Department of Clinical Health Sciences

Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSDO)

Communication Sciences and Disorders Clinic
Manning Hall Room 108
361-593-3493

The Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders requires a minimum of 120-121 hours for graduation with a minor in psychology. An overall GPA of 2.75 is the required minimum for any CSDO undergraduate major. In addition, by the completion of the first four core major classes:

CSDO 2302Introd to Comm Disorders3
CSDO 2325Phonetics3
CSDO 3321Anat of Auditory and Vocal Mec3
CSDO 3333Normal Language Acquisition3

A 2.75 GPA must be maintained in CSDO major courses. Students must have adequate written and oral communication skills (see CSDO 4223) prior to graduation. Students with less than a 2.75 grade point average in CSDO major classes must petition the CSDO program director before enrollment in any subsequent class will be permitted.

The undergraduate program in Communication Sciences and Disorders prepares students with background knowledge and training to apply for a graduate program in audiology and speech-language pathology (SLP) or to work as a speech language pathology assistant upon completion of clinical practicum with an employer after graduation. A Master’s Degree in communication sciences and disorders is required in order to be a licensed speech-language pathologist in the State of Texas.

Students in communication sciences and disorders have the opportunity to gain practical experience in the Communication Sciences and Disorders Clinic.

Students should be advised that the Texas State Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology may deny a license to an applicant because of conviction for a felony or misdemeanor if the crime directly relates to the professional duties of a speech-language pathologist, assistant in speech-language pathology or audiologist.

Social Work (SCWK)

Social Work Program Office
Manning Hall Rom 152
361-593-4990

The profession of social work is based on the values of service, social and economic justice, dignity and worth of the person, importance of human relationships and integrity and competence in practice. With these values as defining principles, the primary mission of the social work program at Texas A&M University-Kingsville is to prepare graduates to provide competent, entry-level, generalist social work to diverse populations. The social work program is committed to promoting professional social work values, ethics and practice in the development of social work knowledge and responsive social service delivery systems. In Texas and other states, jobs with the title of social worker can be filled only by individuals with a professional license to practice social work at the BSW, MSW, or clinical licensing level.

Accreditation

The Bachelor of Social Work (B.S.W.) degree program at Texas A&M University-Kingsville is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

Degree Requirements

The B.S.W. degree requires the completion of 120 semester credit hours including 54 hours in social work and 66 semester credit hours in liberal arts and related courses. The major in social work does not require the student to have a minor.

Admission to the Program

Students admitted to the university may declare Pre-Social Work as their major and initiate a general academic program preparatory to this objective. Successful completion of the introductory social work course, The Social Work Profession I (SCWK 2331), is required for formal admission consideration into the B.S.W. degree program. Students must pass this course with a C grade or better in order to be considered for the social work major. The qualifications for admission to the B.S.W. degree program are as follows:

  1. Completion of 41 semester hours of coursework including the following courses, or their equivalent, with an overall institutional grade point average of 2.50 or better.
    BIOL 1306
    BIOL 1106
    General Biology I
    and General Biology Laboratory I
    4
    BIOL 2401Human Anatomy and Physiol4
    ENGL 1171Information Literacy1
    ENGL 1301Rhetoric and Composition3
    ENGL 1302Rhetoric and Composition3
    ENGL 2342Introduction to Literature3
    or ENGL 2362 Read in Short Story and Drama
    HIST 1301American History to 18773
    HIST 1302American History since 18773
    POLS 2301Government and Politics of US3
    POLS 2302Government and Politics of TX3
    UNIV 1101Learning in Global Context I1
    UNIV 1102Learning in Global Context II1
    University Mathematics requirement
    University Creative Arts requirement
    University Communication requirement
    Total Semester Credit Hours32
  2. Completion of PSYC 2301, SOCI 1301 and SCWK 2331 with a C or better and a 2.5 grade point average in these three courses.
  3.  Completion of 20 hours of social or human service work approved by the Social Work Program.
  4. Submission of an acceptable personal narrative paper as outlined by the Social Work Program.
  5. Submission of an Application for Admission into the B.S.W. degree program on forms provided by the Social Work Program and in accordance with the policies and procedures set forth in the Social Work Student Handbook, which is available in the program office and online at the program website.

Retention in the Program

A student may be advised to consider another major at any point after achieving admission into the B.S.W. degree program based on social work faculty’s assessment of student’s performance and/or professional performance and suitability for the social work profession. The social work faculty continually assesses B.S.W. degree students’ academic progress and suitability for the major. B.S.W. degree students must maintain at least a 2.50 grade point average overall in their major and earn a grade of C or higher in all social work major courses. The social work program at Texas A&M University-Kingsville also expects students to adhere to the social work profession’s Code of Ethics and all students are required to become a student member of the social work professional organization, the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) prior to field practicum admission.

Department Faculty

Boone, Mariah Associate Professor of Practice; B.S.W. University of North Texas; M.S.W., University of Texas of Austin

Coleman, Haley Assistant Professor of Practice, Department of Clinical Health Sciences; B.S., West Texas A&M University; M.S., West Texas A&M University; Ed.D., Texas A&M University Kingsville.

Croft, Maureen Associate Professor, Department of Clinical Health Sciences; B.S., Texas A&M University; M.S.W., University of Houston; Ph.D., University of Tennessee-Knoxville.

Forman, Debra Assistant Professor of Practice, Department of Clinical Health Sciences; B.S., University of Central Florida; M.A., University of Central Florida; ClinScD, Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions.

Garcia, Crystal N Assistant Professor, Department of Clinical Health Sciences; B.A., Texas Tech University; M.S.W., Our Lady of the Lake University; Ph.D., Our Lady of the Lake University.

Garza, Karla Assistant Professor of Practice, Department of Clinical Health Sciences; B.S., Texas A&M International University; M.S., Our Lady of the Lake University.

Hernandez-Perez, Lydia Assistant Professor of Practice, Department of Clinical Health Sciences; B.S., Texas A&I University; M.S., Texas A&M University-Kingsville.

Krestar, Maura Associate Professor, Department of Clinical Health Sciences; Chair; B.A., Mercyhurst University; M.A., Cleveland State University; Ph.D., Cleveland State University.

Luckett, Robert Assistant Professor, Department of Clinical Health Sciences; B.S., College of Charleston; M.S.W., University of South Carolina; Ed.D., Texas A&M University-Kingsville.

Oller, Stephen Professor, Department of Clinical Health Sciences; B.S., University of Louisiana at Lafayette; Ph.D., University of Louisiana at Lafayette.

Swartz, Eric Professor, Department of Clinical Health Sciences; B.S., University of Nebraska; M.A., University of Northern Colorado; Ph.D., Bowling Green State University.

Villa, Robert Professor, Department of Clinical Health Sciences; B.A., New Mexico Highlands University; Ph.D., University of Utah.

Young, Teresa Associate Professor, Department of Clinical Health Sciences; B.S.W., The University of North Alabama; M.S.W., The University of Alabama; Ph.D., The University of Alabama.

Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSDO)

CSDO 2302  Introd to Comm Disorders  3 SCH  (3-0)  

Cause, diagnosis and therapies of communication disorders, delays or differences.

CSDO 2325  Phonetics  3 SCH  (3-0)  

Training in the use of the International Phonetic Alphabet and practice in the transcription of normal and disordered speech.

CSDO 3313  Introduction To Audiology  3 SCH  (3-1.5)  

Basic audiological concepts and their applicability to instrumentation and educational procedures utilized in the habilitation and/or rehabilitation of the pre-school and school aged child. Prerequisite: CSDO 3321; GPA 2.75 overall, 2.75 GPA in CSDO courses.

CSDO 3321  Anat of Auditory and Vocal Mec  3 SCH  (3-0)  

Designed to acquaint the student with the physiology and functions of the vocal and auditory mechanisms. Prerequisites: CSDO 2302; GPA 2.75 overall, and 2.75 GPA in CSDO courses.

CSDO 3333  Normal Language Acquisition  3 SCH  (3-0)  

Symblolic system used by humans to communicate; role of learning in perception, comprehension and expression of linguistic codes; sequential development of normal language skills. Prerequisite: one COMS course.

CSDO 4223  Clin Pract In Spe-Lang Path  2 SCH  (0-4-0)  

Administration of speech/language therapy and diagnostic evaluation under direct supervision. May be repeated once. Attendance required at weekly clinical conference. Prerequisites: CSDO 3333, CSDO 4321, and completion or enrollment in CSDO 4390; an overall grade point average of 3.0; a grade point average of 2.75 GPA in CSDO courses; and senior standing in CSDO.

Fee: $5.00

CSDO 4321  Articulatory and Phonolog Diso  3 SCH  (3-0)  

Development of speech sounds, etiologies of articulation and phonolical disorders, assessment, procedures and therapeutic approaches for working with individuals with articulation disorders. Demonstration and simulated practice. Students will complete a minimum of 5 hours of observation to be completed via video observation or in person of theraphy targeted to articulation/phonology therapy in the Communication Disorders Clinic. Prerequisites: CSDO 2302 and CSDO 2325; GPA 2.75 overall, 2.75 GPA in CSDO courses.

CSDO 4327  Diagnostics in S/L Path (WI)  3 SCH  (3-1)  

Diagnostic process in Communication Disorders. Knowledge of test protocols and assessment methods in language, articulation, voice and stuttering disorders. Written reports and observations, researched essay. A minimum of 5 hours of observation of diagnostic evaluations in the Communication Disorders Clinic. Prerequisites: CSDO 2302, CSDO 2325, CSDO 3321, CSDO 3333, CSDO 4321, CSDO 4329 and CSDO 4335; GPA 2.75 overall and GPA 2.75 for CSDO courses required.

CSDO 4329  Voice and Fluency Disorders  3 SCH  (3-1)  

Symptoms and etiologies of voice and fluency disorders. Diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Students will complete a minimum of 5 hours of observation to be completed via video observation or in person of therapy targeted in the Communication Disorders Clinic. Prerequisites: CSDO 2302 and CSDO 3321; GPA 2.75 overall, 2.75 GPA in CSDO courses.

CSDO 4331  Speech and Hearing Science  3 SCH  (3-0)  

Physical properties of sound, sound measurement, basic auditory function, acoustic and physiological phonetics and the perception of speech. Prerequisite: CSDO 3321; GPA 2.75 overall, 2.75 GPA in CSDO courses.

CSDO 4335  Comm Disorders in Children  3 SCH  (3-0)  

Interventions (principles and methods) for developmentally delayed or disordered language; specific procedures for planning and implementation of therapy. Students will complete a minimum of 5 hours of observation to be completed via video observation or in person of therapy targeted to child speech/language therapy in the Communication Disorders Clinic. Prerequisites: CSDO 3333; GPA 2.75 overall, 2.75 GPA in CSDO courses.

CSDO 4336  Comm Disorders in Adults  3 SCH  (3-1)  

Adult disordered communicative processes. Signs and symptoms, etiology, clinical course and vocational-social impact of these disorders. Principles of assessment and intervention. Students will complete a minimum of 5 hours of observation to be completed via video observation or in person of therapy targeted to adult speech/language therapy in the Communication Disorders Clinic. Prerequisites: CSDO 2302, CSDO 2325, and CSDO 3321; GPA 2.75 overall, 2.75 GPA in CSDO courses.

CSDO 4390  Clinical Methodologies  3 SCH  (3-1)  

Designed to acquaint the student with clinical methods in speech-language pathology before beginning clinical practice. Topics include target behaviors, treatment methods and controlling and maintaining target behaviors. Prerequisites: CSDO 2302, CSDO 2325, CSDO 3321, CSDO 3333, CSDO 4321, CSDO 4329, CSDO 4335; GPA 2.75 overall, 2.75 GPA in CSDO courses.

Social Work (SCWK) 

SCWK 2331  The Social Work Profession I  3 SCH  (3-0)  

Survey of the social work profession, including history, philosophy, ethics and relevance to current social issues. Participation with service agencies to assess interest in pursuing social work as a career.

SCWK 3325  Human Behavior in Soci Envir I  3 SCH  (3-0)  

A multidimensional approach to examining the behavior of individuals, families, groups, organizations, communities, and society as a whole. Theories and research of human behavior across system levels are critically evaluated as applications are made to social work practice. Prerequisite: SCWK 2331.

SCWK 3329  Social Welfare: Policy/Advoc I  3 SCH  (3-0)  

Historical and current survey of the social service delivery system as a response to human need. History, mission and philosophy of social welfare. Prerequisite: SCWK 2331.

SCWK 3331  Social Work Practice I  3 SCH  (3-0)  

Social work practice from a generalist perspective with emphasis on the acquisition of values, knowledge, and skills necessary for working with clients at the micro and mezzo system levels of practice. Prerequisites: SCWK 2331 and admission to the B.S.W. degree program.

SCWK 3333  SCWK Research & Eval I (WI)  3 SCH  (3-0)  

Principles and methods of evidence-based practice and research design in social work. Emphasis is placed on the use of research findings to improve practice, policy, and social service delivery. Prerequisites: SCWK 2331, admission to the B.S.W. degree program, and credit or registration in PSYC 3381 or SOCI 3381.

SCWK 3335  Human Behavior in Soc Envir II  3 SCH  (3-0)  

Includes the study of individuals as they biologically, psychologically, socially, culturally, and spiritually develop over the human life course within their environment. Theories and research of human development within environmental context are critically evaluated as applications are made to social work practice. Prerequisite: SCWK 3325.

SCWK 3339  Social Welfare: Policy/Advo II  3 SCH  (3-0)  

Critical analysis of the legislative process, policy analysis, and policy implementation in social work practice with an emphasis on client advocacy. Prerequisites: SCWK 3329 and admission to the B.S.W. degree program.

SCWK 3341  Social Work Practice II  3 SCH  (3-0)  

Social work practice from a generalist perspective with emphasis on the acquisition of values, knowledge, and skills necessary for working with clients at the mezzo and macro system levels of practice. Prerequisites: SCWK 3331 and admission to the B.S.W. degree program.

SCWK 3343  Social Work Research & Eval II  3 SCH  (3-0)  

Principles and methods of measurement and program evaluation in social work. Emphasis is placed on measurement in program and practice evaluation to improve practice, policy, and social service delivery. Prerequisites: SCWK 3333 and admission to the B.S.W. degree program.

SCWK 4306  Selected Topics in Social Work  3 SCH  (3-0)  

Literature and research in areas of social work not otherwise treated in depth in available courses. May be repeated once as topics change. Prerequisite: SCWK 2331.

SCWK 4311  Youth & Family Social Work  3 SCH  (3-0)  

Principles and methods of generalist social work with children, adolescents, and families across system levels and practice settings. Prerequisite: SCWK 2331.

SCWK 4313  Mental Health Social Work  3 SCH  (3-0)  

Principles and methods of generalist social work in the area of mental health across system levels and practice settings. Prerequisite: SCWK 2331.

SCWK 4315  Health Social Work  3 SCH  (3-0)  

Principles and methods of generalist social work in the area of health care across system levels and practice settings. Prerequisite: SCWK 2331.

SCWK 4317  Forensic Social Work  3 SCH  (3-0)  

Principles and methods of generalist social work in the areas of criminal and juvenile justice across system levels and practice settings. Prerequisite: SCWK 2331.

SCWK 4319  Geriatric Social Work  3 SCH  (3-0)  

Principles and methods of generalist social work in the area of gerontology across system levels and practice settings. Prerequisite: SCWK 2331.

SCWK 4321  School Social Work  3 SCH  (3-0)  

Social work generalist practice in school environments. Emphasis is on social work intervention methods: knowledge and skills related to strengths-based, client-centered, and family-focused approaches. Roles of the school social worker, emphasizing person in the school environment; social work practice with vulnerable children and youth, families, teachers, and administrators. Prerequisite: SCWK 2331.

SCWK 4323  Diverse Populations  3 SCH  (3-0)  

Cultural competence when working with individuals of varying socio-cultural backgrounds. Problems and evidence-based strategies associated with social and cultural constructions, as well as discussions related to culturally competent and responsive practice approaches. Prerquisite: SCWK 2331 (may be taken concurrently); Pre-Social Work majors require permission from program director.

SCWK 4327  Basic Case Management  3 SCH  (3-0)  

Fundamentals of case management within human services, social services, and non-profit organizations. Case management techniques in health, mental health, geriatrics, criminal justice, and/or child welfare. Prerequisite: SCWK 2331 (may be taken concurrently); Pre-Social Work majors require permission from program director.

SCWK 4331  Social Work Profession II (WI)  3 SCH  (3-0)  

Capstone course in social work, reinforcing students' social work identity, life-long learning, and career development. Includes the B.S.W. degree program exit exam, social work career development, licensure preparation, and emphasizes life-long learning. Prerequisites: SCWK 4641 and registration or credit in SCWK 4643.

SCWK 4386  Research in Social Work  1-3 SCH  (1-3)  

Individual instruction in supervised research experience in social work. May entail library research, data collection, data entry, statistical analysis and/or assistance in planning and conducting parts of a research project. A paper on the research experience is required. May be repeated for a maximum of 3 semester credit hours. Prerequisites: SCWK 3335, SCWK 3339, SCWK 3341, SCWK 3343, consent of the instructor, and admission to the B.S.W. degree program.

SCWK 4641  Social Work Practicum I  6 SCH  (2-16-0)  

First in a sequence of two field practicums. Educationally directed and professionally supervised direct service activities providing practical experience in the application of social work values, knowledge, and skills acquired in social work foundation courses. Two hundred (200) clock hours of field placement and a weekly seminar of two hours. Prerequisites: SCWK 3335, SCWK 3339, SCWK 3341, SCWK 3343, good standing in the B.S.W. degree program, and permission of the Social Work Program Director and Field Education Coordinator.

SCWK 4643  Social Work Practicum II  6 SCH  (2-16-0)  

The second in a sequence of two field practicums. Educationally directed and professionally supervised direct service activities providing practical experience in the application of social work values, knowledge, and skills acquired in social work foundation courses. Two hundred (200) clock hours of field placement and a weekly seminar of two hours. Prerequisites: SCWK 4641, good standing in the B.S.W. degree program, and permission of the Social Work Field Education Coordinator.