Graduate handbook information is updated and maintained by each program. Graduate handbooks are available within each program's office and online at https://utexas.box.com/v/UTAustinGraduateHandbooks. Please contact the program with concerns or questions.

Students seeking professional certification in speech/language pathology or audiology must meet coursework and clinical requirements specific to the specialization or area of study. Information about certification requirements is available from the graduate advisor.

To be counted toward the degree, all coursework in the major must be at the graduate or upper division level. Individual study programs must be arranged in consultation with the graduate advisor.

Master of Science in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences

The Master of Science in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences is offered with a thesis or no-thesis option.

The Master of Science in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences with thesis:  Students selecting this option must complete at least 27 semester hours in core courses, at least six hours of thesis, and in addition, students must complete clinical practicum training by enrolling in clinical practicum coursework for 24 to 27 semester hours. Enrollment in clinical practicum coursework is required for eligibility for certification through the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). Students who wish to opt out of eligibility for certification may do so with approval of the graduate advisor. Additional hours may be required by the program in order to meet ASHA guidelines. Students in the MSSLHS/Ph.D. program should enroll in thesis.

 The Master of Science in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences without thesis: Students selecting this option must complete at least 27 semester hours in core courses, at least six hours of electives, and in addition, students must complete clinical practicum training by enrolling in clinical practicum coursework for 24 to 27 semester hours. Enrollment in clinical practicum coursework is required for eligibility for certification through the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). Students who wish to opt out of eligibility for certification may do so with approval of the graduate advisor. Additional hours may be required by the program in order to meet ASHA guidelines.

Students have the option to seek the degree of Master of Sciences in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences without clinical certification. Choosing this option would waive the requirement to complete clinical practicum training (24 to 27 semester hours of clinical practicum coursework). Students selecting this option must complete at least 27 semester hours of core courses and at least six hours of electives or at least six hours of thesis. Students in the MSSLHS/PhD. program should enroll in thesis.

Doctor of Audiology

The Doctor of Audiology (AuD) provides academic and clinical education for those who plan to enter the profession of audiology. The degree program involves preparation for the diagnosis and non-medical treatment of hearing and balance disorders; it is designed to prepare audiologists to meet the standards for Texas state licensure in audiology.

The program requires a minimum of 99 semester hours of coursework and is designed to be completed in four years. All preprofessional students in audiology complete the same set of core courses and basic clinical practicum. Students may choose from a set of electives based upon their specific interests. Research experiences are part of the curriculum, but a dissertation is not required.

Doctor of Philosophy

The Doctor of Philosophy is a research degree; students can expect opportunities to work closely with faculty on research and to participate in the publication of research findings. All students in the program are expected to achieve mastery of research design principles and methods appropriate to their program of study.

The PhD program requires a minimum of 36 semester hours of coursework, and completion of a teaching portfolio and two research projects before PhD candidacy. After advancing to candidacy, students are required to complete a dissertation and pass an oral defense to satisfy degree requirements.