Ph.D. in Communication Sciences and Disorders
The Ph.D. program in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders provides the opportunity for students to develop expertise as researchers in the field of communication sciences and disorders. The program will prepare doctoral students to fulfill faculty positions or research positions at universities or research institutes, and to assume leadership roles within the field of communication sciences and disorders.
All Ph.D. students are expected to graduate with:
- a broad understanding of the field of communication sciences and disorders
- extensive expertise in a scholarly area of specialization
- significant expertise in at least two related areas of study within the field of communication sciences and disorders
- significant expertise in a related area of study outside the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders
- significant competence in research methods for knowledge generation and dissemination
The Ph.D. degree program provides:
- academic course work in communication sciences and disorders and related content areas
- research training and experiences
- opportunities to work with nationally- and internationally-recognized faculty on basic and applied research projects
- training in state-of-the-art research methods and technology
- experience in reading, critically reviewing, and synthesizing the research literature in communication sciences and disorders, as well as in areas of related and general interest
- experiences in scholarly writing
- opportunities to develop high quality academic and clinical teaching skills
The doctoral program consists of far more than simply taking academic courses and meeting the formal requirements for the degree. Rather, pursuing a doctoral degree provides the opportunity for students to participate in a wide range of faculty research, colloquia, informal seminars, discussion groups, conferences, etc. Pursuing a doctoral degree sets the stage for lifelong learning and scholarship.
Each doctoral student has the opportunity to develop an individualized program of study approved by the student's doctoral committee. Typically, this program of study involves:
- an area of specialization within the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders (the major content area)
- at least two related areas of study in the field of communication sciences and disorders
- at least one related area of study outside the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders
- methodology and statistics requirements
- language/communication requirements
Detailed information on program requirements is available in the Ph.D. Student Handbook and the Graduate Bulletin.
Dual-Title Ph.D.
Doctoral students in Communication Sciences and Disorders have the option to apply for a dual-title Ph.D. Students who are accepted into a dual-title program still complete the key milestones of the Qualifying Examination, Comprehensive Examination, and Dissertation, but with specific dual-title requirements. The dual-title Ph.D. also requires specified coursework and additional experiences. Some of these requirements may simultaneously fulfill requirements of a Ph.D. program in Communication Sciences and Disorders. Students interested in considering or obtaining a dual-title Ph.D. are encouraged to consult their advisors.
Program requirements for the Dual Title Ph.D. can be found in the Graduate Bulletin
Dual-Title Ph.D. Programs Available:
Communication Sciences and Disorders and Language Science
Communication Sciences and Disorders and Social and Behavioral Neuroscience
