About This Program
The Ph.D. degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders provides the student with a strong theoretical background and competency in research skills applicable to communication (audiology, speech, language, cognition and/or swallowing) processes and/or disorders. The program ideal for those interested in academic and research careers in communication sciences or disorders. The curriculum and plan of study are individualized and collectively planned between the student and the doctoral committee.
Contact Information
Program Delivery
Examples of Possible Careers and Salaries*
Health specialties teachers, postsecondary
- 20.5% much faster than the average
- 254,000 number of jobs
- $99,090 potential earnings
Medical scientists, except epidemiologists
- 6.1% faster than the average
- 138,300 number of jobs
- $91,510 potential earnings
* Source of occupation titles and labor data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook. Data comprises projected percent change in employment over the next 10 years; nation-wide employment numbers; and the yearly median wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.
For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.
Admission Requirements
- Master's degree from an accredited college or university (not necessarily in areas of speech-language pathology and audiology)
- Bachelor's degree (not necessarily in areas of speech-language pathology and audiology)
- Minimum 3.000 undergraduate GPA on a 4.000-point scale (minimum 3.500 GPA is recommended)
- Official transcript(s)
- Goal statement
- Three letters of recommendation
- English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning one of the following:1
- Minimum 94 TOEFL iBT score
- Minimum 7.0 IELTS score
- Minimum 65 PTE score
- Minimum 120 DET score
Application Deadlines
- Fall Semester
- Funding deadline: January 15
All application materials (including applicable fee, transcripts, recommendation letters, etc.) must be submitted by this deadline to be considered for an assistantship or any other funded position. - Rolling admissions
- Spring Semester
- Summer Term
Program Requirements
Major Requirements
Course List | Code | Title | Credit Hours |
| 1 | 24 |
| 2 | 12 |
| 3 | 9 |
| SPA 84199 | DISSERTATION I 4 | 30 |
| Minimum Total Credit Hours: | 75 |
Progression Requirements
Comprehensive Examination
Students who have not completed a master's thesis are required to complete and defend a research project (e.g., project-in-lieu of thesis) prior to taking their comprehensive examination. Students must maintain a minimum 3.000 overall grade point average throughout the program. After completion of doctoral coursework, students take the candidacy examinations, consisting of both written and oral portions. The written portion(s) of the comprehensive examination should entail no less than 16-20 hours of writing in a form to be determined by the doctoral student’s committee and approved by the graduate faculty, consistent with the options in the college's graduate handbook, including those used by other programs in the college. The oral portion occurs two to four weeks after submission of the written portion of the comprehensive exam. Successful completion of these examinations culminates in "admission to candidacy" and allows the candidate to begin work on the dissertation.
Students may be admitted to the Ph.D. degree on a part-time basis; however, all students must meet a residency requirement by taking at least 18 credit hours within a 12-month period (fall, spring and/or summer) prior to acceptance into candidacy.
Graduation Requirements
Graduation Requirements Summary | Minimum Major GPA | Minimum Overall GPA |
| - | 3.000 |
- Students may graduate with the Ph.D. degree with fewer than 75 total credit hours but no fewer than 60 total credit hours. Students may receive permission by graduate faculty to waive coursework if supported by the appropriate and recent coursework.
- Students are required to successfully complete online modules that address the 12 public health competencies required by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). This requirement may be waived if students provide documentation that the competencies were satisfied at a lower academic level.
Program Learning Outcomes
Graduates of this program will be able to:
- Develop, implement and evaluate a line of individual and collaborative research.
- Teach within a clinical and/or didactic context.
Professional Licensure Disclosure
This program is designed to prepare students to sit for applicable licensure or certification in Ohio. If you plan to pursue licensure or certification in a state other than Ohio, please review state educational requirements for licensure or certification and contact information for state licensing boards at Kent State's website for professional licensure disclosure.
