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.

It is recommended (not required) that all applicants have the results of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) sent directly to the University. The general GRE exam is required and a minimum quantitative score of 45% or higher is recommended. Although the subject GRE is not required, candidates are encouraged to provide a subject GRE score to strengthen their file. Information about the GRE can be obtained by visiting their website.

Funding (stipend and tuition waiver) is not always guaranteed and is subject to review each academic year. Ph.D. applicants who apply to the Ph.D. program in Communication Sciences and Disorders by Jan. 15 will be considered for funding. Our program, however, does offer a rolling deadline to any student not needing funding.

The Ph.D. program in Communication Sciences and Disorders use of a mentor training model requires prospective doc students to identify an area of interest that aligns with at least one of the faculty mentors (listed above). Typically, prospective doctoral students should identify a faculty mentor and area of interest that aligns with that faculty member in their statement of interest (a.k.a. - statement of purpose; letter of intent; goal statement; etc) submitted with their application materials.

A background of undergraduate courses consisting of one year each in analytical chemistry or biochemistry, organic chemistry, physical chemistry, calculus and physics is expected.  A student not having all of the above courses may be accepted for graduate study if ability is shown in other courses.

The Ph.D. program in Communication Sciences and Disorders uses a mentorship model, such that prospective students should identify a research faculty mentor they are interested in working with. Before applying to the Ph.D. program, you should reach out to the faculty member of interest to inquire if they are accepting doctoral students and to determine if your interests align with theirs.

Research Labs & Directors

The MA program in speech-language pathology is completed in 6 semesters. A semester-by-semester plan of study will be provided when students start their graduate training. Specific coursework is described in the Coursework tab. Students who elect a thesis option must register for 6 semester hours of SPA 64199 Thesis I.

Students who are interested in working with young children who have or are at risk for developmental delays or disabilities are encouraged to apply to work towards their Early Intervention Certificate, a collaborative venture with the Special Education Program. 

Master's Degree Students

Master's degree applicants must apply through the Communication Sciences and Disorders Centralized Application Service (CSDCAS). Only after program acceptance, applicants choosing to attend Kent State will be asked to apply through Kent State's online application system and pay the university application fee in order to begin the on-boarding process for the program.