College of Health and Behavioral Studies

Phone: (540) 568-2705
MSC: 4101
Location: Health and Behavioral Studies Building, Room 5051
Website: http://chbs.jmu.edu

Academic Units

Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders  
Ayasakanta Rout, Head

Department of Health Professions  
Kirk J. Armstrong, Head

Department of Health Sciences  
Catherine Zeman, Head

Department of Kinesiology  
Elizabeth Edwards, Interim Head

School of Nursing  
Melody Eaton, Head

Department of Psychology  
Jessica Salvatore, Head

Department of Social Work  
Simon Funge, Head

Mission, Vision and Values

Mission

We engage students, faculty and communities in learning, scholarship and service in health and behavioral studies to inspire responsible contributions to our world.

Vision

CHBS will be a leader in collaborative education, scholarship and practice that drive real world advancements.

Values

We promote and support departments, programs and initiatives that advance a culture of excellence and uphold the following values:

Scholarship & Professional Development

Participate actively in research and continual professional development.

Research refers to systematic examination of phenomena using scientific methods and includes:

• Basic Research–leads to understanding of fundamental questions.
• Applied Research–relates basic research to find solutions to everyday problems.
• Translational Research–relates basic research to professional applications that enhance human health and well-being in a multi-disciplinary environment.

Professional Development includes activities designed to enhance professional knowledge and skills.

Innovation

Pursue creative approaches/trends that strive toward new and effective solutions, while respecting successful traditions and established best practices.

Diversity

Appreciate that salient differences, including intersectionality, among and between constituencies and create opportunities for all individuals to have a voice in CHBS endeavors.

Engaged Learning

Employ teaching and learning strategies within various curricula to foster effective thinking, discernment, discovery and lifelong learning skills.

Integrity

Act in a manner consistent with stated personal, professional, college and university values.

Collaboration

Communicate and recognize commonalities, respect differences, and search cooperatively for possibilities to engage in interprofessional and interdisciplinary work.

Collegiality

Respect that everyone has a role to play in achieving the CHBS vision.  This shared purpose can be achieved while valuing each other’s contributions.

Community

In and beyond our college, impact-driven interactions feature trust, respect, mutuality, service and associations inclusive of multiple viewpoints.

Majors and Minors

Students may select from a variety of majors, minors, programs and concentrations that are available through the departments in the College of Health and Behavioral Studies. Programs offered include the following:

Majors 

Communication Sciences and Disorders major; B.A. degree option  

Communication Sciences and Disorders major; B.S. degree option  

Dietetics, B.S.  

Health Sciences Major; B.S. degree option  

Health Services Administration, B.S.  

Kinesiology, B.S.  

Nursing, B.S.N.  

Nursing, R.N. to B.S.N.  

General Psychology, B.A.  

General Psychology, B.S.  

Social Work, B.S.W.  

Minors

Chronic Illness Minor  

Coaching Education Minor  

Family Studies Minor  

Non-Profit Studies Minor  

Sport Communication Minor  

Substance Use Disorder Education Minor  

Cross Disciplinary Programs, Outreach Programs, Partnerships, Academic Centers and Institutes

The College of Health and Behavioral Studies places a high value on partnerships with the community. These partnerships and our outreach programs are integral to our academic programs and assist us in meeting our responsibility to participate in efforts to enhance the well-being of our community. We value the impact of experiential activities on the enrichment of student learning. Many of the programs within the college are cross disciplinary in nature, reflecting our commitment and supporting the mission of the college. Further details about these cross disciplinary programs are provided in the minors and Academic Institutes and Centers sections of the catalog and on the CHBS website.