The PhD program in communication sciences and disorders is unique in the breadth and depth of course offerings and research opportunities in audiology, speech, language, learning, and swallowing disabilities. This program is designed to prepare graduates for careers in academia, clinical science, and industry.
What do students love about our program?
- Breadth: A program structure that enhances opportunities for students to take advantage of the vast expertise of the entire faculty. Students who enroll typically come from a range of academic backgrounds and take advantage of the rich interdisciplinary opportunities at the university.
- Depth: The opportunity to conduct research within the framework of an established research laboratory.
- Lab rotations: Students complete 2-3 lab rotations during their first year, allowing them to explore their interests and select the lab that is the best fit.
- Mentorship: Most students have identified the lab that they are most aligned with when they enroll. Through lab rotations, coursework and other experiences, students build a mentorship committee of multiple faculty from within CSD and other departments.
- Cohort experience: The entering class size is typically about 8-10 students, though this varies year to year. First year students take a series of three courses in the department together, to provide a shared foundation and build cohort cohesion.
- Grants and publications: Students experience a model of research education that includes the critical elements of success in science, including obtaining external grants and leading and contributing to publications.
- Teaching experience: All students serve as teaching assistants at some point during their program. Students wanting additional experience can complete directed eaching or enroll in the Searle Center’s teaching certificate program.
- Funding and support: Currently, every student accepted into the CSD PhD program will receive 100% tuition support, health insurance and a monthly stipend, year-round, for five years. This funding usually takes the form of some combination of teaching assistantships, graduate research assistantships and fellowships.
Program Components
- Didactic courses (PhD) – approximately 7 courses
- Research experiences (PhD) – laboratory rotations, qualifying research project, and dissertation, yearly reviews and presentations.