Department of Communication Sciences and Oral Health
Website: https://twu.edu/communication-sciences-oral-health/
Interim Chair: Cynthia Gill, Professor
Location: MCL 820
Phone: 940-898-2025
E-mail: coms@twu.edu
The Department of Communication Sciences and Oral Health offers undergraduate programs in communication sciences and dental hygiene, as well as graduate programs in speech-language pathology and education of the deaf.
Graduate Degrees Offered
Education of the Deaf Program Overview
The TWU Education of the Deaf master's degree specializes in preparing teachers of pre-K-12 students who are deaf or hard of hearing. The program prepares teachers to work in a variety of educational settings. We are committed to a comprehensive communication philosophy that focuses on meeting the individual needs of diverse students across all communication methods. Teachers learn to work collaboratively with families, students, and professionals.
The program is online and flexible in nature and includes a diverse cohort from varied backgrounds. Online classes are both synchronous and asynchronous and fully accessible. Practice-based coursework focuses on communication, language, and content. Graduates are equipped with broad knowledge and skills for promoting strong social, linguistic, and academic outcomes among students who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Speech-Language Pathology Program Overview
Working with the full range of human communication, speech-language pathologists (SLPs) evaluate and diagnose speech, language, cognitive-communication, and swallowing disorders and treat such disorders in individuals of all ages, from infants to the elderly (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association).
The TWU master's degree program in Speech-Language Pathology is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). The program has two different learning venues.
The on-campus venue admits students each summer and fall and provides evening classes on the Denton and Dallas campuses. Students participate in clinical experiences two to five days a week at the TWU Speech, Language and Hearing Clinic in Denton, The Stroke Center - Dallas, and pediatric and adult externship sites throughout the Denton and Dallas-Fort Worth area.
The distance learning venue runs in two-year cohort cycles and offers a schools-focused cohort and a healthcare-focused cohort. Students attend synchronous online classes and participate in clinical experiences in their local communities.
Certifications
Education of the Deaf
Graduates who are Texas residents and successfully pass the state TExES exam are eligible for Texas Teacher Certification in Education of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. Texas residents wishing to work in classrooms where sign language is used must also take and score successfully on the Texas Assessment of Sign Communication (TASC). Out-of-state students must meet the unique requirements of their state for teacher certification.
Speech-Language Pathology
Graduates who pass the national examination and successfully complete their clinical fellowship/internship year are eligible for the ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence and State Licensure.
Certificates
Post-baccalaureate Certificate in Teaching STEM in Deaf Education
Students who are accepted into the graduate Education of the Deaf program can simultaneously work on obtaining a certificate in Teaching STEM in Deaf Education. This certificate is also available to certified teachers of the deaf who are currently teaching STEM content.
Post-baccalaureate Certificate in Bilingual Speech-Language Pathology
Students who are accepted into the graduate SLP program can simultaneously work on obtaining a certificate in Bilingual Speech-Language Pathology.
Post-baccalaureate Certificate in Deaf and Hard of Hearing for the Speech-Language Pathologist
Students who are accepted into the graduate SLP program can simultaneously work on obtaining a certificate in Deaf and Hard of Hearing. This certificate program is also available to licensed and certified speech-language pathologists.
Post-baccalaureate Certificate in Multicultural and Diversity Studies for the Speech-Language Pathologist
Students who are accepted into the graduate SLP program can simultaneously work on obtaining a certificate in Multicultural and Diversity Studies.
Clinics
Speech, Language and Hearing Clinic - Denton
The Speech, Language, and Hearing Clinic located on TWU’s Denton Campus provides assessment and therapeutic services to the University and Denton communities for a minimal fee. Master’s level graduate students under the direct supervision of licensed, certified speech-language pathologists and audiologists provide assessments and individual intervention for children and adults in the areas of language, literacy, speech sound disorders, accent modification, voice, stuttering, and feeding. During the summer, camps are offered for children with sensory/motor-based feeding disorders, language and literacy difficulty, fluency disorders, and speech sound disorders. Discount rates are available for students and alumni.
For applications or further information about the Clinic, contact:
Speech, Language and Hearing Clinic
1314 North Bell Avenue
Denton, TX 76204
940-898-2285
comsclinic@twu.edu
The clinic is located in MCL 601 on the Denton campus.
The Stroke Center - Dallas
The Stroke Center - Dallas was established in 1992 to provide treatment and training in neurological rehabilitation specifically for stroke and right hemisphere injuries. A core team of health professionals and graduate students provides outpatient services. Located in the T. Boone Pickens Institute of Health Sciences on the TWU Dallas campus, the Center operates five 6-week sessions each year. Assessment and intervention services include speech and language therapy, physical therapy assessment, and psychosocial counseling. A major focus of The Stroke Center is clinical research. Individuals may be referred by physicians, family, or self.
For applications or further information about The Stroke Center programs contact:
The Stroke Center - Dallas
5500 Southwestern Medical Avenue
Dallas, TX 75235
214-689-6592
strokecenter@twu.edu
Dental Hygiene Clinic - Denton
Services of TWU’s Dental Hygiene Clinic are available to faculty, staff, students, and the local community. For a nominal charge, the Clinic provides the following services: Prophylaxis (tooth cleaning), periodontal therapy (deep cleaning), radiographs (x-rays), limited dental examinations and oral cancer screening, and oral disease prevention education and clinical treatment, including fluoride treatments and sealants. In spring, tooth whitening is offered. The Clinic serves as a laboratory for dental hygiene students, closely supervised by licensed, experienced dentists and dental hygienists. The clinic is located on the third floor of Jones Hall on the Denton campus.
For more information contact:
Mary Gibbs Jones Hall, 3rd floor
604 Administration Dr.
Denton, TX 76204-5796
940-898-2888
DentalHygieneClinic@twu.edu
Faculty
Courses
Contact hours identified in the course descriptions are based on a 15-week term. Students who enroll in Summer or mini-terms are expected to meet the same total number of contact hours as a 15-week term.
COMS 5003. Research in Communication Sciences. The process of inquiry and research modalities and techniques; applications in the field of Communication Sciences. Three lecture hours a week. Credit: Three hours.
COMS 5012. Aural Habilitation. Intervention for individuals with hearing difference in the areas of auditory, speech, and language skills with emphasis on pediatrics. Topics include characteristics of this unique population, effective use of personal hearing technology, and collaboration with parents and educators. Two lecture hours a week. Credit: Two hours.
COMS 5022. Integrating Cultural and Linguistic Diversity in Professional Practice. Influence of cultural and linguistic diversity on professional communication used in interviewing, counseling, and communicating with clients and their families related to communication/swallowing disorders. Two lecture hours a week. Credit: Two hours.
COMS 5083. Differentiating Communication Across Deaf Education Settings. Principles and methods for facilitating appropriate individualized communication strategies for linguistically and culturally diverse students who are deaf or hard of hearing across the special education spectrum. Three lecture hours a week. Credit: Three hours.
COMS 5093. History, Policies and Trends in Deaf Education. Current trends and federal and state policies affecting the education of students who are deaf or hard of hearing. Exploration of the history and evolution of deaf education in the U.S. Three lecture hours a week. Credit: Three hours.
COMS 5103. Educational Audiology and Listening Supports. Basics of educational audiology for teachers of deaf education, including audiometric testing and supporting the effective use of hearing assistive technologies. Design and implementation of effective classroom supports that promote auditory access and facilitate the development of skills in spoken language. Three lecture hours a week. Credit: Three hours.
COMS 5113. Seminar in Communication Sciences. Philosophical and practical considerations in conducting research; examination of experimental research designs, grant writing, funding, scientific writing, the peer-review process, and research ethics; and evaluation of tools for integrative review in specialized areas of communication sciences. Must be repeated one time. Three seminar hours a week. Credit: Three hours.
COMS 5133. Families and Young Children in Deaf Education. Learning and language for birth to five population of children who are deaf or hard of hearing. Examination of systems and processes for identification, early intervention, early childhood programming, and special education. Applications to family-centered programming and collaboration with families and professionals which extend across age ranges. Three lecture hours a week. Credit: Three hours.
COMS 5143. Classroom Assessment and Access to Print Literacy in Deaf Education. Principles and practices for assessing culturally and linguistically diverse students using multiple types of classroom assessments. Evidence-based teaching strategies to effectively teach language and literacy skills to Pre-K-12 students who are deaf or hard of hearing. Three lecture hours a week. Credit: Three hours.
COMS 5193. Instructional Processes and Facilitating Language in Deaf Education. Principles and methods for teaching students of all ages who are deaf or hard of hearing throughout a variety of placement options. Written, signed, and spoken language components for all methodologies explored. Three lecture hours a week. Credit: Three hours.
COMS 5232. Language Disorders in Preschool Children. Evaluation and evidence-based treatment of early-developing language skills in children with language disorders. Two lecture hours a week. Credit: Two hours.
COMS 5253. Research Application in Communication Sciences. Laboratory experience and engagement in scholarly writing. Participation with a mentor in ongoing research including data collection, data analyses, manuscript preparation, and identification of pilot study area. Must be repeated one time. Credit: Three hours.
COMS 5303. Differentiating Instruction Across Deaf Education Settings. Instructional modifications and accommodations in deaf education that are necessary to facilitate access to the general education curriculum. Creation of a plan for individualized access to general education curriculum using appropriate accommodations and modifications. Three lecture hours a week. Credit: Three hours.
COMS 5323. Assessment and Treatment of Language Disorders in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Populations. Principles of assessment and treatment of language disorders in culturally and linguistically diverse populations with emphasis on working with Spanish-English Language Learners. Best practices for strategies, techniques, and materials used to differentially diagnose and effectively treat various language disorders in bilingual children and adults. Three lecture hours a week. Credit: Three hours.
COMS 5333. Assessment and Diagnosis of Communication Disorders. A comprehensive study of the evaluative and assessment process in speech-language pathology including the techniques and materials used to diagnose various communicative disorders in children and adults. Three lecture hours a week. Credit: Three hours.
COMS 5353. Adult Dysphagia. Principal issues and research concerning the nature, assessment, and evidence-based treatment of swallowing disorders in adults. Three lecture hours a week. Credit: Three hours.
COMS 5383. Seminar in Pedagogy. Preparation for responsive and reflective university teaching, distance delivery methods, and effective mentoring in the health and social sciences; exploration of theories of learning, teaching styles, instructional delivery and student management. Three seminar hours a week. Credit: Three hours.
COMS 5413. Clinical Practicum. Assessment and management of clients with speech, language, hearing, and swallowing disorders under direct supervision of TWU ASHA certified and Texas licensed faculty supervisors. Up to 25 hours of clinical instruction a week. May be repeated for credit. Credit: Three hours.
COMS 5423. Augmentative and Alternative Communication. Assessment and use of a wide range of low and high tech AAC devices. Topics include legal and ethical issues, definitions, populations/multi-cultural implications, areas of assistive technology, assessment, intervention strategies, equipment (low/lite, high-tech options), and feature matching. Three lecture hours a week. Credit: Three hours.
COMS 5443. Clinical Externship. Assessment and treatment of clients with speech, language, hearing, and/or swallowing disorders under supervision of ASHA certified and Texas licensed speech-language pathologists with indirect supervision by TWU faculty. Up to 40 practicum hours a week. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: Permission of the department. Credit: Three hours.
COMS 5452. Pediatric Dysphagia. Principal issues and research concerning the nature, assessment, and evidence-based treatment of swallowing disorders in children. Prerequisite: COMS 5353. Two lecture hours a week. Credit: Two hours.
COMS 5473. Advanced Clinical Externship. Assessment and treatment of clients with speech, language, hearing, and/or swallowing disorders under supervision of ASHA certified and Texas licensed speech-language pathologists with indirect supervision by TWU faculty. A clinical course taken in the last semester of the program culminating in 375 clinical clock hours and demonstrated mastery of specific ASHA competencies. Prerequisite: Permission of the department. 20 to 40 practicum hours a week. Credit: Three hours.
COMS 5483. Neural Bases of Communication. Neural mechanisms involved with cognitive functions and sensory/motor pathways for speech and language. Three lecture hours a week. Credit: Three hours.
COMS 5521. Contemporary Issues in Communication Disorders. Detailed overview of contemporary issues, major theories, evaluations, and treatment strategies used to habilitate and rehabilitate individuals with a variety of communication disorders. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. One lecture hour a week. Credit: One hour.
COMS 5523. Speech Science. Anatomy, physiology, and acoustics pertaining to speech production. Instrumentation and measurement related to the speech mechanism. Theories of speech production and perception. Three lecture hours a week. Credit: Three hours.
COMS 5542. Fluency Disorders. Etiology, evaluation, and evidence-based treatment of fluency disorders in children and adults. Two lecture hours a week. Credit: Two hours.
COMS 5553. Speech Sound Disorders. Etiologies, evaluation, and evidence-based therapy approaches for articulation and phonological disorders. Three lecture hours a week. Credit: Three hours.
COMS 5583. Management of Neurogenic Communication Disorders. Evaluation and treatment of neurogenic speech, language, and cognitive disorders. Prerequisite: COMS 5483. Three lecture hours a week. Credit: Three hours.
COMS 5603. Language Disorders in School-Age Children. Principal issues and research concerning the nature of language disorders in school-age children; assessment and treatment of such disorders. Three lecture hours a week. Credit: Three hours.
COMS 5621. Special Populations and Communication Disorders. Characteristics, assessment, and treatment of communication disorders in special populations. One lecture hour a week. Credit: One hour.
COMS 5632. Healthcare and the Speech-Language Pathologist. Principal issues and responsibilities concerning the nature, assessment, and evidence-based treatment of patients in various healthcare settings. Two lecture hours a week. Credit: Two hours.
COMS 5663. Strategies for Supporting Language Development in Deaf Education. Assessment in instructional strategies for supporting language development and expanding language (written, spoken, and manual). Competencies developed through practical application of strategies with students who are deaf/hard of hearing. Includes ten hours of field-based experiences across the semester. Three lecture hours a week. Credit: Three hours.
COMS 5722. Voice and Resonance Disorders. Physiological process of voice production as related to voice and resonance disorders; differential diagnosis and evidence-based treatment procedures in both medical and behavioral arenas. Prerequisite: COMS 5523. Two lecture hours a week. Credit: Two hours.
COMS 5723. Assessment and Treatment of Speech Disorders in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Populations. Best practices for assessing and treating speech sound, fluency, and voice disorders in culturally and linguistically diverse populations, with emphasis in working with Spanish-English Language Learners. Three lecture hours a week. Credit: Three hours.
COMS 5783. Graduate Field Experience in Deaf Education. Field experience in education of the deaf, types of teaching, professional ethics, and effective teaching practices. Eight practicum hours a week. Credit: Three hours.
COMS 5901. Special Topics. Organized study of Communication Sciences subject matter normally not included in other COMS courses. Topic will vary from semester to semester. One lecture hours a week. Credit: One hours.
COMS 5902. Special Topics. Organized study of Communication Sciences subject matter normally not included in other COMS courses. Topic will vary from semester to semester. Two lecture hours a week. Credit: Two hours.
COMS 5903. Special Topics. Organized study of Communication Sciences subject matter normally not included in other COMS courses. Topic will vary from semester to semester. Three lecture hours a week. Credit: Three hours.
COMS 5911. Independent Study. Individual study of specific problems. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Credit: One hour.
COMS 5912. Independent Study. Individual study of specific problems. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Credit: Three hours.
COMS 5913. Independent Study. Individual study of specific problems. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Credit: Three hours.
COMS 5923. Instructional Practicum in Deaf Education. Seven-week professional supervised teaching experience within deaf education K-12 settings. Prerequisites: A passing score on either the Praxis Special Education: Education of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students (5272) or the Texas Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing (181) exam, and permission of the instructor. Seven laboratory hours a week. Credit: Three hours.
COMS 5926. Instructional Internship in Deaf Education. Fourteen-week professional supervised teaching experience within deaf education K-12 settings. Prerequisites: A passing score on either the Praxis Special Education: Education of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students (5272) or the Texas Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing (181) exam, and permission of the instructor. Thirteen practicum hours a week. Credit: Six hours.
COMS 5973. Professional Paper. An in-depth study and/or review of a specific problem jointly selected by student and instructor; intensive laboratory or library research into the topic with a professional paper presenting the results of this research. May be repeated for a total of six hours credit. Credit: Three hours.
