Doctorate of Audiology (Au.D.)

BU's Doctorate of Audiology curriculum is a four-year clinical doctorate program that places major emphasis on clinical training and the practical application of research, theory, and technology into clinical practice.

The first two years of the audiology doctorate program emphasizes didactic instruction and laboratory class work combining theory, practicality and emerging technology. The emphasis in the final two years is on combining the theory with clinical learning experiences. The fourth year is a full year externship with monitoring and advisement by the faculty and staff.

Both academic and practicum experience focus on the prevention, identification, evaluation and treatment of individuals with disorders of auditory, balance, communication and related systems. This audiology doctorate program includes academic and clinical training in diagnosis, amplification, electrophysiological testing, aural rehabilitation, educational audiology, assistive devices, cochlear implants, industrial audiology, and private practice.

• Audiology Recommendation Form
• Audiology Curriculum
• Research and Practicum

BU's audiology doctorate program is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). Upon graduation, the individual is eligible for the certificate of clinical competence issued by the Council for Clinical Certification of the American Speech, Language and Hearing Association.

Graduates also meet requirements for licensure by the Pennsylvania State Board of Examiners in Speech, Language and Hearing.

Audiology Program Admission

Admission to the Doctorate of Audiology program is on a competitive bases. Interested students are encouraged to apply early (application deadline is March 15). Prerequisite coursework and requirements. The graduate school's general admission criteria and the following specific criteria must be met for unconditional admission.

• Minimum undergraduate GPA 3.00
• Three academic letters of recommendation
• Personal interview
• GRE: Math, Verbal and Written
• A minimum of three semester hours in each: life sciences, physical sciences, behavioral sciences, mathematics, written and oral communications
• Specific courses may be required for ASHA Certification
• Official transcripts
• TOEFL scores for international students
• One-page, typed letter detailing their professional background, experience and rationale for wanting to be admitted to the program in audiology

Individuals not meeting all requirements: Conditional admission is considered upon recommendation of the faculty.

Audiology Program Retention and Assessment

A student must maintain a QPA of 3.0 with no more than two grades lower than a B- throughout the doctoral audiology program. A grade of B- or lower in any clinical experience will necessitate repeating the course to achieve a grade of B or higher.

Knowledge and Skills Assessment (KASA): Students will have regular and ongoing opportunities to assess their knowledge and skills acquired in the academic and clinical program. Standard 5.3. The results of this assessment will be used to plan and implement program improvements.

There are two copies of the KASA — one in your academic file — one is your copy to track and assess your knowledge and skills. Students must review and complete their copy of the KASA form each semester.

Each faculty/instructor will review the form with the student. You must bring your copy of the KASA to advisement for review. The file copy will then be completed after advisement. This will also provide regular feedback to you regarding progress in achieving the expected knowledge and skills in all academic and clinical components of the program.

Achievement of specific knowledge and skills provided in a course is the decision of the faculty/instructor. If you do not achieve the knowledge and skills in a course, extra work/activities (outside of class) can be provided. The extra work/activities will not be used to determine your grade for the course. This is not extra credit for a grade.

Graduation does not guarantee ASHA certification or Pennsylvania Licensure.

Program Summary Statistics

(*) One student not employed in audiology. One student withdrew.
(**) Employment information unknown for one student. Two students withdrew. Two students dismissed for academic reasons.
(***) Two students withdrew