Syracuse University Ph.D. in Speech Language Pathology and Audiology Application Instructions

Applicants for the PhD program in Speech-Language Pathology are eligible for consideration if they have already completed their Master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology (or will have completed it prior to starting the PhD program).

Applicants for the PhD program in Audiology are eligible for consideration if they have already completed their AuD degree. Please note that we also offer a combined AuD/PhD program, which requires students to first be accepted into the AuD program (with application through CSDCAS); application to the dual AuD/PhD program is then made after successful completion of the first year of the AuD program, and requires the agreement of a research mentor and a separate admissions decision.

It is expected that students have had contact with a potential mentor prior to submitting their PhD application. In addition to the materials below, an interview will be required as part of the application process.

1. Submit your application and upload materials by January 1 to: Online Graduate Application. You will include the following:
   • $75 application fee
   • Official Transcripts
   • Personal Statement/Essay (1000 words) Custom essay prompts/questions are listed below.
   • GRE scores sent to SU using code 2823
   • 3 letters of recommendation. At least two should be individuals familiar with your academic potential.
2. International Student applications:
   • International (non-Canadian) students must submit your TOEFL score to Syracuse University (school code 2823)
   • SUIA form and supporting financial documentation
3. Degree bearing transcript: Degree bearing transcript must be sent to Syracuse University once our admission offer is accepted. CSD Department Syracuse University 621 Skytop Road, Suite 1200 Syracuse, NY 13244-5290
4. Financial Assistance All applicants are considered for departmental awards including tuition scholarships and graduate assistantships. No separate application is needed. Awards are determined by application merit as compared with the cohort.

Personal Statement/Essay

1. Please address the following:
   • Write a personal statement (2-3 pages, double-spaced) that articulates your motivation to pursue a PhD at Syracuse University under the guidance of your chosen mentor. In your essay, you are encouraged to explore topics that may include: experiences that have influenced your decision to pursue a PhD, your motivations for pursuing further research in your field, why you have chosen Syracuse University and this specific mentor as your academic destination, as well as any personal strengths, skills, and career aspirations you wish to highlight.
   • Submit an example of your research writing skills, which may include a previously written research paper, literature review, significant writing assignment from a course, article critique, or other demonstration of research-related writing within the past 5 years. If you do not have a recent sample, please conduct a review around a research topic that you wish to pursue. The writing sample should include citations of the peer-reviewed literature that you are referencing. The purpose of the writing sample is to provide the advisor and committee with an indication of the applicant's written communication skills and level of experience with research-related writing. (3 pages minimum)
2. If applicable, write a separate paragraph of 250 words or fewer (in the same document) discussing the following:
   • If there were semesters or courses during your undergraduate or graduate career when your GPA was low and/or if your transcript includes withdrawals, incompletes or course repeats, what were the circumstances? How do you believe these grades and circumstances reflect on your ability to succeed in a PhD program?
   • If you are a re-applicant to our program, please discuss your circumstances and what have you done to improve your application and preparation for a PhD program as well as to show your commitment to a research career.