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The Ph.D. program in Hearing and Speech Sciences is offered through Vanderbilt University's Graduate School, focusing on training for research and academic careers in audiology, speech-language pathology, and related sciences. Students work closely with faculty on federally-funded research initiatives while pursuing their doctoral studies.
Our program equips doctoral candidates to excel as educators and researchers in communication sciences and disorders. Before beginning their dissertation, students undertake two research projects, complete a teaching practicum, and take approximately two years of customized coursework within and beyond the department. The Ph.D. requires 72 graduate credit hours, with up to 24 transferable credits from a master's degree.
Most students complete 48 credit hours in their initial two years (Fall-Spring-Summer terms). After passing comprehensive written and oral exams and having their dissertation proposal approved, students achieve Ph.D. candidacy status. The final phase of the program centers on dissertation research and completion.
Qualified applicants with bachelor’s or comparable non-U.S. degrees are eligible for admission to the Graduate School. Applications from international students with three-year bachelor’s degrees will also be considered.
The minimum acceptable score on the paper-based TOEFL is 570, and for the Internet-based test, 88. Many programs, however, require a considerably higher level of proficiency.
For IELTS, the minimum acceptable score will vary by program. In many cases, a score of at least 7.0 is desirable.