PhD in Speech and Hearing Science
The PhD in Speech and Hearing Science trains individuals to be productive researchers, outstanding teachers, and valued colleagues. The University of Tennessee is a “Research 1” institution, and as such, the program is research-oriented with primary emphases on processes involved in normal and disordered speech, language and hearing (Students who are primarily interested in clinical practice should apply to the MS-SLP or AuD program). In addition to coursework outlined in the catalog, all students complete two research projects in addition to their dissertation. These projects give students valuable experience designing, conducting, and publishing their own research. We are proud of the fact that the great majority of these projects are published with the student as the primary author, and all of the projects are presented at national or international conferences.
Doctoral students choose a primary mentor and doctoral committee from among the 13 academic faculty members in our nationally ranked Department of Audiology & Speech Pathology. All of our academic faculty have active research programs. An external committee member will also be selected from outside of the department or university giving students the opportunity for additional mentoring from distinguished researchers in their chosen field.
Currently, all PhD students receive a tuition waiver for up to 6 years, as well as a graduate assistant stipend from the department. These 20-hour per week assistantships function much the same as intern- or externship programs, and are an integral part of each student’s training. In addition to training in research, all students are required to complete a student teaching course in which the student functions as the primary instructor for the course. This course provides the student with valuable and imminently marketable academic teaching experience.
The PhD in Speech and Hearing Science is administered through the UTHSC College of Graduate Health Sciences. Although most UTHSC programs are located in Memphis, the Speech and Hearing Science program is physically located in Knoxville.
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s or graduate degree in Communication Disorders or an allied field (e.g., Psychology, Linguistics, Cognitive Neuroscience, Engineering)
- Official Transcripts
- Personal Statement
- 3 Letters of Recommendation
- TOEFL (for non-native speakers of English)
- GRE (May be waived for those with a previous graduate degree. Contact program director for details.)
- Application deadline is January 15