West Virginia University

Program Information

Degree Offered

M.S.-Speech Pathology, Au.D.-Audiology; Ph.D.-Audiology

Format: Campus

Program Description:

The purpose of the Master of Science degree program in Speech Pathology is to provide aspiring professionals with a firm understanding of the normal processes of speech, language, and hearing; the competence to diagnose and treat the full range of communicative disorders in all age groups; and the opportunity to practice in a wide variety of clinical settings, including schools, hospitals, clinics, special treatment centers, and private practice. The M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology, therefore, is a professional program that emphasizes the knowledge and skills requisite for competent and ethical clinical practice. Graduation thus depends on completion of all academic requirements and the demonstration of sound clinical expertise.

The Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.) program at West Virginia University was inaugurated in 2004 when the clinical doctorate became the entry-level degree for the profession of audiology. The program consists of 116 credit hours of academic coursework and clinical practicum experiences, including a fourth year residency. Graduates must demonstrate acquisition of all knowledge and skills delineated in the Standards for the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology (CCC-A). The Au.D. program is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).

The Ph.D. degree program provides a rigorous course of study along with mentored research and teaching experiences to enable students to become high-quality researchers and serve effectively as leaders in the discipline of communication sciences and disorders. Graduates of the program are prepared to assume careers as researchers and scholars at colleges, universities, hospitals, industrial settings, and research facilities. The program is not designed to provide an advanced clinical degree. Rather, the Ph.D. degree will be conferred in recognition of the attainment of the highest academic excellence and productive scholarship. As doctoral programs are an integral step on a life-long journey of learning and scholarship, the Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology has established the Ph.D. program in Communication Sciences and Disorders to support students in developing knowledge, judgment, skills, and attitudes to facilitate their growth and learning throughout their careers as researchers, scholars, and teachers.

Accreditation:

Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).

Tuition & Financial Aid

Financial Aid Offered: No

Classification: Doctoral/Research Universities - Extensive

Institution Sector: Public

Locale: Small City

Size & Settings: 20,000 and above