Communication Sciences and Disorders, Ph.D.

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About the Program

The Ph.D. program in Communication Sciences and Disorders seeks to bring students to a level of education at which they may participate as scholars in the discipline. It is the program's objective to provide doctoral students with a base of information sufficiently broad that they understand the range of their discipline, yet deep enough in a chosen area of specialization to enable them to comfortably assume positions of leadership. The program emphasizes education in specific methods of research, appropriate to the student's area of specialization, reaching a level at which the graduate will be able to make original and valuable contributions to the knowledge of the field. A final objective is to infuse students with the spirit of scientific inquiry and wisdom in the methods and philosophy of science to place their own contributions, and the contributions of others, in a proper perspective with regard to theoretical and philosophical positions and trends. It is anticipated that graduates will contribute to the discipline as leaders and exemplars in the areas of teaching, research, administration, and clinical services.

Time Limit for Degree Completion: 7 years

Campus Location: Main

Full-Time/Part-Time Status: The degree program can be completed on a full- or part-time basis.

Interdisciplinary Study: Students often take elective coursework outside the department in disciplines such as biostatistics, education, and psychology.

Affiliation(s): Cooperative efforts have been established with Temple University Hospital and Lewis Katz School of Medicine, the Camden School District, MossRehab, and the School District of Philadelphia.

Areas of Specialization: Areas of concentration are Speech-Language Pathology with emphases in adult language disorders, child language and literacy development and disorders, and motor speech.

Job Prospects: Graduates are prepared for careers in universities and research institutions.

Non-Matriculated Student Policy: Departmental permission is required for registration in graduate classes. A maximum of 9 credits earned as a non-matriculated student may be applied toward the degree.

Financing Opportunities: Research and Teaching Assistantships may be available. Contact the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders to inquire.

Admission Requirements and Deadlines

Application Deadline:

Fall: January 5

All applicants to the Ph.D. program in Communication Sciences and Disorders must apply via the Centralized Application Service for Public Health (SOPHAS). The system can be accessed at https://sophas.liaisoncas.com/.

Letters of Reference:

Number Required: 3

From Whom: Letters of recommendation should be obtained from professors, employers, or colleagues who are able to evaluate the applicant's research potential. One letter must be from a previous professor, advisor, or research supervisor.

Coursework Required for Admission Consideration: Applicants must demonstrate coursework taken in statistics and probability.

Master's Degree in Discipline/Related Discipline: A master's degree is not required.

Bachelor's Degree in Discipline/Related Discipline: A baccalaureate degree in Communication Disorders, Education, Linguistics, or Psychology is required.

Statement of Goals: Approximately 500 to 1,000 words address your background, your academic and professional goals, and the fit of your interests with the program.

Standardized Test Scores:
GRE: Required. Scores on the verbal and quantitative sections are expected to fall at or above the 50th percentile.

TOEFL: 79 iBT or 550 PBT minimum.

Resume: Current resume required.

Writing Sample: A writing sample that is expository in nature, e.g., a chapter of a thesis, a convention paper, and/or a paper from senior undergraduate or master's level coursework, should be submitted.

Advanced Standing: The student's advisor recommends advanced standing to the department based on a review of prior coursework and experience. The maximum number of advanced standing credits awarded is 30.

Program Requirements

General Program Requirements:
Number of Credits Required to Earn the Degree: 45

Required Courses:

Course List
Code	Title	Credit Hours
College Core Course
HRPR 5001	Current and Emerging Issues in Public Health and Health Professions	0
Core Courses
CSCD 5411	Psycholinguistics	3
CSCD 5730	Topics in Speech, Language and Hearing	6
PHIL 5216	Philosophy of Science	3
Research and Statistics Courses ¹
EPBI 5002	Biostatistics	3
EPBI 5201	Epidemiological Research Methods I	3
EPBI 8012	Multivariable Biostatistics	3
EPBI 8212	Grantsmanship in Health Research	3
HRPR 5999	Research Experience in Health Professions	0
Electives		15
Select five courses from the following: ²
CSCD 5521	Foundations in Child Language Disorders
CSCD 8726	Management of Child Language Disorders
CSCD 8727	Written Language Development and Disorders
EPBI 8201	Structural Equation Modeling
EPBI 8204	Multilev Mod in Int Res
EPBI 8208	Data Management and Analysis
PSY 8005	Affective Neuroscience
PSY 8513	Cognitive Development
Non-Didactic Courses		6
CSCD 9994	Preliminary Examination Preparation
CSCD 9998	Pre-Dissertation Research ³
CSCD 9999	Dissertation Research ⁴
Total Credit Hours		45

Other courses may meet this requirement if approved by mentor, Ph.D. Program Director, and department chair.

Alternate elective courses must be approved by the Ph.D. Program Director.

Students enrolled in CSCD 9998 must take 2 credits each term until the dissertation proposal is approved and filed with the Graduate School.

⁴

Students enrolled in CSCD 9999 must take a minimum of 3 credits after approval of the proposal and be enrolled for at least 3 credits each term until the dissertation is defended and filed with the Graduate School.

Culminating Events:
Preliminary Examination:
The preliminary examination serves as a prospectus/proposal to the dissertation. The typical preliminary examination consists of a fully referenced introduction (20-30 pages) followed by a proposed method section that will guide the candidate’s dissertation study. In conjunction with the preliminary examination, a student must submit a journal-quality article for peer review. The student must pass the preliminary examination in no more than two attempts. The Doctoral Advisory Committee evaluates the exam on a pass/fail basis. All judgments are by committee consensus.

Dissertation:
The dissertation is an original study that makes a significant and publishable contribution to the field. It should demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the theoretical and empirical literature of the area of investigation. It should also be of sound and rigorous methodology. Original research of quality appropriate for publication in a first-tier national journal is expected.

Graduate School guidelines for announcing the defense are followed. Notice is given through postings, email, and listserv announcements. The defense lasts two hours.

Courses

CSCD 5411. Psycholinguistics. 3 Credit Hours.

This course presents information about the processing and use of language including language acquisition, lexical retrieval, syntactic parsing, and language production in children and adults with normal and disordered communication systems.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

CSCD 5501. Modern Linguistics I - Syntax. 3 Credit Hours.

Scientific investigation of grammatical structure in language is the subject of this course. Data from English and other languages are used to study phrase structure, empty categories, movement, etc.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

CSCD 5502. Phonology I. 3 Credit Hours.

This course concerns the nature of sound systems in human language. Students investigate data from a variety of languages and language families.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

CSCD 5505. Issues in Linguistics. 3 Credit Hours.

This course critically investigates major intellectual trends in the recent history of linguistics and their relationship to contemporary issues in philosophy, psychology, and anthropology.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

CSCD 5521. Foundations in Child Language Disorders. 3 Credit Hours.

This course reviews theory, research and clinical issues concerning disorders of language in young children. Major categories of language disorder such as emotional disturbance, mental retardation, hearing loss, and specific language impairment are considered. Treatment and assessment techniques are reviewed and evaluated.

Field of Study Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Majors: Spch Lang Hearing Science.
Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

Pre-requisites:
CSCD 3301|Minimum Grade of C|May not be taken concurrently.

CSCD 5522. Foundations and Management in Phonological Disorders. 3 Credit Hours.

This course presents information and experiences to prepare students to assess and treat individuals with phonological disorders.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

CSCD 5524. Foundations and Management of Motor Speech Disorders. 3 Credit Hours.

This course covers assessment, diagnosis, and management of motor speech disorders such as dysarthria and apraxia of speech in children and adults.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

Pre-requisites:
CSCD 5522|Minimum Grade of C|May not be taken concurrently.

CSCD 5525. Foundations and Management in Fluency. 3 Credit Hours.

This course surveys the characteristics and theories on the nature of stuttering and reviews the principles and practices of assessment and intervention strategies.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

Pre-requisites:
CSCD 3233|Minimum Grade of C|May not be taken concurrently.

CSCD 5527. Foundations and Rehabilitation of Language and Cognitive Disorders in Aphasia. 3 Credit Hours.

This course provides an overview of acquired neurogenic language disorders and the ways in which these disorders have historically been described and explained. Approaches to diagnosis and treatment of adult language disorders and the evolution from neuroanatomical to cognitive and social models are discussed. The course begins with a review of the etiology and neuroanatomy underlying aphasic syndromes. The classical, neuroanatomical view of acquired language disorder is described, followed by an overview of syndrome classification. This is followed by a detailed review of cognitive-psycholinguistic models of language and communication disorders as well as the life participation approach to rehabilitation of communication disorders. The remainder of the course provides a review of specific language disorders associated with neurological etiologies (especially stroke-based aphasia), their effects on comprehension and production of oral and written language and specific intervention approaches. The course also offers a review of current research that focuses on impairments of cognitive processes that support language processing such as short-term memory (STM) and executive processing.

Field of Study Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Fields of study: Spch Lang Hearing Science.
Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

Pre-requisites:
(CSCD 3235|Minimum Grade of C|May not be taken concurrently)
AND (CSCD 2219|Minimum Grade of C|May not be taken concurrently)

CSCD 5528. Voice Disorders: Theory and Analysis. 3 Credit Hours.

This course acquaints the student with the symptomatology and disorder complexes related to phonation and with the philosophies and methods used in the treatment of voice disorders, including cleft palate and alaryngeal voice.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

Pre-requisites:
(CSCD 3233|Minimum Grade of C|May not be taken concurrently
AND CSCD 3235|Minimum Grade of C|May not be taken concurrently)

CSCD 5529. Case Studies. 1 Credit Hour.

This seminar patterns itself on the Grand Rounds format used in hospitals in which a clinician presents information about a patient/client to a group of peers. The course is structured to provide interdisciplinary interactions because so many of the patients/clients we work with have multiple problems, and solutions are usually interdisciplinary in nature.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

CSCD 5531. Applications in Audiology. 1 Credit Hour.

Practical labwork with audiometric equipment, test procedures, administration interpretation, and principles of case management and report writing.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

Pre-requisites:
CSCD 4301|Minimum Grade of C|May not be taken concurrently.

CSCD 5532. Foundations and Management in Hearing Disorders. 3 Credit Hours.

This course reviews basic communication sciences and their role in the development of (re)habilitative strategies for use with both adults and children with hearing impairment.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

Pre-requisites:
CSCD 4301|Minimum Grade of C|May not be taken concurrently.

CSCD 5533. Principles of Audiology. 3 Credit Hours.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

CSCD 5534. American Sign Language I. 3 Credit Hours.

This introductory course provides the necessary skills for basic communication in American Sign Language (ASL). The relationship between manual and oral systems and the implications of deafness on communication are considered.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

CSCD 5634. American Sign Language II. 3 Credit Hours.

This course continues the basic introduction to American Sign Language (ASL) through exploration of the language used by Deaf people in America, including the syntax, grammar, and vocabulary necessary in ASL. In addition various aspects of Deaf culture will also be discussed.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

Pre-requisites:
CSCD 5534|Minimum Grade of C|May not be taken concurrently.

CSCD 5729. Language and Deafness. 3 Credit Hours.

This introduction to deaf studies explores the linguistic structure of American Sign Language, how modality of production-perception shapes language organization (comparisons of signed and spoken languages), deaf culture, deafness and minority cultures, deafness and child development, issues and options in deaf education, deafness in old age.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

CSCD 5730. Topics in Speech, Language and Hearing. 1 to 3 Credit Hour.

Special topics in the area of Speech Language Pathology which change from semester to semester are presented. Topics and instructors for a specific semester are announced by the department and posted on the CSCD Department's listserv and web site.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may be repeated for additional credit.

CSCD 8147. Basic Practicum in Audiology. 1 Credit Hour.

Basic practicum in audiology at Temple University Speech and Language Center or one of the field placements with emphasis on basic audiologic testing and interpretation.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

Pre-requisites:
(CSCD 5531|Minimum Grade of C|May not be taken concurrently
AND CSCD 5532|Minimum Grade of C|May not be taken concurrently)

CSCD 8187. Basic Practicum in Diagnostic Processes. 1 to 3 Credit Hour.

This course introduces assessment of speech-language disorder, emphasizing assessment tools, procedures, rationales, and interpretation.

Repeatability: This course may be repeated for additional credit.

Pre-requisites:
CSCD 4396|Minimum Grade of C|May not be taken concurrently.

CSCD 8287. Basic Practicum in Therapy Processes. 1 to 3 Credit Hour.

This is an introduction to remediation of speech-language disorders, emphasizing therapy methodologies and techniques, procedures, and rationales based on evidence-based practice, and analysis and interpretation of therapy outcomes.

Repeatability: This course may be repeated for additional credit.

Pre-requisites:
CSCD 4396|Minimum Grade of C|May not be taken concurrently.

CSCD 8601. Advanced Syntax. 3 Credit Hours.

This course studies recent advances in syntactic theory, focusing on the tension between universal grammar and the properties of particular languages.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

CSCD 8721. Foundations and Management in Augmentative and Alternative Communication. 1 Credit Hour.

This course provides information on the identification of individuals who would benefit from Augmentative and Alternative Communication, on assessment of functional communication needs across environments, and on current regulations and documentation to obtain funding for a speech-generating device.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

CSCD 8722. Foundations and Management in Dysphagia. 3 Credit Hours.

An overview of swallowing processes and disorders specific to the adult and pediatric populations. Assessment and treatment will be discussed.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

Pre-requisites:
CSCD 3233|Minimum Grade of C|May not be taken concurrently.

CSCD 8723. Seminar in Speech Language Hearing. 1 to 3 Credit Hour.

This course provides students with in-depth and advanced information and experiences in a variety of topics in Speech, Language, Hearing. Students will review the foundation of anatomy, physiology or function of speech, language or hearing, its etiologies, and have hands on practice with professions in the field. Topics change from semester to semester and are presented in an intensive seminar format over a weekend (Friday half day and Saturday all day).

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may be repeated for additional credit.

CSCD 8725. Disorders of Articulation and Phonology: Special Populations. 2 Credit Hours.

This course presents information and experiences to prepare the speech and language specialist to assess, diagnose and treat persons with articulation disorders associated with cleft palate, apraxia, dysarthria and oral myofunctional disorders.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

CSCD 8726. Management of Child Language Disorders. 3 Credit Hours.

This course presents information and specific skills to prepare the speech and language specialist to function in the educational setting in a variety of roles.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

Pre-requisites:
CSCD 5521|Minimum Grade of C|May not be taken concurrently.

CSCD 8727. Written Language Development and Disorders. 2 Credit Hours.

This course focuses on the developmental processes of written language acquisition and written language disorders (dyslexia). Special attention to phonological awareness and the cognitive processes underlying this awareness.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

CSCD 8728. Voice Disorders: Spec Pop. 2 Credit Hours.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

CSCD 8729. Neurocognitive Language Disorders. 3 Credit Hours.

This course will provide a broad introduction to neurocognitive deficits of language in dementia, traumatic brain injury, and right hemisphere damage. We will review neural substrates of human memory and executive functioning and examine how brain damage compromises language and cognition. We will examine assessments of language and memory and cover contemporary theories of neuropsychological rehabilitation.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

Pre-requisites:
CSCD 5527|Minimum Grade of C|May not be taken concurrently.

CSCD 8738. Proj in Spch Lang Hear. 1 Credit Hour.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

CSCD 8824. Assessment and Treatment of Diverse Populations. 2 Credit Hours.

This course offers concentrated study of language development and disorders in culturally and linguistically diverse populations. Less biased assessment and intervention approaches are discussed.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

CSCD 8830. Seminar In CSD. 1 Credit Hour.

This course focuses on preparing students to work with children from birth through six years in an interdisciplinary environment.

Field of Study Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Majors: Spch Lang Hearing Science.
Class Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Classes: Graduate 0 to 17 Credits.
Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may be repeated for additional credit.

CSCD 9087. Practicum in Hearing. 1 Credit Hour.

This basic-level practicum exposes students to the problems and therapeutic measures experienced by and available for hearing impaired individuals from childhood through adulthood in various habilitative/rehabilitative settings.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may be repeated for additional credit.

CSCD 9187. Advanced Practicum in Voice. 1 Credit Hour.

This advanced-level practicum at a field affiliation or at Temple University Speech and Hearing Center (stuttering and voice disorders) focusrd on in-depth diagnosis and treatment of a specific disordered population, e.g., L.D., M.R., post-CVA, stuttering, voice, and hearing impairment.

Repeatability: This course may be repeated for additional credit.

Pre-requisites:
CSCD 5528|Minimum Grade of C|May not be taken concurrently.

CSCD 9287. Advanced Practicum in Fluency. 1 Credit Hour.

This advanced-level practicum offers an in-depth focus on assessing and treating persons who stutter.

Repeatability: This course may be repeated for additional credit.

Pre-requisites:
CSCD 5525|Minimum Grade of C|May not be taken concurrently.

CSCD 9387. Advanced Field Practicum in Speech Language Pathology - Child. 3 Credit Hours.

This advanced-level practicum at a field affiliation focuses on in-depth diagnosis and treatment of communication and/or swallowing disorders in a specific disordered child population, i.e., SLL, L.D., M.R., stuttering, voice, hearing impairment, etc. On-site for three days or more.

Department Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Departments: CPH:Communication Science.
Field of Study Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Majors: Spch Lang Hearing Science.
Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may be repeated for additional credit.

Pre-requisites:
CSCD 8726|Minimum Grade of C|May not be taken concurrently.

CSCD 9487. Advanced Field Practicum in Speech Language Pathology - Adult. 3 Credit Hours.

Advanced level practicum at a field affiliation with focus on in-depth diagnoses and treatment of communication and/or swallowing disorders in a specific disordered adult population, e.g., L.D., M.R., post-CVA, stuttering, voice, and hearing impairment. The practicum takes place on-site for three days or more.

Department Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Departments: CPH:Communication Science.
Field of Study Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Fields of study: Spch Lang Hearing Science.
Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may be repeated for additional credit.

Pre-requisites:
(CSCD 5527|Minimum Grade of C|May not be taken concurrently)
AND (CSCD 8729|Minimum Grade of C|May not be taken concurrently)

CSCD 9582. Independent Study - Communication Sciences. 1 to 6 Credit Hour.

Qualified students are permitted to conduct investigations and/or in-depth study under supervision of department faculty.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may be repeated for additional credit.

CSCD 9587. Advanced Practicum in Aphasia. 2 Credit Hours.

This advanced-level practicum focuses on in-depth assessment and treatment of persons with aphasia and/or cognitive-linguistic deficits.

Co-requisites: CSCD 5527.

Repeatability: This course may be repeated for additional credit.

Pre-requisites:
CSCD 4396|Minimum Grade of C|May not be taken concurrently.

CSCD 9980. Dissertation Seminar. 1 to 6 Credit Hour.

Current topics in speech-language-hearing research are explored.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may be repeated for additional credit.

CSCD 9994. Preliminary Examination Preparation. 1 to 6 Credit Hour.

This course guides study for exams preliminary to a dissertation.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may be repeated for additional credit.

CSCD 9996. Thesis Seminar. 1 to 6 Credit Hour.

The preparation of a master's thesis is the goal of this course.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may be repeated for additional credit.

CSCD 9998. Pre-Dissertation Research. 1 to 6 Credit Hour.

Development of a dissertation proposal is undertaken. Registration is required each semester after preliminary examination while a student is researching the dissertation proposal.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may be repeated for additional credit.

CSCD 9999. Dissertation Research. 1 to 6 Credit Hour.

The completion of a dissertaion project is the goal of this course.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
Student Attribute Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Student Attributes: Dissertation Writing Student.

Repeatability: This course may be repeated for additional credit.