Speech-Language Pathology Specialization

The doctoral program in Speech-Language Pathology is a specialization within the Disability Disciplines PhD Program in the Emma Eccles Jones School of Education and Human Services. The Disability Disciplines Doctoral Program offers a multidisciplinary doctoral degree that brings together faculty and students across disciplinary and departmental lines to explore interrelated aspects of disabilities.  Specializations include (a) speech and language pathology, (b) special education, (b) rehabilitation counseling, (d) applied behavior analysis, and (e) disability studies.  All specializations balance a common core of multidisciplinary coursework and applied activities with a strong disciplinary focus.  Thus, both faculty and students work within a multidisciplinary context without compromising their important disciplinary perspective, knowledge, and skills.
 
The program is made up of a combination of coursework, a preliminary exam, internships, professional products, and a dissertation.   Students must pass a three-day preliminary exam that includes disciplinary knowledge, critique of a research manuscript, and design of an experimental research study.  In addition, students complete internships and professional products in eight areas critical for faculty in communication disorders and/or special education:  (1) research, (2) conference presentation, (3) writing for publication, (4) systematic review of research literature, (5) grant writing, (6) college teaching, and (7) supervision/coaching.  Detailed descriptions of these professional requirements are provided in the coursework section.

Courses and Requirements

Coursework

Core coursework that is common to all areas of disability disciplines.  This includes multidisciplinary courses that bring together diverse perspectives on disabilities and effective services as well as research methodology.  In addition, specialization courses provide deep coverage of current developments in speach-language pathology.

• Speech-Language Pathology specialization coursework

Professional Products and Internships

A set of professional products and internships provide opportunities for mentored experience in critical professional skills.

• Research Internship
• Conference Presentation
• Review of Literature
• Publication
• College Teaching Internship
• Supervision Internship
• Grant Writing

Preliminary Exams

Preliminary exams are conducted after approximately one year of full time study (or the equivalent) and provide a focus for students to attain foundational skills in research design and critique, and disciplinary knowledge. This three part exams is completed across a three day period. Components of the exam are:

• Disciplinary knowledge.  Specific questions focus on key foundational knowledge of disabilities studies.
• Design of Research. The student outlines the design of a single-subject research project on a given topic relevant to special education.
• Critique of Research. The student critiques a manuscript reporting single-subject research within special education.

Dissertation

The dissertation is the capstone experience of the doctoral program. The student plans, carries out, analyzes, and interprets substantial original research that contributes to the advancement of their field of study.

Faculty

Primary Faculty

• Kim Corbin-Lewis, PhD.
• Beth Foley, Ph.D.
• Ronald B. Gillam, Ph.D.
• Sandra L. Gillam, Ph.D.
• Todd Houston, Ph.D.
• Julie Wolter, Ph.D.

Support Faculty

• Thomas S. Higbee, Ph.D.
• Judith Holt, Ph.D.
• Benjamin Lignugaris/Kraft, Ph.D.
• Melanie Domenech Rodriguez, Ph.D.
• Charles L. Salzberg, Ph.D.
• Timothy A. Slocum, Ph.D.
• Karl White, Ph.D.

Contact Information

For information on the Special Education Specialization, please contact Dr. Ronald B. Gillam.