatomical terms, structures, and functions. Clinical implications will be discussed as well.
  • CSD 420 - Speech Science

    Credits: 3. Offered spring. Prereq., CSD 222, CSD 320, BIOH 330. Physiologic, neurologic, and acoustic aspects of human communication, theoretical framework for speech science, and principles of acoustics applied to speech pathology.
  • CSD 430 - Senior Capstone

    Credits: 3. Offered autumn. Prereq., senior status. Part one of a two course sequence where the student completes an independent project. Students will prepare a literature review, and ethics application, and a proposal in preparation for a major research project of their design.
    Course Attributes:
    • Writing Course-Advanced
  • CSD 450 - Intro to Aural Rehabilitation

    Credits: 3. Offered spring. Prereq., CSD 210, CSD 222, CSD 340, & CSD 360 or graduate standing. Fundamental skills in speech reading, various types of hearing aids, and the tools necessary to assess and implement auditory training. Management of the client with hearing impairment including psycho-social development and educational intervention. Both children and adults are included.
  • CSD 470 - Clinical Observation

    Credits: 2. Offered spring. Prereq., CSD 320, CSD 330, CSD 340, CSD 360.  Complete clinical observation guides to fulfill ASHA Standard IV-C by viewing live and recorded treatment and diagnostic sessions under the guidance of speech-language pathologist who holds the certificate of clinical competence.
  • CSD 480 - Multicultural Issues

    Credits: 3. Offered autumn. Prereq., CSD 210, CSD 222, CSD 320, CSD 340, CSD 360.  Topics include: dynamics of community and culture; strategies to communicate with people from a variety of backgrounds; learning English as a second language; phonological and linguistic analysis of differences between Standard English speakers and culturally diverse populations and international differences in service delivery.
  • CSD 490 - Undergrad Clin Practicum

    Credits: 1 TO 3. 1-3 cr. (per semester). Prereq., lower division CSD courses and consent of CSD Clinical Director. A maximum of 5 credits of clinical practicum may count toward graduation. Allows the advanced student an opportunity to pursue independent or small group clinical practicum. Students will be directly supervised by a certified speech and language pathologist or audiologist.
    Course Attributes:
    • Internships/Practicums
  • CSD 491 - Special Topics

    Credits: 1 TO 3. (R-6) Offerings of visiting professors, experimental offerings of new courses, or one-time offerings of current topics.
  • CSD 498 - Independent Research

    Credits: 1 TO 3. (R-6) Offered Autumn, Spring.  Prereq., consent of the instructor.  Participation in independent or instructor associated research activities.  
    Course Attributes:
    • Internships/Practicums
  • CSD 520 - Artic & Phono Disorders

    Credits: 3. Offered Autumn. Prereq., Graduate standing and CSD 320, CSD 330, CSD 340 or equivalent course work. Theoretical perspectives on phonological and articulation disorders with emphasis on application to clinical management including evaluation, assessment techniques, and intervention strategies. Level: Graduate
  • CSD 526 - Autism

    Credits: 3. Offered intermittently. Prereq. Graduate standing.  Introduction to the disorder of autism through the lifespan as it impacts the scope and practice of speech and language pathologists.  Course topics include: characteristics of ASD, screening and diagnostics tools and procedures, program planning/service delivery models, transition and advocacy, and recent research in speech-language pathology. Level: Graduate
  • CSD 530 - Voice & Motor Speech Disorders

    Credits: 4. Prereq., Graduate standing, CSD 330, 340, and 411, or equivalent course work. Study of anatomy, physiology, and pathology of voice. Diagnosis and management of voice and resonance disorders. Neural bases of normal and disordered speech motor control. Assessment and treatment of motor speech disorders. Level: Graduate
  • CSD 540 - Fluency Disorders

    Credits: 3. Offered Autumn. Prerequisites: Graduate standing and CSD 340 or equivalent course work.  Theoretical, etiological, and developmental perspectives of fluency disorders.  Principals of assessment and intervention, including integration of fluency shaping and stuttering modification techniques. Level: Graduate
  • CSD 545 - Augmentative & Alt. Comm.

    Credits: 3. Offered variable terms.  Prereqs., graduate standing.  Topics include: AAC terminology, design and use of multiple AAC devices (high and light tech), and implementation of treatment programs for individuals and communication partners. Level: Graduate
  • CSD 550 - Lang/Learn Dis.Yng Chld SERV

    Credits: 3. Offered autumn. Prereq., Graduate standing and CSD 210 and CSD 360 or equivalent course work. Theoretical perspectives, research, and clinical issues concerning disorders of language in infants, toddlers and preschoolers considering contributing factors, special populations and basic assessment and intervention principles.  Level: Graduate
    Course Attributes:
    • Service Learning
  • CSD 560 - Lang/Learn Dis.Schl Age SERV

    Credits: 3. Offered spring. Prereq., graduate standing and CSD 210 and CSD 360 or equivalent course work.  Theoretical perspectives, research, and clinical issues concerning disorders of language, literacy, and learning in the school-age population (elementary through high school) considering contributing factors, special populations and basic assessment and intervention principles. Level: Graduate
    Course Attributes:
    • Service Learning
  • CSD 563 - Schools

    Credits: 3. Offered intermittently. Prereq., Graduate standing.  Historical and current trends for speech-language services in the schools for clients birth to 21 years of age including: state and federal laws, the therapeutic needs of special populations, and the pre-referral, referral, assessment, and service delivery process. Level: Graduate
  • CSD 565 - Aphasia & Acquired Apraxia of Speech

    Credits: 3. Offered autumn. Prereq., CSD 210, CSD 330, CSD 360, and CSD 411 or equivalent course work and graduate standing. Neural bases and medical etiologies of acquired apraxia of speech and acquired cognitive-linguistic disorders in adults. Evaluation and treatment of aphasia and apraxia of speech in persons with acquired neurologic disorders across successive stages of recovery. Incorporates models of rehabilitation across prevention, assessment, and treatment, with a focus on the WHO ICF and aspects of disability across diverse populations. Level: Graduate
  • CSD 566 - Acquired Cog-Com Disorders

    Credits: 3. Offered intermittently. Prereq., Graduate standing, CSD 565 or equivalent course work. Assessment, treatment, and prevention of acquired cognitive-communication disorders including pediatric and adult traumatic brain injury (TBI) and mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI), right hemisphere syndrome (RHS), and dementia. Emphasis on neurobiological principles of rehabilitations, differential diagnosis and theories, and evidence-based research pertaining to clinical management. Level: Graduate
  • CSD 570 - Clinical Procedures I

    Credits: 1. Offered autumn, summer; on campus only.  Prereq., graduate standing, permission of clinical director. Co-convened with CSD 571. Study of professional and clinical issues with application to clinical practicum. Discussions, demonstrations, and student presentations. Mandatory weekly meeting. Level: Graduate
    Course Attributes:
    • Co-Convened Course
  • CSD 571 - Applied Clinic I

    Credits: 1. Offered autumn, summer; on campus only. Prereq., graduate standing, permission of clinical director. Co-convened with CSD 570. Application of professional skills in the UM RiteCare Clinic. Assignment of cases and area of specialization will vary with the clients needs and availability. Level: Graduate
    Course Attributes:
    • Co-Convened Course
  • CSD 575 - Clinical Procedures II

    Credits: 1. (R-9) Offered autumn, spring, summer. Prereq., CSD 570. Co-convened with CSD 576. Advanced study of professional and clinical issues with application to clinical practicum. Discussions, demonstrations, and student presentations. Mandatory synchronous weekly class meeting. Out of state placement by approval of clinical director. Level: Graduate
    Course Attributes:
    • Co-Convened Course
  • CSD 576 - Applied Clinic II

    Credits: 2. (R-9) Offered autumn, spring, summer. Prereq., CSD 570. Co-convened with CSD 575. Advanced application of professional skills in the UM RiteCare Clinic or off-campus. Assignment of cases and area of specialization will vary with the clients needs and availability. Out of state placement by approval of clinical director. Level: Graduate.
    Course Attributes:
    • Co-Convened Course
  • CSD 580 - Diagnostics

    Credits: 2. Offered every term. Prereq., Graduate Standing and CSD 570. Students will accrue clinical clock hours with pediatric and adult populations while developing the following skills: using case history information to form a diagnostic plan; administering various standardized and non-standardized diagnostic tools; interpreting assessment results; writing diagnostic reports; and sharing diagnostic results with clients, caregivers and other professionals. Mandatory weekly class meetings. Level: Graduate
  • CSD 591 - Special Topics

    Credits: 1 TO 6. (R-6) Offered intermittently. Experimental offerings of visiting professors, experimental offerings of new courses, or one-time offerings of current topics. Level: Graduate
  • CSD 594 - Graduate Seminar

    Credits: 1 TO 12. (R-3) Offered intermittently.  Prereq., consent of instr. A review and discussion of current research. Topics vary. Level: Graduate
  • CSD 595 - Special Topics

    Credits: 1 TO 12. Offered intermittently. Prereq., consent of instr. Experimental offerings of visiting professors, experimental offerings of new courses, or one-time offering of current topics. Level: Graduate
  • CSD 600 - Research Methods

    Credits: 3. Offered spring. Prereq., graduate standing. Research methodologies appropriate for quantitative and qualitative studies in communication sciences and disorders. Focuses on critical reading of research papers, design, and implementation of experiments. Level: Graduate
  • CSD 610 - Counseling

    Credits: 3. Offered intermittently. Prereq., CSD 520, CSD 540, CSD 550, CSD 560, CSD 565.  Introduction to counseling clients and caregivers regarding speech and hearing disorders across the lifespan. Topics include adjustment to injury, the grief process, specific counseling approaches, advocacy and identifying community resources. Level: Graduate
  • CSD 640 - Swallowing Disorders

    Credits: 3. Prereq, Graduate standing and CSD 330, CSD 340, and CSD 411, or equivalent course work. Study of anatomy, physiology, and pathology of swallowing.  Diagnosis and treatment of swallowing disorders. Level: Graduate
  • CSD 675 - Clinical Externship

    Credits: 6. Offered every term. Prereq., permissions of Clinic Director and completion of at least 4 credits of CSD 575 clinical course work.  The course is an externship typically completed during a student’s final semester of graduate school.  The externship requires a commitment of 30-40 hours a week in a school, clinic, or medical site across Montana or out of state that is approved by The University of Montana.  Online case study is also required to fulfill requirements. Level: Graduate
  • CSD 688 - CSD Master of Science Capstone

    Credits: 3. Offered spring and autumn. Prereq., CSD 600, Graduate standing and consent of instructor. In depth literature review of a particular field of study related to speech-language pathology. Level: Graduate
  • CSD 696 - Independent Study

    Credits: 1 TO 5. Prereq. Consent of instr. Course material appropriate to the needs and objectives of the individual student. Level: Graduate
  • CSD 699 - Thesis

    Credits: 1 TO 6. (R-9) Offered autumn, spring, summer. Prereq., CSD 600, Graduate standing and consent of instructor. The primary purpose of the thesis is to allow a student to conduct a research project in a particular field of study related to speech and language pathology. Level: Graduate