Program Overview

PhD Requirements

The PhD program in the School of Audiology & Speech Sciences at the University of British Columbia has several requirements that students must complete to be awarded a PhD degree.

Requirements for Completing the PhD Program

The Program Advisory Committee

Students in the doctoral program must have a Program Advisory Committee. The Committee is composed of the student, the student’s supervisor, and at least two other members of UBC graduate faculty with related research interests. The supervisor will be determined prior to acceptance of the student into the program. The entire committee will be formed within the first term in the program.

Requirements

Students in the doctoral program must complete the following requirements:

1. Residency Period: Students admitted to a doctoral program will normally be expected to spend the equivalent of at least two consecutive years of full-time study at the University.
2. Coursework and Directed Research Training: Coursework and directed research training to be completed by each student will be determined by the student’s Program Advisory Committee.

• Research Methodology: Each student will be expected to develop conceptual and analytical skills appropriate for the evaluation of theories and the analysis of quantitative and/or qualitative data pertaining to their area of research.
• Directed Research: In addition to the research leading to the dissertation, starting in the first year each student will be expected to participate in some directed research.

3. Comprehensive Examination: The comprehensive examination will take place following completion of all required coursework, normally in the second or third year of the program.
4. Admission to Candidacy: A student will typically be recommended for admission to candidacy when he/she has completed all coursework and research training, passed the comprehensive examination, and had a dissertation proposal approved by the Dissertation Committee.
5. Dissertation: A Dissertation Committee is struck after the comprehensive examination has been passed. The student and supervisor will invite at least two other members of the UBC graduate faculty to participate in the Dissertation Committee.

Dissertation Requirements

• Ongoing Review of Progress: The members of the Dissertation Committee will meet with the student individually and as a group, as appropriate and as required by the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.
• Final Oral Examination: Each candidate will defend his or her dissertation following the procedures established by the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.