Ph.D. in Communication Sciences and Disorders

There are many unanswered questions in the field of Communication Sciences and Disorders. Our graduates seek to answer them. If you’re looking for a stimulating intellectual environment where the ability to conduct research is considered an essential skill, this program may be for you.

A nationwide shortage of individuals with Ph.D.s in the communication sciences and disorders means that graduates are in high demand for employment in leadership positions in health facilities, universities, and research centers. In addition to advanced coursework related to communication disorders, students complete requirements in statistics, research design, hearing or speech sciences, a teaching/supervising internship, and a dissertation.

The Ph.D. program is individualized to the specific interests of the student while assuring a rigorous educational experience appropriate to the research training and advanced knowledge characteristics of the degree. Students may be admitted to the Ph.D. program at various stages, including post-master's, post-baccalaureate, and post-Au.D., depending upon the individual's career goals.

Some students may wish to pursue clinical qualifications in either audiology or speech-language pathology while concurrently undertaking their Ph.D. studies. All admitted students will undertake an individually-designed program emphasizing research tools, research activities, and in-depth exposure to a major area of interest supported by a study in a minor area.

We know that success requires equal parts intellect and action. At JMU, that’s what Being the Change is all about.

When students graduating from James Madison University proudly walk across the stage to receive their diplomas, they’re more than just educated. They’re members of a fellowship of doers. They know how to make things happen. They’ve honed their ability to think critically. They’ve learned the importance of a strong work ethic and they’ve become committed to and skilled at collaborating with others. Diplomas in hand, they leave campus determined to live lives of meaning and pursue careers of purpose.

Only two hours from Washington D.C., JMU is fast becoming one of the nation’s leading lights in higher education. That’s because students enjoy unusually engaged relationships with world-class faculty who are at JMU because they want to pursue knowledge and teach talented students.

JMU students, faculty and alumni are using equal parts intellect and action to succeed in every sort of pursuit: they’re boosting innovation and discovery, leading in business, advancing culture, improving health care, reforming education, renewing civil society, competing in athletics — they’re Being the Change in every imaginable way.