Doctor of Philosophy in Speech-Language Science

Speech-Language Science – PH5324

Division of Communication Sciences and Disorders
School of Rehabilitation and Communication Sciences
Grover Center W218
Athens, OH 45701-2979
740.593.1407
Fax: 740.593.0287
csd@ohio.edu

Delivery Mode: Athens Campus

Terms of Entry: Fall

Program Overview

The Division of Communication Sciences and Disorders is dedicated to excellence in research and teaching undergraduate and graduate students who will be successful in future academic study and employment.

Communication Sciences and Disorders offers a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) program in speech-language science. We are a diverse, energetic, dedicated, and productive faculty who work closely with students in a positive and encouraging environment. We offer students the opportunity to develop a highly individualized academic plan of study that includes a major and minor area of study, access to state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, a range of mentored research experiences, and a variety of mentored teaching opportunities. We prepare future scholars, educators, and leaders of the field. Doctoral studies is full time (i.e., 12-15 credit hours per semester prior to completing the comprehensive examination following the second year of study) and typically requires 4 years to complete.  

Doctor of Philosophy degree applicants who are also interested in obtaining a master of speech-language pathology may request consideration for admission to the M.A. program to seek joint degrees of Ph.D. and M.A. This joint degree option is for students who are certain they wish to pursue a Ph.D. and receive an M.A. degree along the way. Upon completion of the program, the student will have completed a master’s degree in speech-language pathology and a Ph.D. in speech language science. This allows for maximum efficiency overall, and permits the student to pursue research and clinical training simultaneously, rather than sequentially. The purpose of the joint degrees is to nurture and guide students with excellent potential while integrating master’s and doctoral coursework, research, and clinical experiences. Time of completion of joint M.A.-Ph.D. degrees is typically 5 years. 

Program Learning Outcomes

• Students will demonstrate knowledge related to their major area of study.
• Students will demonstrate knowledge related to their minor area of study.
• Students will demonstrate research skills related to the major area of study.
• Students will demonstrate research skills related to the minor area of study.
• Students will demonstrate integrated knowledge and research skills across their major and minor areas of study.

Opportunities for Graduates

One hundred percent of our Ph.D. graduates secure employment upon graduation. Our graduates typically assume an academic post.

Further Information

Link to Program: https://www.ohio.edu/chsp/rehab/communication-sciences/doctorate-hearing-science/doctorate-speech-language-science

Admission Requirements

To be considered for PhD study, applicants must submit the following:

• An Ohio University application form
• 3.0 minimum overall grade point average
• All past academic transcripts
• Three letters of recommendation from those who best know the applicants’ potential for doctoral study
• Official Score Report from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
  • Recommended scores: Verbal 45th percentile or above; Quantitative 40th percentile or above; Writing 50th percentile or above
• A two-page narrative detailing previous experience and long- and short-term career objectives
• International applicants must additionally submit an English proficiency score (TOEFL or IELTS) and a sample of spoken English. The following English proficiency scores are required by Ohio University for unconditional admission.
  • iBT - 80 Composite, all Section Scores of 17
  • IELTS – 6.5 Composite, all Bands 6.5
  • PBT TOEFL – 550 Total, Composition 5, all other Section Scores 52

Individual interviews (in person or via Skype) with the Coordinator of PhD. Studies and/or a potential faculty mentor in the student’s intended area of study is required.

International Students

This program permits full-time enrollment in residence at Ohio University, and an I-20 may be issued based on admission to this program.

Graduation Requirements

Students must complete a minimum of 90 credit hours (of which 34 may be applied from an earlier degree).