Doctor of Philosophy in Audiology
The Intercampus Program in Communicative Disorders offers Ph.D. programs in both speech-language pathology and in audiology for post-baccalaureate study of normal and disordered aspects of communication. These programs are designed to prepare suitably qualified individuals for leadership positions in research and academia. A major focus of these programs is to advance the science of these fields, and to elucidate the scientific basis for the procedures and processes used in clinical practice.
Students may pursue the Ph.D. in conjunction with entry-level clinical graduate degrees. As a result, the program offers both a combined M.A./Ph.D. and a combined Au.D./Ph.D. track. These tracks facilitate the completion of both degrees (the clinical graduate degree and the Ph.D.) in approximately a 6-year post-baccalaureate period. Students interested in the M.A./Ph.D track are encouraged to contact the program for information about the application process. Students who wish to earn both Au.D. and Ph.D. degrees should contact their advisor.
Admission to Graduate Studies
Admission Requirements
- All applicants must meet the requirements outlined in the Admission to Graduate Study policy.
- Bachelor’s degree: A copy of official transcripts showing proof of a bachelor's degree (and any post-bachelor’s coursework or degrees) from a regionally accredited institution, or a foreign university with equivalent bachelor's degree requirements is required.
- English proficiency: Proof of English proficiency for non-native or non-native-like English speakers is required. There are two bands of English proficiency, including Admission and Full proficiency. For applicants to online programs, Full proficiency is required.
Admission to the Ph.D. Program
Although applications may be submitted at any time, there is a deadline for priority status, as it aligns with funding and scholarship availability. A full list of the required application materials, as well as the priority deadline, can be found on the Eligibility and Requirements and How to Apply pages of our Department’s website.
Eligibility criteria for admission to the Ph.D. program follow Graduate Studies’ admission policy. To be considered for admission to graduate status in the program, a student must hold a bachelor’s degree. All students are expected to have strong command of the English Language. Non-native speakers of English must meet English proficiency requirements.
Because PhD students pursue an individualized plan of study, a faculty mentor is a critical requirement of the program. Potential applicants should investigate faculty mentor possibilities by (1) reviewing faculty bios and laboratory information, and (2) reading recent research articles written by KU faculty. Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact faculty who may be a good match to their interests prior to applying.
How to Apply
Ready to apply? Here's everything you need to know about the application process.
Applicants will submit an application online through the SLATE system. Begin by visiting graduate admissions and select "Apply." Applicants should select the start term and create an account (if a first-time user) or log in (if returning to continue an application).
Proceed to apply to the doctorate program:
- On the application's "Program Information page," select "Social and Behavioral Sciences" from the Academic Area of Interest.
- Under "Academic Program," search for "Audiology (Ph.D.)" or "Speech-Language Pathology (Ph.D.)."
Note: applicants interested in the M.A./Ph.D. dual degree program should select "Speech Language Pathology MA/Ph.D." and will be required to submit supplemental information for both programs. Please review the "How to Apply" page for each program.
The application fee is $65 ($85 for international students).
All required application materials must be submitted by January 6. Although applications may be submitted at any time, January 5 is the deadline for priority status as it aligns with funding and scholarship availability. Students are encouraged to enter the program in the fall semester to align with funding consideration, cohort/orientation events and program timing.
KU PASS Application Mentorship Service
Interested in receiving guidance and feedback on your application? The KU PASS program provides applicants with mentorship from current students in Ph.D. programs at the Intercampus Program for Communicative Disorders. This is provided in the form of online guidance sessions using Zoom and/or written feedback on your application materials. Participation is completely optional and separate from your actual application process, with no guarantee of admission. Learn more.
Collect your information in advance
It will be helpful to have the following information ready before starting the online application.
Personal statement questionnaire
Applicants will be prompted to upload a document answering the following questions on the application concerning career goals and interests:
- Why did you choose the University of Kansas to pursue your doctoral degree?
- What are your professional plans after graduate school?
- What are your research interests and goals? Why?
Applicants will also be asked to identify the faculty member(s) with whom they would like to work. You will also have an opportunity via a text field to enter additional information that may strengthen the application.
Writing sample requirement/language
Provide an academic paper for a previous course/program, or for publication, that incorporates existing research and/or original findings on an inquiry. This writing sample should be an excerpt of no more than 15 pages (double-spaced, PDF document) and will be uploaded as part of the online application..
Curriculum vitae or résumé
Provide a PDF document, of at least two pages in length, of work and academic history including professional leadership contributions as well as volunteer activities.
English language proficiency
All applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate English language proficiency. Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in any way outlined on the English proficiency requirements page. If applicants have their proficiency determined through TOEFL or IELTS testing agency, when required, the test must have been taken within two years of the first semester of enrollment. Results must be provided directly to KU by the testing service using TOEFL school code 6871. Photocopies of scores will not be accepted.
Letters of Recommendation
A reference provides a professional recommendation on your behalf. It is preferred that college instructors provide these recommendations, but past supervisors during employment or volunteer positions are also acceptable. The recommendations may not be obtained from family members, friends, etc.
Applicants will enter the names and contact information (including email addresses) of three individuals into the online application. The system will then prompt each person to submit a reference letter and the Graduate Letter of Recommendation Form (PDF). Note: the recommendation request may be submitted without the online application being submitted.
Ensure each reference is willing to submit this electronically and inform them they will be receiving an email from graduateadm@ku.edu requesting they submit a reference for you online.
Transcripts
Please provide a copy of an official transcript including the school's seal from every institution from which a degree has been received. In addition, ALL prerequisite courses, even if acquired apart from the degree, must be documented on official transcripts.
It is appropriate for copies of transcripts to have "copy" watermarks. Note: printing a page from a website does not meet this requirement. Student advising reports or any transcript with the words "unofficial transcript" in the header are not accepted. Request an official transcript from each institution's Office of the Registrar, take a photo or scan it, and upload directly into the online application.
Current and former University of Kansas students are not required to request or purchase official KU transcripts, or to provide copies of KU transcripts to apply for admission to KU graduate programs. If KU students earned a degree from another institution, they will need to upload copies of those transcripts with their application.
All transcripts must be uploaded by the student with their online application for the application to be considered complete. Transcripts provided to KU in any other way may not be considered part of the application.
Optional: Graduate Record Examination
An official score on the Graduate Record Examination General Test is optional. If an applicant would like to submit their GRE scores, official results must be sent directly to the KU office by the examination service.
Recommended scores for the sections of the GRE are 300 combined total for Verbal and Quantitative, and 3.5 and above for Analytical Writing. For GRE information, visit www.gre.org.
Please contact atrue@ku.edu 785-864-9623 (711 TTY) with any questions.
Upon admission, the student and his or her adviser choose a doctoral advisory committee. The committee is responsible for guiding the student’s progress through the selected program of study.
Incoming students who have not completed a substantive graduate research project (e.g., a master’s thesis, Au.D. research project, etc.) must initiate a thesis-equivalent research project, under the direction of a three-member committee, during the first year of enrollment. This project must be completed before the comprehensive oral examination.
Doctor of Philosophy in Audiology
Acquiring a doctorate in audiology at a minimum requires the following:
Completion of academic coursework
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| SPLH 900 Proseminar (1 hour) - Students mustcontinuously enroll each fall and spring semester for a total of at least 4 hours. See Proseminar Enrollment below. | 4 | |
| SPLH 975 | Directed Teaching: Speech Pathology and Audiology | 3 |
| SPLH 976 | Independent Study in Grant Writing | 3 |
| Major Area of Study | 14 | |
| Each student’s plan for completing these requirements will be detailed in their Plan of Study and selected in consultation with their faculty advisor and approved by their Doctoral Advisory Committee. Each student’s plan of study will vary depending on entry skills (i.e., relevant knowledge and skills acquired through prior training, work or research experience), chosen specialization, and career aspirations. | ||
| Secondary Area of Study | 12 | |
| Plan of study selected in consultation with faculty advisor and dissertation committee in a different area of research than major area of study. | ||
| Research Skills and Responsible Scholarship | 15 | |
| Plan of study for research skills. Courses selected in consultation with faculty advisor. (12 - 14 hours, depending on responsible scholarship course selected) | ||
| One Course in Responsible Scholarship: | ||
SPLH 982 Issues in Scientific Conduct (3 hours) | ||
OR | ||
PRVM 853 Responsible Conduct of Research (1 hour) | ||
| Preliminary Research Experience | 3 | |
| SPLH 974 Doctoral Research Practicum* (3 hours) | ||
| *Prior educational experience may be approved to exempt students from this requirement. Students with prior research experience are encouraged to discuss this option with their advisor. | ||
| Total Hours | 54 | |
Continuous Seminar Enrollment
Students must continuously enroll each fall and spring semester in SPLH 900 (minimum of 4 hours) through the semester of successful completion of oral comprehensive exam.
Research Skills and Responsible Scholarship
The University requires that every doctoral student receive training in responsible scholarship pertinent to the field of research and obtain research skills pertinent to the doctoral level of research in their field(s). These requirements must be completed by the end of the semester that the student takes the oral comprehensive exam. For students in the Speech-Language Pathology Ph.D., this requirement is satisfied by completion of the courses listed in the Research Skills & Responsible Scholarship section in the course grid above.
Written and Oral Comprehensive Exam
Students are required to produce three products for the completion of the written comprehensive examination. The oral comprehensive exam focuses primarily on the examination of the student’s written products; however, students must be prepared to be examined in other areas of audiology. The variety of products and additional information about faculty committee expectations can be found in the graduate student handbook.
The written and oral examination is conducted by a faculty committee. A majority vote of the oral comprehensive exam determines satisfactory or unsatisfactory performance. If an unsatisfactory performance is given, a student may re-take the oral comprehensive exam up to three times. If a student performs at an unusually high level, the student may be given a performance rating of “honors.” The honors distinction requires a unanimous vote of all committee members.
Post-Comprehensive Exam Enrollment
Starting the semester following successful completion of the oral comprehensive exam, students must enroll in accordance with the Office of Graduate Studies’ Doctoral Candidacy Policy. This enrollment includes, but is not limited to, at least 1 dissertation hour every semester until graduation. See the Doctoral Candidacy policy for more information about this University level requirement.
Dissertation Prospectus
The student, with the guidance of the dissertation advisor, will submit in writing a Prospectus that details a proposed original study to the Dissertation Committee. The Prospectus Meeting will begin with the student’s presentation of the major elements of the proposed dissertation. At the completion of the meeting, the Committee may meet with or without the student to determine if the student should move on to the data collection phase and/or any other recommendations.
Dissertation and Final Oral Exam
The student will present their dissertation with an opportunity for questions from the audience.
Majority vote of the committee determines satisfactory or unsatisfactory performance. Honors performance is determined through anonymous ballot, and the awarding of honors requires a unanimous vote by the dissertation committee.
Different entry paths:
Students without a graduate degree (e.g., M.A., Au.D.) have several options in pursuing the Ph.D. degree. Some decide to pursue a research emphasis plan of study. Others opt to work on clinical certification in the speech-language pathology or audiology programs while also in the Ph.D. program. These combined degree tracks (M.A./Ph.D. or Au.D./Ph.D.) involve a higher course load. Details may be found in the Ph.D. student handbook.
Students entering the Ph.D. program with a graduate degree will complete the Ph.D. program requirements outlined in the curriculum on this page, with some adjustments based on relevant skills acquired during prior graduate study. Details may be found in the Ph.D. student handbook.
For more information or to contact the program, please visit the IPCD website.
Technical Standards
The Ph.D. degrees in audiology and speech-language pathology signifies that the holder is ready to engage in a research career. Therefore, all individuals admitted to the University of Kansas Intercampus Program in Communicative Disorders must meet the following abilities and expectations with or without accommodation(s). KU is an AA/EO/Title XI institution.
NOTE: Reasonable accommodations will be considered and may be made to qualified students who disclose a disability, so long as such accommodation does not significantly alter the essential requirements of the curriculum and the training program, or significantly affect the safety of patient care. Students who disclose a disability are considered for the program if otherwise qualified. Qualified students with a disability who wish to request accommodations should provide appropriate documentation of disability and submit a request for accommodation to one of the following offices:
Academic Accommodations Services
3901 Rainbow Boulevard, MS 4029
Kansas City, KS 66160
913-945-7035; 711 TTY
Student Access Center
1450 Jayhawk Blvd., Room 22
Lawrence, KS 66045
access@ku.edu
785-864-4064; 711 TTY
The culminating activity in the preparation of a researcher is the ability to formulate, conduct and disseminate research. In the academic arena, teaching skills usually also are required. Therefore, a candidate for the Ph.D. degree must be able to make correct observations and have the skills of measurement, calculation, reasoning, analysis, and synthesis.
All students admitted to the KU Intercampus Program in Communicative Disorders must be able to meet the following requirements and expectations with or without accommodation(s).
Observation/Sensory Motor
- Observe demonstrations and learn from experiences in the classroom, laboratory, and other research settings.
- Carry out research techniques including the operation of complex, electronic instrumentation. Some types of research may involve the functional use of the senses in order to palpate certain areas of the patients’ head and neck or to observe the function of the head and neck.
- Interpret and comprehend text, numbers, and graphs displayed in print and video.
- Observe and respond to subtle cues of participant’s moods, temperament, and social behavior.
Physical/Psychomotor
- Perform actions requiring coordination of both gross and fine muscular movement, equilibrium and use of the senses.
- Respond quickly in research situations, not only for safety, but also therapeutically.
- Travel to numerous research sites for practical experience.
- Use an electronic keyboard to operate instruments and to calculate, record, evaluate, and transmit information.
Communication
- Be able to share and to elicit information from participants, mentors, peers and other research collaborators verbally and in a recorded format.
- Effectively, confidently, and sensitively converse with participants and their families.
- Interpret and comprehend technical and professional materials.
- Prepare papers, produce reports, and complete documentation for research purposes.
- Assimilate information from written sources (texts, journals, medical/school records).
- Take paper, computer, and laboratory examinations and prepare scholarly papers.
Judgment
- Demonstrate judgment in the classroom, laboratory, and other research situations that shows the intellect and emotional health necessary to make mature, sensitive, and effective decisions in the following areas:
- Relationships with professors, collaborators, peers, and participants
- Professional and ethical behavior
- Effectiveness of research approaches.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the rationale and justification for one’s performance.
- Critically evaluate one’s own performance and be flexible toward change to promote professional and research process.
- Recognize and correct behaviors disruptive to classroom teaching, and research,.
- Manage the use of time to complete research and academic assignments within realistic constraints.
- Recognize potentially hazardous materials, equipment, and situations and proceed in a manner to minimize risk of injury to those in the area.
- Make correct observations and have the problem solving skills necessary for measurement, calculation, reasoning, analysis, and synthesis.