Darden College of Education & Professional StudiesDepartment of Communication Disorders & Special Education
Explore our Programs in Speech-Language Pathology & Special Education
THREE
FULBRIGHT SCHOLARS
3400+
individuals funded through special education grant programs
100%
PRAXIS-SLP PASS RATE
Explore Our Research
Mission & Vision Statement
Mission
We are committed to the preparation of educators and speech-language pathologists who teach and serve individuals with diverse needs, their families, and their communities. We achieve this mission through innovative research, interprofessional collaboration, and evidence-based practices.
Vision
Empower individuals with diverse needs to achieve their fullest potential within an inclusive society.
Discover our Outreach Programs

Speech & Hearing Clinic
ODU diagnostic & speech therapy services for adults & children.

Oral Preschool
A Norfolk Public Schools program provided in partnership with ODU.

SECEP @ ODU
A Southeastern Cooperative Educational Program in partnership with ODU.

Center for Implementation & Evaluation of Education Systems (CIEES)
- Training & Technical Assistance at Old Dominion University
- Commonwealth Special Education Endorsement Program
- Virginia Tiered Systems of Supports (Evaluation)
- PBIS: Social Behavior Support
Testimonials
"Finishing the program at ODU has helped me achieve my goal of becoming a special educator while learning more about a field that started as an interest years ago and has grown into a passion! I am so grateful to the professors and staff that taught engaging lessons with practical assignments that helped me prepare to enter the profession, while supporting me throughout the experience. I am now teaching at a Middle school that I love, but I don't know that I would have considered secondary schools as an option for me until I had the opportunity to complete practicum placements and student teaching." - MARIA FAY

"I knew that whenever I walked through the special education department, there would be at least one faculty who would stop whatever they were working on, call me by name, and greet me to see how I was doing. The faculty took their time to show that they cared about me academically and personally. They were supportive, encouraging, and benevolent mentors that taught me more than I could ever learn simply from a textbook. I have many wonderful memories from my graduate program." - RACHEL WHITE

"The special education program at ODU has given me the confidence to pursue my dream career. Many times I would sit in a lecture on a Friday night and first thing Monday morning I was implementing a new strategy in my own classroom. It is an amazing feeling to know that I will be a better teacher, coworker, and employee because of the special education program at ODU. "
- SAMANTHA OSTERHOUT DOVE