Courses & Sample Curriculum

Undergraduate Prerequisites: For MS-SLP students only or with consent of the instructor - Current theoretical models of phonological development and analysis will be applied to decision making processes in assessment and treatment of speech sound disorders. (Credits: 3)

Undergraduate Prerequisites: For MS-SLP students only or with consent of the instructor. - Evidence-based practice in the diagnosis and remediation of speech, language or hearing disorders requires the application of research methods to answering clinical questions. The course includes an introduction to a range of experimental designs, statistical analyses, and measurement approaches in the fields of speech-language pathology and audiology. Contemporary journal articles are evaluated for quality and used as examples for sufficiency of evidence in clinical decision making. (Credits: 1)

Undergraduate Prerequisites: For MS-SLP students only or with consent of the instructor. - This course provides students with the knowledge and skills required to elicit, transcribe and analyze conversation, narrative and expository language samples. Analyses in the areas of syntax, semantics, pragmatics and discourse are presented and the strengths and weaknesses of each of the analyses are discussed. The course also includes a discussion of theoretical and clinical issues related to the use of language sampling and analysis in the assessment and treatment of language disorders. (Credits: 2)

Undergraduate Prerequisites: For MS-SLP students only or with consent of the instructor. - This course outlines the structural and functional bases of typical and disordered voice and resonance. Assessment and therapeutic techniques are structured around the fundamental principles of the science of speech production, including acoustic phonetics, basic signal processing, speech analysis, and speech perception. Both pediatric and adult disorders of voice and resonance are covered, with special emphasis on the function of interdisciplinary teams in assessment and treatment. (Credits: 3)

Undergraduate Prerequisites: For MS-SLP students only or with consent of the instructor. - Differential diagnosis in speech pathology. Review of pertinent research, interpretation of test results, and discussion of the implications of the diagnostic findings in a total rehabilitation process. (Credits: 2)

Undergraduate Prerequisites: Successful completion of undergraduate pre-professional courses and co nsent of clinical faculty. - Students are assigned to the Boston University Speech, Language and Hearing center for their first practicum experience. Clinical work is accompanied by regular group and individual meetings with the clinical staff. Acceptable hours may be applied to certification. (Credits: Var)

Undergraduate Prerequisites: SAR SH 535, SAR SH 547 or equivalent, and consent of clinical faculty. - Clinical practicum for students in the Masters of Speech-Language Pathology program. Students conduct hearing screenings for children and adults under the supervision of an audiologist, following protocols established by the American Speech, Language and Hearing Association. Some clinical sites are in local schools. (Credits: 1)

Undergraduate Prerequisites: For MS-SLP students only or with consent of the instructor. - The purpose of this course is to provide students with a thorough understanding of the brain and its neuroanatomy; students will also learn about common models of language processing and the latest advances in neuroimaging studies on language processing in the brain. When students have completed this course, they should be able to (a) be able to identify various structures in the brain and their significance, (b) relate specific communicative disorders to their etiology in the brain, (c) relate models of language processing with specific regions in the brain, and (d) critically evaluate existing neuroimaging studies based on models of language processing and neuroanatomy. (Credits: 3)

Undergraduate Prerequisites: For MS-SLP students only or with consent of the instructor. - MS Speech-Language Pathology students only. The goal of this seminar is to provide students in public school practicum placements with knowledge regarding school-related issues such as service delivery models, assessment approaches, curriculum frameworks, governing laws and regulations, and the consultation process. (Credits: 1)

Undergraduate Prerequisites: For MS-SLP students only or with consent of the instructor. - This course provides students with a foundation of knowledge about the etiology and characteristics of language disorders in school-age children. Students will discuss the evolving language demands that children encounter as they progress through school, and will explore the impact of language disorders on academic performance and social interaction in the classroom. Students will come to appreciate the relationship between oral and written language development, as well as the role of the SLP in the assessment and treatment of written language disorders. This course gives students the tools necessary to effectively identify, evaluate and treat children with language, reading and writing disorders. (Credits: 3)

Undergraduate Prerequisites: For MS-SLP students only or with consent of the instructor. - This course explores communication disorders from infancy through the preschool period. Topics addressed include theoretical frameworks for the assessment and treatment of childhood language disorders, etiology and characteristics of language/communication disorders in infants and preschool children, principles and methods of assessment and intervention, multicultural issues in assessment and intervention, and current issues in the early childhood language disorders research literature. Class sessions and assignments are designed to facilitate students' critical thinking and problem solving abilities in the area of infant and preschool communication/language disorders. (Credits: 3)

Undergraduate Prerequisites: For MS-SLP students only or with consent of the instructor. - This course will cover current theories of language processing and of language breakdown subsequent to neuropathology. Course topics cover neuroanatomy, neuroimaging and psycholinguistic models of language processing. Evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of adults with aphasia will be covered. Students will learn how to analyze language disorders in relation to current theories using a variety of diagnostic instruments and how to use the results of this analysis to plan for therapy. (Credits: 3)

Undergraduate Prerequisites: (SARSH756 & SARSH737) For MS-SLP students only or with consent of the instructor. - This course will provide basic information necessary to understand normal and abnormal swallowing and will impart the knowledge and skills needed to assess and treat patients with dysphagia. Topics include neuroanatomy and physiology of swallowing, the clinical evaluation, instrumental evaluations (fluoroscopy and endoscopy), treatment, swallowing disorders in children, and complications of dysphagia. Videorecorded swallow studies will be shown in most classes to enable the student to become proficient in identifying abnormal findings. (Credits: 3)

Undergraduate Prerequisites: For MS-SLP students only. - Students are assigned to their first field-based experience from a variety of clinical settings. Students may also be assigned to Boston University specialty clinics. Acceptable clinical hours may be applied to certification. (Credits: Var)

Undergraduate Prerequisites: For MS-SLP students only or with consent of the instructor. - Introduces augmentative and alternative communication. Focuses on clinical features and considerations of AAC tools and strategies, candidacy for AAC across the age span and features matching and domains of assessment process required for successful evidence-based AAC implementation. (Credits: 3)

Undergraduate Prerequisites: For MS-SLP students only. - Upon successful completion of SAR SH737 and SAR 740, students are assigned to the Boston University Speech, Language, and Hearing Center Diagnostic Team. Acceptable clinical hours may be applied to certification. (Credits: Var)

Undergraduate Prerequisites: For MS-SLP students only or with consent of the instructor. - An introduction to the basic principles, theory, skills, and clinician characteristics necessary for counseling clients and their families. Emphasis is placed on the developing self-awareness and clinical presence as foundations for insight into the client's situation and choosing helpful responses. (Credits: 2)

Graduate Prerequisites: For MS-SLP students only. - This course focuses on the application of evidence based practice, inter- professional practice, and knowledge and skills acquired in previous courses to clinical problem solving in case studies that cover a range of disorders. (Credits: 1)

Undergraduate Prerequisites: For MS-SLP students only or with consent of the instructor. - In this course, students will review the neuroanatomy underlying motor speech disorders and will then learn about each type of motor speech disorder in detail. Most of the classes will cover specific types of dysarthria, but two sessions will focus on apraxia of speech. Clinical assessment protocols will be learned and treatment interventions will be covered. Each class will devote some time to listening and scoring audiotapes of patients with a dysarthria or apraxia of speech. (Credits: 2)

Undergraduate Prerequisites: For MS-SLP students only or with consent of the instructor. - This course provides students with the core features of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and a description of the fundamental features of associated communication disorders. Students have the opportunity to examine receptive language, expressive language and pragmatics in individuals with ASD through video presentations and review of the literature. Students discuss and evaluate issues associated with ASD including early diagnosis, behavioral challenges, treatment techniques, and current issues in the field. (Credits: 2)

This course provides information on the development of pediatric feeding and swallowing and their associated disorders. It includes an overview of normal development, including breastfeeding, bottle feeding, and transition onto solids; anatomy, physiology, and neurology of pediatric feeding and swallowing; and the epidemiology of common pediatric feeding and swallowing problems. The course covers formal and informal clinical assessment; instrumental assessments; treatment of pediatric feeding and swallowing problems, including the use of thickened fluids, modified diets, special equipment, positioning, oral sensory-motor therapy, and behavioral feeding therapy. A team structure approach is emphasized along with the importance of counseling families and caregivers, including a discussion of multicultural feeding influences. Students will be able to implement assessment and therapy tasks in the form of hands-on skills and integrate these with patient interaction skills via immersive scenarios, simulation equipment and staff role-play of situations commonly encountered in clinical practice. (Credits: 2)

Undergraduate Prerequisites: For MS-SLP students only - Students are assigned their second field-based experience from a variety of clinical settings. Students may also be assigned to Boston University specialty clinics. Acceptable clinical hours may be applied to certification. (Credits: Var)

Undergraduate Prerequisites: For MS-SLP students only or with consent of the instructor - MS in Speech-Language Students only. The goal of this seminar is to provide students in medical field placements with knowledge regarding service delivery models, reimbursement issues, documentation requirements, assessment approaches, goal setting, interdisciplinary team approaches, prioritizing treatment concerns and discharge planning. Case study presentations and discussions will be generated from students' field placement experiences. (Credits: 1)

Graduate Prerequisites: For MS-SLP students only. - This course will address the four Inter-Professional Education (IPE) core competencies: values and ethics, roles and responsibilities, inter- professional communication, and teams and teamwork. (Credits: 1)

Undergraduate Prerequisites: For MS-SLP students only or with consent of the instructor. - This course addresses professional issues relevant for graduate students preparing to transition into the work world. Topics addressed include preparing for professional certification exams, applying for licensure/certification, ethical challenges in the workplace, continuing education responsibilities, job seeking/interviewing and preparing documentation for graduation. (Credits: 0)

This course will review second language acquisition and bilingualism research and will introduce evidence-based assessment and intervention approaches for working with culturally and linguistically diverse individuals. (Credits: 2)

This course focuses on equipping students with an understanding of historical and contemporary principles and theories surrounding the nature of stuttering and related disorders, including etiology, assessment and differential diagnosis, and treatment across the lifespan. The course will prepare students to understand and identify the overt and covert features of stuttering and their multifaceted impacts on the lived experience of stuttering. Students will develop an understanding of the SLPs role in the individualized assessment and treatment of people who stutter including crafting multidimensional therapy approaches (e.g. stutter affirming therapy, avoidance reduction, behavioral modification, and counseling skills) and advocacy. The course goal is to foster compassion and critical thinking to promote dynamic, individualized, and effective support for people who stutter and invested parties. During this course, students will obtain knowledge and skills as required by the CAA and ASHA accreditation standards through classroom discussion, assigned readings, clinical cases, lab classes and practical assignments. (Credits: 2)

Undergraduate Prerequisites: For MS-SLP students only or with consent of the instructor. - An introduction to the rehabilitation of individuals with acquired brain injury across the recovery continuum from acute care to post-acute rehabilitation and reintegration into the community. Primary focus is on the role of the speech-language pathologist and the knowledge and skills required for diagnosis and treatment of this population. Formal and informal assessment tools, treatment paradigms, function of the interdisciplinary team, prevention, advocacy, and strategies to address the needs of family members are presented. (Credits: 2)

Graduate Prerequisites: For MS-SLP students only - Students are assigned their third field-based experience from a variety of clinical settings. Students may also be assigned to Boston University specialty clinics. Acceptable clinical hours may be applied to certification. (Credits: Var)

Undergraduate Prerequisites: For MS-SLP students only or with consent of the instructor. - Establishing written goals for aural habilitation and rehabilitation though sample cases, online. Hands-on training and practice with hearing aids and other assistive listening devices in a workshop format. (Credits: 1)

Undergraduate Prerequisites: For MS-SLP students only or with consent of the instructor. - This course provides students with an overview of the methods and procedures used to evaluate and treat individuals with dementia and degenerative cognitive communication disorders. Students will learn about the characteristics of a variety of dementia sub-types, as well as risk factors for developing language and cognitive impairment. We will discuss assessment of cognitive and language skills and various evidence-based treatment methodologies. (Credits: 2)

0 credits, either semester (Credits: 0)

Undergraduate Prerequisites: For MS-SLP students only or with consent of the instructor. - Graduate Prerequisites: Consent of Instructor - Ontogenetic, anatomic, and physiologic aspects of orofacial anomalies with an emphasis on cleft lip and palate. Issues involving a team approach to diagnosis and treatment including medical, surgical, prosthetic, and therapeutic procedures. (Credits: 2)

Undergraduate Prerequisites: (SARSH738) For MS-SLP students only or with consent of the instructor. - This course will delve more deeply into topics of importance to clinical practice in dysphagia. Topics include evaluation procedures, analysis of FEES and MBS studies, efficacy of novel and established treatments, difficult decision making, dysphagia in head and neck cancer, neurologic disorders, dementia. Lab dissection and hands-on scoping sessions. Case studies to highlight each topic. The size of the class will be limited to encourage class discussion. (Credits: 2)

Undergraduate Prerequisites: SAR SH691. For MS-SLP students only or with consent of the instructor. - Case based clinical application of AAC assessment and intervention. This course offers a detailed investigation of varied populations, implementation of high-tech, low-tech and no-tech solutions, partner training and development of measurable goals. A selection of hardware and software solutions that represent appropriate options for emerging, context dependent and independent communicators will be explored with a focus on language support, integration and partner training. As available, students may be paired with consumers of AAC to support implementation and appropriate design of communication options. Format includes lecture and hands on training both at BU and during select Saturday sessions at Boston Children's Hospital's Waltham site. (Credits: 2)