The online catalog includes the most recent changes to courses and degree requirements that have been approved by the Faculty Senate, including changes that are not yet effective.
Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences
medicine.wsu.edu/speech-and-hearing-sciences-2/
Health Science Bldg, Room 125X; WSU Spokane
509-358-7709
Professor and Department Chair, A. Meredith; Professor, N. Potter; Associate Professors, G. Lynch, L. Thompson, M. VanDam; Assistant Professor, D. Jenson; Clinical Professor, K. Simpson; Clinical Associate Professors, D. Algeo-Nichols, C. Dechert; Teaching Associate Professor, M. Ratsch; Instructors, R. Jackson, E. Schreiner; Professors Emeriti, S. Bassett, G. Chermak, E. Inglebret, C. L. Madison, R. E. Potter, L. Power.
The Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences in the Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine offers courses of study leading to the degrees of Bachelor of Arts in Speech and Hearing Sciences and Master of Science in Speech and Hearing Sciences. Training in speech and hearing sciences through the bachelor's degree prepares students for a range of careers in health professions, education, and social services, among others. State and national clinical and educational licensure and certification require completion of the master's degree. The graduate program in speech-language pathology is accredited nationally by the Council on Academic Accreditation of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and recognized at the state level by the Washington State Board of Education.
Graduate students are prepared as speech-language pathologists to provide evidence-based, direct and consultative services in education and medical settings to meet the diagnostic and treatment needs of individuals across the life span evidencing a wide variety of speech, language, swallowing, voice and hearing problems. The course of study emphasizes the physiological, neurological, psychological, and behavioral processes of normal development, the fundamental communication process, and the disorders of communication.
The undergraduate and graduate programs are located in the Health Sciences Building on the Washington State University Health Sciences Spokane campus. WSU students enroll through and receive their degrees from Washington State University. The Speech and Language Clinic is the Spokane campus graduate training facility in affiliation with Range Health. Opportunities to work with special populations and in medical settings are readily available for graduate students in the Spokane area. A capstone graduate internship program provides intensive practical experience in many clinical and educational settings across the state and the region. Contact: speechhearing@wsu.edu and speech.hear.grad@wsu.edu
Student Learning Outcomes
A graduate of the bachelor's Speech and Hearing Sciences program will be able to: 1) identify needs or issues in clinical service delivery; 2) identify contextual factors to consider in addressing clinical service delivery needs/issues; 3) identify and consider various perspectives important to analysis of the needs/issues and underlying assumptions associated with each; 4) identify and assess the quality of evidence supporting particular service delivery practices; 5) identify and assess conclusions, implications, and consequences associated with examination of the needs/issues; 6) Provide informed leadership to achieve desired social outcomes.
Learning outcomes for students in Speech and Hearing Sciences master's program reflect the knowledge and skills competencies required by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Students earning a master's degree will be able to demonstrate: 1) knowledge of the basic human communication and swallowing processes; 2) knowledge of the nature of speech, language, hearing, and communication disorders and differences, and swallowing disorders; 3) knowledge of the principles and methods of prevention, assessment, and intervention for people with communication and swallowing disorders; 4) knowledge of standards of ethical conduct; 5) knowledge of the processes used in research and the integration of research principles into evidence-based clinical practice; 6) knowledge of contemporary professional issues; 7) skills in screening, evaluation and prevention procedures; 8) skills in developing, implementing, and monitoring appropriate intervention plans with measurable and achievable goals that meet clients'/patients' needs.
Preparation for Graduate Study
Students with undergraduate majors in human development, linguistics, education, psychology, and other social and behavioral sciences, as well as those with undergraduate majors in speech and hearing sciences, may be accepted for graduate study in this department. Those with majors in areas other than speech and hearing sciences are required to complete undergraduate prerequisite coursework prior to applying to the graduate program.
Schedules of Studies
Honors students complete the Honors College requirements which replace the UCORE requirements.
Speech and Hearing Sciences (120 Credits)
Given the rigorous nature of the coursework and the need to prepare students for work in a pre-professional role or to prepare them for the competitive demands of applying to graduate school in the discipline, students must meet the following minimum requirements for admission to the major in Speech and Hearing Sciences: 1) Have earned a minimum of 24 credits of undergraduate credits; 2) Have taken, or currently enrolled in, SHS 205, Introduction to Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology; 3)minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75.
At least 45 of the total credits required for the bachelor’s degree in this program must be in 300-400-level courses. Successful completion of SHS 371 [M] and 482 [M] fulfills the university requirement of two writing in the major courses.
The Speech and Hearing Sciences Department provides preparation for professional (graduate) training as a speech-language pathologist or audiologist. This course sequence is based on fall enrollment. UCOREs must be completed prior to the fifth semester.
| First Year | |
| First Term | Credits |
| BIOLOGY 102 [BSCI] or 106 [BSCI] | 4 |
| Communication [COMM] or Written Communication [WRTG] | 3 |
| HISTORY 105 [ROOT] | 3 |
| PSYCH 105 [SSCI] | 3 |
| UCORE Inquiry1 | 3 |
| Second Term | Credits |
| ENGLISH 101 [WRTG] | 3 |
| PHYSICS 101/111 [PSCI] or CHEM 101 [PSCI] | 4 |
| SHS Elective2 | 3 |
| STAT 212 [QUAN] | 4 |
| Second Year | |
| First Term | Credits |
| SHS 205 | 3 |
| SHS Electives2 | 6 |
| UCORE Inquiry1 | 3 |
| Electives | 3 |
| Second Term | Credits |
| SHS Electives2 | 6 |
| UCORE Inquiry1 | 3 |
| Electives | 6 |
| Complete Writing Portfolio | |
| Third Year | |
| First Term | Credits |
| SHS 371 [M] | 4 |
| SHS 372 | 4 |
| SHS 375 | 3 |
| SHS 377 | 3 |
| Electives | 3 |
| Second Term | Credits |
| SHS 376 | 3 |
| SHS 378 | 3 |
| SHS 477 | 3 |
| SHS 478 | 3 |
| SHS 479 | 3 |
| Fourth Year | |
| First Term | Credits |
| SHS 2013 | 4 |
| SHS 452 | 2 |
| SHS 460 | 3 |
| SHS 482 [M] | 3 |
| SHS 490 | 1 |
| SHS Electives2 | 2 |
| Second Term | Credits |
| SHS 2023 | 4 |
| SHS 461 | 3 |
| SHS 465 | 3 |
| SHS 480 [CAPS] | 3 |
Footnotes
| 1 | Must complete 3 of these 4 UCORE designations: ARTS, DIVR, EQJS, HUM. |
| 2 | SHS electives (17 credits required) include any H D or PSYCH course 200-level or above, or as approved by advisor. |
| 3 | SHS 201 and 202 may be replaced with 2 semesters (8 credits) of Spanish Language courses. |
Courses
The online catalog includes the most recent changes to courses and degree requirements that have been approved by the Faculty Senate, including changes that are not yet effective. Courses showing two entries of the same number indicate that the course information is changing. The most recently approved version is shown first, followed by the older version, in gray, with its last-effective term preceding the course title. Courses shown in gray with only one entry of the course number are being discontinued. Course offerings by term can be accessed by clicking on the term links when viewing a specific campus catalog.
Speech And Hearing Sciences (SHS)
201 American Sign Language I 4 Instruction and practical training in sign language for communication with persons who are deaf; deaf culture; beginning conversation skills.
202 American Sign Language II 4 Course Prerequisite: SHS 201 or concurrent enrollment; completion of SHS 201 recommended. Sign language systems; vocabulary and skill development in signing and interpreting signs; intermediate conversation skills.
205 [HUM] Introduction to Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology 3 Overview of deficits of speech, language, and hearing and the role of speech-language pathologist and the audiologist.
205 (Effective through Summer 2024) Introduction to Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology 3 Overview of deficits of speech, language, and hearing and the role of speech-language pathologist and the audiologist.
371 [M] Language Development 4 Normal development of the cognitive, linguistic, and pragmatic components of language; introduction to language disorders in children.
372 Hearing, Hearing Disorders, and Audiometry 4 Acoustic and psychologic aspects of normal hearing; introduction to assessment and differential diagnosis of hearing impairment and auditory pathologies.
375 Phonetics 3 Description and classification of American English speech sounds; practice using the International Phonetic Alphabet to transcribe normal and disordered speech sounds.
376 Speech Sound Disorders 3 Course Prerequisite: SHS 375. Clinical phonetics and transcription; evaluation and treatment of atriculatory disorders; delayed phonological acquisition; dysarthria; and dyspraxia.
377 Anatomy/Physiology of Speech and Swallowing Mechanisms 3 Anatomical and physiological basis of speech production and the pathologies and aberrations that require the services of a communication disorders specialist.
378 Speech and Hearing Sciences 3 Course Prerequisite: SHS 377. Basis of acoustics, acoustic phonetics, psychoacoustics, speech production, speech perception, and instrumentation for measurement of related phenomena.
450 Special Topics in Speech and Hearing Sciences V 1-3 May be repeated for credit; cumulative maximum 9 credits. Study of specialized topics in speech and hearing sciences.
451 Neurogenic Communication Disorders 3 Course Prerequisite: SHS 479. Introduction to the etiology, assessment and intervention of communication disorders associated with neurological disorders.
452 Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology in Schools 2 Therapy methods and procedures in speech-language pathology and audiology; state/federal laws affecting public school therapy.
452 (Effective through Summer 2024) Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology in Schools 2 Therapy methods and procedures in speech-language pathology and audiology; state/federal laws affecting public school therapy. (Formerly SHS 471.)
460 Special Topics in Speech and Hearing Sciences V 1-3 May be repeated for credit; cumulative maximum 9 credits. Study of specialized topics in speech and hearing sciences.
461 Clinical Methods 3 Course Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in SHS 480 or SHS 478. Pre-practicum preparation; observation of and assisting in therapy; state laws; clinical methods.
465 Skills Lab 3 Development of skill sets necessary for generalist speech-language pathologists' and audiologists' practice across the broad range of practice areas and client systems including individuals, families, groups, organizations, communities, community groups, legislative groups, and boards.
472 Audiometry 3 Course Prerequisite: SHS 372. Principles and procedures in basic identification and assessment of hearing impairment; introduction to differential diagnosis of auditory pathologies.
473 [M] Language and Literacy 3 Diagnosis and remediation of language and learning disabilities in individuals manifesting disorders in understanding or using spoken/written language.
477 Aural Rehabilitation 3 Theories and methods in aural rehabilitation for persons who are hard of hearing; amplification; educational audiology; counseling techniques.
478 Language Impairment 3 Course Prerequisite: SHS 371. Assessment and habilitation for the preschool and elementary-age child with language disorders.
479 Neuroanatomy 3 Neuroanatomical and neurophysiological bases of speech production and audition; neuropathologies of speech, language, and audition.
480 [CAPS] Senior Seminar 3 Course Prerequisite: Senior standing. Synthesis of theory and evidence underlying professional principles and practices inclusive of multicultural populations in speech-language pathology and audiology.
482 [M] Assessment of Speech and Language 3 Course Prerequisite: SHS 376 or concurrent enrollment; and SHS 478. Principles, techniques, and materials involved in exploring the nature of speech and language disorders; planning programs of therapy.
490 Special Topics in Speech and Hearing Sciences V 1-3 May be repeated for credit; cumulative maximum 9 credits. Study of specialized topics in speech and hearing sciences.
499 Special Problems V 1-4 May be repeated for credit. Independent study conducted under the jurisdiction of an approving faculty member; may include independent research studies in technical or specialized problems; selection and analysis of specified readings; development of a creative project; or field experiences. S, F grading.
501 Research Methods 3 Philosophy of research, types of literature; experimental and descriptive designs; application of statistics; analysis of statistical results.
540 Special Topics in Speech and Hearing Sciences V 1-3 May be repeated for credit; cumulative maximum 9 credits. Advanced study of specialized topics in speech and hearing sciences. SHS graduate student; all undergraduate prerequisite courses completed.
542 Early Language Development 2 Developmental progression of communication and language in pediatric populations, with an emphasis on assessment and intervention for very young children and families. SHS graduate student; all undergraduate prerequisite courses completed.
543 School Age and Adolescent Language 3 Language development in typically developing and language impaired school age and adolescent students; disorder types; implications for assessment and intervention. SHS graduate student; all undergraduate prerequisite courses completed.
545 Autism Spectrum Disorder 2 Overview and discussions of the characteristics, causes, assessments, and interventions for autism spectrum disorder.
550 Special Topics in Speech and Hearing Sciences V 1-3 May be repeated for credit; cumulative maximum 9 credits. Study of specialized topics in speech and hearing sciences. SHS graduate student; all undergraduate prerequisite courses completed.
552 Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology in Schools 2 Laws, policies, and ethical issues involved in providing speech-language and audiology services in public schools. Typically offered Spring.
555 Bilingual and Cultural Issues 2 Cultural and linguistic variables that may impact speech-language pathology services of culturally and linguistically diverse populations; assessment and treatment considerations.
556 Problems in Stuttering 2 Historical and current literature; problem-solving strategies applied to theoretical and clinical problems in stuttering. SHS graduate student; all undergraduate prerequisite courses completed.
557 Cleft Palate and Craniofacial Disorders 1 Speech and voice problems associated with clefts of the lip and palate. SHS graduate student; all undergraduate prerequisite courses completed.
560 Special Topics in Speech and Hearing Sciences V 1-3 May be repeated for credit; cumulative maximum 9 credits. Advanced study of specialized topics in speech and hearing sciences. SHS graduate student; all undergraduate prerequisite courses completed.
562 Motor Speech Disorders 3 Underlying processes of neuromuscular control and feedback; results of damage and disease on neuromotor system. SHS graduate student; all undergraduate prerequisite courses completed.
563 Dysphagia 3 Anatomy and physiology of swallowing; evaluation and treatment of swallowing disorders. SHS graduate student; all undergraduate prerequisite courses completed.
564 On-Campus Clinical Practicum V 2-6 May be repeated for credit; cumulative maximum 15 credits. Clinical practice in the evaluation and treatment of speech, language, and hearing disorders. SHS graduate student; all undergraduate prerequisite courses completed. (Formerly SHS 575.) S, F grading. S, F grading.
565 Augmentative Communication 2 Augmentative communication theory; implementation, training strategies, ongoing adjustments, and evaluating effectiveness. SHS graduate student; all undergraduate prerequisite courses completed.
565 (Effective through Summer 2024) Augmentative Communication 3 Augmentative communication theory; implementation, training strategies, ongoing adjustments, and evaluating effectiveness. SHS graduate student; all undergraduate prerequisite courses completed.
566 Off-Campus Practicum Public School Setting V 2 (0-6) to 6 (0-18) May be repeated for credit; cumulative maximum 15 credits. By departmental consent only; minimum grade of B in SHS 575 or a grade of S in SHS 566 or SHS 568 in the prior semester or summer term, and a minimum grade of C in all prior SHS graduate coursework. Advanced clinical practice in a public school setting; evaluation and treatment of speech, language, and hearing disorders. SHS graduate student; all undergraduate prerequisite courses completed. S, F grading.
567 Issues in Public School Service Delivery 3 Clinical operations, policies, procedures, including legal, ethical, and professional considerations in the schools. SHS graduate student; all undergraduate prerequisite courses completed.
568 Off-campus Practicum Clinical Setting V 2 (0-6) to 6 (0-18) May be repeated for credit; cumulative maximum 15 credits. By departmental consent only; minimum grade of B in SHS 575 or a grade of S in SHS 566 or SHS 568 in the prior semester or summer term, and a minimum grade of C in all prior SHS graduate coursework. Advanced clinical practice in an off-campus clinical/medical setting; evaluation and treatment of speech, language and hearing disorders. S, F grading.
570 Advanced Internship in Speech-Language Pathology V 1-18 May be repeated for credit. By departmental consent only; minimum grade of S in SHS 566 or SHS 568 in the semester or summer term preceding internship, and a minimum grade of C in all prior SHS graduate coursework. Advanced practicum in diagnosis of and therapy for communication disorders. SHS graduate student; all undergraduate prerequisite courses completed. S, F grading.
574 Neuropathologies of Language and Cognition I 2 Study of acquired language and cognitive disorders resulting from neurological damage (specific to left and right hemisphere-based disorders). SHS graduate student; all undergraduate prerequisite courses completed.
575 (Effective through Summer 2024) Advanced Clinical Practice V 2-6 May be repeated for credit; cumulative maximum 15 credits. Advanced clinical practice in evaluation and treatment of speech, language, and hearing disorders. SHS graduate student; all undergraduate prerequisite courses completed.
576 Voice and Resonance Disorders 2 Functional and organic voice disorders resulting from various etiologies. SHS graduate student; all undergraduate prerequisite courses completed.
577 Neurogenic Disorders of Language and Cognition II 2 Study of acquired cognitive-communication disorders resulting from diffuse and/or progressive neurological damage. Typically offered Spring.
580 Special Topics in Speech and Hearing Sciences V 1-3 May be repeated for credit; cumulative maximum 9 credits. Advanced study of specialized topics in speech and hearing sciences. SHS graduate student; all undergraduate prerequisite courses completed.
587 Speech-Language Pathology in the Medical Setting 2 Report writing and charting, collaborating with the medical team, establishing prognosis and assessing efficacy of treatment, and third-party reimbursement. SHS graduate student; all undergraduate prerequisite courses completed.
588 Advanced Speech and Sound Disorders 2 Current literature in articulatory development and deviancy; diagnosis and therapy. Required preparation: SHS graduate student; all undergraduate prerequisite courses completed.
590 Special Topics in Speech and Hearing Sciences V 1-3 May be repeated for credit; cumulative maximum 9 credits. Advanced study of specialized topics in speech and hearing sciences. SHS graduate student; all undergraduate prerequisite courses completed.
600 Special Projects or Independent Study V 1-18 May be repeated for credit. Independent study, special projects, and/or internships. Students must have graduate degree-seeking status and should check with their major advisor before enrolling in 600 credit, which cannot be used toward the core graded credits required for a graduate degree. S, F grading.
700 Master's Research, Thesis, and/or Examination V 1-18 May be repeated for credit. Independent research and advanced study for students working on their master's research, thesis and/or final examination. Students must have graduate degree-seeking status and should check with their major advisor/committee chair before enrolling for 700 credit. S, U grading.
702 Master's Special Problems, Directed Study, and/or Examination V 1-18 May be repeated for credit. Independent research in special problems, directed study, and/or examination credit for students in a non-thesis master's degree program. Students must have graduate degree-seeking status and should check with their major advisor/committee chair before enrolling for 702 credit. S, U grading.
- Speech and Hearing Sciences
Courses
- Speech And Hearing Sciences
Schedules of Studies
- Speech and Hearing Sciences