Communication Sciences & Disorders Department

McGowan Center for Graduate and Professional Studies
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
570-348-6299 x2608
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Communication Sciences and Disorders

The Marywood University Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) Department offers a five-year program leading to a Master of Science Degree (M.S.) in Speech-Language Pathology. It consists of a three-year pre-professional (undergraduate) track, and a two-year professional (graduate) track.

Students work with clients under close supervision in our fully equipped on-campus Speech-Language and Audiology Clinics, as well as in a variety of approved off-campus sites.
Program flexibility with multiple points of entry.
Enter as a freshman, transfer, or graduate student.

Amanda Donaldson

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Speech Language Pathology alumna Amanda Donaldson is helping others find their voices.
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Accreditations

2200 Research Boulevard #310, Rockville, Maryland 20850, 800-498-2071 or 301-296-5700

The Master of Science (M.S.) residential education program in Speech-Language Pathology at Marywood University is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 2200 Research Boulevard #310, Rockville, Maryland 20850, 800-498-2071 or 301-296-5700.

The program was originally accredited in 2001, and was re-approved for a period of accreditation from August 1, 2022 to July 31, 2030.

Professional Memberships

Professional Organizations that support speech-language pathologists

About The Communication Sciences and Disorders Department

The Communication Sciences and Disorders Mission

Mission Statement

The program is designed to provide students with a variety of academic coursework and clinical practicum experiences, according to the standards set forth by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), to prepare them, from a family-centered perspective, for professional careers as speech-language pathologists, serving children and adults who have communication disorders. The faculty of the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders is dedicated to providing students with a quality education and opportunities to integrate theory and research into clinical practice.

Program Objectives

Communication Sciences and Disorders is the academic discipline that prepares students to enter the profession of speech-language pathology and/or audiology. Individuals pursuing such careers have an interest in working with people who have communication deficits in the area(s) of speech and/or language and/or hearing and also swallowing disorders.

The five-year program leading to a Master's Degree in Speech-Language Pathology prepares students to:

Acquire academic knowledge and develop clinical skills pertaining to the scientific study of human communication processes that are necessary to perform competent practice of speech-language pathology, according to the current ASHA certification standards.
Evaluate the etiologies, pathologies, social-emotional, cognitive, and educational factors associated with disorders of language, articulation-phonology, voice, fluency, swallowing, and hearing.
Exemplify knowledge of ethical, legal, regulatory, and financial aspects of professional clinical practice.
Critically evaluate and be sensitive to issues pertaining to cultural and linguistic diversity.
Become eligible to earn certification from ASHA and state licensure as a speech-language pathologist in Pennsylvania.
Pursue teacher certification from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Education (optional).
Work in a variety of settings such as schools, rehabilitation clinics, hospitals, community clinics, nursing homes, and private practice.

Strategic Plan

CSD faculty review outcome measure data pertaining to the five-year program from a number of sources. Modifications to our curriculum result from discussions about such data. In addition, the faculty also evaluate the need for further development of the program, and any associated areas for continued growth. These program changes are instrumental in the design of our strategic plan, and are regularly evaluated and congruent with the mission of Marywood University.

View Strategic Plan [PDF]

Meet the Faculty & Staff

Communication Sciences and Disorders Faculty

Adjunct Faculty/Supervisors

Amanda Connell, M.S., CCC/SLP
Sarabeth George, M.S.
Benjamin Ivey, Ph.D., CCC/SLP
Erin Knoepfel, M.S., CCC/SLP
Tara Pagotto, Au.D., CCC/A
Kelly Somers, M.S.
Adrienne Talerico, M.S., CCC/SLP
Kearston Thomas, M.S., CCC/SLP
Erin Walsh, M.S., CCC/SLP
Stephanie Watson, M.S., CCC/SLP

Novak, Andrea M

Associate Professor of Practice
novak@marywood.edu
x2144

Bio

Angalli Ramachandra, Dr. Vijayachandra

Bio

Ceccarelli, Heather M

Instructor of Practice
hmceccarelli@marywood.edu
x2380

Bio

Clarke, Dr. Kaitlyn A

Assistant Professor
kaclarke@marywood.edu

Bio

Connell, Amanda

Bio

Devivo, Matthew A

Instructor of Practice
madevivo@marywood.edu

Bio

George, Sarabeth J

Lecturer
sbgeorge@marywood.edu

Bio

Hall-Grzybowski, Nikol Lynn

Lecturer
nlhallgrzybowski@marywood.edu

Bio

Havlovick, Dr. Jenny A

Assistant Professor
jhavlovick@marywood.edu

Bio

Ivey, Dr. Benjamin D

Lecturer
bivey@marywood.edu

Bio

Jourdanais, Renee S

Assistant Professor of Practice
jourdanais@marywood.edu
x2608

Bio

Kovatch, Marla M

Assistant Professor of Practice
mkovatch@marywood.edu
x2259

Bio

Kugler, Meghan E

Lecturer
mekugler@marywood.edu

Bio

Long, Donna M

Administrative Assistant
dmlong@marywood.edu
x6299

Bio

Maher, Sherri Rae

Lecturer
srmaher@marywood.edu

Bio

Mazzaccaro, Mary Margaret

Bio

Pagotto, Tara A

Bio

Skrutski, Dr. Sheri A

Assistant Professor of Practice
sskrutski@marywood.edu
x2312

Bio

Talerico, Adrienne K

Bio

Thomas, Kearston T

Bio

Wisenburn, Dr. Bruce Alan

Associate Professor
bwisenburn@marywood.edu
x2226

Bio

Zimmerman, Stephanie

Administrative Assistant (PT)
szimmerman@marywood.edu
x2121

Bio

Facilities & Technology

Speech/Language and Audiology Clinics

McGowan Center for Graduate and Professional Studies

Market at Marywood

McGowan Center Computer Labs

McGowan Center Classrooms

Centralized Learning Space for CSD Students
The Communication Sciences and Disorders program is organized around a contiguous space in the McGowan Center in the northern section of campus, just steps away from the University student center and main dining facility.

Computer Labs
Students have access to two computer labs in the McGowan Center and additional labs across campus for general academic purposes. A secure computer area is located in the student preparation room for clinical use. In this secure CSD area there is a printer available and this space also houses AAC devices and IPads.

Offices
All CSD faculty members' offices, as well as the department support staff, are centrally located adjacent to the program's classroom and clinical spaces in the McGowan Center.

Speech Science Lab
This lab contains the Kay Elemetrics Speech Lab including VisiPitch and Nasometer programs.

Speech/Language & Audiology Clinics
The Speech/Language & Audiology Clinics offer therapeutic and diagnostic speech, language, and hearing services for children and adults within the community.

Student Personal Space
Communication Sciences and Disorders students have their own clinical preparation room. The graduate students have space for private storage within the clinic area for personal and clinic belongings.

Technology-Ready Classrooms
These traditional learning spaces are equipped with state of the art audio/video systems and flexible learning environments.

Resources

Degree Tracks

The program provides academic coursework and clinical experiences that prepare students for entry-level clinical practice in the field of speech-language pathology.

Five Year Program

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders and Master of Science (M.S.) Degree in Speech-Language Pathology.

This program allows students to earn both a bachelor's and a master's degree by designing an academic and clinical curriculum sequence that extends across five years.

The undergraduate (pre-professional phase) portion of the program includes Marywood University’s core curriculum and all of the pre-professional courses that emphasize knowledge of basic human communication and swallowing processes.

The graduate (professional phase) portion of the program, which begins with the summer semester of the third undergraduate year, emphasizes academic coursework and clinical practicum experiences designed to foster knowledge and skills about the nature of speech, language, hearing and communication disorders and differences as well as swallowing disorders.

This 5-year program provides a rigorous, intensive curriculum sequence tailored to students who are focused on their educational achievements and who are goal oriented. Students who do not meet the academic requirements to transition to the professional (graduate) phase of the program will complete only the pre-professional (undergraduate) phase and earn a bachelor of science degree at the end of their fourth year.

Two-Year (Five Semesters) Master's Program

Master of Science (M.S.) Degree in Speech-Language Pathology

This two-year graduate-level program is offered to qualified individuals with a bachelor's degree. There is limited availability for admission to this program. Students with an out-of-field undergraduate degree can be provisionally admitted to the master’s program, however, they must successfully complete a year of CSD pre-requisite (undergraduate level ) coursework prior to starting the two-year graduate levelprogram.

The graduate program provides a structured sequence of rigorous academic courses and clinical practicum experiences that prepare students for entry-level practice in the field of speech-language pathology. Individuals with such a background and earned graduate degree often pursue careers in various work settings such as schools, hospitals, nursing homes, and private practice.

Clubs

Speech Language Hearing Club

Student Resources

From #DayOne, Marywood is here for you each step of the way. For currently enrolled students visit the Speech Language Pathology Student Resources Website for academic tips, forms, and more to guide you on your academic journey.

CSD Handbooks

The program provides academic coursework and clinical experiences that prepare students for entry-level clinical practice in the field of speech-language pathology.

Other

Employment Opportunities Available for ASHA-certified Speech-Language Pathologists

Individuals who are ASHA-certified are qualified to work with individuals across the lifespan who have communication and swallowing disorders in a variety of work settings such as schools, hospitals, clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and private practice.

It is important to note that in addition to ASHA certification, most states within the United States require that individuals hold a state license in speech-language pathology and/or audiology in order to legally engage in clinical practice.

Become Certified as a Speech-Language Pathologist by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)

An individual must earn a master’s degree in speech-language pathology from a graduate program that is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) of ASHA, pass the national examination in speech-language pathology, and complete a nine-month Clinical Fellowship. The academic institution offering the degree must also hold a regional accreditation.

Undergraduate

Communication Sciences & Disorders (Pre-Professional)

Graduate

Speech Language Pathology

Communication Sciences and Disorders Events

Jazz Ambassadors Concert

Apr 27 Swartz Center Marian Chapel Sat, Apr 27, 7:00PM - Sat, Apr 27, 8:30PM

Jazz Ambassadors Concert

Date/Time: Saturday, April 27, 2024, 7 – 8:30pm EDT
Location: Swartz Center Marian Chapel

Jazz Ambassadors Concert

Email Reminder

Jazz Ambassadors Concert

Chamber Singers Concert

Apr 28 Swartz Center Marian Chapel Sun, Apr 28, 2:00PM - Sun, Apr 28, 3:30PM

Chamber Singers Concert

Date/Time: Sunday, April 28, 2024, 2 – 3:30pm EDT
Location: Swartz Center Marian Chapel

Email Reminder

General Recital

Apr 29 Swartz Center Marian Chapel Mon, Apr 29, 8:00PM - Mon, Apr 29, 9:30PM

General Recital

Date/Time: Monday, April 29, 2024, 8 – 9:30pm EDT
Location: Swartz Center Marian Chapel

General Recital

Email Reminder

General Recital

Concert Choir Performance

May 04 Liberal Arts Center Rotunda Sat, May 4, 7:30PM - Sat, May 4, 9:00PM

Concert Choir Performance

Date/Time: Saturday, May 4, 2024, 7:30 – 9pm EDT
Location: Liberal Arts Center Rotunda

Concert Choir Performance

Email Reminder

Concert Choir Performance

May 05 Liberal Arts Center Rotunda Sun, May 5, 2:00PM - Sun, May 5, 3:30PM

Concert Choir Performance

Date/Time: Sunday, May 5, 2024, 2 – 3:30pm EDT
Location: Liberal Arts Center Rotunda

Concert Choir Performance

Email Reminder

Concert Choir Performance

Classes Meet

May 06 Academic Dates Mon, May 6, 12:00AM - Tue, May 7, 12:00AM

Classes Meet

Date/Time: Monday, May 6, 2024
Location: Academic Dates

Classes Meet

Email Reminder

Classes Meet

Spring Semester Ends

May 11 Academic Dates Sat, May 11, 12:00AM - Sun, May 12, 12:00AM

Spring Semester Ends

Date/Time: Saturday, May 11, 2024
Location: Academic Dates

Spring Semester Ends January 16th-May 11th 2024

Email Reminder

Spring Semester Ends January 16th-May 11th 2024

Final Grades Due by Noon

May 14 Academic Dates Tue, May 14, 12:00AM - Wed, May 15, 12:00AM

Final Grades Due by Noon

Date/Time: Tuesday, May 14, 2024
Location: Academic Dates

Final Grades Due by Noon

Email Reminder

Final Grades Due by Noon

PA White Coat and Pinning Ceremonies

May 16 Sette LaVerghetta Center for Performing Arts Room 100 Theatre (Auditorium) Thu, May 16, 9:00AM - Thu, May 16, 3:00PM

PA White Coat and Pinning Ceremonies

Date/Time: Thursday, May 16, 2024, 9am – 3pm EDT
Location: Sette LaVerghetta Center for Performing Arts Room 100 Theatre (Auditorium)

White Coat and Pinning Ceremonies

Email Reminder

White Coat and Pinning Ceremonies

Hooding Ceremonies

May 17 Sette LaVerghetta Center for Performing Arts Room 100 Theatre (Auditorium) Fri, May 17, 7:00AM - Fri, May 17, 7:00PM

Hooding Ceremonies

Date/Time: Friday, May 17, 2024, 7am – 7pm EDT
Location: Sette LaVerghetta Center for Performing Arts Room 100 Theatre (Auditorium)

Marywood University 106th Hooding Ceremonies

Email Reminder

Marywood University 106th Hooding Ceremonies

106th Annual Commencement Ceremony

May 18 Academic Dates Sat, May 18, 12:00AM - Sun, May 19, 12:00AM

106th Annual Commencement Ceremony

Date/Time: Saturday, May 18, 2024
Location: Academic Dates

Commencement

Email Reminder

Commencement

Summer Session I Begins.

May 20 Academic Dates Mon, May 20, 12:00AM - Tue, May 21, 12:00AM

Summer Session I Begins.

Date/Time: Monday, May 20, 2024
Location: Academic Dates

Email Reminder

Summer Session III Begins.

May 20 Academic Dates Mon, May 20, 12:00AM - Tue, May 21, 12:00AM

Summer Session III Begins.

Date/Time: Monday, May 20, 2024
Location: Academic Dates

Email Reminder

Memorial Day: No Classes. Administrative Offices Closed.

May 27 Academic Dates Mon, May 27, 12:00AM - Tue, May 28, 12:00AM

Memorial Day: No Classes. Administrative Offices Closed.

Date/Time: Monday, May 27, 2024
Location: Academic Dates

Email Reminder

Summer I & III Classes Resume

May 28 Academic Dates Tue, May 28, 12:00AM - Wed, May 29, 12:00AM

Summer I & III Classes Resume

Date/Time: Tuesday, May 28, 2024
Location: Academic Dates

Email Reminder

Summer I & III Classes Resume: All Administrative Offices Open

May 28 Academic Dates Tue, May 28, 12:00AM - Wed, May 29, 12:00AM

Summer I & III Classes Resume: All Administrative Offices Open

Date/Time: Tuesday, May 28, 2024
Location: Academic Dates

Summer I& III Classses Resume..All Administrative Offices Open

Email Reminder

Summer I& III Classses Resume..All Administrative Offices Open

Juneteenth: No Classes, All Administrative Offices Closed

Jun 19 Academic Dates Wed, Jun 19, 12:00AM - Thu, Jun 20, 12:00AM

Juneteenth: No Classes, All Administrative Offices Closed

Date/Time: Wednesday, June 19, 2024
Location: Academic Dates

All Administrative
Offices Closed

Email Reminder

All AdministrativeOffices Closed

Summer Session I & III Classes Resume

Jun 20 Academic Dates Thu, Jun 20, 12:00AM - Fri, Jun 21, 12:00AM

Summer Session I & III Classes Resume

Date/Time: Thursday, June 20, 2024
Location: Academic Dates

Email Reminder

Design Your Future Camp 2024

Jun 22 Center for Architectural Studies 105 Sat, Jun 22, 2:00PM - Sat, Jun 29, 5:00PM

Design Your Future Camp 2024

Date/Time: Saturday, June 22, 2pm – Saturday, June 29, 2024, 5pm EDT
Location: Center for Architectural Studies 105

From June 22nd until June 29th 2024, junior and senior high school students enrolled in the Design your Future Program will be actively participating in the eight – days combination of fun design projects and competitions organized and guided by our school’s experienced faculty. Students will be exposed to a number of practical and theoretical questions presented as part of guest lecture and workshop series, and will have the opportunity to converse with a number of practicing architects and designers.

Design your Future Program 2024 will be housed in the Center for Architectural Studies at Marywood University. Students will be assigned individual desks and will have the opportunity of using the same spaces as our undergraduate and graduate students. Furthermore, students enrolled in the program will have the opportunity of seeing in action various laboratories and shops (wood / metal / 3D printing / CNC router / laser cutting / etc.). Design your Future Program 2024 is designed with the desire of an immersive experience, engaging students in a number of demonstrations anchored to the Architecture, Interior Architecture, and Construction Management Programs. The program’s principal goal is to reach out to a wide group of high school students. The program considers diversity and inclusivity to be important factors in the establishing of an affordable participation fee of $1,150 (including room & board, program supplies, and day trip bus & venue entrance fares). The program will also offer a number of need-based scholarships.

Secure Your Spot!

Camps Agenda

Email Reminder

From June 22nd until June 29th 2024, junior and senior high school students enrolled in the Design ...