Advancing knowledge about human communication differences and disorders

Our programs focus on all aspects of communication sciences and disorders and literacy - providing you with the knowledge and skills to make a difference in the lives of children and adults.

Our department is a leader in innovative research related to language, hearing, speech, and swallowing. Our sponsored research activity has grown to more than $5.6 million per year in research and training contracts and grants.  

What we stand for

The mission of the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders is to prepare graduates to become outstanding, compassionate clinicians, scholars, educators, and leaders in the field. We are committed to generating and advancing evidence-based knowledge about human communication and swallowing differences and disorders across diverse practice settings and communities, ensuring that graduates can provide patient-centered and inclusive care.

A medical professional and a child playing a card game wearing head bands

Set the standard for transformative research and innovative, interprofessional graduate education that shapes the future of communication sciences.

  • We commit to the highest standards of excellence and integrity in all aspects of our academic, clinical, and scientific work.
  • We foster a learner-centered approach to academic and clinical education that values dignity, inclusive excellence, and a wide range of perspectives, empowering every individual to contribute meaningfully.
  • We promote interprofessional collaboration and embrace diversity of thought and experience, leveraging collective expertise to achieve shared goals.
  • We strive to reduce barriers to success in education, healthcare, and research by fostering collaboration, professional development, and continuous learning.
     
  • Fostering the education, growth, critical thinking, and professional development of students to ensure their long-term success.
  • Promoting and enriching faculty and staff professional growth opportunities that align with their goals and contribute to their ongoing success and advancement.
  • Enhancing scholarship resources and opportunities for faculty to generate and disseminate knowledge across areas of discovery, application, and teaching and learning.
  • Expanding and adapting our educational offerings to help diversify revenue sources and meet the needs of our students, the department, and the institution.
  • Cultivating strategic partnerships and collaborations that broaden access to educational and professional opportunities across diverse communities.
     

CSD Faculty & ASHA Fellows

A majority of our faculty are research-driven, practicing clinicians, including several who are American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Fellows. This ensures you will learn the most current procedures from nationally renowned professionals.

Howard Shane, PhD, CCC-SLP

Professor Communication Sciences and Disorders

Professional headshot of a distinguished faculty member in the MGH IHP Doctor of Speech-Language Pathology program.

Professor Emerita Communication Sciences and Disorders School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences

Robert E. Hillman, PhD, CCC-SLP

Adjunct Professor Communication Sciences and Disorders Rehabilitation Sciences

Headshot of a faculty member and researcher from the MGH IHP Master of Speech-Language Pathology program.

Director of the SAiL Literacy Lab Professor Communication Sciences and Disorders Research: SAiL Literacy Lab

Contact us

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Our programs focus on literacy, communication disorders, and interprofessional education.