Applied Clinical and Educational Sciences

Undergraduate Catalog

Dr. Vicki Hammen, Chairperson
Department Office: University Hall, room 211
Web site: https://indianastate.edu/academics/colleges/education/aces

In addition to the undergraduate majors in communication sciences and disorders and human development and family sciences, the department offers a minor and certificate in gerontology. The department also offers a number of graduate degree programs and several undergraduate courses in counseling, school, and educational psychology which may meet Undergraduate Core Curriculum requirements or count as electives in undergraduate programs.

Communication Science and Disorders: Speech-Language Pathology Programs

The communication disorders area of the department offers undergraduate and graduate preparation in communication sciences and disorders and speech-language pathology. The undergraduate program provides a thorough theoretical base and an introduction to disorders that affect communication. The undergraduate program includes practicum experiences for qualified students on campus at the Rowe Center for Communicative Disorders.

Students interested in pursuing certification from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and state licensure as speech-language pathologists must first complete the baccalaureate degree in communication sciences and disorders, and then a master’s degree in speech-language pathology. Undergraduate students may earn the bachelor of science degree. Candidates for this degree should consult the University requirements described elsewhere in the Catalog. The requirements for the accredited master of science degree can be found in the Graduate Catalog.

Experiential Learning

Communication Disorders - Undergraduate completion of the CD 398 and CD 400 sequence of courses provides the learner with guided experiences involving the evaluation and treatment of individuals with communication disorders. In CD 398: Introduction to Clinical Methods and Procedures, students assist an advanced graduate student with their assigned client. With mentoring by the graduate student and supervision by a certified faculty member, the students gain knowledge and skills that will be implemented in CD 400: Clinical Practicum when they deliver services with increased independence with clientele in the Rowe Center under faculty supervision. The skills gained in the two courses will provide valuable experience for graduate study in speech-language pathology or for employment in jobs such as a speech-language pathology assistant or instructional aide.

Counseling, School, and Educational Psychology Programs

Courses in counseling offered in the department are useful for students in majors that emphasize working with people. Students learn counseling techniques for individuals and groups. The department offers accredited master’s degrees in school counseling and clinical mental health counseling; the educational specialist degree in school psychology; and a doctoral program in school psychology.

The school and educational psychology areas of the department offer courses that (a) are part of teacher licensure and other undergraduate programs, (b) may be used as electives to enrich undergraduate programs, and (c) may be used to prepare students for graduate study in school psychology or educational psychology. (Undergraduate students may not major in counseling, school psychology or educational psychology.) The fields of school psychology and educational psychology include the study of human development, learning, personality and adjustment, multicultural education and measurement and research design. A major concern is the identification and implementation of strategies that lead to effective human development.

Gerontology

A 15-credit minor in Gerontology can be completed with students that have an interest in the multi-faceted aspects of aging. The minor provides knowledge of the biological aspects of aging, an overview of individual and collective experiences of aging in modern society, the study of how to promote health and wellness among older adults. The minor includes experiential learning opportunities through a professional experience course and a gerontology practicum working with older adults.

Students in any major may elect to include a certificate in gerontology in their program of study. The 12-credit Gerontology Certificate includes content in the aging process, quality of life, death and dying.

The Gerontology Minor or Certificate complements a degree in many fields such as communication sciences and disorders, psychology, social work, public health, and others.

Human Development and Family Science

Human Development and Family Science program is certified by the National Council on Family Relations. This major involves the study of theories, research, and educational practices that encourage optimal human development within the context of family life. Students gain a life span perspective by which human development and family behavior is understood and improved. Classes explore how children, youth, adults, and families develop, change, and face challenges throughout life (infancy, childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and late life). The internship hours required for this degree are integral to learning hands-on, practical skills required of professionals in the human development and family studies field. The experience provides for reflection and understanding of how material learned in college courses apply to real-life situations. Upon graduation students have met the requirements for the Certified Family Life Educator designation, which is nationally recognized. Graduates may find employment in settings such as Head Start programs, social service agencies, family crisis centers, Cooperative Extension Service, parent education programs, senior activity centers, foster care programs, runaway centers, hospitals, adoption agencies, and family planning organizations.

Counseling Clinic

Opened in 1982, the clinic has served residents of the Wabash Valley for over 25 years. The goal is to assist individuals, couples, and families to strengthen relationships, explore concerns, and solve problems in a confidential manner. Clinic staff members are committed to providing professional services that honor unique aspects of clients’ lives such as religious affiliation, ethnicity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, and personal life philosophies.

Rowe Center for Communicative Disorders

The Rowe Center for Communicative Disorders in the Norma and William Grosjean Clinic at University Hall offers assessment and treatment for a variety of communication difficulties. Services are available for speech difficulties (articulation, voice, stuttering) language difficulties (delayed/disordered language development, aphasia, traumatic brain injury), and hearing difficulties for preschoolers, school-age children, and adults. We provide hearing screenings by appointment and at community health fairs. The center enhances learning at both graduate and undergraduate levels by providing opportunities for students to observe and practice classroom theories in a clinical situation under the supervision of licensed and certified faculty speech language pathologists.