Clinical Practicum

The clinical practicum experience at Kent State University allows graduate students to gain supervised clinical experience through application of the knowledge and theory gained in the classroom by working directly with experienced and skilled clinical instructors. Our program has a thriving on-campus speech-language clinic that serves the university and the community and averages over 4,000 visits per year. The caseload is varied and gives students experience in providing diagnostic and therapeutic services to a broad clientele base. 

Professional Phase

All students in the speech pathology and audiology undergraduate program must be admitted to the professional phase prior to being able to register for most upper-division SPA courses. The application cycle for the professional phase is open three times per year:

  • December 1 - 2nd week of Spring semester
  • May 1 - June 1
  • August 1 - 2nd week of Fall semester

Applications for the professional phase are submitted through the EHHS Student Portal. 

Audiology - Au.D.

The Doctor of Audiology degree program provides you with the theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience needed to excel in this rewarding field. With access to advanced technology and experienced faculty, you'll be prepared to diagnose and treat hearing and balance disorders and make a meaningful impact in patients' lives.

Contact Us

Apply Now
Request Information
Schedule a visit

Program Information for Audiology - Au.D.

Program Description

Program Description

Full Description

The Doctor of Audiology degree is a professional doctorate that prepares students to be licensed clinical audiologists. The program emphasizes the principles and practices underlying evaluation, treatment and provision of hearing care services. Graduates are independent professionals who specialize in the diagnosis, management and treatment of hearing and balance disorders.

The Au.D. degree is a full-time, continuous, 45-month, post-baccalaureate course of study designed to integrate classroom, laboratory and clinical experiences, culminating in the qualification for national certification and state (Ohio) licensure as an audiologist. All students attend full-time and take a fixed sequence of classroom- and clinic-based courses.

This program may be undertaken sequentially with Ph.D. in Communication Sciences and Disorders.

The Au.D. degree in Audiology is offered in affiliation with the Cleveland Clinic and the University of Akron.

Admissions for Audiology - Au.D.

Admissions

For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.

Admission Requirements

Applications to the Northeast Ohio Audiology Consortium through Kent State University needs to be submitted through the Communication Sciences and Disorders Centralized Application Services (CSDCAS) by the application deadline.

  • Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university (not necessarily in speech-language pathology and audiology)
  • Minimum 3.000 GPA on a 4.000-point scale
  • Official college transcript(s)
  • GRE scores (starting with fall 2025 admission term, the GRE will no longer be required)
  • Goal statement
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Starting with fall 2025 admission term: Interview during NOAC Visitation Day or remote videoconference when unable to attend this event
  • English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning one of the following:1
    • Minimum 94 TOEFL iBT score
    • Minimum 7.0 IELTS score
    • Minimum 65 PTE score
    • Minimum 120 DET score
1

International applicants who do not meet the above test scores will not be considered for admission.

Application Deadlines

  • Fall Semester
    • Priority deadline: January 15
      Applications submitted by this deadline will receive the strongest consideration for admission.

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate a broad-based knowledge of the foundations, theories and application of audiology.
  2. Demonstrate clinical competencies in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of hearing and balance disorders.
  3. Demonstrate knowledge of research principles and their integration into evidence-based clinical practice in audiology.
  4. Demonstrate knowledge and skills in the principles and practices of patient and family-centered care.
  5. Demonstrate knowledge of the ethical standards and conduct expected in the profession of audiology.

Coursework

On This Page

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

Major Requirements
SPA 70192GRADUATE AUDIOLOGIST I 3
SPA 70292GRADUATE AUDIOLOGIST II 3
SPA 70392GRADUATE AUDIOLOGIST III 6
SPA 70492GRADUATE AUDIOLOGIST IV 8
SPA 70592GRADUATE AUDIOLOGIST V 8
SPA 70615CENTRAL AUDITORY PROCESSING EVALUATION AND MANAGEMENT 2
SPA 70616HEARING AID FITTING AND SELECTION ACROSS THE LIFESPAN 4
SPA 70618IMPLANTABLE TECHNOLOGY 4
SPA 70627MULTICULTURAL ISSUES IN AUDIOLOGY 2
SPA 70630PRACTICE MANAGEMENT IN AUDIOLOGY 3
SPA 70691SEMINAR IN AUDIOLOGY 2
SPA 70701BASIC AND APPLIED PHYSICAL ACOUSTICS FOR AUDIOLOGY 4
SPA 70702ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY OF PERIPHERAL AUDITORY AND VESTIBULAR SYSTEMS 4
SPA 70703SPEECH ACOUSTICS AND SPEECH PERCEPTION 2
SPA 70704CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF RESEARCH IN AUDIOLOGY 2
SPA 70705AUDITORY DISORDERS 2
SPA 70706ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY UNDERLYING NEURO-OTOLOGY 4
SPA 70707PSYCHOACOUSTICS 3
SPA 70708CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF RESEARCH 2
SPA 70709AUDIOLOGIC ASSESSMENT 3
SPA 70710INDUSTRY AND COMMUNITY NOISE 3
SPA 70712DIAGNOSIS OF AUDITORY DISORDERS 3
SPA 70713HEARING AID TECHNOLOGY 4
SPA 70714GERONTOLOGICAL ISSUES IN AUDIOLOGY 3
SPA 70717PEDIATRIC AUDIOLOGY 3
SPA 70719COUNSELING IN AUDIOLOGY 3
SPA 70721EVALUATION AND MANAGEMENT OF BALANCE DISORDERS 3
SPA 70725MEDICAL MANAGEMENT OF AUDITORY DISORDERS 2
SPA 70726ELECTROPHYSIOLOGICAL TECHNIQUES IN AUDIOLOGY 3
SPA 70732AUDIOLOGIC TREATMENT ACROSS THE LIFESPAN 4
SPA 70733ADVANCED ELECTROPHYSIOLOGIC AND VESTIBULAR MEASURES 4
SPA 70734PRINCIPLES IN PRECEPTING 1
SPA 70753LABORATORY FOR ELECTROPHYSIOLOGICAL TECHNIQUES IN AUDIOLOGY 1
SPA 70754LABORATORY FOR EVALUATION AND MANAGEMENT OF BALANCE DISORDERS 1
SPA 70755LABORATORY FOR ADVANCED ELECTROPHYSIOLOGIC AND VESTIBULAR MEASURES 1
SPA 70791FOURTH YEAR SEMINAR (course is repeatable)2
SPA 70892INTERNSHIP III 2
SPA 70992INTERNSHIP IV 2
SPA 74592CLERKSHIP I 1
SPA 74692CLERKSHIP II 1
SPA 75792INTERNSHIP I 1
SPA 76792INTERNSHIP II 1
Minimum Total Credit Hours:120

Graduation Requirements
Minimum Major GPA Minimum Overall GPA
- 3.000
  • Accrue 2000 clock hours of clinical experience
  • Meet the requirements for conditional Ohio licensure in audiology
  • Pass academic and clinical competency-based examinations

Clinical Setting

For any clinical practicum (on campus or off campus) in speech pathology or audiology that requires candidates to be placed within the on-campus speech and hearing clinics. school or agency setting, candidates are required to complete Bureau of Criminal Investigation and Identification (BCII) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) background checks and submit the results to authorized personnel at their assigned clinic/school/agency before the beginning of their placement or the first day of the semester in which the practicum will take place. Authorized school/agency personnel will determine whether a candidate may participate in practicum in the off-campus setting. The BCII and FBI background checks are good for one year, and the candidates will need to complete one each year that they are in the Au.D. degree.

Electronic fingerprinting is available for BCII and FBI in 221 White Hall and should be completed one month prior to clinical practicum. Candidates are responsible for fees incurred for this requirement. For more information on this policy, contact the clinical coordinators for the Speech and Hearing Clinics. Visit the Ohio Department of Education website for more information about background check requirements for those wishing to hold pupil personnel licenses in Ohio. Contact the Office of Professional Conduct at the Ohio Department of Education for specific information about the results of the background check.

Program Delivery

Program Delivery

  • Delivery:
    • In person
  • Location:
    • Kent Campus

Accreditation for Audiology - Au.D.

Accreditation

The Doctor of Audiology degree in Audiology (residential) at Kent State University is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 2200 Research Boulevard, #310, Rockville, MD 20850, 800-498-2071 or 301-296-5700.

Examples of Possible Careers and Salaries for Audiology - Au.D.

Audiologists

13.3%

much faster than the average

13,800

number of jobs

$81,030

potential earnings

Health specialties teachers, postsecondary

20.5%

much faster than the average

254,000

number of jobs

$99,090

potential earnings

Notice: Career Information Source
* Source of occupation titles and labor data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook. Data comprises projected percent change in employment over the next 10 years; nation-wide employment numbers; and the yearly median wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.
A Message from the Dean

A message from Dean Bielski, with his picture

Dear Campus Community, Once again, we find ourselves entering the holiday season. For me, Thanksgiving serves as a time to enjoy with family. This year, I will be celebrating the day with my granddaughter Lila, her first Thanksgiving. While it serves as a time to reconnect, Thanksgiving also allows me time to reflect on the past year and look towards the future. Please know that I am grateful for our students and their continued pursuit of higher education. I truly, believe in the transformative power of what we provide and how we help shape their futures. I am grateful for the faculty and ...

Communication Sciences and Disorders - Ph.D.

The Ph.D. degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders provides the student with a strong theoretical background and competency in research skills applicable to communication (audiology, speech, language, cognition and/or swallowing) processes and/or disorders. The program ideal for those interested in academic and research careers in communication sciences or disorders. The curriculum and plan of study are individualized and collectively planned between the student and the doctoral committee.

Contact Us

Apply Now
Request Information
Schedule a visit

Program Information for Communication Sciences and Disorders - Ph.D.

Program Description

Program Description

Professional Licensure Disclosure

This program is designed to prepare students to sit for applicable licensure or certification in Ohio. If you plan to pursue licensure or certification in a state other than Ohio, please review state educational requirements for licensure or certification and contact information for state licensing boards at Kent State's website for professional licensure disclosure.

Admissions for Communication Sciences and Disorders - Ph.D.

Admissions

For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.

Admission Requirements

  • Master's degree from an accredited college or university (not necessarily in areas of speech-language pathology and audiology)
  • Bachelor's degree (not necessarily in areas of speech-language pathology and audiology)
  • Minimum 3.000 undergraduate GPA on a 4.000-point scale (minimum 3.500 GPA is recommended)
  • Official transcript(s)
  • Goal statement
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning one of the following:1
    • Minimum 94 TOEFL iBT score
    • Minimum 7.0 IELTS score
    • Minimum 65 PTE score
    • Minimum 120 DET score
1

International applicants who do not meet the above test scores will not be considered for admission.

Application Deadlines

  • Fall Semester
    • Funding deadline: January 15
      Applications must be submitted by this deadline to be considered for an assistantship or any other funded position.
    • Rolling admissions
  • Spring Semester
    • Rolling admissions
  • Summer Term
    • Rolling admissions

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

  1. Develop, implement and evaluate a line of individual and collaborative research.
  2. Teach within a clinical and/or didactic context.

Coursework

On This Page

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

Major Requirements
Area of Study 124
Electives 212
Statistics and Research Design Coursework 39
Culminating Requirement
SPA 84199DISSERTATION I 430
Minimum Total Credit Hours:75
1

Concentration Area of Study: This collection of coursework relates to the students' main areas of interest. It must consist of a combination of lecture classes or seminars, courses in grant or manuscript writing and independent studies and/or research. These courses are meant to build upon the students’ interests in a selected major area of study, and courses may be taken in other program areas (such as psychology, English, business, biology, counseling, special education, computer science, etc.); within speech-language pathology and audiology; or from an affiliated medical school. With the exception of allowed transfer credits, all courses must be taken at the doctoral 7/80000 level. Additional prerequisite coursework may be required at a lower level; this coursework would not count towards the 24 credit hours.

2

Electives: Included within the 12 credit hours may be courses or independent studies related to student interests, including additional (non-concentration) academic or clinical areas of interest, interprofessional or cross-disciplinary topics and/or additional training in research methods, statistics or writing.

3

Statistics and Research Methods: Each doctoral candidate must register and complete no less than two graduate-level statistics courses and no less than one advanced research methods course. Required statistics courses should include a focus on inferential statistics, including regression. Advanced research methods should include an advanced research methods course that covers both quantitative and/or qualitative approaches.

4

Upon admission to candidacy, each doctoral candidate must register for SPA 84199. It is expected that a doctoral candidate will continuously register for Dissertation I each semester (fall, spring) for a total of 30 credit hours, and thereafter will register for SPA 84299, each semester (fall, spring) until all requirements for the degree have been met.

Graduation Requirements
Minimum Major GPA Minimum Overall GPA
- 3.000
  • Students may graduate with the Ph.D. degree with fewer than 75 total credit hours but no fewer than 60 total credit hours. Students may receive permission by graduate faculty to waive coursework if supported by the appropriate and recent coursework.
Program Delivery

Program Delivery

  • Delivery:
    • In person
  • Location:
    • Kent Campus

Examples of Possible Careers and Salaries for Communication Sciences and Disorders - Ph.D.

Health specialties teachers, postsecondary

20.5%

much faster than the average

254,000

number of jobs

$99,090

potential earnings

Speech-language pathologists

24.9%

much faster than the average

162,600

number of jobs

$80,480

potential earnings

Medical scientists, except epidemiologists

6.1%

faster than the average

138,300

number of jobs

$91,510

potential earnings

Notice: Career Information Source
* Source of occupation titles and labor data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook. Data comprises projected percent change in employment over the next 10 years; nation-wide employment numbers; and the yearly median wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.
ADVISORY: Kent State University Board of Trustees Meeting, Dec. 6

The Kent State University Board of Trustees will hold its next regular business meeting at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 6, in the Aeronautics and Engineering Building, Room 225, on the Kent Campus to consider the recommendations of the standing committees, proposed personnel actions and new business. Trustees will retire into executive session at 8:15 a.m. to consider specific topics as provided under Ohio’s “Sunshine Law.” The roll call vote for this session will occur in public in Room 225. On Dec. 6, the meeting of the full Board of Trustees will be held in person. A limited number of seat...

Subscribe to
© 2025 Kent State University All rights reserved.