Graduate Bulletin
Communication Sciences, Ph.D.
COLLEGE OF HEALTH PROFESSIONS AND SOCIAL WORK
Admission Requirements and Deadlines
Application Deadline:
Fall: March 1
Spring: November 1
Applications are evaluated together after the deadline.
APPLY ONLINE to this graduate program.
Letters of Reference:
Number Required: 3
From Whom: Letters of recommendation should be obtained from teachers, employers,
or colleagues who are able to evaluate the applicant's research potential.
One letter must be from a previous professor, advisor, or
research supervisor.
Coursework Required for Admission Consideration:
Prerequisites include:
CSCD
1108: Introduction to Linguistics
OR
CSCD
2217: Grammatical Description
AND CSCD 2218: Language Processing
CSCD
2207: Phonetics
AND CSCD 2208: Phonology
CSCD
3233: Basic Speech Science
CSCD
3234: Basic Hearing Science
CSCD
3235: Human Neuroscience
CSCD
3301: Speech and Language Development
EPSY 5525:
Master's Degree in Discipline/Related Discipline:
A master's degree is not required.
Bachelor's Degree in Discipline/Related Discipline:
A baccalaureate degree in Communication Disorders, Education, Linguistics, or Psychology is required.
Statement of Goals:
The Statement of Goals should be roughly 500-1,000 words in
length. It should address the applicant's background, academic
and professional goals, and the fit of the applicant's interests
with the program.
Standardized Test Scores:
The GRE is required. Scores of at least 500 verbal and 500
quantitative are required.
Minimum TOEFL score needed
to be accepted:
79 iBT or 550 PBT.
Resume:
A resume is required.
Writing Sample:
The applicant
should submit one writing sample that is expository
in nature, e.g., a chapter of a thesis, a convention paper,
and/or a paper from senior undergraduate or
master's level coursework.
Advanced Standing:
The student's advisor recommends advanced standing to the
Department based on a review of prior coursework and
experience. The maximum number of advanced standing credits
awarded is 30.

Program Requirements
General Program Requirements:
Number of Didactic Credits Required Beyond
the Master's: 42
Required Courses:
Course requirements are decided based on the background and
needs of individual students. However, all students must complete
a teaching practicum, at least 9 credits in Statistics and
Research Design, and a course in the History and Philosophy
of Science and Theory Construction.
Internship: No internship is required.
Language Examination: A language examination is required as determined by the Advisory
Committee.
Additional Requirements:
Placement Examination:
The placement examination is
diagnostic
in nature and intended to reveal strengths
and weaknesses. The results are used to
assist the Advisory Committee in refining
the student's program. It is ordinarily
taken during the student's first semester
of doctoral study, but,
with the approval of the Advisory Committee, it may
be delayed
when areas of weakness are known.
The examination is assembled by the Advisory
Committee, with sections written and graded
by faculty members appropriate to the area. The student may
choose three from the following six areas: Audiology, Hearing Science,
Language Pathology, Linguistics, Speech Pathology, and Speech Science.
Culminating Events:
Preliminary Examination:
The preliminary examination is a
comprehensive examination of the student's knowledge within the broad
field of her/his graduate study. It is generally taken upon completion
of coursework. While it is usually written, it may be given orally if
the student and Advisory Committee so elect. The student should
demonstrate an adequate level of general knowledge of the field,
specific knowledge of her/his area of specialization, and an ability to
pursue the dissertation. To be admitted to the examination, the student
must have satisfied the residency and research tool requirements.
The questions for the exam are written and graded by
members of the student's Advisory Committee. A student must pass the
preliminary examination in no more than two attempts. The members of
the dissertation committee write the questions. The dissertation
committee evaluates the answers on a pass/fail basis. All questions must
be passed, and all judgments are by committee consensus. Evaluators
look for competent and persuasive writing as well as for breadth and
depth of knowledge in the areas of examination. The examination is given
over a three-day period within one week and is proctored by a
departmental clerical staff member.
Proposal:
The dissertation proposal should
demonstrate that the student has arrived at a significant and
investigable problem, and that s/he has the necessary knowledge and
skills to investigate it successfully.
Dissertation:
The dissertation is an original
study that makes a significant and publishable contribution to the
field. It should demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the theoretical and
empirical literature of the area of investigation. It should also be
of sound and rigorous methodology. Original research of quality
appropriate for publication in a first-tier national journal is
expected.
Graduate school guidelines for announcing the defense are
followed. Notice is given through postings, email, and listserv
announcements. The defense is two hours in length.

Contacts
Program Contact Information:
http://chpsw.temple.edu/commsci/degrees-offered-graduate-programs/communication-sciences-and-disorders-doctor-philosophy
Department Information:
Dept. of Communication Sciences and Disorders
110 Weiss Hall (265-62)
1701 N. 13th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19122
chp@temple.edu
215-204-7543
Department Contacts:
Admissions:
Dawn Dandridge
ddandrid@temple.edu
215-204-7543
Interim Chairperson:
Carol Scheffner Hammer
cjhammer@temple.edu
215-204-3971

About the Program
The Ph.D. program in Communication Sciences
seeks to bring students to a level of education
at which they may participate as scholars
in the discipline. It is the program's objective
to provide doctoral students with a base of
information broad enough that they understand
the contribution made to the discipline by
each of its specialization areas, yet deep
enough in a chosen area of specialization
to enable them to comfortably assume a position
of leadership and authority. Students are
supplied with valuable expertise that allows
them to contribute meaningfully to the discipline.
Toward this end, the program emphasizes education
in specific methods of research, appropriate
to the student's area of specialization, reaching
a level at which the graduate will be able
to make original and valuable contributions
to the knowledge of the field. A final objective
is to infuse students with the spirit of scientific
inquiry and wisdom in the methods and
philosophy of science to place their own contributions,
and the contributions of others, in a proper
perspective with regard to theoretical and
philosophical positions and trends. It is
anticipated that graduates will contribute
to the discipline as leaders and exemplars
in the areas of teaching, research, administration,
and clinical services.
Time Limit for Degree Completion: 7 years
Campus Location:
Main
Full-Time/Part-Time Status:
Students are required to complete the degree
program through classes offered before and
after 4:30 p.m. The degree can be completed on a part-time basis (8
credit hours or less per semester).
Department Information:
Dept. of Communication Sciences and Disorders
110 Weiss Hall (265-62)
1701 N. 13th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19122
chp@temple.edu
215-204-7543
Interdisciplinary Study:
Students often take elective coursework outside the department in
areas such as Education, Psychology, and other departments in the
College of Health Professions.
Affiliation(s):
Cooperative efforts have been established with Temple University
Hospital and School of Medicine, KenCrest Centers, Moss Rehabilitation
Hospital, the School District of Philadelphia, and the Camden School
District.
Study Abroad:
No.
Ranking:
Not applicable.
Accreditation:
Not applicable.
Areas of Specialization:
Areas of concentration
are Speech-Language Pathology with emphases
in child and adult language disorders and
voice as well as Speech Science.
Job Placement:
The Ph.D. program prepares graduates for careers in
universities, hospitals and rehabilitation centers, schools, and private
practice.
Licensure:
Not applicable.
Non-Matriculated Student Policy:
Departmental permission is required
for registration in graduate classes. A maximum
of 9 s.h. earned as a non-matriculated
student may be applied to the degree.

Financing Opportunities
Teaching Assistants (TAs) aid faculty in undergraduate
laboratory courses or large lecture sections.
They also assist faculty in research projects.
TAs receive a stipend, a book allowance,
and tuition remission for 9 s.h. The application
for assistantship should be completed according
to the instructions in the admission application
packet and submitted along with the completed
admission application and all supporting materials
by February 1 for Fall admission. Assistantships
are generally unavailable in the Spring. In
addition, some students may be supported through
faculty grants. For information about this
source of funding, contact the Department.

Updated 10.12.12
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