Courses

The following are Graduate Catalog course descriptions in the COMSC degree program curriculum. These courses are only open to students who have matriculated into the Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology's master of science degree program.

• COMSC 700 – Introduction to Research Methods
  
  Introduction to basic research design and techniques used to study basic and applied communication science. Included is an overview of basic concepts and terminology, with emphasis on developing the ability to form a reasonable critical assessment of published literature. The course will focus on the development of technical writing skills, conducting thorough and efficient library and Internet research, the interpretation of graphical information, and a working understanding of common statistical models.
  
• COMSC 703 – Professional Practice in Educational Settings
  
  The multifaceted role of the Speech-Language Pathologist in school settings; models of service delivery; collaborative assessment and teaching; computerized teaching programs; national and state legislation and regulations; rights and responsibilities of teachers and other staff; individualized educational planning; language-based learning disabilities; cultural diversity issues including bilingual and multicultural issues; roles of language in academic development and instruction; drug abuse education and fire safety. Assisting special education students with speech and language disabilities and their teachers with the teaching and learning of the general curriculum is emphasized.
  
• COMSC 705 – Acoustic, Physiologic, and Auditory Phonetics
  
  A comprehensive overview of basic phonetic science, as well as a foundation for its application to clinically relevant issues; basic concepts and terminology associated with the scientific study of the production, structure, transmission, and perception of the speech signal; acquisition, measurement and interpretation of physical data; speech and voice acoustics, aerodynamics, glottography, and kinematics.
  
• COMSC 706 – Summative Project I
  
  The intention of this Project is for students demonstrate skills acquired in graduate school, including field research, writing, oral presentation and critical thinking. It is meant to advance and facilitate student-initiated research in the field of speech/language pathology. Current and relevant topics in the fields of speech/language pathology, applied linguistics, psycholinguistics, and education with emphasis on students’ coursework at Hunter College will be considered.
  
• COMSC 707 – Summative Project II
  
  The intention of this Project is for students demonstrate skills acquired in graduate school, including field research, writing, oral presentation and critical thinking. It is meant to advance and facilitate student-initiated research in the field of speech/language pathology. Current and relevant topics in the fields of speech/language pathology, applied linguistics, psycholinguistics, and education with emphasis on students’ coursework at Hunter College will be considered.
  
• COMSC 711 – Models of Language
  
  This course is designed to further the understanding of the nature of the language acquisition process as it pertains to the field of speech/language pathology. By surveying the various scientific proposals with respect to language learning, the student will gain a richer understanding of how language learning might be interrupted. Moreover, the student will gain exposure to an interdisciplinary approach to the notion of language learning.
  
• COMSC 712 – Neural Processes of Communication
  
  Neuroanatomy of normal processes and disorders of speech, swallowing, language, vision, hearing, emotion, cognition, and communication; development of the human nervous system; neurological disorders and their effects on communication processes.
  
• COMSC 715 – Communication Processes Related to Aging
  
  Current understanding of adult development and aging as related to communication processes and disorders. Speech, language and hearing changes, as well as social, behavioral, physical and cognitive changes associated with normal and pathological aging processes. Intervention strategies, diagnostic and treatment materials, and audiological equipment for the communicatively impaired elderly population.
  
• COMSC 716 – Development and Disorders of Articulation and Phonology
  
  This course addresses the physiological, cultural and psychological aspects of articulatory and phonological development and disorders; methods of prevention, assessment and intervention across the range of severity and etiology; impact of phonological disorders on acquisition of pre-literacy; collaboration with teachers in management and instruction.
  
• COMSC 717 – Language Disorders in Children
  
  Language and communication disorders and differences in children from infancy through adolescence, including specific language impairment, pervasive developmental delay, autism, and mental retardation, cognitive and social aspects of communication, variation in severity and type of disorders; management of children requiring special education as mandated by the Federal Law; implications of early language disorders on literacy acquisition, assessment and intervention; cultural diversity issues; interdisciplinary strategies for intervention for children with communication challenges within the home, preschool, school and community settings.
  
• COMSC 719 – Assessment and Management of Dysphagia Across the Lifespan
  
  This course addresses normal swallowing function and abnormal swallowing function across the lifespan, clinically known as dysphagia. Evaluation, management and treatment of dysphagia across various neurological, mechanical and esophageal conditions in infants, children and adults will be emphasized. Interpretation of Modified Barium Swallow and Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallow studies, as well as non-oral options for nutrition/hydration will be addressed.
  
• COMSC 720 – Clinical Methods in Speech Language Pathology: Fundamentals of Therapeutic Intervention
  
  This course is an introduction to the scope and essentials of clinical practicum across the life span as reflected in the management of speech and language disorders in pediatric and adult populations. Basic clinical methods and procedures will be emphasized, including the development of the skills to select therapy targets, develop session plans, generate behavioral objectives and write SOAP notes. This course includes 25 hours of clinical observation, which are external to the course hours. Completion of workshops in reporting child abuse and violence protection in the classroom will be required.
  
• COMSC 722 – Fluency Disorders
  
  Anatomical/physiological, neurological, psychological, developmental, linguistic and cultural bases of fluency disorders; methods of prevention, assessment and intervention across the life span and range of severity and etiology; management in social, educational and vocational settings.
  
• COMSC 723 – Studies in Bilingualism
  
  This class involves a survey of classical and contemporary psycholinguistic literature as it pertains to bilingual speakers (both children and adults). The ways in which languages can be acquired and be represented will be reviewed in preparation for understanding how language and communication disorders might manifest in bilingual speakers. Several critical articles on the study of bilingualism will be discussed, under the following headings: (1) psycholinguistics from a cross language perspective, (2) early bilingual development (3) the bilingual brain (4) learning to reading in more than one script and (5) the cognitive impact of bilingualism. In addition, students will be engaged in discussions regarding the nature of bilingual language skills, the role of language in second language learning and how these factors impact assessment and treatment of language and communication disorders.
  
• COMSC 724 – Developmental and Acquired Motor Speech and Swallowing Disorders
  
  Disorders of speech resulting from neurologic impairment affecting the motor programming (apraxia) or neuromuscular execution (dysarthria) of speech in infants, children and adults; assessment and therapeutic management strategies in social, educational and vocational settings.
  
• COMSC 726 – Adult Neurogenic Communication Disorders
  
  This course addresses the neurological, linguistic, cognitive and/or psychological aspects of acquired communication disorders in the adult population. The course content will focus on the differential aphasia classifications and diagnosis and treatment of receptive and expressive language and speech disorders in aphasia in both monolingual and bilingual populations. Additionally, the course will compare the disorder of aphasia to other neurogenic communication disorders, such as right hemisphere dysfunction, traumatic brain injury, dementia, apraxia and dysarthria.
  
• COMSC 727 – Voice Disorders
  
  This course addresses the identification, assessment, diagnosis and management of dysphonia and related laryngeal disorders, providing an overview of the functional, congenital, psychogenic, trauma-related, organic, and neurogenic disorders that can affect vocal function, respiration, and resonance. The role of stroboscopy, glottography, aerodynamic and acoustic measures in assessment of phonatory disorders is discussed, and a survey of treatment techniques and strategies for voice patients is presented. In addition, laryngectomee rehabilitation will be presented. An off-campus trip to an ENT/ voice lab in the metropolitan area will be scheduled for later in the semester.
  
• COMSC 728 – Clinical Practicum in Speech-Language Pathology
  
  The initial on-campus clinical practicum in assessment and management of communication disorders of varying types and severity under the supervision of an ASHA certified and New York State licensed speech language pathologist. College-supervised on-campus clinical practica include experiences with individuals who have speech and language disabilities in early childhood, childhood, middle childhood, adolescence, or adulthood.
  
• COMSC 729 – Clinical Practicum in Speech-Language Pathology 1
  
  Second clinical practicum in assessment and management of communication disorders of varying types and severity under the supervision of an ASHA certified and New York State licensed Speech-Language Pathologist. College-supervised on-campus clinical practica or off-campus clinical practica include experiences in settings with individuals who have speech and language disabilities in early childhood, childhood, middle childhood, adolescence, or adulthood. All COMSC Students have at least one school setting practicum placement.
  
• COMSC 733 – Clinical Methods in Speech-Language Pathology: Assessment and Diagnosis
  
  This course is a continuation of the discussion the scope and essentials of clinical practicum, as reflected in the identification and assessment of speech and language disorders across the life span. Basic clinical methods and procedures will be emphasized including the development of the skills related to generating and interpreting diagnostic reports. Students will learn about processes related to the selection, interpretation and administration of appropriate, client specific formal and informal assessment tools.
  
• COMSC 735 – Clinical Methods in Speech-Language Pathology: Reading and Dyslexia
  
  This clinical seminar addresses typical processes of reading across the lifespan including pre literacy skills. Reading disorders in children and adults are discussed, differential diagnosis, therapeutic intervention; the role of the Speech-Language pathologist in the educational setting; collaboration among reading professionals and school based curriculum.
  
• COMSC 737 – Clinical Seminar in Speech-Language Pathology: AAC
  
  This seminar focuses on knowledge and skills in speech-language pathology related to clinical competence and professionalism, clinical interventions, and clinical research with a focus on Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC). Topics discussed include fundamental principles of AAC assessment, diagnostic intervention planning & implementation, data- collection & interpretation, and follow-up assessment for monitoring progress across the lifespan. Presentation of no-tech (unaided communication), low-tech, mid-tech and high-tech supports will be made available.
  
• COMSC 738 – Communication and Developmental Disabilities
  
  This course surveys the communication status of individuals with developmental disabilities (i.e., intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorders, and cerebral palsy) with a focus on evidence-based assessment and intervention practices across the life span.
  
• COMSC 739 – Clinical Practicum in Speech-Language Pathology II
  
  Second-year spring semester clinical practicum in assessment and management of communication disorders of varying types and severity under the supervision of an ASHA certified and New York State licensed speech language pathologist. College-supervised off-campus clinical practica include experiences in settings with individuals who have speech and language disabilities in early childhood, childhood, middle childhood, adolescence, or adulthood. All COMSC Students have at least one school setting practicum placement.
  
• COMSC 752 – Audiology for Speech-Language Pathologists
  
  This course provides an overview of topics in audiology that are highly relevant to the professional in Speech-Language Pathology. Specifically, the identification, assessment and management of individuals across the life span (newborns through older adults) who have hearing loss and auditory processing disorders and disabilities are topic covered in this course. Particular emphasis will be on the role of speech-language pathologists in aural (re)habilitative processes including cochlear implant use and other assistive technologies. Roles and responsibilities of the speech-language pathologist working with other disciplines as delineated in the Scope of Practice for the profession and the Code of Ethics of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association are similarly reviewed.
  
• COMSC 771 – Summer Clinical Practicum in Speech-Language Pathology I
  
  First-year summer semester clinical practicum in assessment and management of communication disorders of varying types and severity under the supervisor of an ASHA certified and New York State licensed speech-language pathologist. College-supervised on-campus clinical practicum and off-campus clinical practica include experiences in settings with students with speech and language disabilities in early childhood, childhood, middle childhood and adolescence, or adulthood. All COMSC students have at least one school setting practicum placement.
  
• COMSC 772 – Summer Clinical Practicum in Speech-Language Pathology II
  
  Second-year summer semester clinical practicum in assessment and management of communication disorders of varying types and severity under the supervisor of an ASHA certified and New York State licensed speech-language pathologist. College-supervised on-campus clinical practicum and off-campus clinical practica include experiences in settings with students with speech and language disabilities in early childhood, childhood, middle childhood and adolescence, or adulthood. All COMSC students have at least one school setting practicum placement.
  
• CEDF 706 – Social, Historical, Philosophical Foundations of Education
  
  An in-depth study of the social, historical, and philosophical foundations of education and their impact on the American school.
  

Additional Courses for Students Enrolled for a Masters Degree in Teachers of Students w/Speech Language Disabilities, Bilingual Extension (Spanish/English):

• BILED 701 – Foundations of Bilingual Education
  
  Historical overview of bilingual education and its relationship to ESL instruction. Emphasis is placed on social and linguistic theories underlying bilingual instructional models and the political context in which they function.
  
• BILED 771 – Psychology of Language Learning and Teaching
  
  Survey of the research in first and second language acquisition as it pertains to bilingual children. Emphasis on the psychological underpinnings of the language acquisition process and their implications for language learning in the classroom.
  
• BILED 778 – Instruction Through the Native Language
  
  To enhance Spanish language skills of teacher candidates for the purpose of teaching content areas in and through Spanish. The academic language needed to teach content areas will be emphasized. Teacher candidates will develop, adapt and revise curriculum materials in Spanish for the bilingual classroom.
  
• EDESL 783 – Methodology of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
  
  An overview of classroom options for teaching English to second language learners. The course covers options for classroom management and setting up learning environments.
  

The courses listed below are descriptions of the 15 credits in communication sciences and disorders needed to apply as a matriculated student. Prospective applicants may take the same types of courses as those described below at any other accredited institution.

These classes are open to Hunter College undergraduate seniors and non-degree students who have earned a bachelors degree. An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 is required to enroll in these courses. Advisement may be offered via Zoom calls by appointment. Please contact Ms. Joanne Johnson at slpa@hunter.cuny.edu for further inquiry about advisement Zoom calls.

The 15 credits of pre-requisite coursework in Communication Sciences and Disorders are offered by Hunter College as non-matriculated coursework. The courses are only offered by Hunter College once a year and in the following sequence:

Summer Semester

COMSC 620 Introduction to Speech Language Pathology
Introduction to organic and behavioral correlates of human communication; its development and disorders. The influence of culture, heritage, and socioeconomic status on the disorders of voice, articulation, fluency, and language.

COMSC 640 Introduction to Audiology
Etiology and pathology of hearing disorders, basic properties of the auditory stimulus: measurement of pure tone thresholds by air and bone conduction. Overview of the audiologist in diagnosis and management of hearing disorders.

Fall Semester

COMSC 615 Speech and Its Production - Anatomy & Physiology of the Speech and Hearing Mechanisms
An overview of the structure of speech and the basic mechanisms involved the production of speech sounds; a foundation for a more in-depth study of speech science and its application to clinical practice in speech-language pathology and audiology; structure and organization of the ventilatory, laryngeal, supralaryngeal and orofacial mechanisms; issues in basic speech acoustics and perception.

COMSC 604 Introduction to Language Science
An introduction to the relationship between language and communication. Topics include components of the linguistic system, relationship between verbal and non-verbal communication, artificial language, language acquisition and second language learning.

Spring Semester

COMSC 607 Phonetics of American English
Phonetic features of oral American English and dialectal variations of American English and non-native English speech.

To apply as a non-matriculated student you must follow the directions at the Admissions website.

When applying to the Department of Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology MS program, applicants must ensure each foundation course carries at least a 3-credit load and a grade of B. Two credit courses will only partially fulfill the requirement. See the table at the bottom of this page for course equivalents at other CUNY schools.
In addition to the 15 credits of prerequisite communication sciences and disorders courses listed above, applicants must also fulfill the following requirements at either an undergraduate and/or graduate level with a B or better in each course: English (3 credits), social science (6 credits), biological science (3 credits - no lab necessary), physical science (3 credits - no lab necessary, but must be in physics or chemistry), statistics (3 credits).

Advanced placement (A.P.) credits are accepted so long as the credits are on the college transcript.
College Level Examination Program (C.L.E.P.) are not accepted by the department.

Acceptable courses in biological sciences should emphasize a content area related to human or animal sciences (e.g., biology, human anatomy and physiology, neuroanatomy and neurophysiology, human genetics, veterinary science). Acceptable courses in physical sciences should include physics or chemistry. Acceptable courses in social/behavioral sciences should include psychology, sociology, anthropology, or public health. A stand-alone course in statistics is required. Research methodology courses in communication sciences and disorders (CSD) may not be used to satisfy the statistics requirement. A course in biological and physical sciences specifically related to CSD may not be applied for certification purposes to this category unless the course fulfills a university requirement in one of these areas. (from ASHA certifcation Standard IV-A)

The summer prior to the student's first full time semester of coursework, the following course is necessary to undertake in order to facilitate externship placement the following summer:

CEDF 706 – Social, Historical, Philosophical Foundations of Education
An in-depth study of the social, historical, and philosophical foundations of education and their impact on the American school.

The following table outlines the coursework for a full time, matriculated, Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology student working towards a master of science in SLP. Depending on the semester each sequence of courses is a 15 or 16 credit course load. Students who have been admitted to the department with Conditions are advised to complete the conditions during the summer prior to commencing first year graduate studies or during the summer prior to commencing the second year of graduate studies. Students must satisfy any condition to admissions prior to commencing the second year of graduate study.

It is Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology policy for students to take no more than designated semester's credit load of graduate coursework. Students will not be permitted to expand the beyond the credit limit, or extend the conditions deadline.

Incoming first-year students participate in clinical work as part of COMSC 720, Introduction to Clinic. Each student is assigned one client for weekly individualized treatment. A clinical educator is assigned to each student, modeling and supervising the treatment processes. In addition, all incoming students are assigned work in a group treatment setting of one of the following: typically developing children, adult aphasic, accent reduction or high functioning autism sprectrum college students. Students must consistently demonstrate all elements of clinical skill-sets prior to being considered for any off-campus placements in the following summer. All students are required to complete a minimum of four clinical practica and achieve a passing grade of CR (credit) or P (pass) in each clinical experience.

This table lists the coursework for the summer following completion of first year of master's degree studies in Speech-Language Pathology.

The table below lists the coursework for student enrolled in the MS in Speech-Language Pathology during 2nd year of graduate studies. Fall semester carries a load of 13 credits and spring is 15 credits.

Students needing to enhance clinical skill-sets during the second summer may enroll in the following course. Doing so will necessitate a September graduation.