This program is being discontinued pending SACSCOC approval and is not accepting applications for admission. The University is still authorized to offer the program and issue the associated credential for students who are currently enrolled in the program.

The Ph.D. in Communication Sciences and Disorders is designed for advanced study in communication sciences and disorders, intersecting disciplines, and development of research and teaching strategies. Students with backgrounds in speech language pathology, audiology, or other disciplines are encouraged to explore with the faculty the new frontiers in scientific discovery that link previous academic achievement and future study. Part-and full-time study is available.

For information regarding deadlines and requirements for admission, please see https://grs.uncg.edu/programs/.

Prospective students will apply to the CSD Ph.D. program through the Graduate School at UNC Greensboro. Admission procedures will follow those described in the UNCG University Catalog and practiced by the doctoral program in Communication Sciences and Disorders.

Applications to the CSD Ph.D. program are completed online through the Graduate School website. The following materials are required for an applicant to be considered for admission to the UNCG CSD Ph.D. program:

• University transcripts
• GRE scores; TOEFL scores for international students
• GPA minimum of 3.0
• Current vita
• Sample of writing
• Three letters of recommendation
• Interview with the CSD Graduate Program Director for Doctoral Education and a potential faculty sponsor in the applicant’s research area of expertise

Deadline for application is February 1.

Degree Program Requirements

Required: 63 credit hours

Plan of Study and Individual Program Planning Committee (IPPC)

Each doctoral student will have an IPPC assigned by the UNC Greensboro CSD Department Chair. Admitted students will work with their CSD faculty mentor in designing the student’s Plan of Study; the IPPC helps evaluate the student’s needs and assists in developing the Plan of Study.

The student must pass each of the reviews and examinations listed below.

¹

May be selected from CSD courses at the 600- and/or 700-level. CSD courses include CSD 760 Advanced Seminar in Communication Sciences and Disorders , CSD 780 Independent Study , and CSD 790 Directed Research. 

²

With the approval of their IPPC, doctoral students will select at least 12 credits of course work in a related discipline that is centered around a theme rather than a single area of study (i.e. aging, neuroscience, leadership, clinical supervision, etc.)

³

Students may select tools courses from CSD courses or interdisciplinary doctoral courses taught by the UNC Greensboro School of Health and Human Sciences. The UNC Greensboro CSD department and the UNC Greensboro School of Health and Human Sciences will offer hands-on practicum courses in the areas of teaching, grant writing, clinical supervision, and academic administration.

⁴

 Students may take a fifth statistics course and earn a minor in statistics.

⁵

 Students will take three terms of CSD 751 to fulfill this requirement.

Reviews and Examinations

Qualifying Exams: The IPPC will prescribe the areas and elements of the exams. The exams will take place after at least three-quarters of the course work in the Plan of Study is completed and will follow the policies and guidelines as outlined in the UNC Greensboro Graduate School policies.

Dissertation: Dissertation Proposal Defense, Approval, and Advancement to Candidacy. Following completion of coursework, qualifying exams, student will have an oral defense of their dissertation proposal (topic, literature review, and methods). Upon approval of their doctoral committee of their dissertation proposal, the student may make application to The Graduate School for admission to candidacy for the doctoral degree.

Final Oral Examination: Doctoral candidates will successfully pass an oral examination of their independent dissertation study to members of their doctoral committee.