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THE MAJOR
The Communication
Sciences and Disorders major is a department within
the College of Integrated
Science and Technology.
Admission and Progression Standards for this major:
Click on the link to learn more about the admission and progression standards of this major: http://www.jmu.edu/advising/snapshots/SSCSD.shtml
Description
of Major:
Communication Sciences and Disorders is offered as a major and minor at JMU. The Communication Sciences and Disorders undergraduate major focuses on understanding the processes of normal speech, language, and hearing, and provides an introduction to communication disorders. The department curriculum provides undergraduate pre-professional course work and observation for those interested in a career as a speech-language pathologist or audiologist. An objective of the department is to provide an undergraduate curriculum directed toward rigorous preparation of students for subsequent graduate study in speech-language pathology, audiology, and speech and hearing sciences. A graduate degree is the minimum requirement for competency / certification endorsed by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and for Virginia licensure in speech pathology or audiology. The university also requires a master’s degree for its recommendation for Virginia teacher licensure. JMU offers graduate programs in both speech-language pathology and audiology. JMU also offers a research master’s degree in communication sciences and disorders for student not interested in pursuing a clinical career. Study at the Ph.D. level in communication sciences and disorders is also available at JMU. An undergraduate degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders is an excellent background for related fields such as deaf education, special education or medicine. A learning-by-participation philosophy is reflected in clinical observation and practicum, which are facilitated through the JMU Speech, Language, and Hearing Applied Laboratory, and through field-based practicum experiences at the graduate level.
Tell
me more about this field of study.
Speech-language pathologists are involved in the prevention, evaluation, treatment and research of persons with communication disorders. Speech-language pathologists are trained to test, diagnosis, and treat communication disorders in infants, children, and adults. Speech-language pathologists assess the extent of communication disorders and recommend the appropriate treatment for clients with: delayed speech development; delayed language development; voice impairments or loss; cleft lip/palate, craniofacial abnormalities and other diseases /traumas affecting the facial parts necessary for speaking; stuttering or other fluency disorders; learning disabilities; autism; nonverbal individuals or those whose verbal communication is limited; deaf or hard of hearing individuals.
Audiologists are hearing health-care professionals who are educated and trained to evaluate and treat hearing, balance, and related disorders. Audiologists assess the extent of hearing loss, balance and related disorders and recommend the appropriate treatment, including: aural rehabilitation, hearing aids, and other amplification devices. Audiologists provide services to clients who are: deaf or hard of hearing; experience speech and/or language difficulties; persons at risk for hearing loss due to noise exposure; exposed to certain drugs or middle ear infections; and auditory based learning disabilities.
Both the speech-language pathology and audiology are professions growing with expanded career opportunities projects well beyond the next decade.
Tell
me more about specializations in this field.
Communication Sciences and Disorders is the academic discipline that leads to two professions: Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology. Within each major area there are various specializations. For example, in some settings the audiologist and/or speech-language pathologist may provide services to adults, while in another setting they may assess and provide assistance to infants and toddlers. Some audiologists focus primarily on fitting hearing aids, while others are concerned with assessment for medically related diagnoses. Some speech-language pathologists work with feeding and swallowing disorders, while others may work with individuals who have suffered a stroke or closed head injury. Both professions include careers in educational/medical research, teaching, university teaching, and clinical service delivery.
What
common major or minor combinations from other departments
complement this major?
Rarely does a Communication Sciences and Disorders major
pursue a second major due to the demanding curriculum,
however, possible minors might include Modern Foreign Language,
Gerontology or Special Education Non Teaching.
CHARACTERISTICS
OF SUCCESSFUL STUDENTS
Students who want to work directly with people in a
helping profession, enjoy working with people of all
ages, and are strong students academically are usually
successful in this field. Traits sought are individuals
who have the ability to communicate effectively, the
aptitude for working with people who have special needs,
the ability to approach problems objectively, take initiative,
are patient and exhibit sensitivity.
CAREERS
Many graduates choose typical career paths associated
with this major. However, some graduates choose unrelated
careers that utilize skills and experiences developed
during their years in college. Keep in mind that graduate
study is required for most positions in this field.
Some individuals who major in communication sciences
and disorders go on for further study in special education,
medicine, and psychology.
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