Students are required to have completed a bachelor's along with a master’s or an AuD degree, both from an accredited college or university.

Ph.D. applications are rolling (i.e., applications may be at any time). However, to be considered for funding support, applicants must apply by or before Jan. 15 of the academic year preceding the anticipated start date (Fall).

To ensure full consideration, candidates for admission for the upcoming fall semester should ensure that all their application material is received by the University no later than our priority deadline: December 15^th. However, applications will be accepted until all positions are filled. In the case that late applications cannot be considered for fall admission, they will be automatically considered for admission the following spring semester.  

The Teaching Assistantship for qualified first year doctoral students carries a stipend of $26,000 for 12 months and full payment of tuition is also provided. The normal period for Ph.D. level graduate support is 4 1/2 years (2 1/2 years for masters students).  Renewal of the Teaching Assistantship will be contingent upon the student's satisfactory performance in both the academic program and assigned responsibilities, as well as the continued availability of funds and departmental need.

The online portal will allow applicants to upload their materials. Further information on the submission process and the transcript policy can be found at: https://www.kent.edu/admissions/graduate-degree-student-requirements. International applicants do not need to have WES or any other credential evaluations.

When your application is complete, the departmental Graduate Committee will review it and you will be informed of their decision as soon as possible.

It should be noted that neither the University nor the Department is able to waive the application fee. The fee must be paid before a decision can be made on your admission. In addition, we cannot review your application until you have provided all of the requested information. 

We require three letters of recommendation and a CV/resume, as well as original academic transcripts and a statement of purpose. Please make sure that the statement of purpose includes your area of interest, as well as any faculty whose research interests you. While you do not need to have an advisor chosen in advance, including your research interests within your statement of purpose is advisable. Students may do their research in the following fields:

The Ph.D. in Communication Sciences and Disorders offers both full and part-time degree opportunities. When you identify a potential Ph.D. mentor, you should also communicate your interest in attending full or part time. Only full time students may be considered for an assistantship.

English Language Proficiency Requirements

All Ph.D. students must complete a Master's Thesis (prior to admission to the Ph.D. program, typically completed during their Master’s coursework) or a project in lieu of thesis (for those who did not complete a Master’s thesis). Typically, in the first two years of the Ph.D. program, students will take courses, engage in research, and individual investigations. Once coursework has been completed, Ph.D. students will enter the comprehensive phase of their studies in which they may select from any of the 9 Doctoral Comprehensive Exams listed in the graduate handbook. Once the Ph.D.