Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders

Communication Sciences and Disorders

Academic Unit Head: Ayasakanta Rout
Email: routax@jmu.edu
Phone: (540) 568-6440
Website: https://www.jmu.edu/chbs/csd/index.shtml

Graduate Program Directors

Master of Science (M.S.) in Speech-Language Pathology (Residential Program): Geralyn R. Timler
Email: timlergr@jmu.edu

Master of Science (M.S.) in Speech-Language Pathology (Clinical) (On-line Program): Carol C. Dudding
Email: duddincc@jmu.edu

Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.), Dual Au.D./Ph.D.: Erin G. Piker
Email: pikereg@jmu.edu

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Communication Sciences and Disorders: Rory DePaolis
Email: depaolra@jmu.edu

Professors
C. Clinard, R. DePaolis, C. Dudding, A. Rout, G. Timler

Associate Professors
E. Kamarunas, C. Kuo, J. Lee, Y. Nie, E. Piker

Assistant Professors
E. Clinard, M. Dawson, N. Go, E. Zane

Lecturers
M. Garber, S. Harbick, S. Teter

Admission Criteria

Specific admission requirements and prerequisite course work for individual programs are listed with each program description. Applications will be reviewed in accordance with the department’s holistic admission philosophy. We commit to the mission and vision of JMU’s Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, by adopting a holistic review process that fosters inclusive excellence and values the experiences and attributes that students from diverse backgrounds bring to our university. We welcome students who can think critically and who embody compassion, collaboration, adaptability, resilience and openness to feedback.

Students applying for admission to either the M.S. program in Speech-Language Pathology or the Au.D. program should be aware that some of the clinical placement sites in which students are required to complete clinical practica in order to graduate will require the student to produce a current criminal records check. It is the student’s responsibility to arrange for the check, to keep it current in order to comply with the requirements of the various clinical sites, and to advise the university and department if the status of the student’s criminal record changes at any time during the student’s program.

Mission

The Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders engages students, faculty and members of the community to advance the state of knowledge through basic and applied research, innovative professional and pre-professional education, and enhanced clinical practices to better serve those with communication disorders.

Vision

We will be recognized for bridging science and clinical practice.

The Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders provides graduate-level course work and practicum experiences for those interested in entering professional practice in either speech-language pathology or audiology, university teaching and research positions, or management/administrative positions in service delivery settings. The department is committed to advancing the state of knowledge in both basic and applied aspects of communication sciences and disorders through its master’s and doctoral research degrees and the research activities of its faculty and students, and to providing service to the profession, university and client communities at local, state, national and international levels. The Department’s Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic provides outreach services to the region as part of the clinical teaching component of its mission and provides a clinical research resource for students and faculty.

The audiology and speech-language pathology clinical training graduate programs in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders are accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.

Audiology and Speech-Language-Hearing Clinics

The JMU Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Clinics, both operated by the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, provide evaluation and clinical intervention services for individuals with speech, language and hearing problems. The priority for services offered through these clinics is determined by the needs of practicum students. Appointments for a consultation or evaluation may be made by any member of the general public or university community. Professional services are provided by expert certified speech-language pathologists and audiologists who supervise the practicum of students.

Financial Aid

Graduate assistantships are available on a competitive basis to graduate students. In addition, fellowships funded by the Scottish Rite Foundation of Virginia are available to graduate students admitted to the graduate program in speech-language pathology. Scottish Rite Fellowships are restricted to Virginia residents who intend to pursue positions working with children who have speech and language impairments in the state of Virginia. Contact the graduate director in the department for information.