Curriculum
Each doctoral student's plan of study is tailored to their skills, area of specialization and career aspirations.
Upon admission to the program, students and advisors will choose a doctoral advisory committee. The committee is responsible for guiding each student’s progress through the selected program of study.
Incoming students who have not completed a substantive graduate research project (e.g., a master’s thesis, audiology doctorate-level research project, etc.) must initiate a thesis-equivalent research project, under the direction of a three-member committee, during the first year of enrollment. This project must be completed before the comprehensive oral examination.
Acquiring a doctorate in speech-language pathology or audiology at a minimum requires the following:
- Completion of academic coursework
- A minimum of 24 graduate hours in a major area of interest
- A minimum of 12 graduate hours in a correlative area
- A minimum of 15 graduate hours in research skills/responsible scholarship
- Completion of a preliminary research experience
- Satisfactory performance on annual reviews
- Satisfactory performance on written and oral comprehensive examinations
- Satisfactory completion of a dissertation including written and oral prospectus, and written dissertation and oral defense of the dissertation
- Submission of the dissertation to the KU Office of Graduate Studies
Note: The above are the MINIMUM requirements. Each student’s plan of study will vary depending on entry skills (i.e., relevant knowledge and skills acquired through prior training, work or research experience), chosen specialization and career aspirations.
You must meet the general requirements of the university including the research skills and responsible scholarship requirement and fulfill the basic program requirements to receive the Ph.D. degree.
Different entry paths
Some students decide to pursue a research emphasis plan of study, while others opt to work on clinical certification in the speech-language pathology or audiology programs while also in the Ph.D. program. This combined degree track involves a higher course load. Details may be found in the student handbook.
Students entering the Ph.D. program with a graduate degree will complete the Ph.D. program requirements outlined in the curriculum on this page, with some adjustments based on relevant skills acquired during prior graduate study.
Vaccines and Clinical Site Requirements
The University of Kansas Medical Center requires various immunizations for its students. For a detailed list please visit the student health forms webpage or speak with Student Health Services. These immunization requirements help promote health and safety and facilitate clinical placement.
Many, if not all, clinical sites who partner with the University of Kansas Medical Center require proof of these vaccines for students engaged in training or other programmatic experiences at clinical sites. Not being vaccinated may preclude students from participating in activities, potentially impeding their ability to complete all program requirements for degree completion. Applicants with questions should speak with a representative from the academic program to which they intend to apply.