(With the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and the University of Central Arkansas)

The Department of Audiology and Speech Pathology offers the Doctor of Philosophy degree in consortium with the College of Education and Health Professions at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, the College of Health Professions at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, and the College of Health and Applied Sciences at the University of Central Arkansas. The Arkansas Consortium for the Ph.D. in Communication Sciences and Disorders combines the academic and clinical resources of a major medical sciences campus with those of two large, comprehensive universities. The curriculum is designed to emphasize the science of speech, language, and hearing, the acquisition of knowledge through research about human communicative disorders, and the advanced study and practice of methods for evaluation and treatment of those disorders. This unique curriculum recognizes the importance of teaching and supervision pedagogy consistent with best practices.

The consortium structure offers the opportunity for interdisciplinary research in both medicallyoriented sites and in conventional university campus locations. The program prepares graduates for teaching and research through course work and internships in grant writing, teaching, and clinical supervision as well as research- and discipline-specific areas of study.

Admission Requirements

The consortium accepts applications for admission to the program for both full- and part-time students. Students may apply and be admitted to the Ph.D. program each semester but fall application is encouraged. Students enrolled in the consortium program full time must enroll in at least nine semester credit hours during the fall or spring semesters. Full time requirements for summer vary depending upon financial aid status. Part time students must enroll in a minimum of five semester credit hours each semester. Admission to the program is made by application through the UAMS Graduate School and a program application. A graduate degree in speech-language pathology and/or audiology is preferred. Admission to the Ph.D. program is competitive and based on the following factors:

• Academic achievement and aptitude
• Written and oral communication
• Personal endorsement

Complete admission requirements and processes are located on the program website.

Program Requirements

A minimum of 70 credits of specified course work is required by individuals who currently hold a master’s degree in speech-language pathology or audiology. Within the 70 hour requirement, students complete a minimum of:

• 9 hours of statistics
• 3 hours of advanced research methods
• 6 hours of a research project (pre-dissertation)
• 18 hours in doctoral dissertation research
• 18 hours of doctoral seminars
• 10 hours of professional development
• 6 hours of collateral coursework

The Ph.D. will be awarded to those candidates who successfully complete all required course work (including any additional courses deemed necessary by the candidate’s graduate committee). The semester and year of course offerings vary based on student need. The curriculum emphasizes the development of research skills and advanced study of communication sciences and disorders.

Students must pass a comprehensive examination and successfully defend their dissertations. Degrees are awarded upon successful completion of all academic and research requirements.

Graduation Requirements

• Successful completion of an approved program of study as outlined above
• Successful completion of comprehensive examinations
• Successful completion of the dissertation and dissertation defense