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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Accreditation Info

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.

Undergraduate Programs

Communication Sciences & Disorders (Pre-Professional)

Graduate Programs

Speech Language Pathology

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 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

Department Chair
Graduate Program Director
Associate Professor of Practice
novak@marywood.edu
570-348-6211 x2144

Bio

Ceccarelli, Heather M

Internship Coordinator
Instructor of Practice
hmceccarelli@marywood.edu
570-348-6211 x2380

Bio

Devivo, Matthew A

Internship Coordinator
Instructor of Practice
madevivo@marywood.edu

Bio

Jourdanais, Renee S

Clinic Coordinator
Assistant Professor of Practice
jourdanais@marywood.edu
570-348-6211 x2608

Bio

Angalli Ramachandra, Dr. Vijayachandra

Bio

Clarke, Dr. Kaitlyn A

Assistant Professor
kaclarke@marywood.edu

Bio

Connell, Amanda

Bio

Froese, Kaitlyn Jolene

Instructor of Practice
kjfroese@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

Kovatch, Marla M

Assistant Professor of Practice
mkovatch@marywood.edu
570-348-6211 x2259

Bio

Kugler, Meghan E

Lecturer
mekugler@marywood.edu

Bio

Maher, Sherri Rae

Lecturer
srmaher@marywood.edu

Bio

Mazzaccaro, Mary Margaret

Bio

Pagotto, Tara A

Bio

Skrutski, Dr. Sheri A

Bio

Talerico, Adrienne K

Bio

Thomas, Kearston T

Bio

Wisenburn, Dr. Bruce Alan

Associate Professor
bwisenburn@marywood.edu
570-348-6211 x2226

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.

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.

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.

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.

Amanda Donaldson

Featured Pacer Profile

Speech Language Pathology alumna Amanda Donaldson is helping others find their voices.
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Communication Sciences and Disorders Events

All Administrative Offices Closed

Dec 23 Academic Dates Mon, Dec 23, 12:00AM - Thu, Jan 2, 12:00AM

All Administrative Offices Closed

Date/Time: Monday, December 23, 2024 – Wednesday, January 1, 2025
Location: Academic Dates

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New Year’s Day

Jan 01 Academic Dates Wed, Jan 1, 12:00AM - Thu, Jan 2, 12:00AM

New Year’s Day

Date/Time: Wednesday, January 1, 2025
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All Administrative Offices Reopen

Jan 02 Academic Dates Thu, Jan 2, 12:00AM - Fri, Jan 3, 12:00AM

All Administrative Offices Reopen

Date/Time: Thursday, January 2, 2025
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Registration Begins for Summer Classes

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

Registration Begins for Summer Classes

Date/Time: Monday, January 6, 2025
Location: Academic Dates

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University Housing Reopens at 12 P.M. (First Meal Begins with Dinner)

Jan 12 Academic Dates Sun, Jan 12, 12:00AM - Mon, Jan 13, 12:00AM

University Housing Reopens at 12 P.M. (First Meal Begins with Dinner)

Date/Time: Sunday, January 12, 2025
Location: Academic Dates

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Spring Semester Classes Begin

Jan 13 Academic Dates Mon, Jan 13, 12:00AM - Tue, Jan 14, 12:00AM

Spring Semester Classes Begin

Date/Time: Monday, January 13, 2025
Location: Academic Dates

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Martin Luther King, Jr. Day: No Classes, Administrative Offices Closed

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

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day: No Classes, Administrative Offices Closed

Date/Time: Monday, January 20, 2025
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No Classes. All Administrative Offices Closed.

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No Classes. All Administrative Offices Closed.

Last day to register/add classes.

Jan 21 Academic Dates Tue, Jan 21, 12:00AM - Wed, Jan 22, 12:00AM

Last day to register/add classes.

Date/Time: Tuesday, January 21, 2025
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Spring Semester Classes Resume

Jan 21 Academic Dates Tue, Jan 21, 12:00AM - Wed, Jan 22, 12:00AM

Spring Semester Classes Resume

Date/Time: Tuesday, January 21, 2025
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Mid-Semester Examinations Begin

Mar 03 Academic Dates Mon, Mar 3, 12:00AM - Tue, Mar 4, 12:00AM

Mid-Semester Examinations Begin

Date/Time: Monday, March 3, 2025
Location: Academic Dates

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Spring Break (Through 03/15)

Mar 08 Academic Dates Sat, Mar 8, 12:00AM - Mon, Mar 17, 12:00AM

Spring Break (Through 03/15)

Date/Time: Saturday, March 8 – Sunday, March 16, 2025
Location: Academic Dates

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University Housing Reopens at 12 P.M. (First Meal Begins with Dinner)

Mar 16 Academic Dates Sun, Mar 16, 12:00AM - Mon, Mar 17, 12:00AM

University Housing Reopens at 12 P.M. (First Meal Begins with Dinner)

Date/Time: Sunday, March 16, 2025
Location: Academic Dates

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Spring Semester Classes Resume.

Mar 17 Academic Dates Mon, Mar 17, 12:00AM - Tue, Mar 18, 12:00AM

Spring Semester Classes Resume.

Date/Time: Monday, March 17, 2025
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Undergraduate Quarterly Grades Due By 5 P.M.

Mar 18 Academic Dates Tue, Mar 18, 12:00AM - Wed, Mar 19, 12:00AM

Undergraduate Quarterly Grades Due By 5 P.M.

Date/Time: Tuesday, March 18, 2025
Location: Academic Dates

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Last Day to Withdraw from Spring Classes

Mar 28 Academic Dates Fri, Mar 28, 12:00AM - Sat, Mar 29, 12:00AM

Last Day to Withdraw from Spring Classes

Date/Time: Friday, March 28, 2025
Location: Academic Dates

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Easter Holiday Begins at Conclusion of Classes

Apr 16 Academic Dates Wed, Apr 16, 12:00AM - Thu, Apr 17, 12:00AM

Easter Holiday Begins at Conclusion of Classes

Date/Time: Wednesday, April 16, 2025
Location: Academic Dates

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University Housing Closes at 8 P.M. (Last Meal Served is Dinner)

Apr 16 Academic Dates Wed, Apr 16, 12:00AM - Thu, Apr 17, 12:00AM

University Housing Closes at 8 P.M. (Last Meal Served is Dinner)

Date/Time: Wednesday, April 16, 2025
Location: Academic Dates

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Holy Thursday: No Classes, All Administrative Offices Open

Apr 17 Academic Dates Thu, Apr 17, 12:00AM - Fri, Apr 18, 12:00AM

Holy Thursday: No Classes, All Administrative Offices Open

Date/Time: Thursday, April 17, 2025
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Good Friday: No classes, All Administrative Offices Closed

Apr 18 Academic Dates Fri, Apr 18, 12:00AM - Sat, Apr 19, 12:00AM

Good Friday: No classes, All Administrative Offices Closed

Date/Time: Friday, April 18, 2025
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Holy Saturday … All Administrative Offices Closed

Apr 19 Academic Dates Sat, Apr 19, 12:00AM - Sun, Apr 20, 12:00AM

Holy Saturday … All Administrative Offices Closed

Date/Time: Saturday, April 19, 2025
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Easter Monday: No Classes, All Administrative Offices Closed

Apr 21 Academic Dates Mon, Apr 21, 12:00AM - Tue, Apr 22, 12:00AM

Easter Monday: No Classes, All Administrative Offices Closed

Date/Time: Monday, April 21, 2025
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University Housing Reopens at 12 P.M. (First Meal Begins with Dinner)

Apr 21 Academic Dates Mon, Apr 21, 12:00AM - Tue, Apr 22, 12:00AM

University Housing Reopens at 12 P.M. (First Meal Begins with Dinner)

Date/Time: Monday, April 21, 2025
Location: Academic Dates

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Spring Semester Classes Resume

Apr 22 Academic Dates Tue, Apr 22, 12:00AM - Wed, Apr 23, 12:00AM

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Date/Time: Tuesday, April 22, 2025
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Monday Classes Meet

Apr 23 Academic Dates Wed, Apr 23, 12:00AM - Thu, Apr 24, 12:00AM

Monday Classes Meet

Date/Time: Wednesday, April 23, 2025
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Classes Meet

May 05 Academic Dates Mon, May 5, 12:00AM - Tue, May 6, 12:00AM

Classes Meet

Date/Time: Monday, May 5, 2025
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Spring Semester Ends

May 10 Academic Dates Sat, May 10, 12:00AM - Sun, May 11, 12:00AM

Spring Semester Ends

Date/Time: Saturday, May 10, 2025
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University Housing Closes at 10 A.M. for Non-Graduating Students

May 10 Academic Dates Sat, May 10, 12:00AM - Sun, May 11, 12:00AM

University Housing Closes at 10 A.M. for Non-Graduating Students

Date/Time: Saturday, May 10, 2025
Location: Academic Dates

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Final Grades Due by Noon

May 13 Academic Dates Tue, May 13, 12:00AM - Wed, May 14, 12:00AM

Final Grades Due by Noon

Date/Time: Tuesday, May 13, 2025
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107th Annual Commencement Ceremony

May 17 Off Campus Event Sat, May 17, 12:00AM - Sun, May 18, 12:00AM

107th Annual Commencement Ceremony

Date/Time: Saturday, May 17, 2025
Location: Off Campus Event

Marywood University's 107th Annual Commencement Ceremony held at Mohegan Sun Arena.

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Marywood University's 107th Annual Commencement Ceremony held at Mohegan Sun Arena.

Summer Session I Begins

May 19 Academic Dates Mon, May 19, 12:00AM - Tue, May 20, 12:00AM

Summer Session I Begins

Date/Time: Monday, May 19, 2025
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Summer Session III Begins

May 19 Academic Dates Mon, May 19, 12:00AM - Tue, May 20, 12:00AM

Summer Session III Begins

Date/Time: Monday, May 19, 2025
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Memorial Day: No Classes, Administrative Offices Closed.

May 26 Academic Dates Mon, May 26, 12:00AM - Tue, May 27, 12:00AM

Memorial Day: No Classes, Administrative Offices Closed.

Date/Time: Monday, May 26, 2025
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Last Day to Register/ Add Classes for Summer III Session

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

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Date/Time: Tuesday, May 27, 2025
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Summer Session I & III Classes Resume

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

Summer Session I & III Classes Resume

Date/Time: Tuesday, May 27, 2025
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Juneteenth Day (Online Hours to Supplant Lost Day) No Classes, All Administrative Offices Closed

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

Juneteenth Day (Online Hours to Supplant Lost Day) No Classes, All Administrative Offices Closed

Date/Time: Thursday, June 19, 2025
Location: Academic Dates

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Summer Session I & III Classes Resume

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

Summer Session I & III Classes Resume

Date/Time: Friday, June 20, 2025
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Design Your Future Summer Overnight Camp 2025

Jun 21 Center for Architectural Studies 105 Sat, Jun 21, 2:00PM - Sat, Jun 28, 3:00PM

Design Your Future Summer Overnight Camp 2025

Date/Time: Saturday, June 21, 2pm – Saturday, June 28, 2025, 3pm EDT
Location: Center for Architectural Studies 105

DESIGN your FUTURE
an inside architecture + design summer 2025 program

June 21, 2025 @ 2 pm through June 28, 2025 @ 3 pm
Students enrolled in the Design your Future Program will be
actively participating in a combination of fun design projects and competitions,
organized and guided by Marywood University'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 practicing architects and designers.

Design your Future Program 2025, accepts students who will be starting
their Fall ’25 academic year as rising juniors, seniors, or as high school graduates.
The DyF'25 in-residence program, will be housed in Marywood's Center for Architectural Studies,
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 2025 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.

The program fee includes:
- overnight stay in a room shared with one roommate)
- three daily meals served in the dining hall
- day trip (transportation and tickets) to an amusement park
- supplies for all program’s daily activities

Design your Future Program 2025 will accept registrations until the maximum number
of students has been reached or until May 30th 2025.
Full amount is due at the time of registration.
Full refund can only be issued on or before May 16th 2025.

Drop off - June 21, 2025 @ 2pm

Pick up - June 28, 2025 @ 3pm

Secure your Spot!

DyF '25
Program Director
Arian Korkuti, Ph.D.
akorkuti@marywood.edu

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DESIGN your FUTUREan inside architecture + design summer 2025 ...