School of Science
Communicative Sciences and Disorders
Empowering Voices, Advancing Human Communication
Students gain a dynamic blend of academic knowledge and hands‑on clinical training that builds confidence for careers in speech‑language pathology and audiology. Coursework is rooted in the science of speech, language, and hearing disorders, while guided clinical experiences help students develop practical skills in prevention, assessment, and treatment—preparing them to support individuals across the lifespan with clarity, competence, and care.
News Spotlight
- Communicative Sciences and Disorders News
The IMPACT Program (Innovative Mentoring and Professional Advancement through Cultural Training) has been awarded the 2025 Honors of NSSLHA by the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association (National NSSLHA)—an organization...
Degree Programs
Select a degree program to take a look at the curriculum, course requirements, and application process.
The Master’s of Arts (M.A.) in Communicative Sciences and Disorders, an education program in speech-language pathology [Residential] at Hampton University is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 2200 Research Boulevard, #310, Rockville, MD 20850, 800-498-2071 or 301-296-5700 for the period 2018 – 2026.
The Visionary Who Set the Standard for Communication, Care, and Scholarship
Founded by Dr. Robert Martin Screen just one year after his 1953 graduation from Hampton Institute, the Department of Communicative Sciences and Disorders at Hampton University was the first degree-granting program at an Historically Black University. Dr. Screen led a program celebrated for successfully training more African-American Speech Pathologists than any other university in the country.
Driving Innovation to Transform Communication and Quality of Life
Our research contributes to advancing evidence‑based practices in the diagnosis and treatment of speech, language, and hearing disorders. Clinical and academic investigations are strengthened through hands‑on student involvement, allowing emerging professionals to explore the mechanics of human communication while improving outcomes across diverse populations.
Experience Clinical Learning That Makes an Impact
Hampton University Speech, Language, and Hearing Clinic
Under the supervision of licensed, ASHA-certified Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists, this full‑service, non‑profit clinic offers students a dynamic, hands‑on clinical environment where learning goes far beyond the classroom. Serving individuals of all ages, you’ll develop real-world skills while making a meaningful difference in the Hampton Roads community.
Clinical Experiences
Students participate in four focused, five‑week therapy programs:
- Communication Skills Session: Small‑group language therapy for children ages 3–8.
- Individual Therapy: Intensive one‑on‑one sessions for clients of all ages.
- Talking Tots: Language stimulation for children 18 months to three years.
- Social Skills Session: Support for school‑age children who need development in social communication and pragmatic skills.
Scholarship Opportunities
Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) Scholarship
Training a Diverse Group of Speech-Language Pathology Scholars
In 2024, the Department of Communicative Sciences and Disorders received a $1.26 million federal grant to train a diverse cohort of speech‑language pathology scholars committed to serving high‑need early intervention settings. This two‑year, 51‑credit training program combines rigorous coursework, research, clinical experiences, and an early intervention certificate to prepare students to meet the needs of young children and their families.
- Personnel Development to Improve Services and Results for Children with Disabilities Program
- Personnel Preparation of Special Education, Early Intervention, and Related Services
- Personnel at Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities, and Other Minority Serving Institutions
Project Number: H325M240071
Note: Email the completed form to csadgraduate@hamptonu.edu.
Other Scholarship Opportunities
Other funding options within the department may be available to students based on need and academic standing. Students are encouraged to inquire.
Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships
The Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships has a list of scholarship opportunities for you to consider. Take a look at the Scholarship Search webpage for more information.
Our Team Members
Jessica Sullivan, Ph.D., ASHA-F
Chair, Associate Professor
Arielle Carpenter, M.S., CCC-SLP
Adjunct Faculty
Arnetta Hamrick, SLP.D., CCC-SLP
Adjunct Professor
Ashley Logan, SLPD, CCC-SLP, BCS-S, CLT, PMP
Assistant Professor
Carla Jones, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Debra Anderson, Ed.D, CCC-SLP
Assistant Professor
Dorian Lee Wilkerson, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, ASHA-F
Associate Professor
Julia Irwin, Ph.D.
Visiting Faculty, Professor, Southern Connecticut University
Karen Rankin, B.A.
Coordinator of Community Outreach
Katrina Brown-Bankins, Ph.D., CCC-SLP
Adjunct Faculty
Kimberly Springer, CCC-Aud
Adjunct Professor
Laura Verdun, M.S., CCC-SLP
Visiting Faculty, Voice Trainer
Lauren Calandruccio, Ph.D, CCC-A
Visiting Faculty, Professor, Case Western Reserve
Melonie Melton, M.S., CCC-SLP
Adjunct Faculty, Speech-Language Pathologist
Pearl Byrd, B.A.
Administrative Assistant
Shana Matthews, M.A.
Clinical Assistant Professor, Undergraduate Coordinator
Tamara Freeman-Nichols, Ph.D., CCC-SLP
Adjunct Faculty
Your support fuels innovation in the School of Science. Contributions help create state‑of‑the‑art learning environments by funding new laboratories and providing advanced equipment that empowers students and faculty to push the boundaries of research and technology.