Communication Sciences and Disorders

Course Information

Program Overview

The Communication Sciences and Disorders concentration prepares students for graduate studies in the fields of Speech-Language Pathology or Audiology. Building on Assumption College’s strong liberal arts foundation with courses specifically focused on human communication, the social, behavioral and biological sciences and mathematics, the concentration is offered through Assumption College’s Human Services and Rehabilitation Studies department.

Concentration Requirements

Students concentrating in Communication Sciences and Disorders must take 7 courses specific to the field, as well as 6 courses in related disciplines.

Speech Language Pathology Assistant License

Students who complete all of the concentration's required courses as well as 20 hours of clinical practice under a licensed speech language pathologist or audiologist, can apply for a license as a speech language pathology assistant in the state of Massachusetts. Other states may have different licensing requirements. Therefore, students who are interested in becoming Assistants outside of Massachusetts should look into licensing requirements for the state they plan to work in.

Degree Requirements

Students concentrating in Communication Sciences and Disorders must take 7 courses specific to the field, as well as 6 courses in related disciplines.

Required Courses:

Communication Science Courses:

HRS 225 Introduction to Human Communication and its Disorders (Spring)
HRS 335 Anatomy and Physiology of Speech and Hearing Mechanisms (Fall)
HRS 235 Normal Development of Speech and Language (Fall)
HRS 325 Clinically Based Phonetics of American English (Spring)
HRS 415 Hearing Science (Spring)
HRS 416 Introduction to Audiology (Fall)
HRS 425 Speech Science (Spring)

Other required Courses*:

PSY 190 Psychology of Development: Infancy and Childhood
1 course in general statistics
1 additional course in the Behavioral Sciences
1 Mathematics Course (MAT 114 or higher
*1 Biology Course
*1 general Physics or general Chemistry Course

*(note: one natural science course must be taken with a lab)

Recommended but not required coursework:

HRS 227 Hearing and Deafness
HRS 228 Introduction to Sign Language
HRS 329 Sign Language II

Speech Language Pathology Assistant License

Students who complete all of the concentrations required courses as well as 20 hours of clinical practice under a licensed Speech Language Pathologist or Audiologist, can apply for a license as a Speech Language Pathology Assistant in the state of Massachusetts. Other states may have different licensing requirements. Therefore, students who are interested in becoming Assistants outside of Massachusetts should look into licensing requirements for the state they plan to work in.

Faculty

In addition to their excellent teaching credentials, the Human Resources and Social Rehabilitation faculty have extensive experience as practitioners. This blend of the practical and scholarly results in a rich classroom environment where course concepts and theories are integrated with real-world case studies. Our teachers are also mentors and get to know students individually. Faculty advisors assist students with everything from course selection to exploring their career opportunities.

	Rev. Terrence Dougherty O.C.D.
	Dayna Hume
	Keith Lahikainen Assistant Professor
	Heather March
	Daniel Micari
	Alison Myette, MS, CCC-SLP Visiting Instructor
	Susan Sabelli
	Susan Scully-Hill, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Human Services and Rehabilitation Studies
	Mark Stewart Visiting Assistant Professor
	Charles Stuart

Courses

Introduction to Human Services and Rehabilitation Studies
Human Development and Disability across the lifespan
Professional Orientation to Physical and Occupational Therapy
Addiction: Etiology, Assessment, Treatment and Rehabilitation
Medical Aspects of Disability
Rehabilitation Strategies and Interventions
Application of Learning, Behavior and Motivational Theory
Introduction to Human Communication and its Disorders
Hearing and Deafness
Introduction to Sign Language
Normal Speech and Language Development
Prevention and Intervention Strategies for At-Risk Youth
Introduction to Peace Studies
Client Information and Assessment
Psychiatric Rehabilitation
Social Skills Training with At-Risk Youth
Clinically Based Phonetics of American English
Sign Language II
Interviewing Techniques in Human and Rehabilitation Studies
Basic Concepts and Principles in Applied Behavioral Analysis
Anatomy and Physiology of Speech and Hearing Mechanisms
Principles of Case Management
Individual in the Community: The Human Services
Family Aspects of Disability
Loss and Bereavement Across the Lifespan
Special Topics: Cultural Competencies for Human Service Professionals
Internship in Human Services and Rehabilitation Studies

Internships & Outcomes

Internships

A significant distinction of Assumption’s HSRS curriculum is a required internship that enables students to develop and refine the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary for working as a human service professional. Each student completes a semester-long internship in an appropriate setting. Students meet with their faculty supervisor weekly to process experiences and make connections between these experiences and course content/theory.

Joseph Giroux
Human Services and Rehabilitation Studies with a concentration in Communication Sciences and Disorders ‘17
Internship: Speech-Language Pathology Intern at Wachusett Early Childhood Center

“ My internship immersed me into the field of Speech-Language Pathology in a preschool setting, and I worked alongside a Speech-Language Pathologist to implement speech therapy to children in need. The courses I took at Assumption prepared me to step right into therapy sessions, team meetings, and professional conversations about the progress and educational plans for the children receiving services. ”

Graduate Schools and Careers

Shannon Campbell
Human Services and Rehabilitation Studies with a concentration in Communication Sciences and Disorders ‘17
Internship: Speech-Language Pathology Intern at Houghton Elementary School
Post-Grad Plans: Pursuing M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology at MGH Institute of Health

“ Throughout the course of my internship, I have developed both my technical knowledge and associated practices as well as my ability to foster positive relationships with clients. After working with these children for four months, I feel that I am more prepared to become a successful speech-language pathologist and have a better understanding of the full scope of a career in this field. ”

Recent Graduate Schools

Assumption College
Boston College
Boston University
Northeastern University
Wheelock College
Worcester State College
University of New Hampshire
University of Massachusetts-Boston

Recent employers include:

New England Center for Children (NECC)
American Red Cross
Brigham and Women’s Hospital-Boston
Catholic Social Services
Cascade Disability Management
Department of Youth Services
Devereux School
Genesis Club
Jewish Family Services
Jewish Health Care
May Institute
Massachusetts Department of Social Services
Mercy Centre for Developmental Disabilities
Public Schools of Massachusetts
Rainbow Child Development Center
UMASS-Early Intervention Programs
Youth Opportunities Upheld, INC.

Recent Graduate Schools for Speech Language Pathology & Audiology

Boston College
College of Saint Rose
Emerson
Long Island Consortium (Adelphi, Hofstra, St. John)
Marquette University
MGH Institute of Health Professionals
Northeastern University
Sacred Heart University
Salus University
Southern Connecticut State University
Worcester State University
University of Connecticut
University of New Hampshire
University of Maine
University of Massachusetts-Amherst
University of Rhode Island
University of South Florida

Academics

Communication Sciences and Disorders

Course Information

Concentration Requirements

Speech Language Pathology Assistant License

Required Courses:

Communication Science Courses:

Other required Courses*:

Recommended but not required coursework:

Speech Language Pathology Assistant License

Internships

Recent Internship Sites

Graduate Schools and Careers

Recent Graduate Schools

Recent employers include:

Recent Graduate Schools for Speech Language Pathology & Audiology

Human Services

Contact Information

Assumption College

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