Our PhD in Speech and Hearing Sciences program prepares students for academic and research careers, with students generally focusing on one of three areas: hearing science and audiology, language and education, or auditory neuroscience. Established in 1947, the program operates in collaboration with the Department of Otolaryngology, with research topics including basic science, applied and clinical science and clinical outcomes research. The Department is among the largest and most heavily-funded otolaryngology research groups in the country, consistently ranking among the top nationally in NIH funding.
Program highlights
- An interdisciplinary curriculum tailored to your individual research interests and culminating in a dissertation
- Teaching experiences supported by faculty mentorship and pedagogical training
- Immersive research work within the Department of Otolaryngology and its affiliated labs, including opportunities to publish and attend professional conferences
Who should apply?
Before beginning a PhD program in speech and hearing sciences, we recommend completing a master’s degree in a related field and/or relevant research.
Please note that it is not necessary to contact or identify a faculty mentor before applying, and doing so does not guarantee admission or funding. If you have specific questions about how your academic background and research interests align with our PhD program offerings, please email us at pacs@wustl.edu.
Funding
PhD students receive full tuition remission and an annual stipend. Please visit our Funding Opportunities page for more information.
Detailed application information »
AuD/PhD Program
Students interested in both the practice of clinical audiology and in clinical research may pursue the AuD/PhD. This combined program allows students to pursue both their clinical training in audiology and research training in a rigorous, streamlined program. The AuD and PhD are completed sequentially, allowing students to receive the AuD degree, as well as certification and licensure in clinical audiology, before formally commencing the PhD program. This model also offers PhD students additional opportunities for funding. Students receive credit for 48 semester hours of credit from the AuD toward the PhD, leaving only 24 semester hours of credit to complete to meet the minimum requirements. These 24 semester hours are drawn from specialized coursework, mentored teaching experiences, and research experiences. Interested students will apply to the PhD after enrolling in the AuD program, allowing for development of research interests and connecting with potential faculty mentors.
“As a student in the PhD program, my experience is tailored to my specific interests. The research methodology I’m learning is immediately applicable to my coursework and lab experiences. Although the expectations are rigorous, the faculty and staff keep me on track. In addition to amazing academic support, their office is full of treats, swag, and smiles.”
Amanda Dunaway, MSDE, PhD student