The Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.) is an entry-level degree that prepares individuals for professional practice in the area of audiology. The program of study is designed to meet the minimum academic and clinical requirements for the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology awarded by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and state licensure, expose students to basic and applied research, provide practical and research experience, and develop skills in the use of evidence-based practice.
Check departmental information for any additional requirements.
To be considered for admission to the Doctorate of Audiology (Au.D.) degree program, prospective students must submit completed application materials to the Graduate School no later than January 15 for fall admission. Admission to the Au.D. program is typically limited to the fall term, but exceptions may be considered in light of a review of deficiency course work.
Admission to the Doctor of Audiology degree program is for full-time, on-campus study. An applicant for admission is generally expected to meet or exceed the following requirements.
A minimum 3.40 GPA (on a 4.00 scale) in all undergraduate course work.
Competitive scores on the GRE General Test.
The Statement of Purpose is an integral part of the application. The statement should be no less than one page, but no more than two (2) pages. Students should use this opportunity to tell the admissions committee about their interests in audiology, as well as what makes them attractive candidates for the Au.D. program.
Three (3) letters of recommendation from professors, clinical supervisors, or employers providing evidence of an applicant’s professional qualifications and ability to successfully complete doctoral work successfully. At least two letters should be from persons in a position to write analytically about the applicant’s academic qualifications to pursue graduate studies, and/or professional practice in audiology.
Decisions regarding admissions are made by the program’s admission committee on the basis of a total profile of an applicant’s qualifications. Specific course work requirements for admission are generally those necessary for successful completion of the baccalaureate degree in communicative disorders with an emphasis in audiology. Note that applicants with degrees in disciplines other than communicative disorders are welcome to apply for admission to the Au.D. program. Applicants who lack key undergraduate course work may need to enroll in courses that will provide the fundamental knowledge needed to succeed in the program prior to admission, which will be determined on an individual basis.
Students are required to complete 6 semester hours of AUD 798 culminating in the completion of a research project.
Statistics (3-4)
Graduate-level elective subject to approval by program (3)
Special Clinical/Practicum Requirements
To be engaged in any clinical practicum experience, evidence of professional liability insurance, child and adult CPR certification, completion of the Varicella, Hepatitis B, and MMR titers, absence of active tuberculosis, a flu shot, and a negative criminal background check are required. Graduate students must be in compliance with all of the above requirements prior to initiating clinical assignments. Students will be responsible for the costs involved in the aforementioned requirements and will also be responsible for providing their own transportation for clinical courses assignments.
Students must complete the minimum academic and clinical requirements for professional certification issued by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.
Grading Policies
Students must make satisfactory progress in audiology graduate courses. Retention in the program requires adherence to Graduate School and audiology program requirements and regulations. Please refer to the Graduate School “General Regulations” and the NIU Audiology Student Handbook and Clinical Education Manual.