Program's Courses

The course sequence for students accepted into the Bridge Prerequisite Program is listed below. Courses are offered across three semesters annually. A student may begin the program during Fall, Spring, or Summer in accordance with the prescribed application and admission deadline.

Fall

SPA 5012 Introduction to Communication Science

(4 credits)

This course provides an overview of the speech sciences. Information integrates scientific material relating to the acoustics, anatomy, and physiology of speech production and perception. Specific topics include sound, respiration, phonation, articulation, audition, and the nervous system along with clinical cases that affect these areas of speech science. This introductory course is expected to serve as a basis for understanding the science of speech and to provide a foundation for advanced graduate-level coursework in speech functions.

SPA 5102 Neurological Basis of Communication

(4 credits)

This course provides an overview of the normal neuroanatomy and neurophysiology of human communication (speech, language, and hearing), while also covering introductory information related to neuropathologies and clinical causes that affect communication. This course serves as a basis for understanding the normative and pathological processes that affect human communication and provides a foundation for advanced, graduate-level coursework in speech, language, and cognitive functions. Classes are primarily lecture based and are supplemented by videotapes, illustrations, handouts, in-class review activities, and Internet activities. Lectures follow the text, but not necessarily in order of the chapters.

Spring

SPA 5113 Clinical Phonetics

(4 credits)

This course focuses on learning to phonetically transcribe spoken language. Students learn and frequently practice transcription of vowels and consonants at the levels of isolation, syllables, words, phrases, and connected speech. The course also incorporates relevant material covering phonetics as a science, the similarities and differences between spelling and sound, anatomy and physiology of the speech mechanism, clinical phonetics, and dialectal variation in spoken language

SPA 5103 Anatomy and Physiology of Speech/Language and Hearing

(4 credits)

This course provides the foundation for advanced study in communication science and disorders. Understanding the normal structure and function brings about an increased understanding of the pathology present in the myriad of patient populations encountered in future practical experiences as an SLP student clinician and, later, in practice. Students learn about the nature of communication and swallowing, primarily their anatomic, physiologic, acoustic, and perceptual characteristics.

Summer

SPA 5009 Normal Communication Development

(4 credits)

This course provides an overview of the fundamental bases of language development and their disorders. The knowledge and skills acquired in this course are pivotal to preparing future professionals for a variety of careers and scientific inquiry. Knowledge of typical language development is essential for a variety of professions such as working in an educational setting or child-care capacity, working with individuals with communication disorders, or conducting related research. This overview serves as a foundation for advanced coursework.

SPA 5033 Introduction to Clinical Audiology

(4 credits)

This course introduces the field and practice of audiology as a prerequisite to graduate studies in Communication Sciences and Disorders or as a supplement to studies in related fields. Topics include the nature, measurement, and perception of sound; basic anatomy and physiology of the human auditory system; the nature, causes, and effects of hearing impairment; basic hearing assessment; treatment options for hearing impairment; as well as information regarding assessment and treatment of special populations.

SPA 5058 Clinical Methods

(4 credits)

This course introduces students to clinical practice in speech-language pathology and provides a link between scholarship and practice. It is intended to supplement other academic courses with applied clinical knowledge which should strengthen their application for graduate studies. Students will become acquainted with the scope of practice, ethical obligations and supervision of the SLPA, medical billing and documentation, implementing treatment plans, intervention strategies and techniques, service delivery options, behavior management and data collection. Course topics include fundamentals of the profession, principles of intervention, a clinical focus on treating clients with various developmental and acquired impairments, data collection, and documentation. Observation of speech and language is also included. (This course may also be offered in the Fall and Spring.)