Graduate Programs

The Department of Speech and Hearing Science offers graduate programs of study in speech-language pathology, audiology, and speech, language, and hearing science. The department prepares scientists and professionals who specialize in the study of receptive and productive aspects of oral and alternative communication and communication disorders. Graduate degrees are offered at the master's and doctoral levels.

Admissions

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Admission to this degree program requires:

• 1. Baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution of higher education
• 2. Minimum grade-point average of 3.0 (A=4.0) for the last 45 hours of undergraduate work and any graduate work completed
• 3. International students must also submit Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores, with a minimum score of 550 on the paper based TOEFL test, 213 on the computer based test, or 79 on the internet-based test (iBT). Complete instructions for international students are contained in the on-line application.

APPLICATION

The application DEADLINE for graduate admission is January 15. All application materials must be received by that date. PhD applications may be considered on a rolling admission basis.

To apply:

• 1. Complete the main application online.

• 2. Official Transcripts

  
  

  You must request official transcripts of all of your undergraduate and graduate work be sent by the institution directly to Graduate Admissions, Department of Speech and Hearing Science (address below). Transcripts must show courses completed, grades, degree completed, and date of graduation. If you are in process of completing your degree, and expect to do so before you would enter the University of Illinois, have the current transcript sent now. After your degree is completed you must send another transcript. If these records are in a language other than English, they must be accompanied by an official English translation.

• 3. Results of the Graduate Records Examination

  
  

  The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is administered by the Educational Testing Service . The results must arrive at the Department by the application deadline. Therefore, make sure that you make arrangements and take the test early enough. Note that the Institution Code that you must enter in the GRE application for the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is 1836 and the Department Code is 0620.

• 4. Personal Statement (included in on-line application)

  
  

  This statement is a very important part of your application. Please include comments on why you are interested in the program, what is your current understanding of the field, what education and skills you expect to acquire through the degree, and how you expect to use your degree after graduation. Briefly describe any related experience including volunteer time, paid work, internships, coursework, and pertinent training. Applicants with professional work experience are encouraged to explain how they think their work experience has prepared them for graduate study at the University of Illinois.

• 5. Letters of Recommendation (included in on-line application)

  
  

  Request three letters of recommendation (preferably from those who are acquainted with your educational background and academic abilities).

  Additional Information

  Financial support through the Department, typically research or teaching assistantships, is available for a limited number of students and is based on merit. Need-based financial support may be applied for through the University Financial Aid Office.

  Postal Address

  Any application materials not completed on-line should be sent to the following address:

  • Graduate Admissions
  • Department of Speech and Hearing Science
  • University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
  • 901 S. Sixth Street
  • Champaign, IL 61820
  
  

• Address any questions to phawkins@uiuc.edu

Master of Arts

A Master of Arts degree is offered for all graduate students in Speech-Language Pathology, including those who wish to obtain state certification in the public schools. The goal of the master's program is that the student, upon completion of the degree, will be clinically skilled and possess the background necessary to pursue further graduate studies. To meet this goal, the program offers a core curriculum. Students also may have the opportunity to take advanced seminars and independent studies in special interest areas. An option to complete a thesis or independent study is available for students interested in conducting research. Upon completion of the master's degree, students are usually employed in clinics, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, school settings, industry, or private practice. The master's program is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation of the American Speech-Language Hearing Association.

Doctor of Audiology

The Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.) degree is offered to all graduate students in audiology. The Au.D. is a four-year post-baccalaureate degree that emphasizes the application of basic science and technology and provides advanced professional training for the diagnosis and habilitation/rehabilitation of hearing disorders and related communication and educational disorders as well as the scholarly study of professional practice-centered problems. The program involves didactic courses and clinical experiences that prepare students to work independently across the scope of practice in audiology. Students also learn about research methodology and are required to complete a research project. The Doctor of Audiology program at the University of Illinois is accredited by the Council of Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language Hearing Association, 10801 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD 20852, 301-897-5700.

Doctor of Philosophy

The purpose of the Ph.D. program is to prepare the student for independent research. Students in the Ph.D. program have numerous opportunities to participate in research as well as obtain teaching experience. After completing the Ph.D. degree, students generally accept research, clinical, or academic positions, or may pursue postdoctoral experiences.