Frequently Asked Questions

What is the M.S./Ph.D. program?

The M.S./Ph.D. program is a combined clinical M.S. and Ph.D. program. At the end of this program, you will have your M.S. degree, a Ph.D. degree, and be eligible for ASHA certification.

Why would I want all of these degrees?

You need your M.S. and ASHA certification for clinical work. With a Ph.D., you can teach at a university, conduct research, be the director of a clinic, and have many more options for employment. There is a shortage of people with the Ph.D. in our field.

How long does it take?

It will typically take five to six years. You will finish the M.S. program at about the same time as your M.S. classmates (it may take a semester longer), and then you will have three to four more years to finish your Ph.D. It may save you some time over doing a M.S. and then a Ph.D., but more importantly, it will give you flexibility with respect to planning clinic, research, and course work.

What about my clinical practicum?

You will still do clinical practica along with your M.S. classmates. You may be scheduled for slightly less clinical practica so that you also have time to get involved in research. Whenever practical, we will try to assign you to clinical practica in your area of research interest.

What will I be doing differently than other M.S. students during my first two years in the program?

You will be assigned to a program advisor in your area of research interest. You will complete a first-year research project, which can be the basis for your M.S. thesis. We want to get you involved in research right away, as well as in clinical work.

What about my Clinical Fellowship Year (CFY)?

Clinical Fellowship Years will be arranged on an individual basis. Some students in combined M.S./Ph.D. programs have taken 9 months off to do a full-time CFY, while other students have done a part-time CFY (12 to 20 hours/week) while they continue course work.

Is funding available for M.S./Ph.D. students?

M.S./Ph.D. students are very attractive to faculty with research grants; they can be hired as Project Assistants because they will be around for a while. Once you have finished your M.S. degree, you are also eligible to compete for funding on the Communicative Disorders Training Grant.

How do I get into the M.S./Ph.D. program?

You first need to apply and be accepted for the M.S. program (view admissions requirements and how to apply).

If you are initially applying for admission to the M.S. program, indicate your intentions to pursue a combined M.S./Ph.D. If you have already been admitted as an M.S. student, you need to write a letter to the admissions committee and ask to be admitted to the M.S./Ph.D. program. All M.S./Ph.D. students will be reviewed by the faculty after their third semester in the program to evaluate their ability to continue for the Ph.D.

When do I decide on my minor and the committee for my qualifying examinations?

You will decide on a minor and a committee for your Ph.D. qualifying exams when you become a Ph.D. student. For your M.S. thesis, you will have a committee of 3 people (2 faculty members from the department and 1 from outside of the department).

Whom should I talk to if I have additional questions?

Please email Professor Rita Kaushanskaya if you have further questions about the M.S./Ph.D program.