Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.) Program
The Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.) program at West Virginia University was inaugurated in 2004 when the clinical doctorate became the entry-level degree for the profession of audiology. The program consists of 116 credit hours of academic coursework and clinical practicum experiences, including a fourth year residency. Graduates must demonstrate acquisition of all knowledge and skills delineated in the Standards for the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology (CCC-A).
The Au.D. program is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).
Students are expected to become familiar with the 2012 Standards for the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology. Additional information regarding graduate student expectations is outlined in the 2011-12
Graduate Student Handbook for Audiology.
Program Objectives
The Au.D. program has been designed to provide a firm understanding of the normal processes of hearing and communica-tion with the academic and clinical preparation to diagnose and treat the full range of hearing disorders in all age groups. Our goal is to prepare audiologists who are competent to work in a wide variety of clinical settings, including hospitals, clinics, special treatment centers, schools, industry, and private practice. The program’s intent is to provide the knowledge and skills necessary to practice audiology autonomously in an effective, ethical manner. To this end, the following goals have been established by the Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology at West Virginia University:
1. Graduates will demonstrate mastery of knowledge and skills necessary to practice audiology in diverse settings encompassing all of the many facets of our profession;
2. Graduates will demonstrate an ability to work autonomously, using sound judgment in a competent and ethical manner;
3. Graduates will contribute to the profession and their community via active membership in professional organizations, scholarly activity, and taking the initiative in public education concerning hearing and balance disorders; and
4. Graduates will be employed as audiologists serving the hearing impaired populaces, industry and the medical community with special emphasis on underserved areas.
Admission
All applicants for the Au.D. program must have a baccalaureate degree or equivalent from a regionally accredited institution of higher learning, and present the following by the January 15 deadline:
1. An undergraduate major in Speech Pathology and Audiology or Communication Sciences and Disorders1;
2. One official transcript from each college attended2;
3. An overall undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.00 (A = 4.0);
4. An official copy of the applicant’s Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores3;
5. Three letters of recommendation which reflect the applicant’s academic and clinical abilities, potential for success in graduate studies, and personal qualities predictive of professional success as an audiologist; and
6. A personal statement describing the applicant’s goals, aspirations, and motivation for pursuing professional doctoral education in audiology.
All applicants being considered for admission will be provided with a personal interview with members of the SPA faculty.
1 For applicants with other undergraduate majors, the Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology has outlined minimum and recommended preparatory coursework for graduate study in audiology. In some cases, applicants without preparatory coursework in speech pathology and audiology may be considered for graduate admission, but the program of study will require two (2) additional semesters of added coursework.
2 Please submit transcripts directly to:
West Virginia University
Office of Admissions
P.O. Box 6009
Morgantown, WV 26506-6009
3 The WVU Institution Code for the GRE is R5904. Applicants may have their official scores submitted from the newly revised GRE or from the older version, if taken within the past 5 years. Although no minimum is specified for either test version, GRE scores that meet or exceed the 50th percentile are recommended. The most recent graduate admissions summary data are available here.
An Application for Graduate Admission is available from the WVU Office of Admissions.
It is also possible to apply for graduate study online. When doing so, you may upload your personal statement and provide your reference information for online letter submission.
For those wishing to apply by mail, please send your
personal statement and letters of recommendation to:
Graduate Studies
Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology
West Virginia University
805 Allen Hall
P.O. Box 6122
Morgantown, WV 26506-6122
For more information, please contact the Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology by mail at the above address, by phone at (304) 293-6817, or by e-mail: Julie.Yerkovich@mail.wvu.edu.
Please note that applications must be received in the Department by January 15. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that application materials are complete and on time.
Graduate Assistantships and Fellowships
A limited number of competitive Graduate Teaching Assistantships, Graduate Research Assistantships, and Graduate Service Assistantships are available through the Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology as well as other departments, colleges, and offices throughout West Virginia University. Please check with SPA and the Center for Student Advising and Records for currently available Department and College assistantships. Also, be sure to check the WVU Office of Graduate Education and Life website for the latest information on graduate tuition waivers and the many types of assistantships and fellowships available to graduate students.
Graduation Requirements
The following are the minimum graduation requirements for the Au.D. program:
1. Successful completion of 116 semester hours of course work, including:
64 semester hours in SPA courses and associated laboratories; 6 semester hours in related areas of Counseling, Research Methods, and Business; 3 semester hours (minimum) in appropriate elective course work; 19 semester hours of clinic practicum (17 audiology, 2 speech-language pathology); and 24 semester hours of clinical residency.
2. An overall graduate GPA of at least 3.00 (A = 4.0) with a minimum competency level of B or S in all courses and clinical practicum;
3. Successful completion of an ASHA-approved practicum experience that is equivalent to a minimum of 12 months of full-time supervised experience;
4. Scholarly work, approved by the student’s advisory committee, submitted in written form; and
5. A passing score on the Praxis exam in Audiology (which is required prior to approval for a residency experience).
Students anticipating a May graduation must complete an Application for Graduation and Diploma form by February 1 of the year of intended graduation. This form and additional information, including deadlines for August and December graduation, are available on the HR&E Center for Student Advising & Records website.
Click here for a
listing of courses offered in the Doctor of Audiology program.
Residency Requirements
All students in the Au.D. program must be full-time in residence during the program of study. The minimum duration for graduate study is eleven consecutive semesters (including summer sessions). Part-time students are not eligible for admission to the Au.D. degree program.
Following completion of the Au.D. program, students are encouraged to apply for the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology (CCC-A).
Doctor of Audiology Program Data
Audiology Program Completion Rates for the Past Three Years:
2008-09: 4 students completed within the expected time frame,
1 student completed later than expected, 1 student did not complete
2009-10: 6 students completed within the expected time frame,
no students completed later than expected
2010-11: 9 students completed within the expected time frame,
no students completed later than expected
Three-year Completion Rate = 94%
Audiology Praxis Examination Passing Rate for the Past Three Years:
2008-09: 5 took exam, 5 passed exam, 100% passing rate
2009-10: 9 took exam, 9 passed exam, 100% passing rate
2010-11: 7 took exam, 7 passed exam, 100% passing rate
Three-year Average Passing Rate = 100%
Employment Rate in Audiology for the Past Three Years:
2008-09: 5 employed, 100% employment rate
2009-10: 6 employed, 100% employment rate
2010-11: 9 employed, 100% employment rate
Three-year Average Employment Rate = 100%