PhD in Communication Sciences and Disorders
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Earn the highest level of academic achievement in the field of communication sciences and disorders through specialized study in your area of interest. Through coursework, mentored and independent research, and internships in college teaching or clinical supervision, you will prepare for leadership roles at colleges, universities, research settings, and clinical agencies.
Program Highlights
- Individualized course of study
- Multiple research experiences
- Opportunities for college teaching or clinical supervision experiences
- Typically consists of two years of full-time coursework plus an additional year or more of dissertation research
Deadline to Apply
Refer to the UGA Graduate School deadlines
Faculty and Curriculum
Work with faculty who are known internationally for their work in early childhood language disorders, fluency, aphasia in older adults, and many other disorders across the lifespan.
Our doctoral students work with a major professor and a five-member faculty advisory committee to develop an individualized program of study. You will be encouraged to identify a major area of focus as well as related cognate or minor areas. In addition to coursework, multiple research opportunities, and your own dissertation research, you will have the opportunity to complete a student-teaching internship or serve as a mentored clinical supervisor.
While your overall course of study will vary, you will take a minimum of 48 hours of coursework, including:
- 30 hours of core focus-area courses
- 12 hours of advanced statistics
- 6 hours of computer science
While you develop expertise in your own area, you will work closely with a doctoral advisor or major professor whose interests are similar to your own, as well as with faculty from other programs, departments, and colleges. As a PhD student, you may collaborate with experts in early childhood development, neuroscience research, linguistics, vocal performance, and other areas.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Almost all in-state students begin their studies at UGA paying limited tuition or fees. Please note that these amounts are subject to change and are meant to give prospective students an idea of the costs associated with a degree at the University of Georgia College of Education.
Students may qualify for a variety of assistantships, scholarships, and other financial awards to help offset the cost of tuition, housing, and other expenses.
Meet Your Advisor
Most graduate students at UGA are not assigned to a faculty advisor until after admittance. A close working relationship with your advisor is paramount to progressing through your program of study.
Student Life
Our PhD experience gives you the opportunity to experience life in an academic setting. Through full-time study, research and clinical work, you will work closely with faculty and leave with the knowledge and skills to shape your discipline and be a leader in your profession.
Book a campus visit
See for yourself how much UGA College of Education has to offer! Schedule a tour of campus to learn more about the UGA student experience.
Admissions
Part 1: Apply to the University of Georgia
The Graduate School handles admission for all graduate programs at the University of Georgia, including those in the College of Education. The Graduate School website contains important details about the application process, orientation, and many other useful links to guide you through the process of attending UGA at the graduate level.
Start a Graduate School Application
Part 2: Apply to the PhD in Communication Sciences and Disorders
Applicants who meet all of the following requirements are eligible to apply:
- Professional preparation
Completion of a master's degree in speech-language pathology - GRE
Minimum GRE results of 300 or higher (combined verbal and quantitative scores) - GPA
Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.3 - TOEFL
Foreign applicants will also need to score a minimum of 20 points each on the Speaking and Writing sections of the TOEFL with an overall minimum score of 80. Test scores must be within 5 years from the date of application.
PhD Initial Admission Requirements
While completing the Graduate School application, please be sure to attach the following required materials for Communication Sciences and Disorders:
- Official GRE scores
- Unofficial transcripts
- Three letters of recommendation
- Statement of purpose
A statement of your professional experience and career goals, not to exceed two single-spaced typed pages. - Resumé/vita
PhD Final Admission Requirements
Interviews: All applicants are required to interview with at least three members of the program faculty as part of the application process. After completing the initial admission requirements (see above), the applicant will be contacted by the department with names of potential faculty members with whom they may interview. It is the applicant's responsibility to schedule interviews.
Admissions decisions will be based on the faculty's evaluation of undergraduate and graduate GPA, GRE (and TOEFL where relevant) scores, quality of essay, letters of recommendations, resumé, and interviews.
The program faculty will review applications on an ongoing basis. Final acceptance into the PhD program requires support by the faculty at large, and agreement by a faculty member to be the applicant's major professor.
Returning Applicants
Completed application due:
Refer to the UGA Graduate School deadlines
Program Resources
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