Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) in Speech and Hearing Sciences

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program at the University of Washington Department of Speech & Hearing Sciences is designed for students interested in basic or applied research in the disciplines of hearing, speech or language science. The Department accommodates interests in the typical processes of speech, language, and hearing, as well as in clinical aspects of speech, language, and hearing, including evaluative and management aspects of audiology and speech-language pathology. Students completing the doctoral program receive a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Speech and Hearing Sciences. The PhD degree program prepares students to work in research or teaching positions in academic, clinical, or industrial settings. It provides foundational knowledge and technical expertise and allows students to develop skills in critical thinking, problem solving, and communication. The Department's doctoral education philosophy is based on an apprenticeship model with strong faculty mentoring. Students work closely with a faculty member in their area of interest throughout the course of doctoral study. Thus, applicants are required to identify specific areas of concentration and to identify the potential faculty mentor(s) in advance of applying. The program of study for each student in the PhD program is planned on an individual basis in consultation with the student's faculty mentor and a faculty advisory committee. Courses in foundational and advanced topics in speech, language, hearing, research methods, statistics, and grant writing are combined with ongoing training via research and teaching assistantships and regular seminars and colloquia to provide rigorous preparation for careers in academic settings. Opportunities for additional clinical work in the area of communication disorders are provided to those having such interests.

All applicants must have at least a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university in the U.S. or its equivalent from a foreign institution. Minimum Grade Point Average (GPA): To be considered for admission, applicants are required to have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 (B) during the last 90 quarter or 60 semester credit hours of study.