DEPARTMENT  OF PSYCHOLOGY, COUNSELING, SPECIAL EDUCATION AND COMMUNICATIVE SCIENCES & DISORDERS

Dr. Shirley King, Chairperson 
217 Carver Complex North

The Department of Psychology, Counseling, Special Education and Communicative Sciences & Disorders offers coursework and field experiences leading to the Master of Science degree in Clinical Psychology, Counseling Psychology, Rehabilitation Counseling, School Psychometry, Communicative Sciences & Disorders and the Master of Education Degree in Education with teacher certification (Class A and Class A "Alternative") in School Counseling, Collaborative Teacher K-6, and Collaborative Teacher 6-12. Class A certification only is offered in Early Childhood Special Education and Speech Language Impaired. AA certification is offered in School Counseling and School Psychology.

PSYCHOLOGY AND COUNSELING

PSY 502 Descriptive & Inferential Behavioral Statistics 3 sem. hrs
PSY 512 Adolescent Psychology 3 sem. hrs
PSY 514 Advanced Developmental Psychology 3 sem. hrs
PSY 515 Experimental Psychology 3 sem. hrs
PSY 516 Physiological Psychology 3 sem. hrs
PSY 530 Individual & Family Therapy 3 sem. hrs
PSY 555 Personality Theory 3 sem. hrs
PSY 556 Group Dynamics 3 sem. hrs
PSY 557 Organization and Administration of Guidance Services 3 sem. hrs
PSY 558 Use and Interpretation of Tests 3 sem. hrs
PSY 559 Counseling/Techniques 3 sem. hrs
PSY 560 Occupational Psychology 3 sem. hrs
PSY 561 Individual Testing 3 sem. hrs
PSY 563 Learning Theory 3 sem. hrs
PSY 564 Independent Study 3 sem. hrs
PSY 571 Abnormal Psychology 3 sem. hrs
PSY 585 Research in Psychology 3 sem. hrs
PSY 587 Cognitive Behavior Psychology 3 sem. hrs
PSY 590 Personality Assessment 3 sem. hrs
PSY 592 Professional Orientation/Issues 3 sem. hrs
PSY 594 Advanced Educational Psychology 3 sem. hrs
PSY 595 Counseling Diverse Population 3 sem. hrs
PSY 597 Practicum 3 sem. hrs
PSY 599 Masters Thesis 6 sem. hrs
PSY 602 Industrial Psychology 3 sem. hrs
PSY 603 Introduction to School Psychology 3 sem. hrs
PSY 605 Psychopharmacology 3 sem. hrs
PSY 607 Human Sexuality 3 sem. hrs
PSY 610 Psychopathology 3 sem. hrs
PSY 612 & 613 School Counseling Internship 3 or 6 sem. hrs
PSY 614 Introduction to Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling 3 sem. hrs
PSY 616 & 617 Internship in Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling 6 sem. hrs
PSY 618 & 619 School Psychometry Internship 3 sem. hrs
PSY 620 & 621 Counseling Internship 6 sem. hrs
PSY 622 & 623 Clinical Internship 6 sem. hrs
PSY 625 Personnel Psychology 3 sem. hrs
PSY 626 Seminar in Personnel Psychology 3 sem. hrs
PSY 627 Organizational Psychology 3 sem. hrs
PSY 645 & 646 Internship in School Psychology 6 sem. hrs
PSY 653 Counseling the Elderly 3 sem. hrs
PSY 660 Consultation 3 sem. hrs
PSY 661 Needs Assessment 3 sem. hrs
PSY 665 Seminar in Psychology 3 sem. hrs
PSY 682 Problems in Counseling with Adolescents 3 sem. hrs
PSY 683 Problems in the Administration of Guidance Services 3 sem. hrs
PSY 686 Advanced Social Psychology 3 sem. hrs
PSY 698 Field Research 3 sem. hrs
PSY 699 Research Thesis/Project 6 sem. hrs

SPECIAL EDUCATION

MISSION

The Department of Special Education seeks to provide an education and scholarly environment in which graduate students receive quality academic training and professional experiences that emphasize areas of exceptional children.

OBJECTIVES

- To provide training in the skills, attitudes, and technologies necessary for professional competence in a variety of educational and clinical settings.

- To provide students with opportunities to acquire an understanding of the conditions which make students exceptional.

- To provide the associated behavioral characteristics of exceptional children, basic knowledge and methods of assessment, curriculum development and instructional procedures for exceptional children.

- To develop a knowledge of curriculum evaluation procedures for exceptional children and youth.

ADMISSION

Students must first meet all requirements for admission to the School of Graduate Studies. Additional requirements are related to programs as noted.

DEGREE CONCENTRATIONS

Areas of Concentration: Early Childhood Special Education "A"; Collaborative Teacher K-6 or 6-12; all of which can lead to "A" level certification. The "AA" certification and the Ed.S. program is offered in the area of Collaborative Teacher K-6 or 6-12. A non-traditional, fifth-year option is offered to those individuals who have a non-teaching degree and wish to obtain an Alabama Teaching Certificate in Special Education in the area of Collaborative Teacher K-6 or 6-12. Certain restrictions apply to these programs, and students should consult with an advisor for specific information.

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

Each area of emphasis for the Master of Special Education is a 36-51 semester hour program. After satisfying general admission requirements, consisting of a GPA of at least 2.50 (based on a 4.00 system) and completion of the GRE (with a minimum score of 400 on the verbal section), students must successfully complete the prescribed program consisting of areas in foundations of professional studies, curriculum and teaching, evaluation of teaching and learning, specialization in the teaching field, and advisor-approved electives as approved by the State Department of Education. Each student's program is planned with the guidance of, and in consultation with, a departmental advisor in the area of the major. The department does not take responsibility for courses taken without departmental advisement and approval. A copy of the state-approved program of study for each area of emphasis can be obtained from the department. All candidates must pass a comprehensive on the content of the curriculum.

DEGREE PROGRAMS

SPE 515 Language Development 3 sem. hrs
SPE 518 Application of Childn Development 3 sem. hrs
SPE 541 Teaching ECSE w/Disabilities 3 sem. hrs
SPE 545 Intro to Early Childhood Special Education 3 sem. hrs
SOE 546 Parent and Family Assessment 3 sem. hrs
SPE 548 Assessment and Evaluation in ECSE 3 sem. hrs
SPE 549 Adaptive Techniques and Methods in ECSE 3 sem. hrs
SPE 550 Learning Strategies for Young Child w/Disabilities 3 sem. hrs
SPE 595 Internship in ECSE 6 sem. hrs
FED 501 Foundations of Education OR 3 sem. hrs
FED 521 Multicultural Education 3 sem. hrs
FED 503 Introduction to Educational Research 3 sem. hrs
FED 504 Evaluation of Teaching/Learning 3 sem. hrs
FED 529 Computer-Based Instructional Technology 3 sem. hrs

SPECIAL EDUCATION CERTIFIED STUDENTS MUST TAKE SIX SEMESTER HOURS OF COURSE WORK IN LIEU OF INTERNSHIP

Candidates holding a class "B" teaching certificate in a field other than special education may enter the traditional M.Ed. program but are required to take:
SPE 403 IEP Writing 3 sem. hrs
SPE 501 Introduction to the Study of Exceptional Children 3 sem. hrs

Class "A" Certification
Collaborative Teacher K-6
36 sem. hrs

SPE 516 Collaborative Consultation 3 sem. hrs
SPE 522 Learning Strategies for Elementary Schools 3 sem. hrs
SPE 530 Behavior Management 3 sem. hrs
SPE 540 Teaching Elementary Students w/Disabilities 3 sem. hrs
SPE 541 Teaching ECE Students w/Disabilities 3 sem. hrs
SPE 595 Internship in Special Education 6 sem. hrs
ECE 520 Foundations of Teaching Reading 3 sem. hrs
FED 501 Foundations of Education OR 3 sem. hrs
FED 521 Multicultural Education 3 sem. hrs
FED 504 Evaluations of Teaching/Learning 3 sem. hrs
FED 529 Computer Based Instructional Technology 3 sem. hrs
FED 503 Introduction to Educational Research 3 sem. hrs

SPECIAL EDUCATION CERTIFIED STUDENTS MUST TAKE SIX SMESTER HOURS OF COURSE WORK IN LIEU OF INTERNSHIP

Candidates holding a class "B" teaching certificate in a field other than special education may enter the traditional M.Ed. program but are required to take:
SPE 403 IEP Writing 3 sem. hrs
SPE 501 Introduction to the Study of Exceptional Children 3 sem. hrs

Class "A" Certification
Collaborative Teacher 6-12
36 sem. hrs

SPE 500 Teaching Secondary Students w/Disabilities 3 sem. hrs
SPE 516 Collaborative Consultation 3 sem. hrs
SPE 520 Learning Strategies for Adolescents 3 sem. hrs
SPE 525 Transitioning Students w/Disabilities 3 sem. hrs
SPE 530 Behavior Management 3 sem. hrs
SPE 595 Internship in Special Education 6 sem. hrs
FED 501 Foundations of Education OR 3 sem. hrs
FED 521 Multicultural Education 3 sem. hrs
FED 504 Evaluation of Teaching/Learning 3 sem. hrs
FED 529 Computer-Based Instructional Technology 3 sem. hrs
FED 503 Introduction to Educational Research 3 sem. hrs
SED 521 English in the Secondary Schools OR 3 sem. hrs
SED 523 Social Science in the Secondary Schools OR 3 sem. hrs
SED 524 Science in the Secondary Schools AND/OR 3 sem. hrs

SPECIAL EDUCATION CERTIFIED STUDENTS MUST TAKE SIX sem. hrs OF COURSE WORK IN LIEU OF INTERNSHIP

Candidates holding a class "B" teaching certificate in a field other than special education may enter the traditional M.Ed. program but are required to take:
SPE 403 IEP Writing 3 sem. hrs
SPE 501 Introduction to the Study of Exceptional Children 3 sem. hrs

Alternative Fifth-Year
Collaborative Teacher K-6
51 sem. hrs

SPE 501 Introduction to the Study of Exceptional Children 3 sem. hrs
SPE 515 Language Development 3 sem. hrs
SPE 516 Collaborative Consultation 3 sem. hrs
SPE 518 Application of Child Development to SPE 3 sem. hrs
SPE 522 Learning Strategies for Elementary Schools 3 sem. hrs
SPE 530 Behavior Management 3 sem. hrs
SPE 540 Teaching Elementary Students w/Disabilities 3 sem. hrs
SPE 541 Teaching ECE Students w/Disabilities 3 sem. hrs
SPE 595 Internship in Special Education 6 sem. hrs
FED 501 Foundations of Education OR 3 sem. hrs
FED 521 Multicultural Education 3 sem. hrs
FED 504 Evaluation of Teaching/Learning 3 sem. hrs
FED 503 Introduction to Educational Research 3 sem. hrs
FED 529 Computer-Based Instructional Technology 3 sem. hrs
ECE 503 Learning Styles 3 sem. hrs
ECE 512 Investigation of Language Arts 3 sem. hrs
ECE 520 Foundations of Teaching Reading 3 sem. hrs

Undergraduate prerequisites for Alternative Fifth-Year, Collaborative K-6:
SPE 303 Assessment of Children 3 sem. hrs
SPE 403 IEP Writing 3 sem. hrs
SPE 401 Corrective Reading 3 sem. hrs
EDU 305 Mat./Meth. of Teaching Math in Elem. Schools 3 sem. hrs

Alternative Fifth-Year
Collaborative Teacher 6-12
51 sem. hrs

SPE 500 Teaching Secondary Students w/Disabilities 3 sem. hrs
SPE 501 Introduction to the Study of Exceptional Children 3 sem. hrs
SPE 516 Collaborative Teaching 3 sem. hrs
SPE 518 Application of Child Development to SPE 3 sem. hrs
SPE 520 Learning Strategies for Adolescents 3 sem. hrs
SPE 525 Transitioning Students w/Disabilities 3 sem. hrs
SPE 530 Behavior Management 3 sem. hrs
SPE 595 Internship in Special Education 6 sem. hrs
FED 501 Foundations of Education OR 3 sem. hrs
FED 521 Multicultural Education 3 sem. hrs
FED 503 Introduction to Educational Research 3 sem. hrs
FED 504 Evaluation of Teaching/Learning 3 sem. hrs
FED 529 Computer-Based Instructional Technology 3 sem. hrs
SED 515 Reaching in the Content Area 3 sem. hrs
SED 521 English in the Secondary Schools OR 3 sem. hrs
SED 523 Social Science in the Secondary School or 3 sem. hrs
SED 524 Science in the Secondary Schools AND/OR 3 sem. hrs
SED 530 Secondary School Curriculum 3 sem. hrs

Undergraduate prerequisites for Alternative Fifth-Year, Collaborative 6-12:
SPE 205 Language Development 3 sem. hrs
SPE 403 IEP Writing 3 sem. hrs
SPE 436 Assessment of Secondary Students 3 sem. hrs
EDU 422 Teaching Math in Secondary Schools 3 sem. hrs

Class "AA" Certification (Education Specialist Degree)
Collaborative Teacher K-6
36 sem. hrs

Class "AA" Certification (Education Specialist Degree)
Collaborative Teacher 6-12
36 sem. hrs

SPE 609 Seminar in Special Education 3 sem. hrs
SPE 641 Evaluation Meth/Mat for Special Education 3 sem. hrs
SPE 644 Curriculum Planning 6-12 3 sem. hrs
SPE 660 Advanced Collaborative Consultation 3 sem. hrs
SPE 665 Supervising Collaborative 6-12 Programs 3 sem. hrs
SPE 667 Grant Writing 3 sem. hrs
SPE 698 Thesis I 3 sem. hrs
SPE 699 Thesis II 3 sem. hrs
FED 600 Advanced Curriculum Development 3 sem. hrs
FED 602 Advanced Educational Statistics 3 sem. hrs
FED 603 Advanced Educational Research 3 sem. hrs
FED 604 Advanced Evaluation of Teaching/Learning 3 sem. hrs

COMMUNICATIVE SCIENCES AND DISORDERS
104 Carver Complex North

MISSION

The Communicative Sciences and Disorders Program seeks to provide an education and scholarly environment in which graduate students receive quality academic training and professional experience.

OBJECTIVES

Alabama A&M University's master's degree program in Communicative Sciences and Disorders has as its primary objective the education of highly competent speech-language pathologists who are capable of interacting in a variety of employment settings such as hospitals, clinics, public schools, rehabilitation centers, private practice, nursing facilities, or special centers/schools. The second objective is to provide training which allows persons with varying backgrounds and teacher certification to become fully qualified to apply for the Alabama Class "A" Teaching Certificate, for state licensure, and for the Certificate of Clinical Competence (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association) upon completion of academic and clinical components of the program, and completion of Clinical Fellowship. The third objective of the program is to increase the representation of ASHA certified minority speech-language pathologists.

ADMISSION

Students must first meet all requirements for admission to the School of Graduate Studies plus the following criteria:

1. An undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or better (on a 4.0 grading scale).
2. A GRE score of 800 or better (combined Verbal and Quantitative); a minimum score of 400 on the Verbal portion of the GRE is required.
3. A demonstration of continuing improvement of academic performance in the event Criteria 1 and 2 are unmet.

The following information must be submitted with application:

1. Transcripts of all undergraduate work attempted, including junior colleges and community colleges.
2. An official copy of scores on the Graduate Records Examination (GRE).
3. Three letters of recommendation (on departmental or institutional letterhead).
4. A letter, typed by the applicant, expressing a Statement of Professional Goals and Objectives.

Because the CSD Program is limited in its graduate enrollment, applications are reviewed carefully to assign priority to the most qualified students. It should be noted that not every student whose credentials meet stated quantitative standards will be admitted.

DEGREE CONCENTRATIONS

The "AA" certification is offered in Communicative Sciences and Disorders.

A non-traditional, fifth-year option is offered to those individuals who have a non-teaching degree and wish to obtain an Alabama Teaching Certificate in Special Education in the area of Communicative Sciences and Disorders. Certain restrictions apply to those programs, and students should consult with an advisor for specific information on these options.

A "Strengthening Subject Matter Option" (SSMO) is available to students majoring Communicative Sciences and Disorders where, by meeting certain requirements, they may elect to emphasize more core courses in their chosen major. This option will lead to Alabama Teaching Certification at the master's level or to "A" certification.

A third option, Clinical, is available to Communicative Sciences and Disorders majors. All options in the Communicative Sciences and Disorders area will lead to the opportunity for certification by the American Speech and Hearing Association.

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

Communicative Sciences and Disorders degree leading to Class "A" certification is a 46-semester hour program. Students may pursue a 42-semester hour course work plus a 6-hour thesis option or a 46-hour course work curriculum, culminating in the passage of the Praxis examination. Students are required to enroll in CSD 516 Advanced Clinical Practicum every semester of enrollment until all required clinical clock hours are completed for ASHA certification. Students will not be permitted to graduate until all clinical clock hours are completed.

Each student's program is planned with the guidance of, and in consultation with, a departmental advisor in the area of Communicative Sciences and Disorders. The department does not take responsibility for courses taken without departmental advisement and approval. A copy of the program of study can be obtained from the department.

All candidates must pass, with a score of 600 or above, the National Examination in Speech-Language Pathology (Praxis) to fulfill the requirements for graduation. The University must receive evidence of a passing test score by the official date of the comprehensive exam of final semester of registered enrollment.

Upon admission to the CSD program, decisions on clinical/academic performance and possible termination of students from the program will be based on factors such as course grades, demonstrated clinical competence, and personality/disposition factors.

Application for Admission and Notification of Admission

Selected applicants are admitted to the Program in the fall and spring semesters of the academic year for which they apply. To ensure that each application receives an unbiased, unhurried assessment, complete application packages for the Program must be received in the Office of Graduate Studies, Alabama A&M University, P.O. Box 998, Normal, Alabama 35762, no later than April 15 (for the following fall admission) and October 15 (for the following spring admission).

Notification of the decision for admission to the CSD Program will be sent to the applicant by the School of Graduate Studies no later than June 1 for fall admission and December 15 for spring admission. Two forms of notification are possible:

1. The applicant is admitted to the CSD Program.
2. The applicant is not selected for admission.

The successful applicant will notify the School of Graduate Studies and the CSD Program faculty, in writing, that the applicant accepts or rejects the position in the program within 30 days of date of notification. Those that were not selected for admission may apply again for future consideration.

If there are other questions concerning graduate admissions to the CSD Program please contact Dr. Terry D. Douglas, Program Director at P.O Box 357, Normal, Alabama 35762 or call Dr. Jennifer Vinson, Program Coordinator at (256) 372-4035.

COMMUNICATIVE SCIENCES AND DISORDERS MASTER'S DEGREE PROGRAM

CSD 504 Advanced Evaluation & Assessment of Communicative Disorders 3 sem. hrs
CSD 510 Stuttering and Other Disorders of Speech Flow 3 sem. hrs
CSD 513 Language Disorders in Adults 3 sem. hrs
CSD 515 Language Development in Communication Disorders 3 sem. hrs
CSD 516 Advanced Clinical Practicum 3 sem. hrs
CSD 520 Language Disorders in Children 3 sem. hrs
CSD 522 Voice Disorders 3 sem. hrs
CSD 525 Case Management in SLP 3 sem. hrs
CSD 532 Instrumentation in Speech and Hearing Science 2 sem. hrs
CSD 534 Articulation and Developmental Phonological Disorders 3 sem. hrs
CSD 538 Neuroanatomy 3 sem. hrs
CSD 539 Craniofacial Anomalies 2 sem. hrs
CSD 544 Motor Speech 3 sem. hrs
CSD 545 Swallowing Disorders 3 sem. hrs
CSD 598 Research Methodologies in Communication Disorders 3 sem. hrs
PSY 502 Descriptive & Inferential Behavioral Statistics 3 sem. hrs

If you do not have a bachelor's degree in speech-language pathology you will need to take the following prerequisite courses:
CSD 202/500 Survey/Intro of Communication Disorders
CSD 203 Phonetics
CSD 204 Anatomy and Physiology of Speech Mechanism
CSD 205 Language Development
CSD 215 Articulation and Phonological Disorders
CSD 307 Principles of Diagnostic Assessment in Communication Disorders
CSD 310 Clinical Procedures in Communication Disorders
CSD 414 Advanced Speech Pathology
CSD 509 Hab/Rehab of the Hearing Impaired
CSD 514 Audiology