Ph.D. Program
The doctoral program in Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences (SLHS) is an individualized, mentored, and interdisciplinary research degree aimed at developing leaders in research, teaching, and professional service. We strive to provide a comprehensive program of scholarship and education that will advance the understanding of normal processes in human communication sciences and related disorders across the life span. The aim of the program is to prepare PhD students for responsible and productive careers as teacher-scholars by enabling them to gain the necessary knowledge and skills in the primary disciplines of speech, language and hearing sciences. Faculty in the department as well as in other departments of the University make the program particularly appealing for students interested in communication sciences and disorders. The program of study is guided by the major advisor and an advisory committee prior to candidacy. Post-candidacy, the dissertation is guided by the major advisor and a dissertation committee.
General Regulations
A major portion of a graduate student's degree program must be completed under the supervision of the Graduate Faculty at The University of Texas at Austin. Each degree candidate must spend a minimum of three long semesters in residence at The University of Texas at Austin.
No official time limit has been imposed for finishing the doctoral degree. However, all completed course work that is included on a student's degree program at the time of admission to candidacy must have been taken within the previous six years (exclusive of a maximum three years of military service). The dissertation defense must take place within three years of the student's admission to candidacy. If the student has not completed the dissertation within that time frame, the GSC and the Graduate School will conduct a review of the student's status at the three-year point and yearly thereafter to ensure that progress toward completion of the degree is being made.
Students are responsible for insuring that all relevant documentation is present in his or her advisor's file. Each student will provide his or her faculty advisor with copies of all papers written for courses (including those completed for courses outside the Department) in order to help the advisory committee monitor the student's development of academic writing skills.
More Information
SLHS Graduate Office
Phone: (512) 471-2385
Email: SLHSgradoffice@austin.utexas.edu