A Message from Our Department Chair

Welcome to the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Grand Valley State University.  This is an exceptional time to join the professions of speech-language pathology and audiology.  It is also an especially exciting time to be a part of these professions at GVSU as we are initiating, and refining a masters of speech-language pathology (M.S.), a doctor of audiology (Au.D.), and an undergraduate major in communication sciences and disorders (B.S.).

The department began educating undergraduate students in Fall, 2010.  Since then the number of undergrads has grown from 15 to nearly 90.  The new M.S. in SLP was awarded candidacy accreditation and an initial cohort of students began in Fall 2013.  Several cohorts have now graduated and are working as SLPs in Michigan, the Midwest, and across the country.  Our full accreditation began in July 2018.  An Au.D. is being implemented with a Fall 2020 start.  Both of these graduate programs are innovative in design so as to move students through their education and into employment as rapidly as possible.

We are fortunate to have a dynamic and talented faculty who have specifically chosen GVSU so as to be a part of the creation and implementation of new programs.  Check out our profiles to see the diversity of the faculty in our areas of expertise and the types of background and experience in the professions.  We are committed to providing a rigorous and intensive educational experience to students who are dedicated and committed to becoming expert practitioners in these fields.

There is not a better place in Michigan or beyond to study speech-language pathology or audiology, or other health-care professions, than GVSU.  We are located on the famous “Medical Mile” in downtown Grand Rapids, the second largest city in Michigan and where major medical and healthcare expansion is underway.  The College of Health Professions is experiencing tremendous growth with new programs, buildings, and labs.  The university is known for its outstanding programs in the health professions, with an enrollment of over 25,000 students across four campuses in west Michigan. On behalf of our faculty and staff I welcome you and invite you to become actively engaged in your education in one or more of our programs.  Please browse the pages of our website and contact us if we can provide additional information.

Dan C. Halling, Ph.D., CCC-A

Professor and Department Chair

Communication Sciences and Disorders

For the most recent information regarding COVID-19 precautions, restrictions, and requirements please visit the Laker’s Together webpage at  https://www.gvsu.edu/lakerstogether/.

For more information regarding a specific program within the CSD Department, please contact:

•                 CSD Major: Wil Rankinen, [email protected]
•                 M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology (SLP): Courtney Karasinski, [email protected]
•                 Doctor of Audiology (AuD):  Jen Smart, [email protected]

News/Highlights:

Congratulations to SLP student Autumn Cannon on earning second place in the 3-Minute Thesis (3MT) competition and a people's choice award. For more information on the 3MT at GVSU, see this link: https://www.gvsu.edu/gs/3-minute-thesis-competition-82.htm

Upcoming Events:

April 4th 2023: Allyship Training for Healthcare 4p-7p

April 14th 2023: 4th Annual World Voice Day Virtual Conference

Collaborative Training Event

The faculty of the speech-language pathology graduate program and the staff of Spectrum Health and Muskegon Community College collaborated to provide a two-day training for graduate students.  The focus of this event was to provide GVSU students with an introduction and overview of working in a medical settings.  The goals included: discussion of the multiple roles that speech-language pathologists have in medical settings; discussion of the knowledge, skills, and dispositions needed for the 21^st Century working in a medical settings; experiences with interprofessional collaboration in medical settings; and a venue for students to experience labs related to work in a medical setting.

The training is intended to prepare graduate students for academic coursework and clinical placements during the graduate program.

Additional News/Highlights:

• U.S. News ranks speech-language pathology as the third best profession in health care!
  • Read more about being a SLP at their website - https://money.usnews.com/careers/best-jobs/speech-language-pathologist
  • https://money.usnews.com/careers/best-jobs/rankings/best-healthcare-jobs
• Archived news...