Communication Sciences and Disorders, Ph.D.

A nationwide shortage of individuals with Ph.D.s in the discipline of communication sciences and disorders means that graduates are in high demand for employment in leadership positions in health facilities, universities and research centers. In addition to advanced course work related to communication disorders, students complete requirements in statistics, research design, hearing or speech sciences, a teaching/supervising internship and dissertation.

The Ph.D. program is individualized to the specific interests of the student while assuring a rigorous educational experience appropriate to the research-training and advanced knowledge characteristics of the degree. Students may be admitted to the Ph.D. program at various stages, including 1) post-masters, 2) post-baccalaureate, and 3) post-Au.D., depending upon the individual’s career goals. Some students may wish to pursue clinical qualifications in either audiology or speech-language pathology while concurrently undertaking their Ph.D. studies. All admitted students will undertake an individually-designed program emphasizing research tools, research activities and in-depth exposure to a major area of interest supported by study in a minor area.

Admission Requirements

• Completion of a bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.25 grade point average in major course work.
• General GRE scores (verbal, quantitative and writing).
• Three letters of recommendation on letterhead stationery.
• Personal written statement regarding career goals, reasons for pursuing a doctoral degree, and areas of research interest.
• Personal interview.