Graduate Degrees in Speech, Language & Hearing Sciences

Program Overview

The University of Colorado Boulder offers graduate programs in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, ranging from Master's to Doctorate degrees. These programs focus on clinical practice in speech-language pathology, research, and audiology. They provide students with theoretical and practical knowledge, preparing them for careers as speech-language pathologists, audiologists, and researchers in the field. Dual degree options are available in PhD/AuD, PhD/Neuroscience, and PhD/Cognitive Science.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences (SLHS) at the University of Colorado Boulder offers a range of graduate programs in clinical practice and research.

Master of Arts (MA) in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences:

• Focus Areas:
• Personal Certification Focus (MA-SLP):
This program prepares students for professional certification in speech-language pathology. It provides a strong foundation in theoretical and clinical knowledge through coursework and clinical experiences. Students are prepared to work as speech-language pathologists in medical, educational, and private practice settings.
• Research Focus: This program allows students to design their own master's degree in SLHS, focusing on any topic related to speech, language, or hearing sciences.
It does not lead to clinical certification. A master's thesis is required.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences:

• Program Focus: The PhD program is research-oriented, preparing students to become independent scholars, teach in higher education, conduct research, and become leaders in the field.
• Prerequisites: Students are expected to have some professional or research experience before entering the program and to have specific academic or professional goals in mind.

Doctor of Audiology (AuD):

• Program Focus: The AuD is the entry-level degree in clinical audiology, emphasizing both clinical competency development and evidence-based practice.
Students complete a four-year curriculum that includes academic coursework, clinical practicum, and a capstone project.
• Coursework: Students take advanced seminars in hearing science, clinical audiology, and research methods.
• Prerequisites: The AuD faculty recommends that students have undergraduate coursework in speech-language-hearing sciences, including content knowledge in audiological evaluation and rehabilitation, hearing and speech science, language development, phonetics, and speech and language disorders.
A strong foundation in college algebra and pre-calculus is also expected. A college-level course in statistics is required.

Dual Degree Programs:

• PhD/AuD: This program trains students in both clinical research and clinical practice in audiology, preparing them to become independent scholars, teach in higher education, conduct research, become certified clinical audiologists, and gain leadership skills.
Students can apply to both programs simultaneously or apply to one program after being accepted into the other.
• PhD/Neuroscience: Students can pursue a dual PhD with neuroscience.
• PhD/Cognitive Science: Students can pursue a dual PhD with cognitive science.

Other:

• Research Areas: The department's research areas include acoustics, audiology, behavioral therapy, implants, linguistics/philology, phonology, and syntax.
• Funding Opportunities: PhD students are supported through research and teaching assistantships.
Students are also encouraged to apply for their own sources of funding.
• Graduate Student Organizations
• Diversity, Equity, Access & Inclusion
• Health & Wellness
• Leadership Development
• Peer Mentoring Program