Audiology Doctoral Programs By State

As the knowledge and skills required to meet the scope of practice for audiology expands, so does its need to advance the knowledge and research base that forms the foundation for that practice. The PhD degree has traditionally been seen as providing the educational and scientific background necessary for academic scholarship and independent research in the profession of audiology. The doctor of philosophy degree (PhD) is the highest degree awarded by research-based universities and is usually granted upon sufficient evidence of high attainment of scholarship and the ability to engage in independent research. Many universities with Hearing and Speech Departments offer this "traditional" PhD to students whose primary goal is to become a teacher and independent researcher. The traditional PhD in Hearing Science or Audiology typically entails advanced coursework in auditory neuroscience, audiology, statistics, research design, instrumentation, computer science, and laboratory work on mentored and student-initiated research projects.

In recent years, some universities have developed a PhD program that combines the coursework and clinical training required for the practice of audiology with the coursework and research experience of a traditional PhD. This type of program is referred to as a "Clinical PhD" program. The degree awarded in these programs is a PhD. Students acquire the knowledge base and clinical practicum experience required for the practice of audiology. Graduates of these programs are also eligible for licensure in audiology in most states.

PhD Facts at a Glance

• The traditional PhD is a research doctorate and may be earned in the discipline of audiology or hearing science.
• Requirements for the doctoral degree vary widely across programs and universities, but always include a doctoral dissertation that is defended in front of an examining committee. Prospective students are encouraged to contact university programs directly to determine specific requirements for the traditional PhD and clinical PhD at particular institutions.
• Completion of the degree depends on the specific course of study, previous academic, clinical, and research preparation, and the nature of the dissertation. Some clinical PhD programs accept students at the post-baccalaureate level while others require a graduate degree for admission. Many clinical PhD programs anticipate that students will complete the degree in a period of five to six years. An individual should check with the PhD program of their choice to determine the expected duration of the program.
• Individuals who complete a PhD are qualified to serve as academic faculty members in audiology and hearing science at the university level.
• Individuals who complete a PhD are prepared to conduct independent research to improve the scientific understanding of auditory and vestibular processes and their disorders. This includes research into basic sensory mechanisms, prevention of impairment, diagnostic procedures, rehabilitative devices (i.e., amplification, cochlear implants, assistive listening devices), and rehabilitative techniques.
• Individuals who complete a PhD are qualified to apply for extramural funding from government agencies (such as NIH and NSF) to support their research and training programs.
• Individuals who complete a clinical PhD are prepared for independent clinical practice in the field of audiology, including auditory and vestibular assessment.
• In addition to academic and research settings, individuals who complete a PhD are qualified to work in government, medical, community-based, and industrial settings.
• Individuals who complete a PhD will be prepared to be leaders in the field of audiology and hearing science, and will set the research agenda for auditory neuroscience and audiology.

The length of time it takes to complete a program will depend on the program chosen.

For AuD programs, completion of the degree typically requires four years of full-time study beyond the bachelor's degree. An individual should check with the AuD program of their choice to find out the specific prerequisite coursework to be completed at the bachelor's level.

For PhD programs, completion of the degree depends on the specific course of study, previous academic, clinical, and research preparation, and the nature of the dissertation. Some clinical PhD programs accept students at the post-baccalaureate level while others require a graduate degree for admission. Many clinical PhD programs anticipate that students will complete the degree in a period of five to six years. An individual should check with the PhD program of their choice to determine the expected duration of the program.

For AuD/PhD programs, those to complete both degrees will take a smaller number of years compared to those who work on each degree separately. AuD/PhD programs are best suited to those who are interested in clinically-oriented research and those who want to pursue academia.

Pursuing graduate school is a major life decision. Once you’ve chosen between the AuD, PhD, or AuD/PhD combination degree, it can be challenging to know which university you want to go to, what program will be best for you, and even what advisor will fit you best.

The Student Academy of Audiology offers a wealth of information regarding how to select the best program and advisor for yourself. Questions to ask yourself could include, but are not limited to:

• How long is the program duration?
• What is the graduation rate?
• Are there opportunities to gain research experience?
• Are there funding opportunities?
• What’s the program size?
• Do you want to relocate?
• What is the advisor’s research interests?
• Would I get along with this advisor?
• What do the lab facilities look like?
• Does the advisor have a good publication output?
• Where is the advisor’s funding coming from?
• Did the advisor get along with their former students?

Acceptance rates vary from university to university. During your search for the best program, it is recommended to look for the acceptance rate of your preferred program on its university website as many will list that information directly in its informational content.   

Graduate school is a huge decision for many students due to the financial costs of the program. You can read more about the extern’s tuition load here.  

When pursuing an AuD, PhD, or a combination AuD/PhD degree, there are a number of funding options a student can choose from.  

Student Loans 

There are many student loan options that a student can look into. For accurate information, it is recommended to contact the university's financial aid office. 

Scholarships and Fellowships 

Many organizations value students' educational opportunities, including the American Academy of Audiology Foundation (AAAF), National Institutes of Health (NIH), American Speech-Language-Hearing Foundation, Council of Academic Programs in Communication Sciences, and many professional state organizations. These organizations offer scholarships, grants, and fellowships.  

• American Academy of Audiology Foundation Scholarships 
• American Academy of Audiology Foundation Research Grants  
• National Institutes of Health (NIH) Fellowships: F30, F31, F32 and the T-35 Grant
• American Speech-Language Hearing Foundation 
• Council of Academic Programs in Communication Sciences 

It is highly encouraged to check out state professional organizations in your area for scholarship and grant opportunities.  

Graduate Research or Teaching Assistantships  

Those who undertake a graduate research assistantship will receive funding from their PhD advisor or department, which will be allocated from their own funding. This could include tuition waivers or stipends.  

Those who undertake a graduate teaching assistantship will fulfill teaching responsibilities. This could be paid in the form of a tuition waver or stipend.   

Applying to audiology graduate programs takes time and effort. When applying to audiology graduate school, you will have to submit an application, personal statement supplement, transcripts, graduate record examinations scores (sometimes these are optional and are dependent on individual university requirements), and letters of recommendation. The Student Academy of Audiology offers in-depth Guide to Applying to Audiology Graduate School. This guide provides information for the application process, a general timeline, and answers to frequently asked questions students often have.

The American Academy of Audiology and the Student Academy of Audiology offer many resources for students pursuing audiology doctoral programs.  

• Explore a list of doctoral programs by state. 
• Read about untraditional undergraduate degrees that lead to audiology programs.   
• Read about one individual’s post-baccalaureate journey. 
• Learn about public student loan forgiveness.  
• Access the Guide to Applying to Audiology Graduate School.  
• Explore the American Academy of Audiology Foundation Scholarships and Research Grants.  
• Learn more about the Academy Research Conference.  
• Explore local SAA chapters at your university or help start a local chapter.  

When making this life-altering decision, the American Academy of Audiology wants students to be well-equipped to make the right decision. If you have a question about audiology doctoral programs, submit your question here.