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 Whether helping a child who stutters or an adult with a hearing loss, the Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology program, formerly Communication Disorders, in the Department of Health and Human Performance offers students the opportunity to learn about human communication; speech, language, and hearing disorders; and intervention methods for children and adults experiencing communication problems. As a national leader offering an undergraduate pre-professional degree, MTSU’s program helps prepare students for graduate study in speech-language pathology and audiology.

What We're Doing

Program combines solid foundation with hands-on experience

Program combines solid foundation with hands-on experience

Alumna Hailee Truelove joined Special Kids Therapy and Nursing Center, Murfreesboro, in 2012 and became lead speech pathologist in 2014. She says this allows her to immerse herself into two things she loves: providing services to children with speech and feeding disorders while also offering support and guidance to other therapists. Truelove, who was a clinical supervisor at MTSU for five years, explains, “While supervising student clinicians, I quickly fell in love with pouring into aspiring therapists.”  She praises the preparation she received in her study of communication disorders, which readied “me for graduate studies and clinic placements and internships.  Many undergraduate programs don’t offer clinic work, but I had three semesters of clinic practicum. I would absolutely recommend MTSU’s speech pathology and audiology program to anyone interested in pursuing a career as a speech language pathologist, speech language pathology assistant, or audiologist.” Special Kids treats a diverse population of patients from birth to 21 with a wide variety of diagnoses. Truelove says they schedule both bachelor- and master-level students to observe, job-shadow, or intern.

Erika Knox standing next to medical equipment

Clinic experience helped audiology alum with doctorate

Erika Knox (’01), who earned her Doctor of Audiology from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, says MTSU majors benefit from the unique university speech-audiology clinic open to undergraduates. “That was a big advantage over everyone else in grad school—they had never been in anybody’s clinic, seen any type of equipment, interacted with a patient,” she says. Knox, with the Veterans Affairs Tennessee Valley Healthcare System in Murfreesboro, is one of two Tennessee audiologists who specialize with cochlear implants for veterans. She also focuses on tinnitus, ear ringing that plagues veterans. Knox did her residency at the VA, then worked at Harvard University’s Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary briefly. An Accounting major at first, Knox learned about an MTSU speech-audiology clinic job from a Kroger co-worker and then decided on audiology when a child she worked with had his hearing problem misdiagnosed by a private provider. “It hit me to the core, to where I wanted to change the world,” she said. She saw the same student several years later while doing a summer med school rotation in her hometown, confirming her decision at a time when she was struggling about her future.

Related Media

  • MTSU True Blue Preview: Communication Disorders

    MTSU True Blue Preview: Communication Disorders

  • 2018 MTSU Campus Tour

    2018 MTSU Campus Tour

 
 
 

Students in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology focus on careers dealing with evaluation, treatment, and prevention of human communication disorders. Professionals in speech-language pathology and audiology provide clinical services in health care and education facilities and serve as consultants in business, industry, and government. Some majors become speech and hearing scientists who engage in research.

Speech and hearing professionals work in a variety of settings. Examples include

  • Hospitals and community clinics
  • Public and private schools
  • Health departments
  • Long-term care and home health facilities
  • Private and public industry
  • Private practice offices
  • Rehabilitation centers
  • Universities and research laboratories

Employers of MTSU alumni include

  • Champion Rehab
  • Community Care of Rutherford County
  • Department of Defense
  • Dynamic Therapy Solutions
  • Feltz Therapy Services, LLC
  • Gallaudet University
  • Hawkins County Schools
  • Le Bonheur Children's Hospital
  • Medical Center of Bowling Green
  • Murfreesboro City Schools
  • National Health Care
  • Rutherford County Schools
  • Special Kids, Inc.
  • Speech Pathology Services of East Tennessee, LLC
  • Stallworth Rehabilitation Hospital
  • Stepping Stones Group
  • Tri Star Health Systems
  • VA Hospitals
  • Vanderbilt Bill Wilkerson Center
  • Warren County Schools

For complete curriculum details, click on the REQUIREMENTS button to the right.

Undergraduate

The Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology program in the Health and Human Performance Department at MTSU offers a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree with a major in Speech Language Pathology and Audiology. To practice as a licensed audiologist or speech-language pathologist, students must also complete a master's or doctorate program.

For students who have completed an undergraduate degree in another major, MTSU offers the prerequisite courses necessary for a graduate degree in speech-language pathology.
 
A minor in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology also is offered.

Information about obtaining a School Speech-Language teacher license may be found here. 

Graduate

The Health and Human Performance Department offers an M.P.H. in Public Health, which has two concentrations: Community Health and Physical Activity. The department also offers an M.S. in Exercise Science and Leisure and Sport Management, which has two concentrations: Recreation and Leisure Services and Sport Industry.

The Health and Human Performance Department also offers a doctoral degree (Ph.D.) in Human Performance with a specialization in Exercise Science. 

Other programs offered by HHP

Other undergraduate majors offered by the Health and Human Performance Department that lead to a B.S. include Athletic Training; Exercise Science; Community and Public Health with two concentrations: Public Health and Health Education and Lifetime Wellness; Leisure and Sport Management; and Physical Education.

The department offers undergraduate minors in Athletic Coaching and Officiating, Driver and Traffic Safety Education, Communication Disorders, Health, Health and Physical Education, Health and Human Performance, Recreation, and Somatic Movement Education.

Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, B.S.

Department of Health and Human Performance 
615-904-8541
Rebecca Fischer, program coordinator
Rebecca.Fischer@mtsu.edu

The Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology major focuses on diagnosis and intervention for those who have speech or hearing problems. It provides a foundation for students who wish to continue study at the graduate level to become certified as speech-language pathologists or audiologists or who wish to pursue other careers related to communication disorders.

Prior to enrollment in clinical methods, students must achieve a minimum overall GPA of 2.60 in 60 credit hours or 3.00 in the last 30 credit hours, a minimum GPA of 2.80 in the major, and a minimal grade of C in each prerequisite course. To enroll in and continue clinical practicum, students must meet academic and professional eligibility criteria established by the faculty and published in the clinic manual. Academic criteria include the clinical methods GPA standards, mastery of phonetic features, and competence in speaking and writing. Students who do not receive a grade of B- or higher in both English composition courses (ENGL 1010 and  ENGL 1020) will be required to take an additional English course to improve writing proficiency.

Academic Map

Following is a printable, suggested four-year schedule of courses:

Speech/Language Pathology and Audiology, B.S., Academic Map 

Degree Requirements

General Education41 hoursMajor Requirement54 hoursMinor15-21 hoursElectives4-10 hoursTOTAL120 hours

General Education (41 hours)

General Education requirements (shown in curricular listings below) include courses in Communication, History, Humanities and/or Fine Arts, Mathematics, Natural Sciences, and Social/Behavioral Sciences.

Major Requirements (54 hours)

  • CDIS 3130 - Hearing and Speech Science

    3 credit hours

    Examines the acoustics of sound and speech production and the perception of sound and speech. Practical application of this knowledge to clinical settings emphasized.

  • CDIS 3150 - Phonetics  3 credit hours  

    CDIS 3150 - Phonetics

    3 credit hours

    Training in the recognition and production of the sounds of speech with an analysis of their formation; extensive practice in phonetic transcription.

  • CDIS 3200 - Speech Sound Disorders

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisites: CDIS 3050 and CDIS 3150. Speech development, etiologies of phonological/articulatory problems, and approaches for assessing and remediating speech-sound errors.

  • CDIS 3260 - Language Acquisition and Analysis

    3 credit hours

    Language development and procedures for analyzing child language. Semantic, syntactic, and pragmatic development explored through examining child language transcripts.

  • CDIS 3270 - Language and Literacy Development in School-Age Children

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisite: CDIS 3260. Introduces language and literacy development in school-age children. Sampling and analysis in the areas of semantics, morphosyntax, and pragmatics to identify school-age children with and without language disorders.

  • CDIS 3300 - Clinical Methods in Speech Language Pathology

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisites: CDIS 3050, CDIS 3150, CDIS 3200, CDIS 3260, and academic criteria established by the faculty. Planning and implementing treatment programs for individuals with speech-language disorders. A foundation for clinical practicum.

  • CDIS 3350 - Introduction to Audiology

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisite: CDIS 3050. The etiologies and diagnoses of hearing problems; practical experience in administering audiometric examinations.

  • CDIS 4400 - Neurology in Speech Language Pathology

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisites: CDIS 3050, CDIS 3300, and CDIS 3400. Structures and function of the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system and their constituent parts. Focuses on function as it impacts human communication. Includes historical perspectives in the study of the brain and development of imaging techniques.

  • CDIS 4550 - MTSU Clinic Practicum in Speech Language Pathology A

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisites: CDIS 3300, prior semester application, and completion of academic and professional criteria established by the faculty. Supervised clinical practice in the University clinic.

  • CDIS 4560 - MTSU Clinic Practicum in Speech Language Pathology B

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisites: CDIS 4550, prior semester application, and completion of academic and professional criteria established by the faculty. Supervised clinical practice in the University clinic.

  • CDIS 4900 - Diagnostic Procedures in Speech Language Pathology

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisite: CDIS 4550 or permission of instructor. Basic concepts of measurement and application of diagnostic procedures used in speech-language pathology.

Guided Electives (15 hours)

Choose 15 hours from the following:

  • CDIS 3450 - Fluency Disorders  3 credit hours  
    OROR  dotslash:OR title:OR 
    OR 

    CDIS 3450 - Fluency Disorders

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisite: CDIS 3050. Etiologies, assessment, and treatment of fluency disorders.

 

  • CDIS 4500 - Aural Rehabilitation

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisites: CDIS 3350 and CDIS 3250 or CDIS 3260. Materials and methods employed in programs for persons with hearing loss.

 

  • CDIS 4570 - MTSU Clinic Practicum in Speech Language Pathology C  3 credit hours  
    OROR  dotslash:OR title:OR 
    OR 

    CDIS 4570 - MTSU Clinic Practicum in Speech Language Pathology C

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisites: CDIS 4550, CDIS 4560, prior semester application, and completion of academic and professional criteria established by the faculty. Supervised clinical practice in the University clinic.

  • CDIS 4600 - Off-Campus Practicum in Speech Language Pathology

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisites: CDIS 4550 and CDIS 4560, prior semester application, and approval by faculty. Advanced supervised clinical practice in an off-campus clinical facility.

 

  • ANTH 3410 - Linguistic Anthropology

    3 credit hours

    Language in its anthropological contexts with a focus on language as one element of culture, including how a language fits into the cultural system, how language is distinguished from other components of culture, how culture and language interrelate, and what techniques and methods can be used to infer nonlinguistic facts from linguistic material.

  • CDIS 3010 - Communication Disorders in Pop Culture

    3 credit hours

    Popular films and literature used to explain how persons with speech, language, and hearing disorders portrayed to the public and how that information promotes images that are positive and negative. Explores how these things influence public opinion.

  • CDIS 3500 - Multicultural Issues in Communication Disorders

    3 credit hours

    An introduction and initial overview of the impact of culture and cultural variation on language and communication. Includes a foundational understanding of cultural-linguistic diversity, application to the clinical process, and overall cultural competence in communication sciences and disorders.

  • CDIS 4580 - MTSU Clinic Practicum in Speech Language Pathology D

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisites: CDIS 4550, CDIS 4560, CDIS 4570, prior semester application, and completion of academic and professional criteria established by the faculty. Supervised clinical practice in the University clinic.

  • CDIS 4620 - Independent Study  1 to 3 credit hours  

    CDIS 4620 - Independent Study

    1 to 3 credit hours

    Prerequisite: Recommendation by a departmental faculty member. Study of a specific area of speech/ language pathology or audiology to be completed through instructor-student conferences.

  • CDIS 4630 - Independent Study  1 to 3 credit hours  

    CDIS 4630 - Independent Study

    1 to 3 credit hours

    Prerequisite: Recommendation by a departmental faculty member. Study of a specific area of speech/language pathology or audiology to be completed through instructor-student conferences.

  • CDIS 4660 - School Practicum in Speech Language Pathology

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisite: CDIS 4550, prior semester application, and approval by faculty. Advanced clinical practicum/externship in the schools under the supervision of an ASHA-certified practitioner based in the schools and MTSU faculty.

  • CDIS 4850 - Speech and Language Disorders in Childhood

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisites: CDIS 3400 and CDIS 4550 or permission of instructor. A comprehensive study of the speech, language, and voice difficulties experienced by children.

  • CDIS 4860 - Seminar in School Speech Language Pathology

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisites: CDIS 4550 and CDIS 4560, prior semester application, and approval by faculty. Covers topics appropriate to the implementation of federal, state, and local laws that affect service-delivery of speech-language and hearing in the school setting. Study of best practices in service delivery, school, culture, working with parents, and how to integrate related services such as speech-language and hearing intervention into the academic environment.

  • CDIS 4700 - Practicum in Audiology

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisites: CDIS 3350 and CDIS 4550 or permission of instructor. Laboratory course in applying principles of audiology.

  • CDIS 4750 - Advanced Audiology

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisite: CDIS 3350 or permission of instructor. The development of advanced skills in the evaluation and remediation of hearing problems.

  • CDIS 4950 - Research Methods in Speech Language Pathology and Audiology

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisite: CDIS 3300. Introduces research designs and strategies frequently used in the fields of speech language pathology and audiology. Analysis of research literature and understanding of statistical procedures commonly employed in studying this small yet diverse population.

Minor (15-18 hours)

Electives (4-10 hours)

Curriculum: Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology

Curricular listings include General Education requirements in Communication, History, Humanities and/or Fine Arts, Mathematics, Natural Sciences, and Social/Behavioral Sciences categories.

Freshman

  • ENGL 1010 - Expository Writing  3 credit hours  
    (Comm)(Comm)  dotslash:(Comm) title:(Comm) 
    (Comm) 

    ENGL 1010 - Expository Writing

    3 credit hours

    The first General Education English course. Emphasis on learning to adapt composing processes to a variety of expository and analytic writing assignments. Minimum grade of C- required for credit.

  • ENGL 1020 - Research and Argumentative Writing  3 credit hours  
    (Comm)(Comm)  dotslash:(Comm) title:(Comm) 
    (Comm) 

    ENGL 1020 - Research and Argumentative Writing

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisite: ENGL 1010. The second General Education English course. Emphasis on analytic and argumentative writing and on locating, organizing, and using library resource materials in the writing. Minimum grade of C- required for credit.

  • COMM 2200 - Fundamentals of Communication  3 credit hours  
    (Comm)(Comm)  dotslash:(Comm) title:(Comm) 
    (Comm) 

    COMM 2200 - Fundamentals of Communication

    3 credit hours

    Introduces principles and processes of effective public oral communication including researching, critical thinking, organizing, presenting, listening, and using appropriate language. Counts as part of the General Education Communication requirement. TBR Common Course: COMM 2025

  • Humanities and/or Fine Arts 6 credit hours
  • Social/Behavioral Sciences 3 credit hours
  • Natural Sciences 4 credit hours (BIOL and either CHEM or PHYS recommended)
  • General elective 1 credit hour

 

Choose 6 hours from:

  • HIST 2010 - Survey of United States History I

    3 credit hours

    Survey of the political, economic, social, cultural, and diplomatic phases of American life in its regional, national, and international aspects. HIST 2010 discusses the era from the beginning to 1877. HIST 2020 discusses the era from 1877 to the present. These courses are prerequisite for all advanced courses in American history and satisfy the General Education History requirement. HIST 2010 is NOT a prerequisite for HIST 2020. TBR Common Course: HIST 2010

  • HIST 2020 - Survey of United States History II

    3 credit hours

    Survey of the political, economic, social, cultural, and diplomatic phases of American life in its regional, national, and international aspects. HIST 2010 discusses the era from the beginning to 1877. HIST 2020 discusses the era from 1877 to the present. These courses are prerequisite for all advanced courses in American history and satisfy the General Education History requirement. HIST 2010 is NOT a prerequisite for HIST 2020. TBR Common Course: HIST 2020

  • HIST 2030 - Tennessee History

    3 credit hours

    The role of the state in the development of the nation. May be used to satisfy one part of the General Education History requirement. TBR Common Course: HIST 2030

Subtotal: 29 Hours

Sophomore

  • CDIS 3130 - Hearing and Speech Science

    3 credit hours

    Examines the acoustics of sound and speech production and the perception of sound and speech. Practical application of this knowledge to clinical settings emphasized.

  • CDIS 3150 - Phonetics  3 credit hours  

    CDIS 3150 - Phonetics

    3 credit hours

    Training in the recognition and production of the sounds of speech with an analysis of their formation; extensive practice in phonetic transcription.

  • CDIS 3200 - Speech Sound Disorders

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisites: CDIS 3050 and CDIS 3150. Speech development, etiologies of phonological/articulatory problems, and approaches for assessing and remediating speech-sound errors.

  • CDIS 3260 - Language Acquisition and Analysis

    3 credit hours

    Language development and procedures for analyzing child language. Semantic, syntactic, and pragmatic development explored through examining child language transcripts.

  • CDIS 3350 - Introduction to Audiology

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisite: CDIS 3050. The etiologies and diagnoses of hearing problems; practical experience in administering audiometric examinations.

 

  • ENGL 2020 - Themes in Literature and Culture  3 credit hours  
    (Hum/FA) OR(Hum/FA) OR  dotslash:(Hum/FA) OR title:(Hum/FA) OR 
    (Hum/FA) OR 

    ENGL 2020 - Themes in Literature and Culture

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisites: ENGL 1010 and ENGL 1020. Traces a specific theme or idea through a number of literary texts that reflect different historical and cultural contexts. Subject will vary.

  • ENGL 2030 - The Experience of Literature  3 credit hours  
    (Hum/FA) OR(Hum/FA) OR  dotslash:(Hum/FA) OR title:(Hum/FA) OR 
    (Hum/FA) OR 

    ENGL 2030 - The Experience of Literature

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisites: ENGL 1010 and ENGL 1020. The reading of a variety of literary types which illuminate themes and experiences common to human existence.

  • HUM 2610 - Foreign Literature in Translation  3 credit hours  
    (Hum/FA) OR(Hum/FA)  dotslash:(Hum/FA) title:(Hum/FA) OR 
    (Hum/FA) 

    HUM 2610 - Foreign Literature in Translation

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisites: ENGL 1010 and ENGL 1020. Representative works of French, German, and Hispanic authors in English translation. No foreign-language proficiency required. Carries General Education credit.

 

  • Natural Sciences 4 credit hours (BIOL and either CHEM or PHYS recommended; courses required by graduate schools )
  • Social/Behavioral Sciences 3 credit hours
  • General elective or minor course 3 credit hours

Subtotal: 31 Hours

Junior

  • CDIS 3270 - Language and Literacy Development in School-Age Children

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisite: CDIS 3260. Introduces language and literacy development in school-age children. Sampling and analysis in the areas of semantics, morphosyntax, and pragmatics to identify school-age children with and without language disorders.

  • CDIS 3300 - Clinical Methods in Speech Language Pathology

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisites: CDIS 3050, CDIS 3150, CDIS 3200, CDIS 3260, and academic criteria established by the faculty. Planning and implementing treatment programs for individuals with speech-language disorders. A foundation for clinical practicum.

  • CDIS 4400 - Neurology in Speech Language Pathology

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisites: CDIS 3050, CDIS 3300, and CDIS 3400. Structures and function of the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system and their constituent parts. Focuses on function as it impacts human communication. Includes historical perspectives in the study of the brain and development of imaging techniques.

  • CDIS 4550 - MTSU Clinic Practicum in Speech Language Pathology A

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisites: CDIS 3300, prior semester application, and completion of academic and professional criteria established by the faculty. Supervised clinical practice in the University clinic.

  • Mathematics (MATH) 3 credit hours (MATH 1530 recommended; stats required for graduate school)
  • Minor course 3 credit hours
  • General elective or minor course 3 credit hours
  • Guided electives 6 credit hours

Subtotal: 30 Hours

Senior

  • CDIS 4560 - MTSU Clinic Practicum in Speech Language Pathology B

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisites: CDIS 4550, prior semester application, and completion of academic and professional criteria established by the faculty. Supervised clinical practice in the University clinic.

  • CDIS 4900 - Diagnostic Procedures in Speech Language Pathology

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisite: CDIS 4550 or permission of instructor. Basic concepts of measurement and application of diagnostic procedures used in speech-language pathology.

  • Guided electives 9 credit hours
  • Minor courses 12 credit hours
  • General elective 3 credit hours

Subtotal: 30 Hours

Dr. Kathryn Guillot Blankenship

Assistant Professor

Karen C. Davis

Associate Professor

Dr. Rebecca M. Fischer

Professor

Dr. Frances Gibson

Assistant Professor

Communication Disorders

CDIS 2150 - Voice and Diction
3 credit hours

Development of professional voice quality through classroom exercises, individual instruction, and recording assignments to achieve accurate pronunciation, articulation, and expression of American English needed to meet required non-regional accent standards in voice-based occupations.

CDIS 3010 - Communication Disorders in Pop Culture
3 credit hours

Popular films and literature used to explain how persons with speech, language, and hearing disorders portrayed to the public and how that information promotes images that are positive and negative. Explores how these things influence public opinion.

CDIS 3050 - Introduction to Speech Language Pathology and Audiology
3 credit hours

Overview of the professions of speech-language pathology and audiology, with emphasis on the common disorders of speech, language, and hearing and their treatment.

CDIS 3130 - Hearing and Speech Science
3 credit hours

Examines the acoustics of sound and speech production and the perception of sound and speech. Practical application of this knowledge to clinical settings emphasized.

CDIS 3150 - Phonetics
3 credit hours

Training in the recognition and production of the sounds of speech with an analysis of their formation; extensive practice in phonetic transcription.

CDIS 3150 - Phonetics
3 credit hours

Training in the recognition and production of the sounds of speech with an analysis of their formation; extensive practice in phonetic transcription.

CDIS 3200 - Speech Sound Disorders
3 credit hours

Prerequisites: CDIS 3050 and CDIS 3150. Speech development, etiologies of phonological/articulatory problems, and approaches for assessing and remediating speech-sound errors.

CDIS 3200 - Speech Sound Disorders
3 credit hours

Prerequisites: CDIS 3050 and CDIS 3150. Speech development, etiologies of phonological/articulatory problems, and approaches for assessing and remediating speech-sound errors.

CDIS 3250 - Speech and Language Development for the Educator
3 credit hours

Topics include theories of development of language in children from birth through the age eight (approximate end of the developmental period); the impact of the development of oral language on the teaching of reading and writing; an overview of the common speech and language problems seen in the school-aged child; and the influence of environmental factors on the child's ability to communicate and learn.

CDIS 3250 - Speech and Language Development for the Educator
3 credit hours

Topics include theories of development of language in children from birth through the age eight (approximate end of the developmental period); the impact of the development of oral language on the teaching of reading and writing; an overview of the common speech and language problems seen in the school-aged child; and the influence of environmental factors on the child's ability to communicate and learn.

CDIS 3260 - Language Acquisition and Analysis
3 credit hours

Language development and procedures for analyzing child language. Semantic, syntactic, and pragmatic development explored through examining child language transcripts.

CDIS 3260 - Language Acquisition and Analysis
3 credit hours

Language development and procedures for analyzing child language. Semantic, syntactic, and pragmatic development explored through examining child language transcripts.

CDIS 3270 - Language and Literacy Development in School-Age Children
3 credit hours

Prerequisite: CDIS 3260. Introduces language and literacy development in school-age children. Sampling and analysis in the areas of semantics, morphosyntax, and pragmatics to identify school-age children with and without language disorders.

CDIS 3270 - Language and Literacy Development in School-Age Children
3 credit hours

Prerequisite: CDIS 3260. Introduces language and literacy development in school-age children. Sampling and analysis in the areas of semantics, morphosyntax, and pragmatics to identify school-age children with and without language disorders.

CDIS 3300 - Clinical Methods in Speech Language Pathology
3 credit hours

Prerequisites: CDIS 3050, CDIS 3150, CDIS 3200, CDIS 3260, and academic criteria established by the faculty. Planning and implementing treatment programs for individuals with speech-language disorders. A foundation for clinical practicum.

CDIS 3300 - Clinical Methods in Speech Language Pathology
3 credit hours

Prerequisites: CDIS 3050, CDIS 3150, CDIS 3200, CDIS 3260, and academic criteria established by the faculty. Planning and implementing treatment programs for individuals with speech-language disorders. A foundation for clinical practicum.

CDIS 3300 - Clinical Methods in Speech Language Pathology
3 credit hours

Prerequisites: CDIS 3050, CDIS 3150, CDIS 3200, CDIS 3260, and academic criteria established by the faculty. Planning and implementing treatment programs for individuals with speech-language disorders. A foundation for clinical practicum.

CDIS 3350 - Introduction to Audiology
3 credit hours

Prerequisite: CDIS 3050. The etiologies and diagnoses of hearing problems; practical experience in administering audiometric examinations.

CDIS 3350 - Introduction to Audiology
3 credit hours

Prerequisite: CDIS 3050. The etiologies and diagnoses of hearing problems; practical experience in administering audiometric examinations.

CDIS 3350 - Introduction to Audiology
3 credit hours

Prerequisite: CDIS 3050. The etiologies and diagnoses of hearing problems; practical experience in administering audiometric examinations.

CDIS 3400 - Anatomy and Physiology for Speech Pathology
3 credit hours

Prerequisite: CDIS 3050 or permission of instructor. The anatomy and physiology of the speech mechanism.

CDIS 3400 - Anatomy and Physiology for Speech Pathology
3 credit hours

Prerequisite: CDIS 3050 or permission of instructor. The anatomy and physiology of the speech mechanism.

CDIS 3400 - Anatomy and Physiology for Speech Pathology
3 credit hours

Prerequisite: CDIS 3050 or permission of instructor. The anatomy and physiology of the speech mechanism.

CDIS 3450 - Fluency Disorders
3 credit hours

Prerequisite: CDIS 3050. Etiologies, assessment, and treatment of fluency disorders.

CDIS 3450 - Fluency Disorders
3 credit hours

Prerequisite: CDIS 3050. Etiologies, assessment, and treatment of fluency disorders.

CDIS 3450 - Fluency Disorders
3 credit hours

Prerequisite: CDIS 3050. Etiologies, assessment, and treatment of fluency disorders.

CDIS 3500 - Multicultural Issues in Communication Disorders
3 credit hours

An introduction and initial overview of the impact of culture and cultural variation on language and communication. Includes a foundational understanding of cultural-linguistic diversity, application to the clinical process, and overall cultural competence in communication sciences and disorders.

CDIS 3500 - Multicultural Issues in Communication Disorders
3 credit hours

An introduction and initial overview of the impact of culture and cultural variation on language and communication. Includes a foundational understanding of cultural-linguistic diversity, application to the clinical process, and overall cultural competence in communication sciences and disorders.

CDIS 3500 - Multicultural Issues in Communication Disorders
3 credit hours

An introduction and initial overview of the impact of culture and cultural variation on language and communication. Includes a foundational understanding of cultural-linguistic diversity, application to the clinical process, and overall cultural competence in communication sciences and disorders.

CDIS 4400 - Neurology in Speech Language Pathology
3 credit hours

Prerequisites: CDIS 3050, CDIS 3300, and CDIS 3400. Structures and function of the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system and their constituent parts. Focuses on function as it impacts human communication. Includes historical perspectives in the study of the brain and development of imaging techniques.

CDIS 4400 - Neurology in Speech Language Pathology
3 credit hours

Prerequisites: CDIS 3050, CDIS 3300, and CDIS 3400. Structures and function of the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system and their constituent parts. Focuses on function as it impacts human communication. Includes historical perspectives in the study of the brain and development of imaging techniques.

CDIS 4400 - Neurology in Speech Language Pathology
3 credit hours

Prerequisites: CDIS 3050, CDIS 3300, and CDIS 3400. Structures and function of the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system and their constituent parts. Focuses on function as it impacts human communication. Includes historical perspectives in the study of the brain and development of imaging techniques.

CDIS 4500 - Aural Rehabilitation
3 credit hours

Prerequisites: CDIS 3350 and CDIS 3250 or CDIS 3260. Materials and methods employed in programs for persons with hearing loss.

CDIS 4500 - Aural Rehabilitation
3 credit hours

Prerequisites: CDIS 3350 and CDIS 3250 or CDIS 3260. Materials and methods employed in programs for persons with hearing loss.

CDIS 4500 - Aural Rehabilitation
3 credit hours

Prerequisites: CDIS 3350 and CDIS 3250 or CDIS 3260. Materials and methods employed in programs for persons with hearing loss.

CDIS 4550 - MTSU Clinic Practicum in Speech Language Pathology A
3 credit hours

Prerequisites: CDIS 3300, prior semester application, and completion of academic and professional criteria established by the faculty. Supervised clinical practice in the University clinic.

CDIS 4550 - MTSU Clinic Practicum in Speech Language Pathology A
3 credit hours

Prerequisites: CDIS 3300, prior semester application, and completion of academic and professional criteria established by the faculty. Supervised clinical practice in the University clinic.

CDIS 4550 - MTSU Clinic Practicum in Speech Language Pathology A
3 credit hours

Prerequisites: CDIS 3300, prior semester application, and completion of academic and professional criteria established by the faculty. Supervised clinical practice in the University clinic.

CDIS 4560 - MTSU Clinic Practicum in Speech Language Pathology B
3 credit hours

Prerequisites: CDIS 4550, prior semester application, and completion of academic and professional criteria established by the faculty. Supervised clinical practice in the University clinic.

CDIS 4560 - MTSU Clinic Practicum in Speech Language Pathology B
3 credit hours

Prerequisites: CDIS 4550, prior semester application, and completion of academic and professional criteria established by the faculty. Supervised clinical practice in the University clinic.

CDIS 4560 - MTSU Clinic Practicum in Speech Language Pathology B
3 credit hours

Prerequisites: CDIS 4550, prior semester application, and completion of academic and professional criteria established by the faculty. Supervised clinical practice in the University clinic.

CDIS 4570 - MTSU Clinic Practicum in Speech Language Pathology C
3 credit hours

Prerequisites: CDIS 4550, CDIS 4560, prior semester application, and completion of academic and professional criteria established by the faculty. Supervised clinical practice in the University clinic.

CDIS 4570 - MTSU Clinic Practicum in Speech Language Pathology C
3 credit hours

Prerequisites: CDIS 4550, CDIS 4560, prior semester application, and completion of academic and professional criteria established by the faculty. Supervised clinical practice in the University clinic.

CDIS 4570 - MTSU Clinic Practicum in Speech Language Pathology C
3 credit hours

Prerequisites: CDIS 4550, CDIS 4560, prior semester application, and completion of academic and professional criteria established by the faculty. Supervised clinical practice in the University clinic.

CDIS 4580 - MTSU Clinic Practicum in Speech Language Pathology D
3 credit hours

Prerequisites: CDIS 4550, CDIS 4560, CDIS 4570, prior semester application, and completion of academic and professional criteria established by the faculty. Supervised clinical practice in the University clinic.

CDIS 4580 - MTSU Clinic Practicum in Speech Language Pathology D
3 credit hours

Prerequisites: CDIS 4550, CDIS 4560, CDIS 4570, prior semester application, and completion of academic and professional criteria established by the faculty. Supervised clinical practice in the University clinic.

CDIS 4580 - MTSU Clinic Practicum in Speech Language Pathology D
3 credit hours

Prerequisites: CDIS 4550, CDIS 4560, CDIS 4570, prior semester application, and completion of academic and professional criteria established by the faculty. Supervised clinical practice in the University clinic.

CDIS 4600 - Off-Campus Practicum in Speech Language Pathology
3 credit hours

Prerequisites: CDIS 4550 and CDIS 4560, prior semester application, and approval by faculty. Advanced supervised clinical practice in an off-campus clinical facility.

CDIS 4600 - Off-Campus Practicum in Speech Language Pathology
3 credit hours

Prerequisites: CDIS 4550 and CDIS 4560, prior semester application, and approval by faculty. Advanced supervised clinical practice in an off-campus clinical facility.

CDIS 4600 - Off-Campus Practicum in Speech Language Pathology
3 credit hours

Prerequisites: CDIS 4550 and CDIS 4560, prior semester application, and approval by faculty. Advanced supervised clinical practice in an off-campus clinical facility.

CDIS 4620 - Independent Study
1 to 3 credit hours

Prerequisite: Recommendation by a departmental faculty member. Study of a specific area of speech/ language pathology or audiology to be completed through instructor-student conferences.

CDIS 4620 - Independent Study
1 to 3 credit hours

Prerequisite: Recommendation by a departmental faculty member. Study of a specific area of speech/ language pathology or audiology to be completed through instructor-student conferences.

CDIS 4620 - Independent Study
1 to 3 credit hours

Prerequisite: Recommendation by a departmental faculty member. Study of a specific area of speech/ language pathology or audiology to be completed through instructor-student conferences.

CDIS 4630 - Independent Study
1 to 3 credit hours

Prerequisite: Recommendation by a departmental faculty member. Study of a specific area of speech/language pathology or audiology to be completed through instructor-student conferences.

CDIS 4630 - Independent Study
1 to 3 credit hours

Prerequisite: Recommendation by a departmental faculty member. Study of a specific area of speech/language pathology or audiology to be completed through instructor-student conferences.

CDIS 4630 - Independent Study
1 to 3 credit hours

Prerequisite: Recommendation by a departmental faculty member. Study of a specific area of speech/language pathology or audiology to be completed through instructor-student conferences.

CDIS 4660 - School Practicum in Speech Language Pathology
3 credit hours

Prerequisite: CDIS 4550, prior semester application, and approval by faculty. Advanced clinical practicum/externship in the schools under the supervision of an ASHA-certified practitioner based in the schools and MTSU faculty.

CDIS 4660 - School Practicum in Speech Language Pathology
3 credit hours

Prerequisite: CDIS 4550, prior semester application, and approval by faculty. Advanced clinical practicum/externship in the schools under the supervision of an ASHA-certified practitioner based in the schools and MTSU faculty.

CDIS 4660 - School Practicum in Speech Language Pathology
3 credit hours

Prerequisite: CDIS 4550, prior semester application, and approval by faculty. Advanced clinical practicum/externship in the schools under the supervision of an ASHA-certified practitioner based in the schools and MTSU faculty.

CDIS 4700 - Practicum in Audiology
3 credit hours

Prerequisites: CDIS 3350 and CDIS 4550 or permission of instructor. Laboratory course in applying principles of audiology.

CDIS 4700 - Practicum in Audiology
3 credit hours

Prerequisites: CDIS 3350 and CDIS 4550 or permission of instructor. Laboratory course in applying principles of audiology.

CDIS 4700 - Practicum in Audiology
3 credit hours

Prerequisites: CDIS 3350 and CDIS 4550 or permission of instructor. Laboratory course in applying principles of audiology.

CDIS 4750 - Advanced Audiology
3 credit hours

Prerequisite: CDIS 3350 or permission of instructor. The development of advanced skills in the evaluation and remediation of hearing problems.

CDIS 4750 - Advanced Audiology
3 credit hours

Prerequisite: CDIS 3350 or permission of instructor. The development of advanced skills in the evaluation and remediation of hearing problems.

CDIS 4750 - Advanced Audiology
3 credit hours

Prerequisite: CDIS 3350 or permission of instructor. The development of advanced skills in the evaluation and remediation of hearing problems.

CDIS 4800 - Speech and Language Disorders in the Adult Population
3 credit hours

Overview of the impact of age on communication. Identification and remediation of communication problems associated with the aging process.

CDIS 4800 - Speech and Language Disorders in the Adult Population
3 credit hours

Overview of the impact of age on communication. Identification and remediation of communication problems associated with the aging process.

CDIS 4800 - Speech and Language Disorders in the Adult Population
3 credit hours

Overview of the impact of age on communication. Identification and remediation of communication problems associated with the aging process.

CDIS 4850 - Speech and Language Disorders in Childhood
3 credit hours

Prerequisites: CDIS 3400 and CDIS 4550 or permission of instructor. A comprehensive study of the speech, language, and voice difficulties experienced by children.

CDIS 4850 - Speech and Language Disorders in Childhood
3 credit hours

Prerequisites: CDIS 3400 and CDIS 4550 or permission of instructor. A comprehensive study of the speech, language, and voice difficulties experienced by children.

CDIS 4850 - Speech and Language Disorders in Childhood
3 credit hours

Prerequisites: CDIS 3400 and CDIS 4550 or permission of instructor. A comprehensive study of the speech, language, and voice difficulties experienced by children.

CDIS 4850 - Speech and Language Disorders in Childhood
3 credit hours

Prerequisites: CDIS 3400 and CDIS 4550 or permission of instructor. A comprehensive study of the speech, language, and voice difficulties experienced by children.

CDIS 4860 - Seminar in School Speech Language Pathology
3 credit hours

Prerequisites: CDIS 4550 and CDIS 4560, prior semester application, and approval by faculty. Covers topics appropriate to the implementation of federal, state, and local laws that affect service-delivery of speech-language and hearing in the school setting. Study of best practices in service delivery, school, culture, working with parents, and how to integrate related services such as speech-language and hearing intervention into the academic environment.

CDIS 4860 - Seminar in School Speech Language Pathology
3 credit hours

Prerequisites: CDIS 4550 and CDIS 4560, prior semester application, and approval by faculty. Covers topics appropriate to the implementation of federal, state, and local laws that affect service-delivery of speech-language and hearing in the school setting. Study of best practices in service delivery, school, culture, working with parents, and how to integrate related services such as speech-language and hearing intervention into the academic environment.

CDIS 4860 - Seminar in School Speech Language Pathology
3 credit hours

Prerequisites: CDIS 4550 and CDIS 4560, prior semester application, and approval by faculty. Covers topics appropriate to the implementation of federal, state, and local laws that affect service-delivery of speech-language and hearing in the school setting. Study of best practices in service delivery, school, culture, working with parents, and how to integrate related services such as speech-language and hearing intervention into the academic environment.

CDIS 4860 - Seminar in School Speech Language Pathology
3 credit hours

Prerequisites: CDIS 4550 and CDIS 4560, prior semester application, and approval by faculty. Covers topics appropriate to the implementation of federal, state, and local laws that affect service-delivery of speech-language and hearing in the school setting. Study of best practices in service delivery, school, culture, working with parents, and how to integrate related services such as speech-language and hearing intervention into the academic environment.

CDIS 4900 - Diagnostic Procedures in Speech Language Pathology
3 credit hours

Prerequisite: CDIS 4550 or permission of instructor. Basic concepts of measurement and application of diagnostic procedures used in speech-language pathology.

CDIS 4900 - Diagnostic Procedures in Speech Language Pathology
3 credit hours

Prerequisite: CDIS 4550 or permission of instructor. Basic concepts of measurement and application of diagnostic procedures used in speech-language pathology.

CDIS 4900 - Diagnostic Procedures in Speech Language Pathology
3 credit hours

Prerequisite: CDIS 4550 or permission of instructor. Basic concepts of measurement and application of diagnostic procedures used in speech-language pathology.

CDIS 4900 - Diagnostic Procedures in Speech Language Pathology
3 credit hours

Prerequisite: CDIS 4550 or permission of instructor. Basic concepts of measurement and application of diagnostic procedures used in speech-language pathology.

CDIS 4950 - Research Methods in Speech Language Pathology and Audiology
3 credit hours

Prerequisite: CDIS 3300. Introduces research designs and strategies frequently used in the fields of speech language pathology and audiology. Analysis of research literature and understanding of statistical procedures commonly employed in studying this small yet diverse population.

CDIS 4950 - Research Methods in Speech Language Pathology and Audiology
3 credit hours

Prerequisite: CDIS 3300. Introduces research designs and strategies frequently used in the fields of speech language pathology and audiology. Analysis of research literature and understanding of statistical procedures commonly employed in studying this small yet diverse population.

CDIS 4950 - Research Methods in Speech Language Pathology and Audiology
3 credit hours

Prerequisite: CDIS 3300. Introduces research designs and strategies frequently used in the fields of speech language pathology and audiology. Analysis of research literature and understanding of statistical procedures commonly employed in studying this small yet diverse population.

CDIS 4950 - Research Methods in Speech Language Pathology and Audiology
3 credit hours

Prerequisite: CDIS 3300. Introduces research designs and strategies frequently used in the fields of speech language pathology and audiology. Analysis of research literature and understanding of statistical procedures commonly employed in studying this small yet diverse population.

Mrs. Elizabeth Lanphier Smith

Clinic Coordinator

Tammy Walker

Executive Aide

Mission Statement

The Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology program helps prepare undergraduate students for graduate studies to become Speech-Language Pathologists and/or Audiologists through rigorous academic studies and clinical experience supervised by credential professionals.

The academic and clinical courses emphasize the following instructional principles: 

  • Understanding communication development over the life span
  • Preventing, diagnosing, and treating communication problems
  • Communicating effectively in oral and written language
  • Thinking logically, critically, and ethically
  • Supporting research and evidence-based clinical practices
  • Appreciating cultural diversity in an ever-changing society
  • Providing community services and establishing community partnerships
  • Participating in professional organizations and continuing education

View a baby with cochlear implants hearing his mother for the first time!
Watch a video of a 29-year-old woman who was born deaf but now can hear after receiving a hearing implant.

Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic

The Middle Tennessee State University Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic serves children and adults who have hearing, articulation, language, voice, stuttering, and other communication problems. Client services are provided by undergraduate students under the supervision of our clinical faculty, who are certified by the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) in speech-language pathology (CCC-SLP) or audiology (CCC-A), and are licensed by the State of Tennessee. The clinical services offered by the MTSU Clinic are based on the educational needs of the student clinicians completing the Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology major. When selecting cases, the clinical coordinator considers the client's disability, space availability, sufficient clinical staff, and scheduling policies. 

The MTSU Clinic functions within the academic semester calendar. Each semester, clients or parents obtain a parking pass from Parking Services. Services provided by the University Clinic are billed on a sliding scale at the end of each semester. Currently there is a waiting list for therapy in the University Clinic. For further information, please call 615-898-2661.

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Client Forms

Completed forms should be returned via fax (615-898-2815), email or mail:

Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic 
MTSU Box 364 
1301 E. Main St. 
Murfreesboro, TN 37132

The Clinic Experience

In addition to the academic course work, Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology majors receive instruction in clinical management. Undergraduate programs that offer opportunities for clinical training are unique. Specialized clinic courses and experiences allow majors to combine academic knowledge with actual clinical services.

Student clinicians work in the University Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic (CDIS 4550-4580) under the direct supervision of speech-language pathologists and audiologists certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. When meeting special requirements, clinicians may also engage in off-campus clinical (CDIS 4600) or school services (CDIS 4650). Through clinical practicum, students earn clock hours to apply toward the total hours required by graduate programs to fulfill national certification standards. The School Speech-Language Teacher license requires completion of CDIS 4650. Clinical materials and equipment are periodically reviewed and updated so that students receive optimal training in diagnostic methods and therapeutic management.

Prior to enrollment in clinical practicum, students must meet academic and professional eligibility criteria established by the faculty and published in the clinic manual. Academic criteria include a minimum overall GPA of 2.6 in 60 credit hours or 3.0 in the last 30 credit hours, a minimal GPA of 2.8 in the major, a minimal grade of C in each prerequisite course, mastery of phonetic features, and competence in speaking and writing. Students who do not receive a grade of B- or higher in both English composition courses (ENGL 1010 and 1020), as well as students who show unacceptable writing skills in academic or clinical course work, will be required to take an additional English writing course.

The University Clinic, located in the Alumni Memorial Gym (basement), serves children and adults who have hearing, articulation, language, voice, stuttering, and other communication problems. The University Clinic functions within the academic semester calendar.

View a video about the University Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic. 

Additional Information

Contact Information

Tammy Walker
Tammy.Walker@mtsu.edu
615-898-2661

Who is My Advisor?

Sarah Fossett (A-D)
Sarah.Fossett@mtsu.edu
615-898-4803 | CKNB 108

Crystal Ellis (E-K)
Crystal.Ellis@mtsu.edu
615-898-4803 | CKNB 108

Dauthan Keener (L-R)
Dauthan.Keener@mtsu.edu
615-898-4803 | CKNB 108

Judy Monroe (S-Z)
Judy.Monroe@mtsu.edu
615-898-4803 | CKNB 108

Related Links

Department of Health and Human Performance

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Mailing Address

MTSU Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology
Middle Tennessee State University
MTSU Box 364
1301 East Main Street
Murfreesboro, TN 37132

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