A swallowing disorders course offers students an overview of the normal swallowing function during the human lifespan. Students learn how to diagnose and treat swallowing disorders. Additional topics include the biological and neurological basis of swallowing, implementing treatment strategies, managing swallowing disorders and interpreting videofluorographic examinations.
A language disorders course provides students with a theoretical foundation of language disorders. Students learn about the major components of language disorders and the acquisition of language from early childhood through adulthood. Opportunities are available to learn about the evaluation of development disorders and intervention strategies.
A fluency disorders course studies the acoustic and physiologic foundations of the phonemes within the English language. Students develop an understanding of the culturally different phonological systems and learn to transcribe the International Phonetic Alphabet. Additional topics include the prevention, assessment and treatment of fluency disorders.
Students taking a voice disorders course learn about normal voice function and production. The course teaches students about the treatment of functional and organic voice disorders involving pitch, quality, intensity and resonance. Opportunities are also available for students to receive an overview of voice disorder assessment and learn about the principles involving hearing science.
A master's degree program in speech-language pathology requires that students complete a clinical practicum course. This is an opportunity for students to work and learn in a professional environment. Students are able to observe and evaluate clinical sessions and prepare to work with communication disorders.