College of Communication
Communication Sciences & Disorders

Communication Disorders Courses

Course Descriptions

There are 8 basic courses (24 credits) required. Students may choose the remaining credits from electives offered. Other courses in science, education and psychology are recommended. The program is designed to prepare students for successful entry into graduate school.

A strong clinical focus is also part of the program. With supervision from an American Speech and Hearing Association (ASHA) certified speech-language pathologist, students work with individual clients on various communication problems. Students earn hours needed for certification in the field.

NSSLHA Stands for the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association. It is an organization for anyone interested in speech language pathology, audiology, or speech and hearing sciences. The following link will take you to the Butler Chapter of NSSLHA, the national student organization for Communication Disorders.

Note: For most states, including Indiana, a masters degree is required to practice speech-language pathology in any setting.

The Course of Study listed below is effective Fall 2005. Current majors may elect either the old or new requirements.

Communication

Other Recommended Courses

  • BI 100

  • PS 101

  • MA 103

  • ED 241 - Developmental Theory & Application in Education

    Topics include theories of development and their application at various age levels. Developmentally appropriate practice, as well as a basic introduction to social, moral, emotional and cognitive development of children is included. Content is focused on teacher education. Prerequisites: Successful completion of COE CORE I and Praxis I. (U)(3)

  • BI 257 - Human Anatomy and Physiology

    A course for non-major students to relate structure and function in the human body. Prerequisite: CC214P, any NW-BI course, or two of the following: BI 201, 202, and 203. (U) (5)

  • SO 323

    Analysis of the ethnic (including racial) composition of society, the minority group status of some ethnic groups and the strains toward assimilation or cultural pluralism. Prerequisite: SW200-SO. (U-G)

Electives (9 hours)

  • CSD 231 - Introduction to Communication Science and Disorders

    Introduction to the field of communication sciences and disorders which includes phonetics, speech science, speech-pathology and audiology. Common speech and language disorders, their causes, treatment and general clinical procedures will be covered. (U)(3)

  • CSD 238S - American Sign Language 3

    Emphasis on competency in signing, both receptive and expressive. Use of videos to gain insight into deaf culture. Prerequisite: CSD138, 139 or equivalent. (U)(3)

  • CSD 239S - American Sign Language 4

    A continuation of CSD238. Emphasis on competency in signing, both receptive and expressive. Use of videos to gain insight into deaf culture. Prerequisite: CSD238. (U)(3)

  • CSD 337 - Clinical Procedures

    Introduction to therapy with emphasis upon behavioral observation, description of behavior, good planning, cause-effect relationships and clinical interaction. Prerequisites: CSD 332, CSD 335. (U)(3)

  • CSD 338

  • CSD 339

    Linguistics is the systematic study of language from its sounds (phonetics and phonology), words (morphology), and sentences (syntax), to its meaning (semantics). In addition to examining language itself, this course will cover aspects of language use such as language change, and the role of language in society. (U)(3)

  • CSD 357

  • CSD 358

  • CSD 360S - Communication Science

    Laboratory practice in the diagnosis and treatment of speech and language disorders. Prerequisites: Cum GPA 3.0, minimum grade of B in CSD 337, completed 25 hours of observation or permission of the instructor. (U)(3)

  • CSD 363S - Comm Screening Practicum-SL

    This course focuses on speech, language and hearing assessment of preschool and school-age children. Students will learn to administer speech and language screening tests, pure-tone audiometric testing, and impedance audiometry. Students will develop professional behaviors, including collaboration and scheduling with teachers and administrators, collecting accurate data, and interacting appropriately with young children. In addition, students will be able to apply classroom knowledge in evaluating typical and disordered communication skills. This course will include an introduction to speech and hearing screening instruments, community work, weekly journal entries, and a follow-up evaluation, which will provide feedback about developing clinical skills. This course is a combination of lecture/discussion and practicum. The students will average about 3 hours of classroom discussion and 4 hours of practicum. Prerequisite: Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, minimum grade of B in CSD 335, and minimum grade of B in CSD 336, or permission of the instructor in consultation with the Program Director. (U) (3)

  • CSD 397

    This course provides an opportunity to gain hands-on research experience. Students earn course credit as they engage in directed research with Communication Faculty. Activities may include data collection, data analysis, and/or presentation of results. Pre-requisite: permission of instructor. ((U)(1). May be repeated to six hours total.

  • CSD 398

    This course provides an opportunity to gain hands-on research experience. Students earn course credit as they engage in directed research with Communication Faculty. Activities may include data collection, data analysis, and/or presentation of results. Pre-requisite: permission of instructor. ( (U)(2). May be repeated to six hours total.

  • CSD 399

    This course provides an opportunity to gain hands-on research experience. Students earn course credit as they engage in directed research with Communication Faculty. Activities may include data collection, data analysis, and/or presentation of results. Pre-requisite: permission of instructor. ((U)(3). May be repeated to six hours total.

  • CSD 401 - Independent Study

    An opportunity for the qualified student to pursue a topic of special interest. Prerequisite: Permission of Department Head. (U)(1)

  • CSD 402 - Independent Study

    An opportunity for the qualified student to pursue a topic of special interest. Prerequisite: Permission of Department Head. (U)(2)

  • CSD 403 - Independent Study

    An opportunity for the qualified student to pursue a topic of special interest. Prerequisite: Permission of Department Head. (U)(3)

  • CSD 404 - Communication Internship

    Offers the qualified student the opportunity for supervised work experience in a setting related to Communication Studies. Prerequisite: Permission of Department Head. (U)(3)

  • CSD 405

    Offers the qualified student the opportunity for supervised work experience in a setting related to Communication Studies. Prerequisite: Permission of Department Head. (U)(6)

  • CSD 433 - Aural Rehabilitation

    The study of theoretical bases for rehabilitative audiology and principles of clinical application for pediatric and adult populations. Prerequisite: CSD 336 (U) (3)

  • CSD 436 - Neurogenic Communication Disorders

    An investigation of the neurological processes involved in communication disorders. Includes Aphasia and cerebral palsy. Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing or permission of instructor.

  • CSD 437 - Language Disorders in Children

    Description and diagnosis of various language disorders in children and procedures for therapeutic management. Prerequisite: CSD 332. (U)(3)

  • CSD 450

  • CSD 481 - Topics in Communication Science Disorders: Speech Perception

    An in-depth study of a particular topic in the field of communication chosen from the areas represented by the upper division courses in the department. (U)(3)

For Further Information

State departments of education can supply information on certification requirements for those who wish to work in public schools.

General information of speech language pathology and audiology is available from: American Speech-Language Hearing Association, 10801 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD 20852

Specific information about the communication disorders program at Butler University is available from: Suzanne Reading, Ph.D.,CCC-SLP - Butler University 4600 Sunset Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46208, (317) 940-9492, (800) 368-6852 Ext.9492, reading@butler.edu