Information Sessions

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program at the University of Washington Department of Speech & Hearing Sciences is designed for students interested in basic or applied research in the disciplines of hearing, speech or language science. The Department accommodates interests in the typical processes of speech, language, and hearing, as well as in clinical aspects of speech, language, and hearing, including evaluative and management aspects of audiology and speech-language pathology. Students completing the doctoral program receive a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Speech and Hearing Sciences.

The PhD degree program prepares students to work in research or teaching positions in academic, clinical, or industrial settings. It provides foundational knowledge and technical expertise and allows students to develop skills in critical thinking, problem solving, and communication.

The Department's doctoral education philosophy is based on an apprenticeship model with strong faculty mentoring. Students work closely with a faculty member in their area of interest throughout the course of doctoral study. Thus, applicants are required to identify specific areas of concentration and to identify the potential faculty mentor(s) in advance of applying. The program of study for each student in the PhD program is planned on an individual basis in consultation with the student's faculty mentor and a faculty advisory committee. Courses in foundational and advanced topics in speech, language, hearing, research methods, statistics, and grant writing are combined with ongoing training via research and teaching assistantships and regular seminars and colloquia to provide rigorous preparation for careers in academic settings. Opportunities for additional clinical work in the area of communication disorders are provided to those having such interests.

Courses, seminars and colloquia are facilitated by Department faculty who are nationally and internationally known in their areas of expertise. Students are also encouraged to pursue courses and faculty interactions across departments, and to take advantage of the many resources of the University of Washington, including the world-renowned Bloedel Hearing Research Center, the Department of Rehabilitative Medicine, the Center for Human Development and Disability, the Experimental Education Unit, and the University of Washington Medical School, to name a few. Graduate study at the doctoral level is a multi-year commitment, with timelines varying across sub-field, student background and interests. The typical time to completion has recently ranged 4-6 years, consistent with the national average in the field of Communication Sciences and Disorders.

More detailed information is available in the Speech and Hearing Sciences Doctoral Program Plan. To contact a current PhD student to learn about the department and the doctoral program from the student perspective, please feel welcome to reach out to the Doctoral Student Association directly, or email Graduate Advising (shgradv@uw.edu) so that we can put you in touch.

Questions?

Join us for an upcoming virtual information session! Please register in advance. All times are Pacific.

No information sessions are scheduled at this time.

Check back in September 2024!