Graduate Studies in the Department of
Speech Pathology and Audiology
University of South Alabama
Instructions and Application Packet
Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology
University of South Alabama
1119 HAHN, 5721 USA Drive North
Mobile, AL 36688-0002
Phone: (251) 445-9378
Fax: (251) 445-9376
Revised July 2013
Ph.D. Application ii
Application for Admission
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D. degree)
Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology
University of South Alabama
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Overview of the Doctor of Philosophy Program in Communication Sciences and Disorders
2. Information and Instructions for the Applicant
3. Application Form
4. Recommendation Letter Form (One copy provided, duplicate as needed)
5. Application Form for Graduate Assistantship/Fellowship
6. Checklist for Applicant
Notice: This application packet contains all the information needed to apply to the Doctor
of Philosophy program in the Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology at the
University of South Alabama. The applicant must adhere to the guidelines set forth in this
packet. No other forms of application will be accepted.
DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY PROGRAM IN COMMUNICATION
SCIENCES AND DISORDERS
OVERVIEW
The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Program in Communication Sciences and Disorders offers
students specialization in speech-language pathology, communication science, or audiology. The
doctoral program is designed to provide a formal course of training and advanced research in
communication sciences and disorders that produces significant, original contributions to the
professional discipline. Course work in experimental research design, statistics and various outof-department opportunities maximize the student’s ability to engage in original research and
scholarship. A doctoral student is admitted to candidacy upon passing a written and oral
comprehensive examination.
Applicants wishing to pursue the Ph.D. degree design a program suited to meet their future
teaching and research goals in speech-language pathology, audiology, and/or applied
speech/hearing sciences within the framework of the core requirements described below. Many
full-time students complete the Ph.D. program in three years. Students must complete the Ph.D.
in seven years from the start of the program. The student may apply for an extension if unable to
complete the degree in seven years. All extensions must be approved by the student's committee
and the department chair.
Ph.D. Application iii
There are two tracks that students can choose in pursuit of the Ph.D. degree: Track One is for
applicants who have completed both undergraduate and graduate level training in the profession
or a related field. For these students, it is assumed that they have either already met course work
requirements toward certification by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
(ASHA), or they are not pursuing certification. Students with bachelor's degrees within the
discipline may enter this program but do not complete the clinical requirements for certification
through ASHA (i.e., CCC-A or CCC-SLP).
Track Two is designed for students who wish to obtain clinical certification in either discipline as
part of their training. This track is available as a fast-track option to the Ph.D. program and is
available to Au.D. and SLP Master's degree students after they have completed one half of their
degree programs. That is, Au.D. students can apply to the Ph.D. program after the first two years
of their Au.D. training. If accepted, they proceed to complete the requirements for the Au.D. and
the Ph.D. programs simultaneously. They are awarded both degrees at the completion of all
program requirements, and they are eligible for ASHA CCC-A. Students in the MSSLP program
can convert to the Ph.D. program after one year of the master's degree and complete the Ph.D. in
three years. They are awarded the Ph.D. only. They will have, however, demonstrated the core
knowledge and skills necessary to be eligible for the ASHA CCC-SLP. They will still need to
complete the Clinical Fellowship (CF).
REQUIREMENTS FOR ADMISSION
Minimum admission consideration requirements are as follows:
Track One:
1.
Bachelor’s or graduate degree. If the applicant wants to earn ASHA certification then a
graduate degree in speech-language pathology or audiology is needed.
2.
For bachelor's applicants, minimum overall undergraduate GPA of 3.2 (based on 4.0)
and minimum undergraduate GPA in the professional area of 3.5. For those holding a
graduate degree, a minimum overall graduate GPA of 3.5.
3.
Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores in the areas of verbal, quantitative, and
writing must be officially reported to the University of South Alabama Office of
Admissions. The GRE must have been taken within the last five years. A minimum
GRE score of 290 (verbal and quantitative sections combined) is required; however, a
higher score is recommended for a competitive application. Although the writing score
must be reported, there is no minimum score required.
4.
Three completed recommendation letters are required. Two of these recommendations
must be from doctoral level faculty within the applicant’s major field of study. The
third recommendation may be from a faculty member from a department other than the
applicant’s major, a university-based clinical supervisor or master’s level instructor, or
a recent employer if the applicant has been employed in a related profession.
5.
A Letter of Intent stating the applicant's reasons for pursuing the degree.
6.
Completion of an applicant interview.
Ph.D. Application iv
Track Two:
1.
Bachelor's degree in speech-language pathology or audiology, or successful
completion of undergraduate equivalency course work in the area of Speech and
Hearing Sciences, or equivalent. (See prerequisite program above.)
2.
Current status within the Au.D. or M.S. Speech-Language Pathology program at
USA with a minimum graduate GPA of 3.5 (based on 4.0).
3.
Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores in the areas of verbal, quantitative, and
writing must be officially reported to the University of South Alabama Office of
Admissions. The GRE must have been taken within the last five years. A minimum
GRE score of 290 (verbal and quantitative sections combined) is required; however,
a higher score is recommended for a competitive application. Although the writing
score must be reported, there is no minimum score required.
4.
Three letters of reference from current faculty, two of these references being
provided by the Ph.D. faculty.
5.
A Letter of Intent stating the applicant's reasons for pursuing the degree.
6.
Completion of an applicant interview.
Ph.D. Application v
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
The following is a sample of the minimum requirements needed to earn the Ph.D. degree:
Core Courses (12 hours)
Pre-dissertation course work in experimental design, statistical procedures, and research
instrumentation. Includes doctoral colloquia.
CSD 650 Research Methods (3 credits)
CSD 651 Speech and Hearing Sciences Instrumentation (3 credits)
IDE 620 Quantitative Methods I (3 credits)
IDE 621 Quantitative Methods II (3 credits)
Electives (29 hours)
Electives include directed studies and directed research. Research projects are designed to
give the student direct experience in the design, analysis and interpretation of experimental
questions. This directed research is intended, in part, to provide the student with a project for
their pre-comprehensive examination manuscript and oral presentation. These experiences are
also designed as prerequisites to the preparation of the prospectus of the doctoral dissertation.
Additionally, students may take course work within and outside the Department of Speech
Pathology and Audiology.
Professional Practicum (4 hours)
Professional practicum experiences are designed to give direct experience with, at least, two
of the following professional areas: teaching, clinical supervision and administration. These
may be repeated but only 4 hours count toward degree requirements.
Dissertation (21 hours)
Total: 66 hours
NOTE: The above represent minimum requirements. A student, with approval or
recommendation of the graduate faculty, may take additional course work in a specific area if
it is needed to support the student's specialization area or to obtain knowledge in an ancillary
area.
The Doctor of Philosophy degree program in Communication Sciences and Disorders requires
a minimum of 66 semester hours of approved graduate course work beyond the Master’s
Speech-Language Pathology degree and a minimum of 50 hours beyond the Doctor of
Audiology degree. Refer to the doctoral handbook for specific requirements.
Ph.D. Application vi
INFORMATION AND INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE APPLICANT
Application Deadlines
Application deadlines are subject to change annually. It is recommended that applicants check
the department web site.
Applications for Track One of the Ph.D. program are accepted at any time and enrollment can
begin any semester. Applications for the Track Two program are accepted after November 1
during the student’s first year of the MSSLP program or second year of the Au.D. program. The
deadline for receipt of all application materials for the Track Two program is February 1.
Applications received after this date will not be considered.
Application Fee
• The application fee is a non-refundable fee of $85.
• The fee must accompany the application.
• Checks or money orders should be made out to the Department of Speech Pathology and
Audiology.
Application Materials
The applicant is responsible for gathering the following materials, in addition to the application
fee, and enclosing all within one packet that is mailed directly to our department. Incomplete
applications will not be considered.
This completed packet of materials must be sent directly to the department at:
USA Speech Pathology and Audiology
Attn: Admissions Committee
5721 USA Dr. North, HAHN 1119
Mobile, AL 36688-0002
1. Completed application form for the Doctor of Philosophy Program in Communication
Sciences and Disorders.
2. Official transcripts from each institution attended since high school, regardless of whether
credit was earned, must be sent directly to the department from the school that the student
attended. Transcripts indicating that they were issued to the student will not be accepted.
3. Three completed recommendation forms are required. Two of these recommendations must
be from doctoral level faculty within the applicant’s major field of study. The third
recommendation may be from a faculty member from a department other than the applicant’s
major, a university-based clinical supervisor or master’s level instructor, or a recent employer
if the applicant has been employed in a related profession. These recommendations must be
Ph.D. Application vii
received in sealed envelopes, preferably with the referee’s signature across the seal.
4. A letter of intent, not to exceed one typed page, including a statement about the applicant’s
professional goals.
5. An official copy of the student’s scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) must be
provided directly from the testing agency. GRE scores must be no more than five years old.
This is the one exception to the complete packet of materials to be submitted. At the
time of testing, you can use the Institution Code – 1880. Or, send official GRE scores to:
Office of Admissions
Meisler Hall, Suite 2500
University of South Alabama
Mobile, AL 36688-0002
Graduate Assistantships
Graduate Assistantships are currently available for the Ph.D. program in Communication
Sciences and Disorders. Assistantships consist of a stipend determined by the University and a
tuition waiver of 10 credits per semester. Students with a tuition waiver are responsible for
paying for credits that exceed 10.
Graduate assistantship recipients work for the department 20 hours weekly each semester. The
Graduate Assistantship/Fellowship application form (GS Form #12) is included in this packet. If
you would like to be considered for an assistantship, you must complete the from at the time of
application. The form is optional if you are applying for admission without interest in a graduate
assistantship.
Applicant Interview
Applicants who submit a complete application packet and meet the minimum admission
consideration requirements for the Ph.D. program will be selected to complete an applicant
interview as part of the admissions process. A representative from the department will contact
each applicant to explain the interview process and arrange an interview appointment. A campus
visit is highly recommended for the interview; however, other arrangements will be considered
based on availability of the applicant and faculty members.
Information
Should there be any further questions about this application process, please call the department
at: (251) 445-9378. Extensive information regarding the program and faculty is located at the
department website: www.southalabama.edu/alliedhealth/speechandhearing/.
SEE NEXT PAGE FOR
APPLICATION FORM
Ph.D. Application 1
University of South Alabama
Speech Pathology and Audiology
1119 HAHN, 5721 USA North Drive
Mobile, AL 36688-0002
Phone: (251) 445-9378
Fax: (251) 445-9376
Use this form to apply only to the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) in Communication Sciences and Disorders.
Applicants for the graduate programs in speech-language pathology and audiology, return to the department
web site for online, computerized application.
For the Ph.D. Program, indicate the desired area of emphasis:
Track One: Speech-Language Science emphasis (no coursework toward ASHA certification)
Track One: Hearing Science emphasis (no coursework toward ASHA certification)
NOTE: Applications for Track Two of the Ph.D. program with emphasis in either Speech –Language
Pathology or Audiology are eligible only to current Au.D. and MSSLP students. Track Two application forms
are available from the department by request.
For the Ph.D. Program, indicate the term you would like to enter the program:
Fall
Spring
Summer
Are you applying for an assistantship?
Yes
No
If yes, complete the assistantship application (GS Form #12)
Did you complete a Master’s Thesis? Yes No
If yes, please enclose an abstract of the document.
NOTE: Completion of a Master’s Thesis is not required for admission to the Ph.D. program.
PRINT or TYPE all the information requested.
Legal Last Name____________________________________________________________
Legal First Name_____________________________________ Middle Name_________________
Mrs
Ms
Other ________ Name Suffix: (Ex. Jr., Sr. III, etc.) ________________
Name Prefix: Mr
Preferred First Name __________________________ Other Name (Ex. Maiden Name) ______________________
Summer
Permanent
To which address do you wish to receive mail regarding admission? Present
Present Address:
Street Address / P.O. Box ____________________________________________________Apt. ______________
City __________________________________ State ____________ Zip Code ____________________________
County ________________________ Nation: United States of America Other _________________________
Phone Number (____)___________________ Phone Type (Ex. Mailing Address Phone) _____________________
Secondary Phone (____)_________________ Phone Type (Ex. Work, Cell, Pager) _________________________
Summer Address:
Street Address / P.O. Box ____________________________________________________Apt. _______________
City __________________________________ State ____________ Zip Code _____________________________
County ________________________ Nation: United States of America Other _________________________
Phone Number (____)___________________ Phone Type (Ex. Mailing Address Phone) _____________________
Secondary Phone (____)_________________ Phone Type (Ex. Work, Cell, Pager) _________________________
Permanent Address:
Street Address / P.O. Box ____________________________________________________Apt. _______________
City __________________________________ State ____________ Zip Code _____________________________
County ________________________ Nation: United States of America Other _________________________
Phone Number (____)___________________ Phone Type (Ex. Mailing Address Phone) _____________________
Ph.D. Application 2
Secondary Phone (____)_________________ Phone Type (Ex. Work, Cell, Pager) _________________________
State of Legal Residence _______________ County of Legal Residence ________________________________
Email (your preferred email address) _
______________
Additional Identification Information
Female
Male
Date of Birth: Month ____________ Day ____________ Year _____________
Gender:
Yes
No
Social Security Number: ___________________________________ Are you a U.S. Citizen?
African American
Filipino
Native Hawaiian
Ethnic Background (Optional): Caucasian
Guamanian/Chamarro American Indian
Hispanic
Chicano
Mexican American
Other Hispanic Puerto Rican
Alaskan Native
Asian
Asian Indian
Asian Pacific Islander
Vietnamese
Other ______________________________________________
Married
Separated
Widowed
Marital Status (Optional): Unmarried
Religious Preference (Optional) _______________________________________
Yes
No Relationship to Applicant _______________
Did any of your family members graduate from USA
Are you a veteran? Yes
No If yes, Vet. File Number :______________ Vet. Type: ____________________
Enrollment Information
List below all colleges attended (including USA). Indicate dates of attendance and degree earned or anticipated. All
institutions must be listed. You are required to have complete official transcripts from every school attended. Please
arrange to have official transcript sent from each school mailed directly to the Department of Speech Pathology and
Audiology at the address of the front page of this application
Name of College
City and State
Degree
Major
Dates Attended
Mon/Yr
Mon/Yr
______________________________________________________________________
_________to________
______________________________________________________________________
_________to________
______________________________________________________________________
_________to________
______________________________________________________________________
_________to________
WORK EXPERIENCE
Employer
Your Title
Dates Employed
Mon/Yr
Mon/Yr
______________________________________________________________________
_________to________
______________________________________________________________________
_________to________
______________________________________________________________________
_________to________
List any scholastic honors, awards or fellowships
________________________________________________________________________________________
Ph.D. Application 3
List the three persons who will be providing recommendations:
_____________________________________________
Name
_____________________________________________
Name
_____________________________________________
Name
_________________________________________
Affiliation
_________________________________________
Affiliation
_________________________________________
Affiliation
No
Have you ever attended the University of South Alabama before? Yes
No
USA Student Number: _________________
Are you currently enrolled at USA Yes
All applicants must take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Date Taken: _________________
Provide your scores Verbal: _________ Quantitative: _________ Narrative:_________
Yes
No If not, what country? ______________________
Are you a citizen of the United States?
What type of Visa? ______________________________
If you have ever been convicted of a crime other than a minor traffic violation, describe details on a separate sheet
and attach it to this application.
Background checks are required by the Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology, but some cooperating
agencies associated with students’ clinical placements require student externs to pass a drug screening. Our
department also require students to have completed Hepatitis B vaccinations and to undergo regular screening for
Tuberculosis. If accepted the background check and vaccination paperwork will be sent to you.
Fee: $85.00. Paid by all Applicants.
Indicate form of payment:
check
money order
Sign and date your application. It is the responsibility of the applicant to acquire and submit to the Department: the
application form, fee, transcripts, recommendations, and letter of intent. The GRE scores must be submitted directly
to the University. See the instructions section for details.
I certify that the information PROVIDED is true and complete; I understand that withholding information requested,
with the exception of information designated as optional, or giving false information may make me ineligible for
admission and enrollment. I also certify that, if I am a male born on or after January 1, 1960, I comply with the
provisions of the United States Military Selective Service Board or that I am not yet 18 years of age and I will
register when required or that I am not required by law to register (this certification is required by State of Alabama
Legislature Act 91-584).
Signature of Applicant: _______________________________________________ Date: _____________________
Ph.D. Application 4
Recommendation Form
Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology
University of South Alabama
1119 HAHN, 5721 USA Drive North
Mobile, AL 36688-0002
(251) 445-9378
TO BE COMPLETED BY THE APPLICANT
Applicant's name: ______________________________________________________________
First
Middle
Last
Under the provisions of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, you may decide whether letters of
reference written at your request are to be held confidential or whether they are to be available for your personal
inspection. Check one of the following statements and place your signature in the space provided so that the referee
will be advised of your choice.
_____ Confidential file. I grant permission for this letter of recommendation to be held confidential by the
University of South Alabama.
_____ Open file. I retain the choice of having letters of reference available to me.
_______________________________________________
Signature of Applicant
_____________________
Date
================================================================================
TO BE COMPLETED BY REFEREE
You may wish to make additional comments by letter. If so, please attach your letter to this form so that the
department may identify the applicant's choice with respect to the right of access under the Family Educational
Rights and Privacy Act.
Return this recommendation directly to the student in a sealed envelope with your signature across the seal.
1. Knowledge of the Applicant:
Approximately how long have you known this applicant? ___________________
How well do you feel you know the applicant?
Casually _________
Well ________
Very Well ___________
What was the nature of your contact(s) with the applicant?
Teacher______
Research Advisor_______
Major Advisor__________
Other (specify):
PLEASE COMPLETE THE NEXT PAGE
Employer_________
Ph.D. Application 5
2. Evaluation: In comparison with other students in the same field who have the same amount of experience and
training, I rate this person as follows:
Top
Top
Top
Upper
Lower
Unable
5%
10%
20%
50%
50%
to Rate
General Academic Ability
Knowledge in subject of proposed study
Ability to grasp new concepts
Originality, intellectual creativity
Mathematical and logical thought
Written expression
Oral expression
Stability and maturity
Potential for successful graduate work
Potential as a teacher (if applicable)
Potential as a research (if applicable)
3. Recommendation: Considering this applicant's abilities, please indicate your recommendation:
_______ Recommend strongly
_______ Recommend
_______ Recommend with reservation
_______ Cannot recommend
4. Please add any comments that you feel will assist in evaluating the applicant's potential to pursue graduate study.
Name of Referee (please print): __________________________________________________________
Signature: _________________________________________________________ Date: _____________
Title: __________________________________ Organization: _________________________________
City, state, zip code: ___________________________________________________________________
Phone number: ____________________________
Return this recommendation directly to the student in a sealed envelope with your signature across the seal.
Ph.D. Application 6
Checklist for Applicants
Have you accumulated and sent, as a packet, the following materials directly to the USA Department of
Speech Pathology and Audiology?
Completed Application Form
Application Fee of $85
Three recommendations in sealed envelopes
One page Letter of Intent
Application for Graduate Assistantship/Fellowship (optional)
Abstract from Master’s Thesis (optional)
Have you completed the GRE and arranged for the scores to be sent directly to the University (School code
1880)?
Have you arranged to have all official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended sent directly to
the USA Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology? Transcripts must be sent from the school to the
school; they cannot say “issued to student.”
GS Form #12
Page 1 of 2: This section must be completed by applicant.
04/13
Clear Form
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH ALABAMA
APPLICATION FOR GRADUATE ASSISTANTSHIP
Type of Assistantship Applying For:
Graduate Research Assistantship – primary duties concerned with research
Graduate Teaching Assistantship - classroom instruction duties as well as other academic support duties (dept. must submit qualifications portfolio)
Graduate Assistantship –graduate departmental duties not directly involving teaching or research
Other - (include Explanation)
NAME
CURRENT ADDRESS
CITY
HOME PHONE
JNUMBER
SSN
APT. NO.
STATE
CELL PHONE
SEMESTER/YR ADMITTED
ZIP
E-MAIL
COLLEGE
DEPT
LOCATION
DATES ATTENDED
LOCATION
DATES
EDUCATION
COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY
DEGREE/MAJOR
WORK EXPERIENCE
EMPLOYER
POSITION
ACADEMIC HONORS/PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES/ SPECIAL SKILLS/AREAS OF EXPERTISE
HONORS
ACTIVITIES
SKILLS
REFERENCES-Applicant is responsible for contacting the listed references and having letters of recommendation sent to the department to be
forwarded to the graduate school in a complete application packet.
NAME
TITLE
ADDRESS
How will this graduate assistantship further your career goals?
Applicant Signature:_______________________________________Date:____________________________
TELEPHONE
GS Form #12
Page 2 of 2: This section must be completed by the Department/College in order to be processed.
Applicant Name
04/13
JNumber
Appointment Requested:
Reappointment
New Appointment
Period of Appointment (semester/year):
To begin
Through
/
_/
Amount of Assistantship $
Appointment Type and Source of Funds (check/fill-in all applicable information)
Appointment Type
Source of Funds-Stipend
Fund Number
Source of Funds-Tuition
Research
Graduate School
Graduate School
Teaching
Grant/ Contract
Grant Contract
Administrative
College/Department
College/Department
Fund Number
Please enter fund number (fund-org-prog) to charge if not funded by graduate school.
Comments:
Current Academic Status Regular
Provisional
( check one).
APPROVALS:
Department Chair
Date
Director of Graduate Studies
Date
Dean of the Graduate School
Date
NOTE: The following supporting materials must be attached to this recommendation for GA & GRA application:
ST
1. Student transcripts or grade reports (NEEDED FOR 1 TIME APPOINTMENT AND BEGINNING OF ACADEMIC YEAR FOR
REAPPOINTMENTS).
2. Three letters of recommendation (needed for first time appointments). Students should contact references to request letters.
3. Graduate Personnel Action Form (needed for EACH appointment).
To comply with SACS requirements the following supporting materials in portfolio format must be *submitted for the GTA application:
1. Cover page, listing:
Institution (University of South Alabama)
Academic Program (Graduate Major)
Graduate Teaching Assistant’s Name
Supervising Faculty Member’s Name
2. Curriculum Vitae
3. Course syllabi for courses the GTA has been approved to teach at the University of South Alabama
4. **Official Transcripts
*Please submit the requested information in a PDF labeled as:
firstnamelastname_collegeabbreviation_departmentabbreviationportfolio.pdf
(EX: JillSmith_AS_HYportfolio.pdf
**Official transcripts (not issued to student) must be submitted directly to the Graduate School Office for all earned degrees and
coursework. (GTA must have earned at least 18 graduate semester hours in their teaching discipline)