PhD Overview and Academic Program

The PhD program in the Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences has as its goal the development of outstanding independent researchers and teachers. Program graduates will have a broad base of knowledge about human communication sciences and disorders and significant in-depth preparation in their special areas of concentration within the discipline. Students should seek multidisciplinary experiences and skills to enhance their research careers.

The Department encourages diversity among applicants to the program and will develop programs of study for individual students. Each student’s program is designed in consultation with the student’s program committee and each doctoral student will go through a rigorous mentoring process involving the major professor selected by the student. In addition, a range of research experiences with members of the faculty of the University, principally inside the Department, but also outside of it will be provided as is appropriate to the student’s program of study. It is expected that students will engage in scholarly, publishable research endeavors throughout their course of study at the University of Arizona.

Persons admitted to the program will be required to complete a baccalaureate degree prior to enrolling. The typical applicant has completed a master’s degree but one is not required. Successful applicants will have completed coursework in physical or life sciences, and mathematics as well as in their major area of study and will have taken the Graduate Record Examination. Please write to the Doctoral Admissions Committee for specific college and Departmental application materials.

The Program Requirements (Cactus Book) provides a detailed guide to the PhD program. There is also a Quick Guide to the program. Applications are required through the Graduate College. Applications are being accepted from September 1, 2011 to February 1, 2012, for the following school year.

Please be advised that prospective students should identify at least one potential mentor in their application and one of the faculty must agree to serve as the mentor before a student will be admitted to the program. Prospective PhD students are strongly advised to contact faculty with whom they wish to study prior to submitting an application to discuss their interests in a particular area of specialization and whether completing a doctorate at the University of Arizona will advance their ultimate career goals.

PhD Program Milestones »