Maryville University’s Online Bachelor’s in Communication Sciences and Disorders (CMSD) is a 128-credit-hour program offering a robust foundation in speech, language, and hearing sciences. Designed to prepare students for further graduate studies or entry-level roles, the curriculum covers key topics such as language development, phonetics, anatomy and physiology of speech, and speech disorders. With a focus on evidence-based practices and hands-on learning, graduates are equipped to make a meaningful impact in educational, clinical, and healthcare settings.
Core Major Courses
CMSD 100 | Introduction to Communication Disorders | 3 Credits
This course will introduce normal speech, language, and hearing development, developmental disorders, and acquired disorders of speech and language in children and adults. Theories of etiology and examples of traditional intervention strategies are introduced for each disorder addressed. In addition, the potential impact of speech or language impairment on the social, emotional, and vocational aspects of a person’s lifespan is a focus.
CMSD 210 | Phonetics | 3 Credits
Prerequisite: CMSD-100 or concurrent with CMSD 100. Phonetics is designed to introduce students to the study of speech sounds, with an emphasis on American English. Participants will learn how American English speech sounds are produced and how to transcribe using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). Both broad and narrow transcription will be addressed. The clinical processes for articulation and phonological disorders will be discussed. Characteristics of regional and social dialects will be addressed. This course is required for CMSD majors.
CMSD 220 | Speech and Hearing Science | 3 Credits
Prerequisite: CMSD-210. This course will address the science behind assessment and treatment in the fields of speech-language pathology and audiology. Participants will apply the basic concepts underlying the production and analysis of speech sounds to clinical practice. This course is required for CMSD majors.
CMSD 310** | Anatomy and Physiology of Speech | 3 Credits
Prerequisite: BIOL 101, BIOL 102 This course will address anatomy, neuroanatomy, and physiology of the human speech mechanism. Course content includes upper body skeletal, muscular, respiratory, and nervous systems. The focus of the speech mechanism in relation to respiration, phonation, resonation, and articulation will be examined in depth as it relates to the field of communication sciences and disorders. This course is required for CMSD majors.
CMSD 330 | Language and Speech Acquisition | 3 Credits
Prerequisite: CMSD-210. This course is designed to provide an overview of typical American English language development, including major American dialects. Child language is placed in the context of social, motor, and cognitive development from birth through adolescence. Emphasis is placed on the crucial relationship between language development and literacy acquisition. Participants use basic language observation and analysis techniques to explore phonology, syntax, morphology, semantics and pragmatics. This course is required for CMSD majors.
CMSD 350 | Speech Development and Disorders | 3 Credits
Prerequisite: CMSD-210, CMSD 310. This course will provide participants with a scientific understanding of the nature of phonological and articulatory disorders. Assessment and treatment of speech sound disorders will be addressed to help participants apply this knowledge to clinical situations. The course will provide participants with the knowledge of the normal aspects of articulatory and phonological development and theories of phonological development. Identification of articulation and phonological disorders, how to interpret assessment findings, intervention approaches and facilitative strategies will be included as they relate to clinical practice. This course is required for CMSD majors.
CMSD 360 | Language Development and Disorders | 3 Credits
Prerequisite: CMSD-330. This course addresses the differentiation between normal language development and disordered language. Disorders in the areas of phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics will be discussed. Participants will apply theoretical principles of language development to the assessment and treatment of language disorders. The connection between language and literacy including the role of the speech-language pathologist will be discussed. This course is required for CMSD majors.
CMSD 410** | Clinical Methods and Management | 3 Credits
Prerequisite: CMSD-315, CMSD-320, CMSD-350, CMSD-360 This course will address assessment and treatment principles, methods and procedures relating to speech, language and hearing disorders. This course is required for CMSD majors.
CMSD 440 | Audiology | 3 Credits
Prerequisite: CMSD-310, CMSD-220. This course will address the anatomy and physiology of the human ear and the process of hearing. The basic principles of hearing assessment and characteristics of hearing disorders across the lifespan will be discussed. Participants will develop familiarity with the procedures and instrumentation used to measure human hearing and speech perception. This course is required for CMSD majors.
CMSD 470 | Aural Rehabilitation | 3 Credits
Prerequisite: CMSD-440. This course will introduce approaches to assisting persons with hearing impairment to maximize their communication interactions. Strategies such as speech-reading, speech auditory training, characteristics of Deaf culture and current issues in hearing impairment intervention will also be discussed. This course is required for CMSD majors.
CMSD 480** | Neurological Basis of Communication Disorders | 3 Credits
Prerequisite: CMSD-100, CMSD-210, CMSD-220, CMSD-310, CMSD-315,CMSD-320, CMSD-330, CMSD-350, CMSD-360 Study of the nervous system and its role in normal and abnormal speech and language processing. This course is required for CMSD majors.
CMSD 485 | Advanced Speech Pathology | 3 Credits
Prerequisite: CMSD-410. A study of professional terminology, classification, etiologies, symptomologies, and appropriate therapy procedures used with individuals having specific communication disorders. The course is required for CMSD majors.
CMSD 490** | Capstone/Clinic Experience in Communication Disorders 1 | 3 Credits
CMSD-100, CMSD-210, CMSD-220, CMSD-310, CMSD-315,CMSD-320, CMSD-330, CMSD-350, CMSD-360 Students will participate in a practicum experience with fully licensed/certified clinical supervisor(s) consistent with the requirements for practicum experience at the undergraduate level. Student clinicians will learn how to apply treatment procedures, meet documentation requirements, and integrate knowledge and skills in speech pathology in the clinic setting. Support will be provided for graduate school applications and preparation. Evidence-based practice will be emphasized, and students will have the opportunity to participate in journal discussions. This course is required for CMSD majors.
CMSD 495** | Capstone/Clinic Experience in Communication Disorders 2 | 3 Credits
Prerequisite: CMSD-100, CMSD-210, CMSD-220, CMSD-310, CMSD-315, CMSD-320, CMSD-330, CMSD-350, CMSD-360. Students will participate in a practicum experience with fully licensed/certified clinical supervisor(s) consistent with the requirements for practicum experience at the undergraduate level. Student clinicians will learn how to apply treatment procedures, meet documentation requirements, and integrate knowledge and skills in speech pathology in the clinic setting. Support will be provided for graduate school applications and preparation. Evidence-based practice will be emphasized, and students will have the opportunity to participate in journal discussions. This course is required for CMSD majors.
Natural Sciences & Quantitative Reasoning
BIOL 101** | Anatomy & Physiology I 4 Credits
An emphasis on cellular and molecular levels and a survey of organs and organ systems introduces human structure and function.
BIOL 102** | Anatomy & Physiology II | 4 Credits
Biology 102 continues the study of human structure and function, emphasizing cellular and molecular levels, and survey of organs and organ systems.
SOSC 341 | Understanding Statistical Inference | 3 Credits
This course introduces students to both descriptive and inferential statistics. The following concepts and techniques are included: measures of central tendency and variability; sampling distributions; interval estimation; hypothesis testing (t-test, ANOVA); correlation and regression; chi square tests. Statistical software projects are required. Prerequisite: MATH 102 or 115 or higher
Students have the option to choose between PHYS120 OR CHEM120.
PHYS 120** | The Physics of Light and Sound Waves | 3 Credits
This course covers basic concepts of light, color, visual phenomena, and the physical principles involved in the description, generation, and reproduction of sound.
CHEM 120** | General, Organic and Biological Chemistry | 3 Credits
This course is a one-semester Chemistry course designed for non-Science majors including nursing students. Topics included are Measurement, Matter and Energy, Atoms and Elements, Compounds and Their Bonds, Chemical Quantities and Their Reactions, Gases, Solutions, Acids and Bases, Nuclear Radiation, Introduction to Organic Chemistry: Alkanes, Unsaturated Hydrocarbons, Organic Compounds with Oxygen and Sulfur, Carbohydrates, Carboxylic Acids, Esters, Amines, Amides, Lipids, Amino Acids, Proteins, Enzymes, Nucleic Acids, Protein Synthesis, Metabolic Pathways and Energy Production.
Education
EDUC 352** | Education/Psychology of Exceptional Children | 3 Credits
This course is a survey of the various characteristics that differentiate the child labeled as exceptional. Students look at the effect of these differences upon a child’s physical, social, emotional and cognitive development, as well as methods for accommodating those differences. Special attention will be given to differentiation of instruction within the regular classroom to provide the least restrictive environment for all learners. This course taken at the graduate level requires additional readings and assignments.
EDUC 322 | Literacy for the SLP | 3 Credits
This course explores young children’s literacy development, investigating how children learn to read and write. Literacy is examined as a multidimensional complex activity with social, linguistic and psychological aspects. Students learn how young children acquire language including acquisition of non-standard English and English as a second language and the relationship of language with literacy development. Intervention strategies for teaching vocabulary, fluency, phonics, comprehension, and phonemic awareness are studied. Students will also gain a general overview of the writing process. This course promotes a balanced approach to literacy instruction and intervention.
Healthcare
HEPR 109 | Healthcare Management Terminology | 3 Credits
A basic-level medical terminology course for those who plan to be involved or are already involved in the healthcare management field. The course will cover the definition, spelling and pronunciation of medical word roots and combining forms, prefixes, suffixes and medical abbreviations. Healthcare mangement terminology is also addressed in this course. This survey course is not recommended for students majoring in the health professions.
HEPR 300 | Cultural Diversity in Health and Illness | 3 Credits
This course explores the theoretical and conceptual aspects of cultural healthcare. Topics include culture and ethnicity, cultural variations in response to actual or potential problems of health and illness; review of research literature; and methods of caring for and treat individuals with culturally influenced responses.
HEPR 355 | Counseling Skills for Healthcare Professionals | 3 Credits
This course provides an introduction to core counseling skills that incorporates therapeutic listening and empathy communication techniques, crisis management, etc. related to professional/client relationships across cultures-specifically in health profession settings.
* Choose either PHYS 120 or CHEM 120.
** While most courses are designed to be completed in half of a semester (8 weeks), BIOL 101, BIOL 102, PHYS 120, CHEM 120, CMSD 310, CMSD 410, CMSD 480, CMSD 490, CMSD 495 and EDUC 352 take a full semester (16 weeks) to complete.
Obtaining SLPA licensure or certification in any state is not guaranteed, students need to research their state’s specific licensing requirements.
Students are required to complete 2 consecutive capstone courses which will need to incorporate direct (in-person) clinical field work. For more information about clinical fieldwork requirements, talk to an advisor.