School of Human Sciences

Audiology and Speech-Language Sciences

Location: Gunter 1400

Telephone: 970.351.2734

Fax: 970.351.2974

Faculty: Kathryn E. Bright, Ph.D.; Diane Erdbruegger, Au.D.; Kathleen R. Fahey, Ph.D.; Donald S. Finan, Ph.D.; Mark Guiberson, Ph.D.; Ellen Meyer Gregg, Ph.D.; Julie A. Hanks, Ed.D.;Deanna K. Meinke, Ph.D.; Tina M. Stoody, Ph.D.; Jennifer E. Weber, Au.D.

Emeritus Faculty: Donna J. Bottenberg, Ph.D.; Linda K. Cleeland, M.Ed.; Francis A. Griffith, Ph.D.; Dale J. Lundeen, Ph.D.

Audiology and Speech-Language Sciences (ASLS) offers an educational program with a clinical orientation. ASLS also houses the Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Clinic. ASLS offers an undergraduate pre-professional major in Audiology and Speech-Language Sciences, a professional certifying master’s degree program in speech-language pathology, and a professional certifying clinical doctorate in audiology. These programs prepare students in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of hearing, balance, speech and language disorders.

Speech-Language Pathology M.A.

This certifying master’s program is fully accredited and provides excellent academic, research, and clinical preparation.

Areas emphasized include:

• The science of communication;
• The nature, prevention, assessment, and management of:
  • developmental articulation disorders
  • language and literacy disorders
  • voice disorders
  • fluency disorders
  • pervasive developmental disorders, including autism
  • dysphagia
  • neurologic disorders including aphasia, apraxia, post head-injury disorders and dementia;
• Augmentative and alternative communication systems;
• Aural rehabilitation.

This program offers extensive supervised clinical experience through the well-equipped UNC Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Clinic and ancillary clinics in Colorado. This M.A. program is accredited by the Colorado Department of Education (CDE) and by the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). Students who complete this program are eligible to apply for the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Graduates can also qualify for licensure from the Colorado Department of Education. Career opportunities include: positions in schools, hospitals, practice in association with a range of physicians including otolaryngology, neurology, neurosurgery, psychiatry and pediatrics; rehabilitation centers, and private practice.

Admission. Students will be admitted to this limited-enrollment program on the basis of:

1. academic record,
2. Graduate Record Examination scores,
3. at least three letters of recommendation from persons familiar with their academic/clinical performance,
4. a letter of intent.

Admission to the Graduate School does not guarantee admission to the Speech-Language Pathology graduate program.

Prerequisites. This program assumes an undergraduate background in speech-language pathology and/or audiology. Students who do not have such a background must fulfill academic requirements as determined by their major advisor and should be prepared to spend a minimum of two additional semesters to complete undergraduate level courses prior to beginning graduate coursework.

For degree and program requirements, see:

Speech-Language Pathology M.A.

Audiology Au.D.

This certifying clinical doctoral degree program in audiology (Au.D.) is fully accredited and provides excellent academic, research, and clinical preparation.

Areas emphasized include:

• Basic sciences underlying the hearing and balance mechanisms;
• Diagnosis of hearing disorders in persons ranging in age from infants through older adults;
• Audiological treatment of persons who are deaf or hard of hearing, including counseling and specific treatment procedures for children and adults;
• Diagnosis for and dispensing of hearing aids and other amplification and auditory prosthetic devices;
• Educational audiology for diagnosis and treatment of hearing disorders in early childhood and K-12 educational settings;
• Consultation for and execution of hearing conservation programs for industry, schools and other agencies;
• Instrumentation used in evaluation and treatment of hearing and balance disorders;
• Fundamentals of applied research.

Specific exceptions to Graduate School requirements for doctoral degrees have been approved. These exceptions relate to the dissertation proposal, dissertation, defense of dissertation, advancement to candidacy and doctoral committees. Because of the clinical focus of this degree, rigorous academic standards are maintained through measurement of clinical competencies throughout the program rather than completion of a dissertation. Students will be required to complete a capstone research project.

This program offers extensive supervised clinical experience through the well-equipped UNC Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Clinic and ancillary clinics in Colorado. The Au.D. program leading to certification is accredited by the Colorado Department of Education (CDE) and by the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). Students who complete this program are eligible to apply for the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and/or for Board Certification in Audiology awarded by the American Board of Audiology (ABA). Graduates can also qualify for licensure from the Colorado Department of Education and/or the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies.

Career opportunities include positions in hospitals; audiology clinics; otolyrngology medical practices; rehabilitation centers; schools; industry; and private practice.

Admission: Students will be admitted to this limited-enrollment program on the basis of:

1. academic record,
2. Graduate Record Examination scores,
3. at least three letters of recommendation from persons familiar with their academic/clinical performance,
4. letter of intent.

Admission to the Graduate School does not guarantee admission to the Audiology graduate program.

Prerequisites: This program assumes an undergraduate background in audiology and/or speech-language pathology. Students who do not have such a background must fulfill academic requirements as determined by their major advisor and should be prepared to spend a minimum of two additional semesters to complete undergraduate level courses prior to beginning graduate coursework.

For degree and program requirements, see:

Audiology Au.D.

Community Health

Location: Gunter 2280

Telephone: 970.351.2755

FAX: 970.351.1489

Faculty: Elizabeth A. Gilbert, Ed.D.; Deborah A. Givray, Ed.D.; Douglas Marshall, Ph.D.; Stephen Nkansah-Amankra, Ph.D.; Ashley D. Walker, Ph.D.

Emeritus Faculty: Bryan E.M. Cooke, Ph.D.; Larry R. Harrison, M.S.; Jack LaBonde, M.A.; William Parkos, Ph.D.; Kathleen J. Zavela, Ph.D.

Public Health M.P.H.

Community Health Education Emphasis

The Master of Public Health (MPH) is the primary professional degree in the field of public health, training students for a variety of public health areas. The program provides a broad, multidisciplinary focus on the factors that influence population health from behavioral risk to environmental exposures to socioeconomic and health policy. Students acquire knowledge, skills and practical experiences that prepare them for professional activities, including: epidemiological and health services research; community needs assessment; environmental and occupational health; health policy; health promotion; and administration of public health programs. Graduates find work in research settings, health care settings, industry, government health agencies, community-based organizations and foundations, and global health. Physicians, veterinarians, nurses and other health care professionals also comprise a portion of the MPH student body, acquiring graduate training in public health to enhance their understanding of the preventative measures and underlying causes of disease.

The future of public health, a field dedicated to improving the health of populations, depends on the collaboration of educators, researchers, policy makers, communities and citizens. The new Colorado School of Public Health, collaboratively formed by the University of Colorado Denver, Colorado State University and the University of Northern Colorado, is the first and only school of public health in the Rocky Mountain region. Combining transferable courses, faculty and resources, the collaborative school allows students to access specializations, research and service centers located at the three universities.

The MPH with an emphasis in Community Health Education offered at UNC aims to prepare students to work with diverse populations and work within communities to prevent disease and develop positive, healthy lifestyles. Because of the great latitude within the field of community health education, the program allows students to tailor their program to emphasize special interests in public health. The Community Health Education concentration is designed to prepare students to serve as administrators or practitioners in a variety of health education settings. The curriculum is based upon the Council of Education for Public Health's accreditation guidelines. Elective coursework includes international health, reproductive health, stress management, grant writing and administration.

Admission: Applications to the MPH program are accepted yearly for summer or fall entry, with a deadline of February 1. Applicants should have a bachelors degree and submit the required application and materials as listed on http://www.ucdenver.edu/academics/colleges/PublicHealth/Apply/Admissions/Pages/default.aspx.

Students who seek public health training have varied backgrounds and levels of experience, though many students have a bachelors degree in a biological or sociological science. In addition, a significant number of students are currently employed while seeking professional training and advancement. Approximately 30-40% of students have a prior graduate or professional degree, including fields such as nursing, medicine, veterinary medicine, law, social work, and various laboratory sciences.

Students in the Community Health Education track are prepared to work in population based programs-helping prevent disease and developing positive health lifestyles.

For degree and program requirements, see:

Public Health M.P.H.

Community Health Education Emphasis

Gerontology

Location: Gunter 1250

Telephone: 970.351.2403

FAX: 970.351.1255

Gerontology Faculty: Susan M. Collins, Ph.D.; Robbyn R. Wacker, Ph.D.; Joyce Weil, Ph.D.

Gerontology M.A.

The Master of Arts in Gerontology prepares students for professional responsibility and leadership in the aging network. Students complete required courses that provide a multidisciplinary foundation in gerontology, and select program electives that will prepare them for working with or on behalf of older adults in direct service, management and administration, further scholarship, or similar professional endeavors.

Graduates find employment in health or mental health related positions, long term care residential or community settings, senior centers, recreation programs, agencies and organizations providing care management and/or administrating policy, community college teaching, industrial and business settings, or private consultation.

Admission. The student must send directly to the School of Human Sciences:

1. Two letters of recommendation using the UNC Letter of Recommendation for Graduate School form.
2. Provide a current resume.
3. A statement of interest covering the following topics (maximum 10 pages double-spaced):
   1. Why have you chosen gerontology? What factors and events motivated your interest in gerontology? Discuss your attitude and philosophy toward aging in general and your personal aging in particular. Also discuss your attitude or philosophy toward research, community change and advocacy.
   2. What past exposure have you had to gerontology? Include any coursework or work experience (paid or volunteer) you have had related to aging. If you have had none, provide a justification of your current interest in the field of aging.
   3. What are your career and educational goals? In what role and in what setting would you ultimately like to be employed? If you do not have a specific goal in mind, what are the areas of interest and what would you like to achieve during your graduate studies.
   4. How would you describe your strengths and weaknesses? This should cover such areas as academic ability, capacity to work with others, leadership and ability to cope with stress.

For degree and program requirements, see:

Gerontology M.A.

Gerontology Graduate Certificate Program (Non-Degree)

Rehabilitation

Location: Gunter 1250

Telephone: 970.351.2403

FAX: 970.351.1255

Rehabilitation Faculty: Jill Bezyak, Ph.D.; Juliet H. Fried, Ed.D.; Joseph N. Ososkie, Ph.D.

Emeritus Faculty : James A. Bitter, Ed.D.; Jack A. Bowen , Ph.D.; John H. Cronin, Ed.D.; Garth M. Eldredge, Ph.D.; Dennis A. Gay, Ph.D.; Raymond E. Nelson, Ph.D.; Richard Wolfe, Ph.D.

The School of Human Sciences houses the only rehabilitation degree programs in Colorado. The following graduate degree programs are offered: Master of Arts: Rehabilitation Counseling; and a Doctor of Philosophy: Human Rehabilitation.

Students in these programs are prepared at two professional levels to work with people with physical and/or mental disabilities. Both graduate programs include experiences through practica and internships.

Careers in Human Rehabilitation are available in areas of direct service, administration, teaching and research.

In addition to the academic programs, the school operates the Technical Assistance and Continuing Education (TACE) Region 8 Center.

Rehabilitation Counseling M.A.

The goal of the Rehabilitation Counseling Master's Degree Program at the University of Northern Colorado is to provide graduate students with the knowledge, skills and experiences necessary to function as rehabilitation counseling professionals.

Therefore, the mission of this program is to educate master's students in the area of Rehabilitation Counseling to assist and support individuals with disabilities or chronic illnesses to achieve maximum potential, meaningful employment, and full community integration. In doing so, the program focuses on encouraging students to pursue a life-long commitment to learning, critical thinking skills, creative problem solving, and an appreciation of the skills and abilities of individuals with disabilities. 

Admission. The student must send directly to the school:

1. Two letters of recommendation using the UNC Letter of Recommendation for Graduate School form.
2. Provide a current resume.
3. A statement of interest covering the following topics (maximum of ten pages doubled-spaced).
   1. What factors and events motivated your interest in rehabilitation? Discuss your attitude and philosophy in general. Describe your attitude or philosophy toward research, community change and advocacy.
   2. What are your career and educational goals? Why have you chosen rehabilitation counseling as your area of study? In what role and in what organizational setting would you ultimately like to be employed?
   3. What past exposure have you had to rehabilitation? Include any coursework or work experience (paid or volunteer) you have had. If you have had none, provide a justification of your current interest in the field.
   4. How would you describe your strengths and weaknesses? This should cover such areas as academic ability, capacity to work with others, leadership and ability to cope with stress.

Objectives

1. Students will develop an appreciation for cultural diversity and political values.
2. Students will develop life-long habits of scholarship and service.
3. Students will acquire knowledge and skills that prepare them for careers in Rehabilitation Counseling, Vocational Evaluation, and/or advanced scholarly work.
4. Students will master methods of inquiry to acquire deeper understanding of their discipline.
5. The professional service activities of students will be a resource to the community, state, region and nation.
6. The professional activity of faculty, staff and students extends beyond the boundaries of Colorado, to the region, the nation, and the world.
7. All students who graduate will be eligible to earn the Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) designation.
8. All students who graduate will be prepared to enter the professional Rehabilitation Counseling field in public and/or private rehabilitation programs.

For degree and program requirements, see:

Rehabilitation Counseling M.A.

Human Rehabilitation Ph.D.

The mission of the doctorate in Human Rehabilitation is to educate individuals in research and instruction in order that they may be prepared to assume leadership and university faculty positions upon graduation. Students are provided opportunities to practice knowledge they attain in courses by conducting research, instructing at the graduate and undergraduate levels, and performing counseling supervision for masters rehabilitation counselors-in-training. The intimate size of the program affords students a chance to work closely with faculty individually and in small seminars.

Admission into the doctoral program in Human Rehabilitation is determined by the graduate faculty of the school, with final approval of the graduate dean.

All doctoral applicants must meet the following criteria for preliminary consideration:

1. Hold a master's degree from an accredited college or university, in Rehabilitation Counseling or a closely allied discipline. The appropriateness of a degree in a related discipline will be determined by the graduate faculty of the school. If the student is deficient in rehabilitation counseling content, the equivalents determined by the student's program committee will be included in the plan of study.
2. Have two years of work experience (or equivalent, as determined by the school's graduate faculty) in the field of rehabilitation. This must include the minimum of one year's experience before receipt of the master's degree and completion of a minimum of two years of work experience before receipt of the doctorate.
3. Participate in a personal interview on request. Admission decisions are based on multiple criteria, without fixed weights for any individual criterion.
4. Please submit a statement of interest (double spaced, no more than 12 pages) addressing the following:
   1. State why you are interested in pursuing a doctorate in the field of rehabilitation. Did any life experiences motivate you to seek this degree?
   2. What is your career history and what, if any, role did it play in your decision to pursue doctoral studies?
   3. What are your short-term and long-range educational and career goals? What do you hope to be doing in five years? In ten years? Beyond?
   4. Express your personal attitudes towards individuals with disabilities.
   5. Who do you envision your future consumers to be once you graduate?
   6. Discuss your interest in conducting scholarly research, providing community service, and/or teaching in the field.
   7. Explain your exposure to the field of rehabilitation. Please talk about any coursework, volunteer activities, or fieldwork you have experienced.
   8. Identify your top three strengths or assets as a doctoral student. What are the primary areas in which you need to improve? We are interested, among other things, in academic, interpersonal, communication, problem-solving, planning, organizational, and work ethic skills and abilities. Do you consider yourself to be a people person? Are you creative, visionary, goal-oriented? How do you deal with stress? In short, tell us about your aptitudes as well as strengths you hope to develop.
5. Provide a current resume.

For degree and program requirements, see:

Human Rehabilitation Ph.D.