Phone: (845) 257-3620
Location: Humanities Building, Room 8D
Web address: www.newpaltz.edu/commdis

Undergraduate study in communication disorders has been offered at New Paltz since 1969. The Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree program is a liberal arts and sciences major that prepares students for graduate study and careers in speech-language pathology, audiology, and related areas such as deaf education. General Education courses in American Sign Language and Deaf Studies are available, as are an interdisciplinary major and minor in Deaf Studies. The department also offers ASHA-accredited graduate programs in Communication Disorders, with concentrations in Speech and Language Disabilities (with teaching certificate) and Speech-Language Pathology.

Students who may be interested in majoring in Communication Disorders are urged to contact the department early in their academic careers for pre-major advisement. Students may begin this major prior to or during the fall of their junior year1. For more information, please visit the department's website and consult the Undergraduate Program Guide published there.

1

Declaration requirements will change effective spring 2027. Refer to the Communication Disorders major plan for details. 

Facilities

The SUNY New Paltz Speech-Language and Hearing Center serves the community while providing students with on-site clinical training. The Center, which operates on a not-for-profit basis, offers both diagnostic and therapeutic services for children and adults who demonstrate speech, language, or hearing difficulties. Speech-language pathologists, along with graduate students, provide a range of services related to speech and language difficulties and aural rehabilitation. Audiologists, along with graduate students, provide assessments of hearing and also program and dispense hearing aids. All services are by appointment only.

Graduate student clinicians are mentored and closely monitored by SUNY New Paltz supervisors, all of whom (speech-language pathologists and audiologists) hold the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) Certificate of Clinical Competence in either Speech-Language Pathology or Audiology and are licensed by New York State. 

The Center has several therapy rooms, one multi-purpose diagnostic, classroom, and observation room, and a full audiology suite with state of the art equipment. Rooms are furnished with remote video observation and recording capabilities.

Communication Disorders (BA) Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Communication Disorders program, students will be able to:

  • Demonstrate strong foundational knowledge in social, behavioral, and physical sciences, including the scientific foundations of human communication and swallowing processes.
  • Develop and evaluate evidence-informed arguments and decision making related to speech-language pathology and audiology (General Education: Critical Thinking and Reasoning).
  • Apply knowledge of the scientific bases of communication and typical patterns of hearing, speech, and language development to their study of communication disorders.

  • Demonstrate higher-order reading, writing, listening, and oral communication skills.

  • Attain a broad-based perspective reflective of societal diversity.

  • Demonstrate collaborative skills and explain interprofessional practices.

  • Recognize the scope of practice for the professions of speech-language pathology and audiology, acknowledge the standards of ethical conduct, and advocate for people who have communication disorders.

  • Locate, evaluate, and synthesize information from a variety of sources (General Education: Information Literacy).

CMD200. Survey of Communication Disorders. 3 Credits.

Students will explore the professions of speech-language pathology and audiology. Students will be able to define basic concepts and terminology in communication disorders, life span issues and identify the scope of practice in a variety of clinical practice settings. This course is appropriate for students wishing to explore career options and consider a major in Communication Disorders. Not for students who have completed CMD312.

Attributes:

  • Information Mgmt Intro
  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in one of the following classes: Senior, Junior
May not be repeated for credit

CMD293. Comm Dis Selected Topics. 3-12 Credits.

Selected topics courses are regularly scheduled courses that focus on a particular topic of interest. Descriptions are printed in the Schedule of Classes each semester. Selected topics courses may be used as elective credit and may be repeated for credit, provided that the topic of the course changes.

May be repeated for credit

CMD295. Indep Study Comm Disords. 1-6 Credits.

May be repeated for credit

CMD302. Phonetics. 4 Credits.

The sounds of speech, their manner of production, their combinations and diacritical marks, and phonetic symbols. Training in the use of the International Phonetic Alphabet.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must be enrolled in one of the following classes: Sophomore, Senior, Junior
  • Must be enrolled in the following field(s) of study (major, minor or concentration):
    • Communication Disorders (588)
    • Linguistics (LIN)
May not be repeated for credit

CMD304. Speech and Hearing Science. 4 Credits.

Principals of Acoustic phonetics, anatomy and physiology of hearing, perception of sound and speech.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman
  • Must be enrolled in the following field(s) of study (major, minor or concentration): Communication Disorders (588)

Prerequisites:

  • Math Placement Level Minimum Score of 3 or MAT 151 Minimum Grade of C- or MAT053 Minimum Grade of C- or MAT121 Minimum Grade of C- or MAT120 Minimum Grade of C-
  • CMD 204 Minimum Grade of C- or PHY109 Minimum Grade of C- or PHY208 Minimum Grade of C-
May not be repeated for credit

CMD306. Language Development in Children. 3 Credits.

The nature of speech and language development in young children.

Attributes:

  • Critical Thinking Introductory
  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman
  • Must be enrolled in the following field(s) of study (major, minor or concentration): Communication Disorders (588)
May not be repeated for credit

CMD310. Anatomy & Physiology of Speech and Swallowing. 4 Credits.

Basic anatomy and embryological development of language and speech. The course also provides basic understanding of the physiology of respiration, articulation, phonation, and swallowing.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must be enrolled in one of the following classes: Sophomore, Senior, Junior
  • Must be enrolled in the following field(s) of study (major, minor or concentration): Communication Disorders (588)
May not be repeated for credit

CMD312. Introduction to Communication Disorders. 3 Credits.

Survey of the field of speech-language pathology and audiology. Nature and etiology of disordered speech, language and hearing disorders. Basic principles of rehabilitation are discussed.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman
May not be repeated for credit

CMD314. Autism Spectrum Disorders. 3 Credits.

Students will develop familiarity with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and issues related to diagnosis, etiology, characteristics, intervention approaches, public policy, and activism across the lifespan. Current topics and theories in ASD will be discussed.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must not be enrolled in the following field(s) of study (major, minor or concentration): Comm Disorders Post-BA (089)
May not be repeated for credit

CMD315. Disorders of Fluency and Voice. 3 Credits.

This course explores the current knowledge base of the nature of normal fluency development and voice production as well as disorders. It is an introduction to modern theories, recent developments, research findings and treatment methods related to the nature, etiology and treatment of fluency and voice disorders. Typical and atypical development of fluency and voice will be examined through lecture/discussion reading and observation and analysis of audio and videotapes.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman
  • Must be enrolled in the following field(s) of study (major, minor or concentration): Communication Disorders (588)

Prerequisites:

May not be repeated for credit

CMD317. Audiology. 3 Credits.

The etiology of hearing disorders; principles and methods of audiometric assessment including pure tone and speech audiometry, screening, tympanometry, and acoustic reflex assessment; the interpretation of audiometric test results; audiologic management and follow up.

Attributes:

  • Other Applied Learning
  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman
  • Must be enrolled in the following field(s) of study (major, minor or concentration): Communication Disorders (588)
May not be repeated for credit

CMD393. Select Topic Com Disords. 3-12 Credits.

Selected topics courses are regularly scheduled courses that focus on a particular topic of interest. Descriptions are printed in the Schedule of Classes each semester. Selected topics courses may be used as elective credit and may be repeated for credit, provided that the topic of the course changes.

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman
May be repeated for credit

CMD401. Observations and Clinical Methods. 3 Credits.

This course introduces clinical procedures and fundamental clinical skills in Communication Disorders. Students will observe peer-viewed clinical videos through The Master Clinician Network. This course fulfills the American Speech and Hearing Association’s requirement of 25 hours of observation and provides verification of Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) training. Students receive a certificate verifying the completion of the required 25 hours and HIPAA training upon completion of the course.

Attributes:

  • Other Applied Learning
  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must not be enrolled in one of the following classes: Sophomore, Freshman
  • Must be enrolled in the following field(s) of study (major, minor or concentration): Communication Disorders (588)

Prerequisites:


* May be taken at the same time
May not be repeated for credit

CMD402. Clinical Participation I. 2 Credits.

First level direct clinical experience in individual therapy programs at the New Paltz Speech-Language Hearing Center. Planning of long-and short-term goals, development of session plans, selection of appropriate materials and clinical procedures, use of clinical instrumentation, ongoing diagnosis, and accurate written reporting of these experiences.

Attributes:

  • Clinical Placement
  • Practicum - Non-Clinical
  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must not be enrolled in one of the following classes: Junior, Sophomore, Freshman
  • Must be enrolled in the following field(s) of study (major, minor or concentration): Communication Disorders (588)

Prerequisites:

May be repeated for credit

CMD403. Clinical Participation II. 2 Credits.

Therapeutic procedures in the management of communication disorders. Participation in the management of a variety of speech, language and auditory disorders, including planning programs of individual therapy, evaluation of therapeutic progress.

Attributes:

  • Clinical Placement
  • Practicum - Non-Clinical
  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must not be enrolled in one of the following classes: Junior, Sophomore, Freshman
  • Must be enrolled in the following field(s) of study (major, minor or concentration): Communication Disorders (588)

Prerequisites:

May be repeated for credit

CMD406. Diagnosis in Speech-Language Pathology. 4 Credits.

Philosophical and scientific consideration, basic principles and selected methods of diagnosis and appraisal of speech and language disorders. Students will practice administration, scoring and writing complete diagnostic reports as well as learn to make appropriate outside referrals based on scope of practice and eligibility criteria for services.

Attributes:

  • Capstone or Creative Works
  • Other Applied Learning
  • Critical Thinking Advanced
  • Critical Think Reasoning Adv
  • Information Literacy Advanced
  • Information Mgmt Advanced
  • Liberal Arts
  • Writing Intensive

Restrictions:

  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman
  • Must be enrolled in the following field(s) of study (major, minor or concentration): Communication Disorders (588)

Prerequisites:

  • ENG 180 Minimum Grade of D- or ENG170 Minimum Grade of D- or ENG206 Minimum Grade of D- or ENG 002 Minimum Grade of TD- or ENG207 Minimum Grade of D-
  • CMD415 Minimum Grade of C-
May not be repeated for credit

CMD409. Introduction to Aural Rehabilitation. 3 Credits.

Audiologic management of hearing impairment, with emphasis on children. Rehabilitation strategies including early intervention, counseling, hearing aids, FM systems, assistive devices, cochlear implants, tactile aids; speech and language training; educational issues.

Attributes:

  • Other Applied Learning
  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman
  • Must be enrolled in the following field(s) of study (major, minor or concentration): Communication Disorders (588)

Prerequisites:

  • CMD 417 Minimum Grade of C- or CMD317 Minimum Grade of C-
May not be repeated for credit

CMD415. Disorders of Child Language. 3 Credits.

Study of the etiology and characteristics of language disorders in children. Basic assessment and treatment principals and techniques are described. Emphasis on disorders in the areas of content, form, and use.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must not be enrolled in one of the following classes: Sophomore, Freshman
  • Must be enrolled in the following field(s) of study (major, minor or concentration): Communication Disorders (588)

Prerequisites:

May not be repeated for credit

CMD419. Research in Communication Disorders. 3 Credits.

Elements of quantitative research; application of psychophysiological research methods to human communication problems.

Attributes:

  • Critical Thinking Intermediate
  • Critical Think Reason Interm
  • Information Literacy Intermed
  • Information Mgmt Intrmd
  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman
  • Must be enrolled in the following field(s) of study (major, minor or concentration): Communication Disorders (588)

Prerequisites:

  • MAT 185 Minimum Grade of D- or MAT145 Minimum Grade of D- or MAT241 Minimum Grade of D- or (PSY 275 Minimum Grade of D- or PSY201 Minimum Grade of D-) or SOC307 Minimum Grade of D-

CMD420. Seminar in Communication Disorders. 4 Credits.

A capstone course in disorders of fluency, articulation and phonology, motor speech and voice focusing on current research and theories. Treatment options will be emphasized.

Attributes:

  • Capstone or Creative Works
  • Critical Thinking Advanced
  • Critical Think Reasoning Adv
  • Information Literacy Advanced
  • Information Mgmt Advanced
  • Liberal Arts
  • Writing Intensive

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman
  • Must be enrolled in the following field(s) of study (major, minor or concentration): Communication Disorders (588)

Prerequisites:

CMD453. Research Plans and Projects. 3 Credits.

A research lab for Communication Disorders major designed as an introduction to scientific inquiry in the communication fields. The goal is to learn to think like a researcher, developing research skills while, at the same time, carrying out a study/project.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must be enrolled in one of the following classes: Senior, Junior
  • Must be enrolled in the following field(s) of study (major, minor or concentration): Communication Disorders (588)

Prerequisites:

May be repeated for credit

CMD473. Clinical Methods in Audiology. 4 Credits.

Clinical Methods in Audiology in a capstone course in Communication Disorders major. The course is appropriate for students who are considering a career in Audiology. Students will apply concepts from introductory and intermediate courses in the major to clinical procedures and diagnostic tests commonly employed in the profession of audiology. Students will be exposed to clinical decision making, evidence-based practice, and develop clinical writing skills. Students participate in a supervised practicum experience. Writing Intensive.

Attributes:

  • Practicum - Non-Clinical
  • Capstone or Creative Works
  • Critical Thinking Advanced
  • Critical Think Reasoning Adv
  • Information Mgmt Advanced
  • Liberal Arts
  • Writing Intensive

Restrictions:

  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman
  • Must be enrolled in the following field(s) of study (major, minor or concentration):
    • Communication Disorders (588)
    • Communication Disorders Cert (790)

Prerequisites:

  • CMD 417 Minimum Grade of C- or CMD317 Minimum Grade of C-
May not be repeated for credit

CMD474. Clinical Participation in Audiology. 3 Credits.

Undergraduate audiology practicum at SUNY New Paltz Speech and Language and Hearing Center for students interested in a career in audiology. Supervised clinical experience in audiological diagnostic testing and rehabilitation with emphasis on application of concepts from previous course work. Students will gain clinical practice and engage in discussions about topics in the literature, write clinical reports and prepare case studies.

Prerequisites:

May be repeated for credit

CMD493. Comm Dis Selected Topics. 12 Credits.

Selected topics courses are regularly scheduled courses that focus on a particular topic of interest. Descriptions are printed in the Schedule of Classes each semester. Selected topics courses may be used as elective credit and may be repeated for credit, provided that the topic of the course changes.

Restrictions:

  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman
May be repeated for credit

CMD494. Fieldwork Comm Disorders. 1-12 Credits.

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman
May be repeated for credit

CMD495. Indep Study Comm Disords. 1-12 Credits.

Restrictions:

  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman
May be repeated for credit

Faculty

Abramovich, Andrea
Instructor/Graduate Coordinator
M.S., College of St. Rose
Office: HUM 8C
Phone: (845) 257-2377
E-mail: abramova@newpaltz.edu

Arnao, Susan
Instructor/Coordinator of Audiological Services
Au.D., Arizona School of Health Sciences at A.T. Still University
Office: HUM 12B
Phone: (845) 257-3603
E-mail: arnaos@newpaltz.edu

Arthur, Dana
Associate Professor
Ph.D., University of Connecticut
Office: HUM B4C
Phone: (845) 257-3465
E-mail: arthurd@newpaltz.edu

Balant, Anne
Associate Professor and Chair
Ph.D., CUNY Graduate Center
Office: JFT 414A
Phone: (845) 257-3453
E-mail: balanta@newpaltz.edu

Burke, Kathryn
Instructor
M.S.Ed., SUNY New Paltz
Office: HUM 2
Phone: (845) 257-3601
E-mail: burkek@newpaltz.edu

Ficucello, Sarah
Instructor/Director of Clinical Education
M.S., SUNY New Paltz
Office: HUM 12C
Phone: (845) 257-2611
E-mail: ficucels@newpaltz.edu

Hayden, Lauren
Instructor/Clinical Educator
M.S., Teachers College, Columbia University
Office: HUM 008D
Phone:
E-mail: haydenl@newpaltz.edu

Heyne, Matthias
Assistant Professor
Ph.D., University of Canterbury, New Zealand
Office: HUM B4A
Phone: (845) 257-3616
E-mail: heynem@newpaltz.edu

St. George, Victoria
Instructor/Director of Deaf Studies
M.S., SUNY New Paltz
Office: HUM B2A
Phone: (845) 257-3466
E-mail: stgeorgv@newpaltz.edu