Communication Sciences & Disorders (Ph.D.)

Communication Sciences & Disorders (Ph.D.) | Graduate

Our students seek to understand the etiology, symptomatology, prevention, and remediation of speech, language, and hearing disorders. They significantly contribute to the communication sciences and disorders field, applying clinical and research evidence to real-world cases.

The Ph.D. in Communication Sciences and Disorders at Howard's Graduate School attracts exceptional students from diverse backgrounds and prepares them for fulfilling careers in research, teaching, or clinical practice in communication sciences and affiliated fields. Our program welcomes applicants with a master's degree in speech-language pathology or speech, language, and hearing sciences. You may choose from two research specialization areas: the adult neurological track or the child language track. In addition, you may elect to complete the more traditional dissertation or to develop a research project. You’ll have the opportunity to conduct case-based research, working alongside clinicians at Howard's Speech and Hearing Clinic or our partner schools, hospitals, early intervention and community clinics, and private practice settings throughout the DC Metropolitan Area. You'll pursue interdisciplinary coursework spanning psychology, special education, neurophysiology, linguistics, cognitive science, and health policy fields. You’ll also enjoy a highly collegial atmosphere and learn from faculty committed to your professional development. Our faculty conduct research on measures associated with treatments in childhood aphasia and apraxia of speech, eye tracking methodology to examine cognitive and linguistic processing issues, early intervention in aural rehabilitation, language processing and development in second language learning and monolingual contexts, and novel treatment approaches for neurogenic and swallowing disorders, among other areas of research. 

Program Snapshot

      ❱  72 credit hours 
      ❱  Full-time
      ❱  On-campus format
      ❱  Degree: Ph.D.

Application Deadline

Spring 2025 entry: 
      ❱  No spring entry 

Fall 2025 entry: 
      ❱  Dec. 1, 2024 (early deadline)
      ❱  Feb. 15, 2025 (priority deadline)
      ❱  Mar. 15, 2025 (final deadline)

Applicants should submit their applications as early as possible for earlier consideration of departmental funding opportunities. Applicants have until the final deadline to apply. However, applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the admissions cycle. 

Transfer credits accepted (reviewed by director)

• Degree Classification: Graduate
• Related Degrees: Ph.D.

Application for Admission

• Online GradCAS application
• Statement of purpose/ Statement of academic interest (500-1,000 words)
• GRE scores not required
• Official transcripts sent to GradCAS
• 3 letters of recommendation
• Master’s degree in speech-language pathology or speech, language, and hearing sciences from an accredited college or university or the international equivalent 
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae
• Autobiographical statement (500-750 words)

GRE Required?

• No

GRE Preferred Minimums    

• GRE Verbal Reasoning: N/A
• GRE Quantitative Reasoning: N/A
• GRE Analytical Writing: N/A

GPA Required Minimums    

• Overall GPA minimum: 3.2
• Undergrad GPA minimum: 3.0

Reference Requirements    

Evaluator type accepted:

• Professor (Required)
• Supervisor/Manager

Evaluator type not accepted:

• Coworker
• Friend
• Family Member
• Clergy
• Other