Department of Communication Disorders

CDIS 818P – Diagnostic Methods     3 credit hours

This course will introduce students to methods of screening and diagnostic practice in speech-language pathology. Students will develop case-based assessment plans, review a range a assessment measures, practice giving tests, record and analyze assessment results, and prepare diagnostic reports. Cultural considerations are discussed as they relate to diagnosis of speech and language conditions.
Additional Course Fee Required

CDIS 820P – Research in Communication Disorders     3 credit hours

This course is designed to help students of communication disorders become critical readers of research in the field and to demonstrate the relevance of basic and applied research for evaluation and therapy in speech-language pathology and audiology. The course will include research strategies and research design in communication disorders in addition to measurement issues and organization and analysis of data.

CDIS 830P – Pediatric Swallowing Disorders     1 credit hour

This course is designed to study the unique aspects of pediatric swallowing and feeding with regard to assessment, diagnosis, prognosis, and rehabilitation of children from birth to 21 years of age with dysphagia and/or related feeding disorders.

CDIS 832 – Independent Study in Audiology     1-3 credit hours

Independent research or special assignments in the area of audiology.
Total Credits Allowed: 3.00

CDIS 833 – Practicum in Audiology     1-3 credit hours

Observation and participation in hearing testing, rehabilitation and patient counseling, and report writing.
Total Credits Allowed: 3.00

CDIS 835P – Neurological Foundations of Speech and Language     3 credit hours

The purpose of this course is to study, in depth, the structural and functional frameworks of the central and peripheral nervous systems and to relate these systems to speech and language functioning. Specifically, this course familiarizes students to the organization of the brain, descending motor and ascending sensory pathways, and cranial nerves. Knowledge of these anatomic systems makes possible the understanding and its contribution to human speech and language.

CDIS 840P – Augmentative Alternative Communication     3 credit hours

This course is designed to orient students to the process of AAC; the supplementation or replacement of natural speech and/or writing using aided and/or unaided symbols. Topics covered include: AAC as a process; terminology in AAC; funding based on legal issues of AAC, due process, and expert testimony; ethics; multicultural issues, literacy; advocacy; AAC assessment and implementation in children and adults with various conditions.
Additional Course Fee Required

CDIS 851 – Speech Sound Disorders II     3 credit hours

This course provides advanced content related to the nature, etiology, assessment, and treatment of speech sound disorders. Students will demonstrate knowledge and application of both traditional articulation and phonologically based intervention models.

CDIS 852 – Read & Writ Strat for SLP: Serving Students w/Lang Based Literacy Disorders     3 credit hours

This course explores theory and research concerning language and literacy development and disorders in children and adolescents. Topics will include home and school influences on literacy acquisition, roles and responsibilities of the speech-language pathologist in reading and writing assessment and intervention, and predictors of reading and writing acquisition and improvement.

CDIS 857 – Dysphagia     2 credit hours

This course involves information of normal swallow physiology and its related disorders across the lifespan. Etiological factors are reviewed, noting the high risk categories for varied cultural groups.
Prerequisite: CDIS 835P

CDIS 861 – Practicum in Speech/Language Pathology     1-3 credit hours

This course is designed to provide a practical learning experience inherent to speech-language pathologists. Experiences will include participation in comprehensive evaluations, therapy procedures, applying evidence-based practices, client counseling, client/family education, preparing session plans, and clinical documentation.
Total Credits Allowed: 3.00
Prerequisite: Graduate standing
Additional Course Fee Required

CDIS 862 – Practicum in Speech/Language Pathology     1-3 credit hours

This course is designed to provide a practical learning experience inherent to speech-language pathologists. Experiences will include participation in comprehensive evaluations, therapy procedures, applying evidence-based practices, client counseling, client/family education, preparing session plans, and clinical documentation.
Total Credits Allowed: 3.00
Prerequisite: Graduate standing and CDIS 861
Additional Course Fee Required

CDIS 863 – Practicum in Speech/Language Pathology     1-3 credit hours

This course is designed to provide a practical learning experience inherent to speech-language pathologists. Experiences will include participation in comprehensive evaluations, therapy procedures, applying evidence-based practices, client counseling, client/family education, preparing session plans, and clinical documentation.
Total Credits Allowed: 3.00
Prerequisite: Graduate standing and CDIS 862
Additional Course Fee Required

CDIS 864 – Practicum in Speech/Language Pathology     1-3 credit hours

This course is designed to provide a practical learning experience inherent to speech-language pathologists. Experiences will include participation in comprehensive evaluations, therapy procedures, applying evidence-based practices, client counseling, client/family education, preparing session plans, and clinical documentation.
Total Credits Allowed: 3.00
Prerequisite: Graduate status
Additional Course Fee Required

CDIS 865 – Voice and Resonance Disorders     3 credit hours

Symptomatology, etiology, assessment and remediation of functional and organic voice disorders; prevention issues. Classification and management of cleft lip and palate and related anomalies; medical approaches to cleft lip and palate; and assessment and intervention of communication disorders related to cleft lip and palate. Cultural considerations and demographics as well as transgender voice assessment and treatment are introduced.

CDIS 868 – Motor Speech Disorders     3 credit hours

This course covers etiologies, communication characteristics, appraisal and treatment of motor speech disorders in children and adults. Culture considerations are discussed related to the nature, etiology, assessment, and treatment of motor speech disorders including dysarthria; acquired brain injury; verbal apraxia; and augmentative/alternative communication systems.

CDIS 869 – Clinical Competencies in Speech-Language Pathology     3 credit hours

Clinical Competencies in Speech/Language Pathology provides instructional and application-based experiences in clinical evaluations, interventions, interactions, and the professional responsibilities of a practicing Speech-Language Pathologist. This is a concentrated, supervised experience in demonstrating clinical competencies with populations varying in age and communication disorder. Professional writing skills are addressed with opportunities to produce clinical documentation relevant for client assignments.
Total Credits Allowed: 6.00

CDIS 870P – Professional Issues     3 credit hours

This course explores the core principles and practices of the fields of speech-language pathology and audiology. Students will gain a deeper understanding of ASHA's Scope of Practice and Code of Ethics for practicioners. This course will provide information about certification and licensure in the educational and medical settings. This course will also discuss the various workplace settings, interprofessional collaboration, and cultural competency across diverse populations.

CDIS 876 – Cognitive Communication Disorders     3 credit hours

This course will elaborate on the five cognitive domains (memory, executive function, attention, visuospacial processing and language). We will then discuss the description, assessment and treatment of cognitive communication disorders including traumatic brain injury (TBI), different types of dementia such as Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, Vascular Dementia, Frontotemporal dementia, Right hemisphere Aphasia, neurodegenerative disorders and other cognitive disorders. Evaluation and treatment issues are explored with emphasis on management of adults in a medical setting.
Prerequisite: CDIS 815

CDIS 879P – Aging and Cognition     3 credit hours

Aging and Cognition is a multidisciplinary course that can interest/benefit/address students in different undergraduate or graduate programs including communication disorders, physical therapy, occupational therapy, psychology, nursing, family studies, kinesiology, sociology, social work, and education. Cognitive change as a normal process of aging as well as pathological aging including neurodegenerative diseases such as different types of dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease will be discussed. The concept of cognitive reserve will be elaborated and the factors that contribute to building a better reserve for healthy aging and prevention of neurodegenerative diseases will be studied.

CDIS 881 – Seminar in Speech-Language Pathology     3 credit hours

Advanced study and research in topics of current concern and interest in Speech/Language Pathology.
Total Credits Allowed: 6.00

CDIS 885P – Fluency Disorders     3 credit hours

This course offers a comprehensive exploration of various fluency disorders, ethical considerations and emerging trends in the field. Students will explore the complex nature of fluency disorders and the skills necessary as future clinicians to provide effective assessment, treatment and counseling for individuals of all ages.
Prerequisite: Graduate standing

CDIS 886 – Infant-Preschool Assessment and Intervention     3 credit hours

This course is a study of normal development, disorders, assessment, and treatment for children in the birth-to-five age range. We will address the following topics: Normal Development, Multidisciplinary & Family-Centered Assessment, Family-Centered Treatment of Infants with Disabilities, and Disorders impacting infants and toddlers.
Prerequisite: Graduate standing

CDIS 887 – Aphasia Rehabilitation     3 credit hours

Historical, theoretical and basic neuroscience foundations of the aphasias and related disorders such as the apraxias and the agnosias are studied. Clinical aphasiology, the theoretical bases, and alternative procedures employed in the assessment, diagnosis, prognosis, and rehabilitation of individuals with aphasia and related disorders is comprehensively addressed.

CDIS 892P – Internship (Pediatric)     5-10 credit hours

This course provides the student with a direct field experience as a speech-language pathologist in a pediatric clinical setting under the supervision of a licensed/certified Speech-Language Pathologist. The supervised clinical experience includes identification, assessment, and treatment of communication disorders with a variety of individuals.

CDIS 893P – Internship (Schools for NE Teacher Certification)     5-10 credit hours

This course provides the student with a direct field experience as a speech-language pathologist in an approved school setting that meets the Nebraska Department of Education standards to be eligible for Nebraska teacher certification. The student will be supervised by a licensed/certified Speech-Language Pathologist. The supervised clinical experience includes identification, assessment, and treatment of communication disorders with a variety of individuals.
Total Credits Allowed: 10.00

CDIS 894P – Internship (Clinical)     4-10 credit hours

This course provides the student with a direct field experience as a speech-language pathologist in a clinical setting primarily serving adults under the supervision of a licensed/certified Speech-Language Pathologist. The supervised clinical experience includes identification, assessment, and treatment of communication disorders with a variety of individuals.
Total Credits Allowed: 10.00

CDIS 895 – Independent Study in Speech-Language Pathology     1-3 credit hours

Independent research or special assignment in the field of Speech/ Language Pathology.
Total Credits Allowed: 9.00

CDIS 896 – Thesis     3-6 credit hours

Student investigates a research topic in the area of Speech/Language Pathology, following APA style of reporting the research.
Total Credits Allowed: 6.00

CDIS 897 – Internship (Schools out-of-state)     5-10 credit hours

This course provides the student with a direct field experience as a speech-language pathologist in an approved school setting for students pursuing certification outside of Nebraska. The student will be supervised by a licensed/certified Speech-Language Pathologist. The supervised clinical experience includes identification, assessment, and treatment of communication disorders with a variety of individuals.
Total Credits Allowed: 10.00

CDIS 899P – Special Topics in Speech-Language Pathology     1-6 credit hours

A course designed to enable the administrators and teachers of Communication Disorders to become knowledgeable about recent trends and issues in Communication Disorders or other concerns affecting Communication Disorders.
Total Credits Allowed: 6.00