This option prepares students for professional practice in the diagnosis and treatment of language-based learning disorders in school age children. Students learn theory and practice in oral language as it relates to literacy acquisition and learning in the content areas. Practicum experiences in schools are available to enhance applied understanding. Upon graduating, students are equipped to meet the challenge of diagnosing and managing an array of language-based learning disabilities as team members alongside their professional colleagues in regular education, reading education, and learning disabilities. Those interested in obtaining dual certification in reading education and speech-language pathology are encouraged to contact the Education Department.

In addition to the core courses, required courses for this option are:

COMM 875    Advanced Language Acquisition  3 cr.
COMM 900    Articulatory and Phonological Disorders in Children  3 cr.
COMM 901    Dysphagia  3 cr.
COMM 902    Stuttering  3 cr.
COMM 905    Motor Speech Disorders  3 cr.
COMM 906    Voice Disorders  2 cr.
COMM 908    Disorders of Language/Literacy I  3 cr.
COMM 909    Disorders of Language/Literacy II  3 cr.
COMM 912    Language Disorders Birth to Five  3 cr.

Students will also take three elective courses from the following: