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Master of Science (M.S.) in Speech-Language Pathology
Coordinator: Dr. Charles Runyan (runyancm@jmu.edu)
The master's degree program in speech-language pathology is designed to provide a broad spectrum of academic and practicum experiences necessary for the education of specialists who deal with disorders of human communication and swallowing.
Clinical practical experiences are available in a wide range of professional settings including the JMU Applied Laboratory, various hospital and rehabilitation programs, and the public schools. The academic and clinical components of the program are consistent with the requirements for certification in speech-language pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and for health and education licensures in speech-language pathology by the state of Virginia. Applicants should have completed prerequisite undergraduate course work in speech pathology and/or related areas of study. Students may be admitted without these background courses but should be aware that appropriate undergraduate prerequisites must be completed.
Graduate Assistantships (GAs) are available on a competitive basis to graduate students. Fellowships are funded from a variety of sources, including the university, endowments, organizations and service groups such as Scottish Rite and Lion’s Club, and external grant funding from both public and private sources. Contact the Coordinator of the program listed above for more information.
Students applying for admission to the M.S. program in Speech-Language Pathology 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.
An Example of the Speech-Language Pathology Curriculum
| Semesters | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Fall | Spring | May | Summer |
| 1 | Evaluation and Treatment of Swallowing Disorders | Communication Disorders of the Traumatically Brain Injured | Speech Practicum (On-/Off-campus) | Speech Practicum (On-/Off-campus) |
| Speech Practicum | Neuromotor Speech Disorders | |||
| Neuroanatomy and Neurophysiology of Speech and Language | Language Disorders in Adults | |||
| Advanced Study of Phonological Disorders | Disorders of Speech Resonance | |||
| Advanced Children's Language Disorders | Voice Disorders | |||
| Hearing Testing Practicum | Speech Practicum | |||
| Autism | ||||
| Ageing and Communication | ||||
| 2 | Processes and Disorders of Speech Fluency | Speech Practicum (Off-campus) | ||
| Research Methods | ||||
| Pediatric Dysphagia | ||||
| Early Intervention | ||||
| Augmentative Communication | ||||
| Physiological and Acoustical Phonetics | ||||
| Speech Practicum (On-/Off-Campus) | ||||
Prerequisite Courses
Individuals without background coursework in communication sciences and disorders need to complete the following courses (or equivalents) as prerequisites to undertaking graduate coursework in Speech-Language Pathology. The length of time to complete prerequisite coursework plus the master's coursework is typically three years of full-time study.
Fall Semester
| Course | Course Description |
|---|---|
| CSD 207 |
Phonetics. 3 creditsInstruction in various transcription techniques for phonetic and phonemic analysis of speech production. |
| CSD 300 |
Language Development. 3 creditsThe study of language acquisition and development in normal children. |
| CSD 301 |
Audiology. 3 creditsAn introduction to the symptoms, courses and treatment of hearing disorders. Hearing text instrumentation and interpretation in clinical situations are emphasized. |
| CSD 470 |
Methods and Observation. 3 creditsDirected observation and paticipation in practical expereinces. Intro to the clinical process in speech-language pathology. Practical clinical methodology will be emphasized. |
| CSD 415 |
Neuroanatomy and Neurogenic Communication Disorders 3 creditsIntroduces neurogenic communication disorders from a neuroanatomical approach. |
Spring Semester
| Course | Course Descriptions |
|---|---|
| CSD 208 |
Anatomy and Physiology of the Ear and Voice Mechanism. 3 creditsA detailed study of the anatomy and physiology of the speech and hearing mechanisms. Majors only or by permission of the instructor. |
| CSD 209 |
Acoustics of Speech and Hearing. 3 creditsIntroductions to acoustics of speech and hearing. Topics include physical acoustics, sound generation, transmission, and resonance, speech acoustics, and speech perception. |
| CSD 310 |
Biostatistical Methods for Communication Sciences and Disorders. 3 creditsAn introduction to research conducted in and applied to the disciplines for speech-language pathology and audiology. Traditional statistical methods in behavioral and social sciences will be included as well as qualitative and quantitative research approaches relevant to individuals and populations with communication disorders. |
| CSD 314 |
Phonological and Language Disorders. 3 creditsAn introduction to phonological and language disorders in children and adults. Etiological and maintaining factors are discussed, and an overview of assessment and (re)habilitation procedures is presented. Prerequisites: CSD 200, CSD 207, and CSD 300 |
| CSD 318 |
Aural Rehabilitation. 3 creditsConcentrated attention is given to communication problems of the hearing handicapped. Aural rehabilitation is emphasized including lip reading and auditory training. Prerequisite: CSD 208. |
| CSD 416 |
Organic Speech Disorders. 3 creditsClinical procedures in the areas of oral-facial and voice disorders are studied. Evaluative and remedial aspects are emphasized. Prerequsite: CSD 301. |
To Apply
See the complete application instructions on The Graduate School's website .
In Summary
| Applicants need to… | and send materials |
|---|---|
Use the following link to apply electronically to The Graduate School http://www.jmu.edu/grad/prospective |
Electronically to: The Graduate School James Madison University 17 West Grace Street, Room 3A, MSC 6702 Harrisonburg, VA 22807 Phone: 540-568-6395 Fax: 540-568-7860 www.jmu.edu/grad |
Provide recent GRE scores, per the electronic application instructions http://www.jmu.edu/grad/prospective |
|
To the Department, two letters of recommendation (no specific form for these is required)
|
Dr. Charles Runyan Coordinator of Speech-Language Pathology Communication Sciences and Disorders HHS 1126, MSC 4304 James Madison University Harrisonburg, VA 22807 Phone: (540)568-3870 Email: runyancm@jmu.edu |
Graduate Catalogs can be reviewed online at www.jmu.edu/grad
For further information, contact:
Dr. Charles Runyan
Coordinator of Speech-Language Pathology
Communication Sciences and Disorders
HHS 1126, MSC 4304
James Madison University
Harrisonburg, VA 22807
(540) 568-3870
runyancm@jmu.edu
