SLP 5100. Fundamentals of Audiology for the SLP. (2 Credits)

This course, intended for prospective speech-language pathologists, is intended to help students identify clients with an auditory disorder or who may be at risk for sustaining an auditory disorder. Knowledge obtained as part of this course will enable students to provide (within their scope of practice) appropriate prevention, assessment, referrals, accommodations, and modifications to the client’s treatment plan and activities. Additional course coverage will include disorders of the auditory system and accompanying hearing loss, implications of the audiogram, and communication assessment and management of children and adults with hearing impairment.

SLP 5150. Child Language Disorders I. (3 Credits)

This course focuses on assessment and intervention for preschool language disorders. Topics addressed include etiology and characteristics of language/communication disorders in infants and preschool children with an eye toward cultural and linguistic diversity, theoretical frameworks for assessment and intervention, evidence-based formal and informal methods of assessment and intervention, connections between oral language and emergent literacy, and exploration of current issues in the research literature.

SLP 5200. Research Methods. (3 Credits)

This course focuses on developing foundational knowledge of the research process, ethical principles/guidelines that ensure the responsible conduct of research, and increasing students' understanding and use of research in evidence-based clinical practice in Speech-Language Pathology. Students use the process of systematic review (PRISMA) as a scaffold for the development of clinical questions, external evidence through literature review, inclusion/exclusion criteria, research design/data analysis, and appropriate conclusions.

SLP 5250. Speech Sound Disorders. (3 Credits)

This course focuses on information regarding normal and disordered aspects of speech sound production including articulation and phonology. There is an emphasis placed on theoretical and practical considerations for clinical assessment and treatment.

SLP 5300. Aphasia & Related Disorders. (3 Credits)

This course focuses on the neuroanatomy and neurophysiology of aphasia and related disorders. This course will emphasize etiology, prevention, assessment and treatment of the different types of aphasia and related disorders. This course uses a case-based approach and stresses evidenced based practice.

SLP 5350. Dysphagia. (3 Credits)

This course provides an in-depth study of normal and disordered swallowing with a focus on the physiology of dysphagia. Current research related to prevention, evaluation and diagnosis, management and treatment of swallowing disorders across the life span is presented. Intervention and treatment strategies will be discussed at length. The purpose of this course is to help each student develop an analytical framework and approach to evaluation and treatment of dysphagia in children and adults.

SLP 5400. Child Language Disorders II. (3 Credits)

This course focuses on assessment of and intervention for oral and written language in school-aged children through adolescents with various language impairments and clinically-significant etiologies (e.g., autism). The course also integrates curriculum-based standards and the impact of language differences for diverse speakers.

SLP 5450. Fluency Disorders. (3 Credits)

This course introduces the nature, assessment, and treatment of stuttering and related fluency disorders across the lifespan. Graduate students explore the biological, developmental, and experiential aspects of fluency, learning to apply evidence-based and person-centered practices in assessment and intervention. Through simulated learning, applied case studies, and reflective clinical experiences, students develop competence in evaluating disfluent speech, planning therapy, and engaging in collaborative goal setting with clients and families. Emphasis is placed on ethical, compassionate, and culturally responsive care.

SLP 5500. Voice Disorders. (3 Credits)

This course reviews the anatomy, physiology, and acoustics of normal voice production throughout the lifespan to serve as the foundation for the study of voice and resonance disorders related to behavioral, structural, neurologic, and psychological/psychogenic factors. Voice and resonance disorders typically encountered by the speech-language pathologist in ENT clinics, hospital inpatient and outpatient settings, and schools are presented along with principles for evidence-based assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. An introduction to testing methods incorporates listening, visualization, and analysis/interpretation of patient-reported outcome measures, perceptual assessments, imaging techniques, and acoustic analysis. This course prepares students to interpret, express orally, and in writing, resultant diagnostic findings and therapy progression to patients, multidisciplinary teams, family members, and other caregivers. Professional practice issues and standards of ethical conduct are integrated throughout the course.

SLP 5550. Cognitive Communication Disorders. (3 Credits)

This course examines the nature, assessment, and treatment of cognitive-communication disorders across the lifespan, including those related to traumatic brain injury, right hemisphere damage, stroke, dementia, and executive function disorders. Students explore how attention, memory, and executive systems interact with language, communication, and daily functioning. Through case-based learning, simulations, and applied analysis, students develop clinical reasoning skills for prevention, assessment, intervention, and collaboration with clients, caregivers, and interprofessional teams. Emphasis is placed on evidence-based and person-centered care that integrates ethical decision-making, compassion, and cultural responsiveness.

SLP 5600. Augmentative & Alternative Communication. (3 Credits)

This course focuses on a wide range of non-vocal communication systems. In this course, students will develop an understanding of the governmental and professional policies pertaining to augmentative communication; develop an understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of using non-vocal systems for communication; learn principles for assessing non-vocal clients and selecting appropriate non-vocal communication systems for those clients; explore the features of electronic and microcomputer based communication aids; review strategies for facilitating non-vocal communication in a variety of settings; and apply concepts and principles to a series of case examples.

SLP 5650. Professional Issues and Counseling. (3 Credits)

The purpose of this course is to provide understanding to SLP graduate students of the of knowledge and professional competencies that are expected for ASHA certification and necessary for success in our field. More specifically, we will examine professional ethics and issues, and review regulations/requirements for professional practice. In addition, counseling approaches from a variety of resources will be reviewed. When available we will have guest speakers reinforce specific content during the semester.

SLP 5700. Multicultural Considerations for Speech-Language Pathologists. (3 Credits)

This course examines the dynamic relationship among culture, language, identity, and communication across diverse populations. Graduate students develop the knowledge and skills needed to provide culturally and linguistically responsive, person-centered care in clinical and educational settings. Learning experiences integrate reflection, applied case studies, and collaboration with community and professional partners. Emphasis is placed on compassion, equity, and service consistent with Concordia University Wisconsin’s mission to prepare clinicians for service to Christ in the Church and the world through person-centered and culturally responsive practice.

SLP 5750. Motor Speech Disorders. (3 Credits)

This course focuses on the specific neuro-anatomy and neuro-physiology involved in normal and disordered motor-speech production across the lifespan. Additionally, this course addresses the differential diagnosis of motor-speech disorders, specifically Apraxia of Speech, Childhood Apraxia of Speech, and the dysarthrias. This course also focuses on evidence-based assessment and intervention strategies for Motor Speech Disorders.

SLP 5800. Genetics of SLP Practice. (3 Credits)

This course introduces the graduate student to genetic inheritance and embryonic development and describes genetic conditions involving the craniofacial complex. Craniofacial anomalies (with emphasis on clefts of the lip and palate) and the impact of such anomalies on speech-language development and functioning are discussed. The specialized role of the speech-language pathologist in instrumental/clinical assessment and management of these disorders is covered. Pertinent theories, philosophies, and current research literature in the area of oral-facial anomalies is reviewed.

SLP 6000. Special Topics:. (2 Credits)

Special Topics: (specific topic name) is an elective 2 credit class that focuses on current topics/issues in Speech-Language Pathology. This is a course that can be repeated with different course content to fulfill elective requirements of 3 credits. Special Topics covers topics that are part of the scope of practice of Speech-Language Pathologists, which are not addressed in the core curriculum.

SLP 6200. Applied Biomechanics of Speech and Swallowing. (3 Credits)

The course establishes and reinforces understanding of human movement and the impact on systems of speech and swallowing. Basic principles of biomechanics of movement, muscle mechanics, and neural control of muscles and joints are covered and applied to clinical practice. Principles and application of motor learning are included as they apply to clinical practice and treatment planning.

SLP 6400. Neurological Bases of Communication. (3 Credits)

Neurological Bases of Communication is the study of neurological development and function related to speech, language, and hearing. Emphasis is placed on the neuroanatomy and neurophysiology involved in communication.

SLP 6600. School Methods. (3 Credits)

This course prepares graduate students to provide effective, evidence-based, and person-centered speech-language services in school settings. Students examine the roles and responsibilities of school-based speech-language pathologists through the lens of federal and state law and policy, educational policy, and ethical practice. Emphasis is placed on collaborative and interprofessional models, student-centered assessment and intervention, IEP development, and data-driven decision-making that supports equitable student outcomes. Through applied case studies, reflective practice, and research integration, students learn to navigate real-world challenges while maintaining compliance and compassion in service delivery.

SLP 7100. Research Practicum. (1-2 Credits)

Research Practicum is a closely mentored empirically based research experience in the context of some aspect of Communication Sciences and/or Disorders. Emphasis is placed on guided independent efforts to prepare, execute, and share research activities and results. Note: Instructor consent is required for participation in this course.

SLP 7200. Thesis Research. (1-6 Credits)

This course is designed to enable students to conduct original research on a specific topic related to some aspect of speech-language pathology. Students will work closely with a faculty mentor to develop a project that includes a literature review, research question(s), procedures and methodologies, data analysis and interpretation with discussion of results and conclusions. The thesis culminates as a substantive piece of scholarship in strict APA style.

SLP 7300. Clinical Foundations. (3 Credits)

This course focuses on developing foundational skills and competencies in assessment, diagnosis, and intervention. Through simulated clinical experiences, interactive case studies, and applied learning tasks, students refine clinical decision-making, professional communication, and documentation skills. The course emphasizes ethical practice, evidence-based approaches, and readiness for direct client engagement in subsequent semesters.

SLP 7500. Audiology Practicum. (1 Credit)

This Audiology Practicum course will address aspects of audiology which are considered to be part of the role of a speech-language pathology. Students will gain knowledge and experience with various audiology evaluation and treatment protocols through supervised participation in diagnostic evaluations, aural rehabilitation activities, and didactic meetings.

SLP 7600. Clinical Practicum A. (1 Credit)

This course provides graduate students with supervised clinical experience in assessment and treatment of children and/or adults exhibiting a variety of disorders within the Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) scope of care in on-campus and/or community settings to develop skills and competencies required for ASHA certification in SLP, state licensure in SLP and WI Department of Public Instruction (DPI) licensure endorsement. The course includes a didactic/classroom component to discuss topics such as record keeping, data collection, specific therapy techniques, clinical technologies, and research findings.

SLP 7700. Clinical Practicum B. (2 Credits)

This course continues to provide graduate students with supervised clinical experience in assessment and treatment of children and/or adults exhibiting a variety of disorders within the Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) scope of care in on-campus and/or community settings requiring more clinical time or intensity than Clinical Practicum A. The course continues to develop skills and competencies required for ASHA certification in SLP, state licensure in SLP and WI Department of Public Instruction (DPI) licensure endorsement. The course includes a didactic/classroom component to discuss topics such as record keeping, data collection, specific therapy techniques, clinical technologies, and research findings.

SLP 7800. Clinical Externship. (4 Credits)

This course continues to focus on developing the skills and competencies required for certification in Speech-Language Pathology. Students will complete external placements with an ASHA certified Speech-Language Pathologist as a preceptor in either a school or medical setting. Students are expected to follow the schedule of the placement site.