Doctoral Program

DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY DEGREE

Mission Statement and Program Goals

The larger mission of the Department of Communication Sciences
and Disorders (CSD) is to provide its students with a liberal
arts education through the College of Arts and Sciences, including
instruction in the arts and sciences, communication skills, habits of
independent thought, and the understanding of diverse cultures. The
specific mission of CSD is to provide academic and clinical instruction,
supervised clinical practical, and research experience for students
that will lead to state, regional and national accreditation and
licensing; to provide clinical services to individuals, groups and agencies
within the University and the greater Grand Forks area; to provide
professional leadership in local, state, and national organizations;
to contribute to the body of knowledge concerning communication
sciences and communication disorders; and to serve the University
through participation in its governance. This mission is directed
at meeting the interests and needs of the University of North Dakota
constituency.

Admission Requirements

1. A master’s degree in communication sciences and disorders,
   speech-language pathology, audiology, speech and
   hearing science, or a related field.
2. Graduate Record Examination-General Test.
3. An overall grade point average of 3.0, on a 4.0 scale, in
   graduate coursework in speech-language pathology, audiology,
   or a related area.
4. Criteria used in admission decisions will include:
   1. Scores on the Graduate Record Examination General
      Test,
   2. All grade point averages from previous undergraduate,
      post-baccalaureate and graduate studies,
   3. The extent and quality of previous clinical, research,
      and service activities; and
   4. Quality of speaking, writing and interpersonal skills.
5. Admissions applications should include documentation of
   the applicant’s qualifications relative to the criteria above.

Degree Requirements

Students seeking the Doctor of Philosophy degree at the University
of North Dakota must satisfy all general requirements set
forth by the Graduate School as well as particular requirements set
forth by the Communication Sciences and Disorders Department.

1. Completion of 90 semester credits beyond the baccalaureate
   degree.
2. Maintenance of at least a 3.0 GPA for all classes completed
   as a graduate student.
3. Completion of a dissertation, which incorporates independent
   work that is an original contribution to knowledge.
4. With approval of a student’s Faculty Advisory Committee,
   up to one-half of the work beyond a master’s degree
   may be transferred from another institution.
5. At least one-half of the work must be in the major field.
6. Successful completion of a comprehensive examination.
7. Required Courses:
   Seminars:
        CSD 501                  12
   Special Problems in CSD:
        CSD 597                  9
   Scholarly Tools:
        Psych 541                3
        Psych 543                3
        EFR 518                   3
        CSD 592                  3
   Research:
        CSD 595                  8
   Cognate                       9
   Dissertation:
        CSD 999                 10
   Total                           60

 

The Doctor of Philosophy degree in Communication Sciences &
Disorders is a research degree and is conferred only in recognition of
high achievement in independent scientific research and scholarship.
This research is expected to make a significant contribution to the
student’s chosen area of study.

Students will enter holding a Master’s degree in Speech Pathology,
Audiology, or Speech and Hearing Science. Students without
this degree or equivalent coursework will be required to complete a
core curriculum of the following eight courses currently offered at the
Master’s level: CSD 531, 532, 533, 536, 538, 542, 552, and 562.