Audiology Specialization
The doctoral program in Audiology is a specialization within the Disability Disciplines PhD Program in the Emma Eccles Jones School of Education and Human Services. The Disability Disciplines Doctoral Program offers a multidisciplinary doctoral degree that brings together faculty and students across disciplinary and departmental lines to explore interrelated aspects of disabilities. All specializations balance a common core of multidisciplinary coursework and applied activities with a strong disciplinary focus. Thus, both faculty and students work within a multidisciplinary context without compromising their important disciplinary perspective, knowledge, and skills.
The Audiology doctoral specialization at Utah State University prepares graduates to be highly effective university faculty in audiology programs. Prospective students enter the program with an earned graduate degree in audiology (AuD, M.S.). Programs of study can be created for students with an earned bachelor's degree in Communicative Disorders, or for students interested in completing a combined AuD/PhD.
| Name: | Dr. Karen Muñoz |
| Phone: | 435-797-3701 |
| Email: | karen.munoz@usu.edu |
Opportunities
Graduate students in the Audiology specialization have the opportunity to conduct research in multiple areas, including the following:
Speech and Auditory Perception lab - explores both normal and impaired hearing to develop techniques to overcome difficulties associated with hearing loss.
Spoken Language Processing lab - explores how people of all ages learn through listening, specifically in situations when listening may be especially challenging (e.g., when listening to a teacher with a foreign accent or listening through a cochlear implant (CI) device).
Listening and Spoken Language lab - explores parent and professional factors that facilitate and/or interfere with spoken language outcomes for children who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Coursework
Core coursework, common to all areas of disability disciplines, includes multidisciplinary courses that bring together diverse perspectives on disabilities and effective services as well as research methodology. In addition, specialization courses provide deep coverage of current developments in audiology.
Core Coursework
| Course | Title / Description | Credits (17/19) |
|---|---|---|
| EDUC 6570 | Introduction to Education and Psychological Research Introduction to research methods including identifying research questions, conducting research literature reviews, and design and implementation of research projects. (Students should enroll in the section of this course that is designated for full-time doctoral students.) |
3 |
| EDUC 6600 | Measurement, Design, & Analysis This course integrates concepts in measurement, research design, and statistical analysis for research in psychology and education. (STAT 5200 is an acceptable substitution.) |
3 |
| REH/SPED 7820 | Seminar: Special Topics In-depth study of special topics in special education and rehabilitation. Seminars examine historical aspects, relevant research, and theoretical positions on selected topics. |
1 (3) |
| SPED 7400 | Multicultural Issues in Disability This seminar will focus on the juxtaposition of disability and ethnic/cultural/linguistic diversity. Three broad areas will be presented. The first area will focus on the ethnic/cultural/linguistic demography of disability. The second area will focus on the prejudice, discrimination, and handicapism and the ways in which these forces impact upon an individual who has a disability and who is a member of an ethnic/cultural/linguistic minority group. The third area will focus on practice applications, translating the concept of the first two areas into practical suggestions for professional practice. |
3 |
| SPED 7920 | Doctoral Orientation Seminar Orients new students to the doctoral program including career planning, program planning, fundamental concepts of scientific research and literature review, and knowledge of the available facilities and faculty members. |
3 |
| SPED 7940 | Journal Reading Group Under faculty direction, students read and discuss published research. Students learn to critique empirical and theoretical papers as well as current research findings in important areas of Disability Disciplines. |
1 |
| SPED 7820 | Evidence-Based Practice This seminar explores evidence-based practice as a framework for providing the most effective possilbe services to persons with disabilities by linking research and practice. Students will learn processes for posing appropriate clinical questions, systematically and critically reviewing research, and developing formal practice quidelines. |
3 |
| USU 6900 | Research Integrity The purpose of this class is to provide an underpinning of ethical conduct for students entering the research enterprise at USU. The course is designed for graduate students based on regulatory requirements from federal funding agencies. Subjects covered are ethical treatment of human participants in research, conflicts of interest, ethical care and use of animals in research, collaborative science, data ownership, management and sharing, mentor/trainee relationships, authorship and publication practices, research misconduct and peer review. |
0 |
Audiology Coursework
| Course | Title / Description | Credits (18) |
|---|---|---|
| COMD 7730 | Advanced Topics in Audiology Discussion of advanced topics and issues in hearing and balance disorders, including assessment and treatment considerations, underlying influences related to treatment adherence, and functional outcomes. |
3 |
| COMD 7740 | Research in Audiology Under faculty direction, students read and discuss current research in audiology, examine methods, conclusions, implications and limitations. |
3 |
| COMD 7890 | Journal Reading - Audiology Under faculty direction, students read and discuss published research. Sutdents learn to critique empirical and theoretical papers as well as current research findings in important areas of Audiology. |
1 |
| COMD 7710 | Evidence-Based Practice in Audiology Discussion of evidence-based practice in hearing and balance disorders, including existing research base, areas in need of further research, client values, clinical decision-making, and implementation. |
3 |
| COMD 7880 | Research Methods in Audiology Discussion of research methods used in audiological research and design consideration. |
2 |
| Various | Additional Research Methods Students will take a minimum of 6 additional credits in research methods. Students are encouraged to consider the following, although additional options will be considered by students' committees: EDUC 7610, PSY 7020, PSY 7670, PSY 7780, SPED 7700, and SPED 7710. |
6 |
Requirements
Preliminary Exams
Preliminary exams are conducted after approximately one year of full time study (or the equivalent) and provide a focus for students to attain foundational skills in research design and critique, and disciplinary knowledge. This three part exam is completed across a three day period. Components of the exam are:
- Disciplinary knowledge. Specific questions focus on key foundational knowledge of audiology.
- Design of Research. The student outlines the design of a research project on a given topic relevant to audiology.
- Critique of Research. The student critiques a research manuscript within audiology.
Professional Products and Internships
A set of professional products and internships provide opportunities for mentored experience in critical professional skills.
- Research Internship
- Conference Presentation
- Review of Literature
- Publication
- College Teaching Internship
- Supervision Internship
- Grant Writing
Dissertation
The dissertation is the capstone experience of the doctoral program. The student plans, carries out, analyzes, and interprets substantial original research that contributes to the advancement of their field of study.
Faculty
Primary Faculty:
Sarah Leopold, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Supporting Faculty Section:
Jeffery Larsen, Ph.D.
Clinical Assistant Professor
Lauri Nelson, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Cache Pitt, Au.D.
Clinical Associate Professor
Elizabeth Preston, Au.D.
Clinical Associate Professor
