Ph.D. in Hearing, Speech, and Language Sciences

The Ph.D. program in Hearing, Speech, and Language Sciences is primarily designed to prepare candidates with a clinical doctoral (Au.D.) degree or a master's degree in Audiology or Speech-Language Pathology for faculty and research positions in universities and other research facilities. Students with a clinical doctoral (Au.D.) degree may be able to complete program in two years, while students with a master's degree typically require a minimum of three years to complete the program requirements. The Ph.D. program consists of coursework in statistics, research methods, higher education pedagogy, advanced topics in hearing, speech, and language sciences, and American Sign Language. Additional requirements include a supervised practicum in higher education teaching, a role-related internship, a qualifying examination, a comprehensive examination, and a dissertation that addresses a critical question in hearing, speech, and language sciences. The HSLS Ph.D. program is unique in that it has an American Sign Language requirement for both its students and faculty, thereby ensuring that all classes are fully sign-accessible to deaf and hard of hearing students. Students in the HSLS Ph.D. program have excellent research opportunities within the department as well as other Gallaudet departments and affiliated programs in other universities and research sites. Individuals from traditionally under-represented groups (deaf or hard of hearing, and individuals from underrepresented racial-ethnic groups) are especially encouraged to apply.

Students entering the Ph.D. program from Gallaudet's Au.D. or SLP program are expected to be continuously enrolled in ASL classes at Gallaudet until they have successfully completed PST 304. Students entering the Ph.D. program from non-Gallaudet programs, who have limited sign language skills, are expected to be continuously enrolled in ASL classes at Gallaudet until they have successfully completed PST 304. In addition, all Ph.D. students are required to complete the clinical sign sequence in the HSLS Department.

Admissions Procedures

Applicants for the Ph.D. in Hearing, Speech, and Language Sciences must complete the application procedures and meet the requirements for graduate study at Gallaudet University. Visit the Graduate Admissions web site for more information and a checklist of application requirements. Detailed program information and course descriptions are also available in the Graduate Catalog.

Students must have completed an Au.D. or equivalent to be considered for regular Ph.D. admission. Other applicants may be considered for conditional Ph.D. admission.

Program Specific Requirements

Au.D. degree or master's degree in Audiology or Speech-language Pathology
ASHA CCC-A or CCC-SLP Certification preferred
GRE or MAT scores
Three letters of recommendation
On-site personal Interview and writing sample

Program of Study

ASL Requirements

Students entering the Ph.D. program from Gallaudet's Au.D. or SLP program are expected to be continuously enrolled in ASL classes at Gallaudet until they have successfully completed PST 304. Students entering the Ph.D. program from non-Gallaudet programs, who have limited sign language skills, are expected to be continuously enrolled in ASL classes at Gallaudet until they have successfully completed PST 304. In addition, all Ph.D. students are required to complete the clinical sign sequence in the HSLS Department.

Year I - Fall

GPS 700 Culture and Language Seminar (1)
PST ASL (3) American Sign Language (no credit)
EDF 801 Principles of Statistics I (3)
HSL 891 Ph.D. Professional Issues Seminar I (1)
HSL 893 Seminar in University Instruction and Supervision (3)
Cognate coursework (3)

Year I - Spring

EDF 802 Principles of Statistics II (3)
PST ASL (3) (no credit)
HSL 892 Ph.D. Professional Issues Seminar II (1)
HSL 894 Seminar in Higher Education Publishing, Grant Writing and Presentation Skills (3)
Cognate coursework (3)

Total Credits: 10 (excluding ASL)

Qualifying Examination at end of semester

Year I - Summer

Cognate coursework (6)

Total Credits: 6

Year II - Fall

EDF 810 Advanced Research Design I (3)
HSL 888 Advanced Topics in Hearing, Speech, and Language Sciences (3)
PST ASL (3) (No Credit)
Cognate coursework (3)
Dissertation (1)

Total Credits: 10 (excluding ASL)

Year II - Spring

EDF 811 Advanced Research Design II (3) or EDF 812 Qualitative Research Methods (3)
HSL 889 Advanced Topics in Hearing, Speech, and Language Sciences (3)
PST ASL (3) (No Credit)
Cognate coursework (3)
Dissertation (1)

Total Credits:10 (excluding ASL)

Year II - Summer

HSL 897 Ph.D. Internship (4-6)
HSL 900 Dissertation (2)

Total Credits: 6-8

Comprehensive (Candidacy) Exam at end of the semester

Year III - Fall

HSL 896 Practicum in University Instruction (2-3)
HSL 900 Dissertation Research (proposal expected) (7)
PST ASL (3) (No Credit)

Comprehensive Exam before proposal defense

Total Credits: 9-10 (excluding ASL)

Year III - Spring

HSL 900 Dissertation Research (1-3 credits) 

61-64 Credits Total

Additional Requirements for the Ph.D. Program

There is a 2-year Ph.D. program residency requirement. The comprehensive examination must be successfully completed. All dissertation requirements must be completed and the dissertation must be successfully defended.