The value of a PhD in Audiology or Speech-Language Pathology
A PhD in Audiology or Speech-Language Pathology opens many doors, both inside and outside of academia. PhD training provides the skills to carry out one’s own research, as well as to participate in research teams. Faculty positions at universities allow one to teach tomorrow’s rising stars, while conducting research that informs knowledge and practice. University faculty positions are highly flexible, often provide sabbatical leaves, and can provide the security of tenure. Salaries for faculty show substantial growth, with far less of a “ceiling” than other jobs. Positions for those with doctorates are also widely available outside of universities. The skills attained with a PhD are required for many high-level jobs in universities, hospitals, clinics, private industries, and public organizations.
PhD Program Admission Requirements
See:
- Audiology & Speech Sciences Academic Calendar
- UBC Minimum Academic Requirements
- UBC Minimum Requirements – International Credentials
PhD Program with Clinical Education Option
The School can provide the unique opportunity of completing coursework and clinical training required for certification as an audiologist or speech-language pathologist within the doctoral program of studies. Currently, any prospective student considering this option must first apply to enter the Master of Science in either audiology or speech-language pathology. Applicants must meet all of the MSc admission requirements. Although the MSc application is not a formal application to the PhD program, prospective students interested in continuing into the PhD program should indicate this in their Statement of Interest.
PhD Option for Currently-Enrolled MSc Students
Exceptional students currently enrolled in SASS MSc programs in audiology and speech-language pathology may be eligible to transfer into the PhD program. If an application for such a transfer is approved, the transfer itself may occur after 12 months of MSc studies, provided minimum criteria are met (see Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies Masters-PhD Transfers for more details). Prior to applying to transfer programs, a School faculty member must agree to supervise the student’s PhD research. All applications to transfer into the PhD program require approval from the School’s Doctoral Studies Committee. An individualized program of study – including completion of coursework/practica required for certification as an audiologist or speech-language pathologist – is subsequently developed by the student’s Advisory Committee.
Part-Time PhD Option
The School is now offering a part-time classification for PhD students. For information about the tuition fee structure for a part-time classification for doctoral students, see the ‘Fees’ section of the UBC Calendar (under Schedule C). If you are interested in doing a part-time PhD with the School, please be sure that you indicate this on your application.
Please note that we are unable to change a student status (from part-time study to full-time study and vice versa) once the program has started. In either case, the program must be completed within 6 years of initial registration.
UBC Minimum Funding Policy
Effective September 2024 onward, all full-time students who are offered admission to begin a UBC-Vancouver PhD program in September 2018 or later must be provided with a minimum funding package equal to $24,000 for each of the first four years of their PhD. The funding package may consist of any combination of internal or external awards, teaching-related work, research assistantships, and graduate academic assistantships. For more information, please visit: Minimum Funding Policy for PhD Students.