Apr 29, 2024  
2023-2024 Graduate Catalog 
    
2023-2024 Graduate Catalog

Communicative Disorders and Sciences PhD


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The graduate curriculum in speech-language pathology and audiology covers various aspects of communication, with an emphasis on communicative disorders. Included are courses on normal processing and research methods, as well as on the etiology, symptomatology, prevention and remediation of disorders of speech, language, and hearing. The programs also allow students to qualify for New York State licensure needed for practice in outside educational settings. Students in the MA program in speech-language pathology also can qualify for New York State certification for teachers of students with speech-language disabilities.

Program Curriculum


The following sequence of activities are recommended as a path toward graduation.

First Year


  1. Acceptance in the Ph.D. program. Interim advisor is assigned if necessary.
  2. Selection of a major advisor and Doctoral Committee (during first semester).
  3. Develop a plan of study and schedule of relevant coursework. The plan of study form should be filled out and placed on file in the department (end of first semester)
  4. Completion and presentation of First Year Project (end of second semester)

Second Year


  1. Completion and presentation of a pre-dissertation project/proposal (end of 4th semester)

After Second Year


  1. Selection of the Dissertation Committee for the dissertation proposal
  2. Completion and presentation of a dissertation proposal
  3. File for candidacy
  4. Completion of dissertation
  5. Dissertation defense
  6. Graduation

Total Credit Hours: 72


3.0 Degree GPA required

Instruction Method


  • In Person (100 percent of courses offered in person)

Full/Part Time Options


  • Full Time

Credits Required


  • 72 Hours

Time-To-Degree


  • 5 Years

Application Fee


  • $75

Program Contact


Department of Communicative Disorders and Sciences
122 Cary Hall
Buffalo, NY 14214
Email: cdsdept@buffalo.edu
Phone: 716-829-2797

SED Statement


This program is officially registered with the New York State Education Department (SED).

Online programs/courses may require students to come to campus on occasion. Time-to-degree and number of credit hours may vary based on full/part time status, degree, track and/or certification option chosen. Time-to-degree is based on calendar year(s). Contact the department for details.

** At least one of the admissions tests are required for admission. Test and score requirements/exceptions vary by program. Contact the department for details.

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