Travis T. Threats, Ph.D.
Department Chair
Mitzi Brammer, Ph.D.
Graduate Program Director
Saneta Thurmon, M.A.
Undergraduate Program Director
The goal of the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Saint Louis University is to prepare speech-language pathologists to be culturally competent, evidence-based clinicians who provide compassionate clinical services to improve the quality of life of the clients and their families.
The Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders is the second-highest-rated program in the nation at a Catholic university, as well as the highest-rated program in Missouri.
SLU's Departmentof Communication Sciences faculty members have diverse backgrounds and a wide range of research interests including child language and literacy disorders, stuttering, voice disorders, adult neurogenic disorders, memory and cognition in adult populations and aural rehabilitation in persons with cochlear implants.
Our faculty conducts clinically oriented research with both medical and educational areas of emphasis to improve the quality of life of others. All of the faculty members have presented at state, national or international conferences and several have international recognition.
Angela Adrian, M.A., CCC-SLP
Mitzi Brammer, Ph.D., CCC-SLP
Emily Buxbaum, M.S., CCC-SLP
Yi-Fang Chiu, Ph.D., CCC-SLP
Maureen Fischer, M.A., CCC-A
Rebecca Frisella, M.S., CCC-SLP
Christina Garms, M.S., CCC-SLP
Julie Hoffman, M.A., CCC-SLP
Deborah A. Hwa-Froelich, Ph.D., CCC-SLP
Robin Murphy, M.S., CCC-SLP
Whitney Postman, Ph.D., CCC-SLP
Sara Steele, Ph.D., CCC-SLP
Travis T. Threats, Ph.D., CCC-SLP
Saneta Thurmon, M.A., CCC-SLP/A
Andrea Vaughn, M.S., CCC-SLP
CSDI 1000 - Introduction to Communication Sciences and Disorders
Credit(s): 3 Credits
A survey course designed to provide an introduction to the areas of study and the disciplines involved in communicative disorders, including an overview of communication processes and development as well as speech, language, and hearing disorders. (Offered every Fall and Spring)
Attributes: Social Science Req (A&S)
CSDI 1420 - Deaf Culture and Sign Language
Credit(s): 2 Credits
Discussion of the various aspects of Deaf culture, including the description of deafness, Deaf people, the deaf community as defined by audiological and/or cultural means, services for and by Deaf people and culture as reflected in the arts and language of Deaf people. An introduction to the manual alphabet and basic signs used in communicating with individuals who are deaf. Open to non-majors. (Offered in Fall)
CSDI 1930 - Special Topics
Credit(s): 1-4 Credits (Repeatable for credit)
CSDI 2000 - Phonetics
Credit(s): 2 Credits
A study of English phonemes with practice transcribing connected speech including dialectal variations, as well as disordered speech, using the international Phonetic Alphabet. (Offered every Fall)
CSDI 2200 - Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech Mechanism
Credit(s): 3 Credits
A study of the anatomical and physiological aspects of the speech mechanism. (Offered every Fall)
CSDI 2400 - Foundations of Language
Credit(s): 3 Credits
An Introduction to linguistic theories focusing on the rule systems of language, language development, language difference, dialects and language change across time. (Offered every Spring)
CSDI 2930 - Special Topics
Credit(s): 1-4 Credits (Repeatable for credit)
CSDI 2980 - Independent Study
Credit(s): 1 or 3 Credits (Repeatable for credit)
CSDI 3000 - Cultural Linguistic Diversity
Credit(s): 3 Credits
Course Purpose: Students will examine characteristics of linguistic and cultural diversity across the United States and beyond. Course content emphasizes issues of communication associated with race, ethnicity, gender, socio-economic status, age, physical and mental capacities, environment (e.g. rural vs. urban), religion, and sexual orientation. These issues are considered through rigorous linguistic inquiry, with an aim towards promoting harmonious interactions, health equity and social justice as relevant to the field of Communication Sciences and Disorders. Students will be guided through close examination and analysis of aspects of language and language use, in order to enlighten and enhance communication across diverse populations and circumstances. (Offered every Spring)
Prerequisite(s): CSDI 2000; CSDI 2400*
* Concurrent enrollment allowed.
Restrictions:
Enrollment is limited to students with a program in Comm Sciences Disorders.
Attributes: Global Local Justice-Elective, Medical Humanities, Social Science Req (A&S), Urban Poverty - Health Care, Diversity in the US (A&S)
CSDI 3200 - Speech Science
Credit(s): 3 Credits
A study of the physiological, acoustic, and perceptual aspects of speech. (Offered every Spring)
Restrictions:
Enrollment is limited to students with a program in Comm Sciences Disorders.
CSDI 3400 - Hearing Science
Credit(s): 3 Credits
A study of the scientific aspects of hearing and its measurement, including basic acoustics, anatomy and physiology of the ear, psychoacoustics, and instrumentation. (Offered every Fall)
Restrictions:
Enrollment is limited to students with a program in Comm Sciences Disorders.
CSDI 3700 - Speech and Language Development
Credit(s): 3 Credits
A study of the typical development of speech and language across the lifespan. Issues related to linguistic and cultural diversity will be explored. CSD majors only. (Offered every Fall)
Prerequisite(s): CSDI 2000* with a grade of C or higher and CSDI 2400* with a grade of C or higher
* Concurrent enrollment allowed.
Restrictions:
Enrollment is limited to students with a program in Comm Sciences Disorders.
CSDI 3930 - Special Topics
Credit(s): 3 Credits (Repeatable for credit)
CSDI 3980 - Independent Study
Credit(s): 1 or 3 Credits (Repeatable for credit)
CSDI 4050 - Research Seminar
Credit(s): 1 Credit
Investigation of methods of inquiry learned in the COPS Level 2 course. Interested students may apply and be admitted through a selection process based on faculty recommendation. (Offered every Fall)
Restrictions:
Enrollment is limited to students with a program in Comm Sciences Disorders.
CSDI 4060 - Research Practicum
Credit(s): 1 Credit (Repeatable for credit)
Research experience based on the completion of CSDI 4050. (Offered every Spring)
Prerequisite(s): CSDI 4050
Restrictions:
Enrollment is limited to students with a program in Comm Sciences Disorders.
CSDI 4150 - Survey of Speech & Language Disorders
Credit(s): 3 Credits
Speech and language disorders may arise from a variety of causes and may affect individuals of any age, from birth through geriatric age. This course will investigate etiologies, characteristics, developmental, and linguistic/cultural correlates of speech and language disorders across the lifespan. (Offered every Spring)
Prerequisite(s): CSDI 3700
Restrictions:
Enrollment is limited to students with a program in Comm Sciences Disorders.
CSDI 4200 - Audiology: Basic Audiometry
Credit(s): 3 Credits
An introduction to various causes of hearing loss and comprehensive audiological evaluation procedures across the life span. (Offered every Spring)
Restrictions:
Enrollment is limited to students with a program in Comm Sciences Disorders.
CSDI 4300 - Clinical Methods
Credit(s): 3 Credits
An introduction to clinical service provision, including principles and procedures in diagnostics and intervention that are common across communication disorders. (Offered every Fall)
Corequisite(s): CSDI 4350
Restrictions:
Enrollment is limited to students with a program in Comm Sciences Disorders.
CSDI 4350 - Professional Writing & Documentation for the SLP and AuD
Credit(s): 1 Credit
This course provides students with an introduction to the clinical skills through supervised observation and related clinical practice, such as intervention techniques and professional documentation. Students apply their knowledge and are evaluated on professional writing in reflection papers, SOAP notes, and goal writing projects. The department requires 25 observation hours prior to clinical practicum/graduation. Typically 15 of these hours are acquired through this class. (Offered in Fall)
Prerequisite(s): CSDI 2000; CSDI 2400; CSDI 4200
Corequisite(s): CSDI 4300
Restrictions:
Enrollment is limited to students with a program in Comm Sciences Disorders.
CSDI 4400 - Aural Rehabilitation
Credit(s): 3 Credits
A study of hearing aids and other amplification systems, cochlear implants, speech reading, and auditory training. Habilitative and rehabilitative strategies for individuals with hearing impairment will be discussed. (Offered every Fall)
Restrictions:
Enrollment is limited to students with a program in Comm Sciences Disorders.
CSDI 4500 - Neurological Basis of Communication
Credit(s): 3 Credits
A study of neurological development and function related to speech, language, and hearing. (Offered every Spring and Summer)
Restrictions:
Enrollment is limited to students with a program in Comm Sciences Disorders.
CSDI 4600 - Advanced Audiology
Credit(s): 2 Credits
A study of pediatric audiology, electrophysiology measures, behavioral hearing assessment related to developmental level, immittance audiometry and testing for auditory processing disorders. (Offered every Spring)
Restrictions:
Enrollment is limited to students with a program in Comm Sciences Disorders.
CSDI 4650 - Counseling
Credit(s): 2 Credits
An overview of counseling principles and procedures related to speech language pathology and audiology. This course provides the opportunity for students to apply counseling strategies and research methods to a variety of case studies. (Offered every Spring)
CSDI 4700 - Clinical Practicum
Credit(s): 1 Credit (Repeatable for credit)
This course will provide an introduction to clinical skills and an opportunity to learn about related clinical practice. Students enrolled in section-01 will participate in a weekly lecture and simulation case study activities while working with co-clinicians. The standardized patient simulation includes multiple components for cases, from case history to diagnostics to treatment recommendations and referrals. The students are able to use these cases in this course to develop lesson plans, write SOAP notes and self-reflect on their clinical skills. Students enrolled in section-02 may participate in supervised clinical practicum experiences including assessment and remediation of a hearing disorders. Students typically obtain 10-15 clinical clock hours in both sections. Students must have completed 25 clinical observation hours, received a grade of B or better in CSDI 4300 and have a GPA cumulative of 3.3 to enroll in this course.
Prerequisite(s): CSDI 4300 with a grade of B or higher
Restrictions:
Enrollment is limited to students with a program in Comm Sciences Disorders.
CSDI 4750 - Neurobases of Communication
Credit(s): 3 Credits
A study of neurological development and function related to speech, language, and hearing. (Offered every Spring and Summer)
Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students with a classification of Senior.
Enrollment is limited to students with a program in Comm Sciences Disorders.
CSDI 4800 - Senior Seminar
Credit(s): 2 Credits
This course provides the opportunity for students to complete and present a capstone project that synthesizes this Department's undergraduate learning outcomes. Students will evaluate and integrate theories, research methods, and applications of CSDI coursework by incorporating a values-oriented connection to community service into their culminating projects. These will be presented to the Department and invited members of the University in order for students to showcase their creative, analytical, and ethical reasoning capacities to effectively address urgent contemporary and future healthcare and social justice needs across the lifespan and across culturally and linguistically diverse communities. (Offered every Spring)
Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students with a classification of Senior.
Enrollment is limited to students with a program in Comm Sciences Disorders.
CSDI 4900 - Speech Sound Disorders Assessment & Treatment
Credit(s): 2 Credits
This course will discuss assessment and treatment of speech sound disorders covering current trends in assessment and clinical practice. Brief review of etiology, characteristics and impact of selected speech sound disorders in children and adults will be discussed. Students will engage in advanced analysis of vowels and consonants in various segments using phonetic transcription. Complex studies will allow for clinical application of assessment and treatment. Dialectal variation and its effect on speech sound disorders will also be discussed. The course will focus on children yet also cover issues with speech sound disorders across the life span.
Prerequisite(s): CSDI 2000; CSDI 4150; CSDI 4300
Restrictions:
Enrollment is limited to students with a program in Comm Sciences Disorders.
CSDI 4930 - Special Topics
Credit(s): 1-3 Credits (Repeatable for credit)
Restrictions:
Enrollment is limited to students with a program in Comm Sciences Disorders.
CSDI 4950 - Senior Residency
Credit(s): 0 Credits
Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students with a classification of Senior.
Enrollment is limited to students with a program in Comm Sciences Disorders.
CSDI 4980 - Advanced Independent Study
Credit(s): 1-3 Credits (Repeatable for credit)
Restrictions:
Enrollment is limited to students with a program in Comm Sciences Disorders.
CSDI 5010 - Clinical Practicum Lecture
Credit(s): 0 Credits (Repeatable for credit)
This course is a component of the overall Clinical Practicum experience designed to address non-academic issues presented in a seminar format. Classes are designed to supplement direct client intervention relative to professional issues that impact provision of diagnostic and therapeutic services across the lifespan of individuals with communication disorders. Offered every semester.
Restrictions:
Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Comm Sciences Disorders.
CSDI 5011 - Clinical Labs
Credit(s): 0 Credits (Repeatable for credit)
This team-taught course addresses clinical learning and application of knowledge in evaluation and treatment in the context of varying practice areas. There is an emphasis on exposure to hands-on and practical learning experiences including but not limited to: use of various evaluation tools, specialized instrumentation, communication devices (high and low tech), use of simulation, case studies and group learning modules. Student may not be enrolled in any undergraduate coursework.
Corequisite(s): CSDI 5010
CSDI 5012 - Practicum - Campus Clinic
Credit(s): 0-3 Credits (Repeatable for credit)
Clinical practicum CSDI-5012 is a hands-on experience which addresses screenings, diagnostics, treatment and counseling for children or adults presenting with a variety of speech-language disabilities or diagnoses in the areas of articulation, hearing, language and social aspects. The setting for the experience is the Saint Louis University Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic, which includes some school and Head Start opportunities. (Offered every Fall, Spring and Summer)
Prerequisite(s): CSDI 5010* with a grade of C or higher
* Concurrent enrollment allowed.
Restrictions:
Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Comm Sciences Disorders.
CSDI 5015 - Practicum - Offsite Clinic
Credit(s): 0-3 Credits (Repeatable for credit)
Clinical practicum CSDI-5015 is a direct clinical experience which addresses screenings, diagnostics, treatment and counseling for children and/or adults presenting with a variety of speech-language disabilities or diagnoses in the areas of speech, language, hearing, swallowing and social aspects. Students assigned to CSDI-5015 will be placed in off campus clinical settings with an ASHA-certified clinician serving as their clinical supervisor. (Offered Summer and Fall)
Restrictions:
Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Comm Sciences Disorders.
CSDI 5030 - Student Teaching in Communication Sciences and Disorders
Credit(s): 1-6 Credits
Supervised experience in a public school program. Offered every semester.
Restrictions:
Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Comm Sciences Disorders.
CSDI 5050 - Research for the Clinician
Credit(s): 2 Credits
Statistics is recommended. This course is designed to assist graduate students in reading, understanding and critically evaluating research in speech-language pathology. Aids students in developing, designing and writing their own experimental and clinical research proposals. (Offered every Fall)
Restrictions:
Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Comm Sciences Disorders.
CSDI 5450 - Speech Sound Disorders in Children
Credit(s): 2 Credits
A study of theories of phonological development and disorders and current diagnostic and therapeutic techniques. (Offered every Fall)
Restrictions:
Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Comm Sciences Disorders.
CSDI 5510 - Social Communication Development and Disorders
Credit(s): 2 Credits
Social Skills are integrally intertwined with communication skills and are essential for academic and professional success. This course will include discussions of the neurological bases, environmental factors, early connections to language and literacy, and a discussion of the communication disorders that may demonstrate difficulties in social communication. Assessment and management strategies will be demonstrated and described.
Restrictions:
Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Comm Sciences Disorders.
CSDI 5530 - Augmentative and Alternative Communication
Credit(s): 2 Credits
An overview of augmentative and alternative communication modes, techniques and symbol systems, as well as assessment and intervention strategies. (Offered every Summer)
Restrictions:
Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Comm Sciences Disorders.
CSDI 5550 - Early Childhood Language Disorders
Credit(s): 3 Credits
A focus on theoretically-based functional practices in the assessment and intervention of language disorders in children from birth to eight years. (Offered every Fall)
Restrictions:
Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Comm Sciences Disorders.
CSDI 5560 - School-Age Language Disorders
Credit(s): 3 Credits
A focus on theoretically-based functional practices in the assessment and intervention of language-learning disorders in school-age children and youth. (Offered every Spring)
Restrictions:
Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Comm Sciences Disorders.
CSDI 5580 - Language Based Literacy Disorders
Credit(s): 2 Credits
This course will focus on the study of literacy development and disorders in school- age children with language impairment. Includes assessment and intervention practices for reading, spelling, and writing.
Restrictions:
Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Comm Sciences Disorders.
CSDI 5600 - Fluency Disorders
Credit(s): 3 Credits
An overview of normal fluency and exploration of fluency disorders. Specific focus on the nature, assessment, and treatment of stuttering. (Offered every summer)
Restrictions:
Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Comm Sciences Disorders.
CSDI 5630 - Dysphagia
Credit(s): 3 Credits
A study of the anatomy, physiology, evaluation and treatment of swallowing and associated disorders. (Offered every fall)
Restrictions:
Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Comm Sciences Disorders.
CSDI 5700 - Voice Disorders
Credit(s): 2 Credits
A study of research in areas of voice science and pathology and development of advanced techniques in the assessment and treatment of voice disorders. (Offered every Fall)
Restrictions:
Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Comm Sciences Disorders.
CSDI 5710 - Cleft Palate and Craniofacial Anomalies
Credit(s): 2 Credits
A study of the nature, etiology, physiological and psychological aspects and ramifications of cleft palate. Offered every Summer.
Restrictions:
Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Comm Sciences Disorders.
CSDI 5720 - Neurogenic Communication Disorders in Adults
Credit(s): 3 Credits
A study of the nature, etiology, physiological and psychological aspects of aphasia and motor speech disorders. (Offered every Fall)
Restrictions:
Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Comm Sciences Disorders.
CSDI 5760 - Motor Speech Disorders
Credit(s): 3 Credits
A study of the nature, etiology, physiological and psychological aspects of acquired motor speech disorders. (Offered every Spring)
Restrictions:
Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Comm Sciences Disorders.
CSDI 5770 - Multicultural Assessment and Management of Communication Disorders
Credit(s): 2 Credits
Issues and methodologies in definition, diagnosis and treatment of communication disorders of persons from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. (Offered every Fall)
Restrictions:
Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Comm Sciences Disorders.
CSDI 5800 - Professional Issues in Speech-Language Pathology
Credit(s): 1 Credit
Taken in the last semester of study. This course focuses on the business, legal and ethical issues that impinge on clinical practice in speech-language pathology. Emphasis is placed on the administrative aspects of service delivery pertaining to private practice, clinics and hospital-based programs. (Offered every Fall)
Restrictions:
Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Comm Sciences Disorders.
CSDI 5820 - Cognitive Communication Disorders
Credit(s): 3 Credits
A study of the etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of cognitive communication disorders due to traumatic brain injury and dementia. (Offered every Fall)
Restrictions:
Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Comm Sciences Disorders.
CSDI 5880 - Advanced Audiology
Credit(s): 2 Credits
A study of pediatric audiology, electrophysiology measures, behavioral hearing assessment related to development level, immittance audiometry and testing for auditory processing disorders. (Offered every Spring)
Prerequisite(s): CSDI 4400
Restrictions:
Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Comm Sciences Disorders.
CSDI 5890 - Institute in Comm Disorders
Credit(s): 2 Credits (Repeatable up to 6 credits)
Various topics in the field. (Offered every Summer)
Restrictions:
Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Comm Sciences Disorders.
CSDI 5910 - Clinical Internship
Credit(s): 1-6 Credits (Repeatable for credit)
A required course taken in the last semester of the program involving full-time clinical placement in an off-campus site. Emphasis of this course is the integration of academic knowledge and clinical skills in a professional setting. (Offered every Fall, Spring and Summer)
Prerequisite(s): CSDI 5010 with a grade of C or higher
Restrictions:
Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Comm Sciences Disorders.
CSDI 5930 - Special Topics
Credit(s): 1-3 Credits (Repeatable for credit)
Restrictions:
Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Comm Sciences Disorders.
CSDI 5950 - Special Study for Exams
Credit(s): 0 Credits (Repeatable for credit)
Restrictions:
Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Comm Sciences Disorders.
CSDI 5960 - Essay/Project Guidance
Credit(s): 0 Credits (Repeatable for credit)
Restrictions:
Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Comm Sciences Disorders.
CSDI 5970 - Research Topics
Credit(s): 1-3 Credits (Repeatable for credit)
Permission of Instructor of department chair required.
Restrictions:
Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Comm Sciences Disorders.
CSDI 5980 - Independent Study
Credit(s): 1-3 Credits (Repeatable up to 6 credits)
CSDI 5990 - Thesis Research
Credit(s): 0-6 Credits (Repeatable for credit)
Permission of department chair required.
Restrictions:
Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Comm Sciences Disorders.