The department offers an undergraduate degree program in communication sciences and disorders and two graduate professional preparation programs in speech-language pathology and audiology. Students should be aware that employment in the professional fields of speech-language pathology and audiology require a master's degree. To provide a background for those who wish to pursue a career in a related profession such as deaf education special education, medicine or simply study CSD as an undergraduate major. In keeping with the JMU philosophy of a universal and basic liberal studies education for all students, the communication sciences and disorders curriculum provides a broad background in the social, physical and biological sciences. The curriculum also fosters the development of oral and written communication skills and computer applications.
Faculty members encourage undergraduate research, honors projects and honors theses.
Opportunities to work closely with individual faculty members are available to students during their junior and senior years. Communication sciences and disorders faculty members have a tradition of being accessible to students for academic advisement and professional development. Faculty members encourage students to accompany them to state and national professional meetings as a part of the student's professional growth and development. This active student organization is devoted to the professional development of students pursuing careers in speech-language pathology or audiology.