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 perception and production of spoken, signed, and alternative communication and communication disorders, as well as swallowing. Graduate degrees are offered at the master's and doctoral levels.

Admissions

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Admission to the MA-SLP, AuD, and PhD degree programs require:

• 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.

TO APPLY TO CLINICAL MA-SLP AND AUD PROGRAMS:

DEADLINE

The application deadline for graduate admission for the 2010-2011 academic year is January 15, 2010. All materials must be submitted to CSDCAS by January 15.

You will need to submit materials to TWO places:

1. UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS

a. You will need to complete the University of Illinois application through Apply-Yourself at http://www.grad.uiuc.edu/Admissions/instructions/. Note: In order to submit your application, you will need to include the names of 3 faculty members for letters of recommendation, even though they will NOT send letters here, but only through CSDCAS. Check the off-line submission option, rather than on-line submission.

b. The department requires results of the Graduate Record Examination. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). The results must arrive at the University by the application deadline. Therefore, make sure that you make arrangements and take the test early enough. 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.

2. CENTRALIZED APPLICATION SERVICES (CSDCAS)

An application MUST be submitted through Communication Sciences and Disorders Centralized Application Services (CSDCAS). To apply, enter the CSDCAS portal (portal.csdcas.org). All application materials, except official GRE scores (see above), are submitted here. The website contains detailed instructions. All materials must be received by CSDCAS by January 15, 2010.

CSDCAS requires:

a. General application

b. Personal statement (CSDCAS narrative)
This statement is a very important part of your application. Please include comments on why you are interested in the program, what your current understanding of the field is, 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.

c. Official transcripts
All official transcripts MUST be sent to CSDCAS.

d. 3 letters of recommendation
Request three letters of recommendation from faculty who are acquainted with your educational background and academic abilities. Letters can be submitted to CSDCAS on-line or off-line.

e. Self-report of GRE scores (official scores must be sent to the University of Illinois)

TO APPLY TO PhD Program:

You will need to complete the University of Illinois application through Apply-Yourself at http://www.grad.uiuc.edu/Admissions/instructions/. Letters of recommendation, transcripts, and GRE scores are all submitted to the University.

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.

Address any questions to phawkins@illinois.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.