Ph.D. in Hearing, Speech, and Language Sciences
The Ph.D. program in Hearing, Speech, and Language Sciences prepares students with a masters or clinical doctorate in a related field (e.g., Au.D., M.S. in SLP) for faculty and research positions in universities and other research facilities. The Ph.D. program consists of coursework in research methods and statistics, professional issues (teaching, grant-writing), and advanced topics in hearing, speech, and language sciences. Students are also expected to be continuously enrolled in ASL classes until they have successfully completed (or tested out of) PST 303.
Additional requirements include a qualifying examination, a supervised practicum in higher education teaching, a research internship leading to a pre-dissertation project, a candidacy examination, and a dissertation that addresses a critical question in hearing, speech, and language sciences. Students in the HSLS Ph.D. program have research opportunities within the department, as well as with other Gallaudet departments and affiliated programs in other universities and research sites. If you have questions, contact us at phd.hsls@gallaudet.edu.
Admissions Procedures and Eligibility
Applicants for the Ph.D. in Hearing, Speech, and Language Sciences must meet the requirements for graduate study at Gallaudet University and have a masters or clinical doctorate in a related field. Individuals from traditionally under-represented groups (deaf or hard of hearing and individuals from underrepresented racial-ethnic groups) are especially encouraged to apply.
Prospective students are encouraged to explore the research interests of faculty in our department. Visit the Graduate Admissions website for more information and to apply.
Deadline to apply for this program:
Preferred deadline for international applicants: January 15
Preferred deadline for domestic applicants: February 15
Admission Requirements
- Completed application (including application fee)
- CV
- Undergraduate and graduate transcripts, reflecting a GPA of 3.2 or higher and a master's or clinical doctorate in audiology, speech-language pathology, or a related field
- Three letters of recommendation
- Goals statement (2-page minimum)
- Writing sample (optional)
- Interview
Plan of study
Year I – Fall (12 Credits)
| PST | American Sign Language | 3 |
| EDU801 | Principles of Statistics I | 3 |
| Or | |
| PSY710 | Introduction to Applied Statistics in the Social Sciences | 3 |
| | |
| HSL885 | Advanced Topics: Language Science | 3 |
| HSL888 | Advanced Quantitative Research Design I | 3 |
| Cognate coursework | 3 |
Note: Excluding ASL from total credits
Year I – Spring (13 Credits)
| PST | American Sign Language | 3 |
| PSY713 | Psychological Statistics II | 3 |
| HSL886 | Advanced Topics: Hearing Science | 3 |
| HSL887 | Lab Rotation | 1 |
| HSL889 | Advanced Quantitative Research Design II | 3 |
| Cognate coursework | 3 |
Note: Excluding ASL from total credits
Qualifying Examination at end of semester
Year II – Fall (11-14 Credits)
| PST | American Sign Language | 3 |
| HSL884 | Advanced Topics: Speech Science | 3 |
| HSL890 | Instrumentation in Research | 2 |
| HSL893 | Seminar in University Instruction and Supervision in Hearing, Speech, and Language Sciences | 3 |
| HSL897 | Ph.D. Internship | 1-6 |
| Cognate coursework | 3 |
Note: Excluding ASL from total credits
Year II – Spring (11-15 Credits)
| HSL880 | Guided Studies: Doctoral Candidacy Preparation 1 | 1 |
| HSL881 | Guided Studies: Doctoral Candidacy Preparation 2 | 1 |
| HSL882 | Guided Studies: Doctoral Candidacy Preparation 3 | 1 |
| HSL891 | Professional and Ethical Issues Seminar | 2 |
| HSL893 | Seminar in University Instruction and Supervision in Hearing, Speech, and Language Sciences | 3 |
| HSL897 | Ph.D. Internship | 1-6 |
| Cognate coursework | 3 |
Year III – Fall (4 Credits)
| HSL892 | Dissertation Seminar | 1 |
| HSL896 | Practicum in University Instruction | 2-3 |
Year III - Spring and beyond
1 credit per semester until graduation
Program Outcomes
1. Describe and integrate key concepts and methodologies in hearing, speech, and language.
2. Analyze, synthesize, and apply literature in the area of specialization.
3. Design, implement, and disseminate research projects with increasing independence and rigor.
4. Demonstrate knowledge of higher education pedagogical techniques and mentorship principles.
5. Demonstrate mastery of scientific and professional writing and presentations.
6. Articulate key features of academic life, including ethical, professional, and bilingual/multicultural concerns.