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
- Writing sample
- Interview
Plan of study
Year I – Fall (12 Credits)
| | PST ASL (3) American Sign Language | |
| EDU 801 | Principles of Statistics I | 3 |
| | Or | |
| PSY 711 | Principles of Statistics | 3 |
| | | |
| HSL 884 | Advanced Topics: Speech Science | 3 |
| HSL 885 | Advanced Topics: Language Science | 3 |
| | Cognate coursework | 3 |
Note: Excluding ASL from total credits
Year I – Spring (13 Credits)
| | PST ASL (3) American Sign Language | |
| HSL 886 | Advanced Topics: Hearing Science | 3 |
| HSL 887 | Lab Rotation | 1 |
| HSL 888 | Advanced Research Design I | 3 |
| | Cognate coursework | 3 |
| | Cognate coursework | 3 |
Note: Excluding ASL from total credits
Qualifying Examination at end of semester
Year II – Fall (11-14 Credits)
| | PST ASL (3) American Sign Language | |
| HSL 889 | Advanced Research Design II | 3 |
| HSL 890 | Instrumentation in Research | 2 |
| HSL 893 | Seminar in University Instruction and Supervision in Hearing, Speech, and Language Sciences | 3 |
| HSL 897 | Ph.D. Internship | 1-6 |
| | Cognate coursework | 3 |
Note: Excluding ASL from total credits
Year II – Spring (11-15 Credits)
| HSL 880 | Guided Studies: Doctoral Candidacy Preparation 1 | 1 |
| HSL 881 | Guided Studies: Doctoral Candidacy Preparation 2 | 1 |
| HSL 882 | Guided Studies: Doctoral Candidacy Preparation 3 | 1 |
| HSL 891 | Professional and Ethical Issues Seminar | 2 |
| HSL 893 | Seminar in University Instruction and Supervision in Hearing, Speech, and Language Sciences | 3 |
| HSL 897 | Ph.D. Internship | 1-6 |
| | Cognate coursework | 3 |
Year III – Fall (4 Credits)
| HSL 892 | Dissertation Seminar | 1 |
| HSL 896 | Practicum in University Instruction | 2-3 |
Year III - Spring and beyond
1 credit per semester until graduation
Program Outcomes
Describe and integrate key concepts and methodologies in hearing, speech, and language.
Analyze, synthesize, and apply literature in the area of specialization.
Design, implement, and disseminate research projects with increasing independence and rigor.
Demonstrate knowledge of higher education pedagogical techniques and mentorship principles.
Demonstrate mastery of scientific and professional writing and presentations.
Articulate key features of academic life, including ethical, professional, and bilingual/multicultural concerns.