California State University, East Bay Signature Mark

Speech Pathology and Audiology

Department Information

Department of Communicative Sciences and Disorders
College of Letters, Arts, and Social Sciences
Office: Music and Business Bldg. 1099
Phone: (510) 885-3233

Associate Professors
Nidhi Mahendra, Ph.D. University of Arizona
Robert C. Peppard, Ph.D. University of Wisconsin, Madison

Assistant Professors
Shubha P. Kashinath, Ph.D. Florida State University
Elena Dukhovny, Ph.D. University of California, Berkeley/San Francisco State University
Kai Jason Greene, Ph.D. University of Texas at Austin

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Program Description 

Speech-language pathology and audiology are the professions which help adults and children overcome disabilities of speech, language, and/or hearing. These professions can satisfy a wide variety of career interests, including working in an allied medical profession, public service, government, education and private industry. Through research, these professions also contribute to our knowledge about human communication.

Many students select this degree program for professional training in speech-language pathology; others select this major because it seeks to develop student patterns of clear and logical thinking, planning, decision making and writing. Drawing from such academic disciplines as biology, psychology, sociology, linguistics, medicine, and the physical sciences, the program offers an interdisciplinary character that encourages and fosters an emphasis on acquiring the broad knowledge of a liberal arts general education, as well as developing expertise in a single discipline. Many of our undergraduate majors have used these attributes to successfully pursue careers other than speech-language pathology, and have gone on to fields of education, finance, business, and government services.

Student Learning Outcomes

Students graduating with a B.S. in Speech-Language Pathology from Cal State East Bay will: 1) complete academic courses in preparation for advanced professional training in speech-language pathology or in related disciplines; 2) synthesize knowledge from basic and behavioral sciences and humanities with current knowledge and theory in speech-language pathology; 3) demonstrate knowledge of communicative development and behavior across the lifespan and in individuals representing varied cultural groups.

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Career Opportunities

  • Audiologist
  • Communications Specialist
  • Consultant
  • Professor/Teacher
  • Research Assistant

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Features

The department operates the Speech, Language and Hearing Clinic, an on-campus facility that provides clinical services to speech-, language-, and hearing-impaired individuals from Bay Area Communities. Students who are enrolled in the program are able to observe, receive training, and do research in this fully-equipped facility. The program also maintains a fully equipped speech and hearing sciences laboratory for students who wish to pursue research interests.

The Department of Communicative Sciences and Disorders offers the coursework required to qualify as a registered audiometrist in the public schools of the State of California.

The Bachelor of Science degree major in Speech-Language Pathology provides students with a background in theoretical and clinical areas fundamental to the understanding and management of communicative disorders and serves as the pre-professional training necessary for admission to graduate studies.

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Major Requirements (B.S.)

The B.S. degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology is designed to prepare the student to pursue graduate training in speech-language pathology or audiology or, employment in related fields. Please consult an advisor in your major department for clarification and interpretation of your major requirements. The major consists of 100 units. The B.S. degree requires a total of 180 units.

  1. Lower Division (24 units)
    • BIOL 1000 Basic Concepts in Biology (5) or
    • BIOL 1001 Introduction to Biology (or 1005), and BIOL 1002 Introduction to Biology Lab (or 1004 or 1005) (5)
    • BIOL 2010 Human Physiology and Anatomy I (or 2011) (5)
    • PSYC 1000 General Psychology (or 1001 or 1005) (5)
    • SPPA 2850 Introduction to Communication Disorders (4)
    • STAT 1000 Elements of Probability and Statistics (5)
  2. Upper Division (62 units plus required units in track)
    • SPPA 3852 Speech, Language and Communication Development Across the Lifespan (4)
    • SPPA 3854 Anatomy and Physiology of Speech (4)
    • SPPA 3855 Phonetics (4)
    • SPPA 3856 Observation of Clinical Procedures in Communicative Disorders (2)
    • SPPA 3859 Theory and Practice of Audiology I (4)
    • HDEV 4110 Child Cognitive Development
      or PSYC 4420 Developmental Psychology (4)
    • SPPA 4852 Clinical Methods and Procedures in Communicative Disorders (3)
    • SPPA 4859 Evidence-based Practice in Communicative Sciences and Disorders (4)
    • SPPA 4861 Hearing Assessment: Instrumentation and Behavioral (5)
    • SPPA 4862 Organic and Low Incidence Speech Disorders (4)
    • SPPA 4863 Articulation and Phonological Disorders (4)
    • SPPA 4865 Language Disorders in Children (4)
    • SPPA 4866 Neurocognitive Communication Disorders (4)
    • SPPA 4867 Speech Science (4)
    • SPPA 4868 Cultural and Linguistic Diversity (4)
    • SPPA 4869 Neuroanatomy and Neurophysiology of the Speech, Language and Hearing Mechanism (4)

    Track Requirements

    Required for Honors Clinic Track (7 units)

    • SPPA 4854 Diagnosis of Speech and Language Disorders (4)
    • SPPA 4856 Practicum in Speech Pathology and Audiology (3)
  3. Elective Courses (7  or 14 units)

    Each student enrolled in this major must complete upper division courses in related disciplines; these courses are subject to adviser approval. The minimum number of elective units is 7 if the student is eligible for the Honors Clinic Track, 14 elective units if not.

    Courses may be chosen from areas such as psychology, human development, linguistics and sign language. Students are responsible for any required prerequisites for elective courses.

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Other Degree Requirements

In addition to major requirements, every student must also complete the University requirements for graduation which are described in the Baccalaureate Degree Requirements chapter in the front of this catalog. These include the General Education-Breadth requirements; the second composition (ENGL 1002) requirement; the cultural groups/women requirement; the performing arts/activities requirement; the U.S. history, U.S. Constitution, and California state and local government requirement; the University Writing Skills Requirement; and the residence, unit, and grade point average requirements.

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Minor Requirements

The minor consists of 32 units.

  • COMM 1004 Interpersonal Communication (4)
  • SPPA 3852 Speech, Language and Communication Development Across the Lifespan (4)
  • SPPA 3854 Anatomy and Physiology of Speech (4)
  • SPPA 3855 Phonetics (4)
  • SPPA 3859 Theory and Practice of Audiology I (4)
  • SPPA 4854 Diagnosis of Speech and Language Disorders (4)
  • Select 4 units of upper-division coursework covering Aural Rehabilitation, with consent of advisor (4)
  • Select 4 units of upper-division coursework covering Human Communication Theory, with consent of advisor(4)

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Undergraduate Courses

Prerequisite Requirements: B.S. in Speech-Language Pathology majors must complete SPPA 3854, SPPA 3855 and SPPA 3859, each with a grade of "B" (3.0) or better, prior to enrolling in any 4000-level course in the major.

Speech Pathology and Audiology (Course prefix: SPPA)
Course Number Course Information
2850 Introduction to Communication Disorders (4)
The nature of speech and language pathology. Acquisition of speech and language by children. Communication through the lifespan. Deviations from normal speech and language patterns, e.g., disorders of language, articulation, voice, language difference in a multicultural society, and stuttering.
3005 Pronouncing American English (4)
Introduces non-native speakers of English to pronunciation, rate, pausing, rhythm, and vocal variability for individual and group interactions. May be repeated two times for credit, for a maximum of 12 units.
3852 Speech, Language and Communication Development Across the Lifespan (4)
Study of the acquisition and development of speech, language and communication from infancy through adulthood in typically developing individuals. Topics are phonology, articulation, language, pragmatic skills, nonverbal communication, and development and changes in these abilities across the lifespan.
3854 Anatomy and Physiology of Speech (4)
Study of the anatomy, physiology, and neurology of the speech mechanism; respiration, phonation, articulation, and resonance with emphasis on normal processes. Must complete with a grade of "B" (3.0) or better to meet prerequisites for SPPA 4000 level courses. Prerequisites: SPPA 2850, SPPA 3852; BIOL 1001, 2010. May be repeated once for credit for a maximum of 8 units. 
3855 Phonetics (4)
Study of physiologic foundations of vowels, consonants, diphthongs in American English. Development of ability to transcribe phonetically speech dialects and various articulatory patterns. Must complete with a grade of "B" (3.0) or better to meet prerequisites for SPPA 4000 level courses. May be repeated once for credit for a maximum of 8 units. 
3856 Observation of Clinical Procedures in Communicative Disorders (2)
Supervised observations, discussions, and written critiques of diagnosis and treatment sessions. Must be taken once during first year in the major. May be repeated once for credit for a maximum of 4 units; only two units will apply to the major. CR/NC grading only.
3859 Theory and Practice of Audiology I (4)
Anatomy and physiology of the outer and middle ear systems with emphasis on their clinical correlates; the nature of sound and hearing. Audiology as a profession. Practical experience with diagnostic audiologic evaluation and interpretation. Must complete with a grade of "B" (3.0) or better to meet prerequisites for SPPA 4000 level courses. May be repeated once for credit for a maximum of 8 units. 
3860 Theory and Practice of Audiology II (4)
Anatomy and physiology of inner ear and auditory pathways, with emphasis on clinical correlates. Theories of hearing and methods for screening audiologic function. Practical experience with audiologic evaluation and interpretation. Prerequisite: SPPA 3859.
3898 Cooperative Education (1-4)
Supervised work experience in which student completes academic assignments integrated with off-campus paid or volunteer activities. Prerequisites: at least a 2.0 GPA; departmental approval of activity. May be repeated for credit, for a maximum of 8 units. Not applicable to the Speech Pathology major; a maximum of 2 units will be accepted toward the Speech Pathology minor. CR/NC grading only.
3999 Issues in Speech Pathology and Audiology (4)
Readings, discussion, and research on contemporary and/or significant issues in speech pathology and audiology. May be repeated for credit when content varies, for a maximum of 8 units.
4120 Aural Rehabilitation for Au.D. (4)
Ecological, interactive approaches to preventing and/or minimizing limitations on everyday living resulting from impairment in auditory function. Current clinical practices in hearing aid fitting, cochlear implants, assistive devices and hearing protection. Prerequisite: SPPA 3854, SPPA 3855 and SPPA 3859, each with a "B" (3.0) or better. Open only to CSD students in Au.D. preparation track.
4852 Clinical Methods and Procedures in Communicative Disorders (3)
Basic principles of client treatment and management, including structuring the therapy session, designing therapy hierarchies, collecting data, working with families, reinforcing correct behavior and documenting outcomes. Prerequisites: senior standing. SPPA 3854, SPPA 3855 and SPPA 3859, each with a "B" (3.0) or better. May be repeated once for credit for a maximum of 6 units; only 3 units will apply to the major. A-F grading only.
4854 Diagnosis of Speech and Language Disorders (4)
Theory and practice in the assessment of speech and language disorders. Lab observation assignment required. Prerequisites: SPPA 2850, 3852. SPPA 3854, SPPA 3855 and SPPA 3859, each with a "B" (3.0) or better; HDEV 4110 or PSYC 4420; PSYC 4740; 20 hours of supervised observation; and senior or graduate standing. Two hrs. lect., 6 hrs. lab.
4856 Practicum in Speech-Language Pathology (3)
Development, implementation and evaluation of individualized therapy programs for clients in the Speech, Hearing and Language Clinic. Practice in report writing and oral case presentations. Prerequisite: SPPA 3854, SPPA 3855, SPPA 3859, SPPA 4852 or 6052; and SPPA 4854 or 6854, each with a "B" (3.0) or better and permission of department.
4859 Evidence-based Practice in Communicative Sciences and Disorders (4)
Contemporary understanding of evidence-based practice in speech pathology and audiology. Combination of research evidence, clinician expertise, client values, and individual client attributes to guide decision-making in everyday clinical practice. Prerequisites: SPPA 3854, SPPA 3855, SPPA 3859, SPPA 4852 or 6052, each with a "B" (3.0) or better, and senior or graduate standing.
4861 Hearing Assessment: Instrumentation and Behavioral (5)
Theory and application of the fundamentals of pure tone and speech audiometric procedures basic to identification audiometry and differential diagnosis of peripheral auditory disorders. Prerequisite: SPPA 3854, SPPA 3855 and SPPA 3859, each with a "B" (3.0) or better. Four hrs. lect., 2 hrs.lab.
4862 Organic and Low Incidence Speech Disorders (4)
Speech and communication disorders of low incidence in the population or individuals with organic etiologies. Characteristics, diagnosis and treatment for persons with voice disorders, cerebral palsy, cleft palate, head and neck cancer and other syndromes. Prerequisites: SPPA 3854, SPPA 3855 and SPPA 3859, each with a "B" (3.0) or better. Senior or graduate standing.
4863 Articulation and Phonological Disorders (4)
Systematic study of children's speech disorders resulting from deviant articulation and/or phonological rule systems. Critical review of articulation and phonological assessments, theories, and treatments. Prerequisite: SPPA 3854, SPPA 3855 and SPPA 3859, each with a "B" (3.0) or better; or consent of instructor.
4865 Language Disorders in Children (4)
Causes and treatment of language disorders in children. Students observe treatment; learn to collect and analyze language samples, and to write training programs. Prerequisites: SPPA 3854, SPPA 3855 and SPPA 3859, each with a "B" (3.0) or better. SPPA 3852; PSYC 1000; HDEV 4110 or PSYC 4220; and senior or graduate standing.
4866 Neurocognitive Communication Disorders (4)
Introduction to cognition, its components and disorders. Acquired neurogenic cognitive-communicative disorders such as aphasia, traumatic brain injury, right hemisphere syndrome, and dementia. Discussion of screening, assessment, and intervention for persons with cognitive-communicative disorders. Prerequisites: SPPA 3854, SPPA 3855 and SPPA 3859, each with a "B" (3.0) or better. SPPA 4869.
4867 Speech Science (4)
Fundamentals of sound production and transmission as related to speech. Theory of speech production, perception, acoustic and physiologic phonetics, and analysis of the acoustic properties of speech. Prerequisite: SPPA 3854, 3855 and SPPA 3859, each with a "B" (3.0) or better; and senior or graduate standing.
4868 Cultural and Linguistic Diversity (4)
Knowledge and skills essential for competently serving diverse clients with communication disorders. Basic information on health disparities, bilingualism and second language acquisition, principles of least-biased assessment, culturally sensitive interviewing and counseling strategies, conflict resolution, and culturally valid treatment techniques. Prerequisite: SPPA 3854, 3855 and SPPA 3859, each with a "B" (3.0) or better. SPPA 4852 or 6052, and senior or graduate standing.
4869 Neuroanatomy and Neurophysiology of the Speech, Language and Hearing Mechanism (4)
Structural and functional descriptions and neurophysiology of the central and peripheral nervous system as it relates to normal development and to communication sciences and disorders. Prerequisites: SPPA 3854, 3855 and SPPA 3859, each with a "B" (3.0) or better. SPPA 4852 or 6052, and senior or graduate standing.
4900 Independent Study (1-4)
May be repeated for credit with consent of instructor, for a maximum of 12 units.

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