Admission Standards and Procedures

1. The Doctor of Audiology (AUD) professional degree program in the School of Communication Sciences and Disorders uses a centralized application service known as the Communication Sciences & Disorders Centralized Application Service (CSDCAS). All applications will be reviewed only through the CSDCAS portal (https://csdcas.liaisoncas.com/applicant-ux/#/login).

2. All CSDCAS applications must be verified by CSDCAS by February 1^st each year.
3. The admissions committee uses a holistic approach and reviews all aspects of the application including
   1. Official transcripts from all universities attended
   2. 3 letters of recommendation
   3. 2 personal essays
   4. 1 analysis essay
   5. Relevant experience and extracurricular activities
   6. Video submission.

4. More information regarding application components can be found at https://www.memphis.edu/csd/programs/profapply.php.

5. We have no set thresholds for GPA scores. The average GPA for students typically accepted into the program (all four years of the undergraduate degree) is 3.68 (4-point scale). Information from the entire application along with the GPA is used to make final decisions for admission.
6. International students must submit transcripts using a WES evaluation and submit language proficiency scores using either IELTS, TOEFL, or Duolingo. Students are expected to understand and use English proficiently and meet or exceed the English proficiency requirements stipulated by the Graduate School.
7. Meeting the minimum department standards does not entitle an applicant to admission. Meeting such standards only ensures consideration of the application.

Assumed Background

1. To be considered for admission, all applicants must have completed or be in the process of completing a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution of higher learning. Previous academic preparation in audiology/speech-language pathology is not a requirement for admission.
2. The AuD program assumes that students have basic coursework in the biological, physical, mathematical, and social/behavioral sciences, as shown below, by the time of graduation. In addition, students are required to have successfully completed at least a one-credit course in phonetic transcription and two courses in speech-language development/disorders in order to meet program graduation requirements. If this coursework was not completed at the undergraduate level prior to application, it is not required for admission and may be taken during the AuD program at the University of Memphis.

• Biological Science (3)
• Mathematical Science, Statistics preferred (3)
• Physical Sciences (3)
• Behavioral Sciences (3) 
• Phonetic Transcription (1) 
• Speech-Language Development (3)
• Speech-Language Disorders (3)

General Program Requirements

1. Students must complete a minimum of 99 credit hours and meet the academic and practicum requirements for certification in audiology. As noted above, additional coursework will be required for those students without undergraduate preparation in audiology/speech-language pathology.
2. A maximum of 24 credit hours in AUSP 8104  and a maximum of 6 credit hours in AUSP 8125  may be counted toward meeting the 99 credit hour graduation requirement.
3. Students must achieve a grade of 3.00 or better in AUSP 8104  in their last two semesters in residence.
4. All students must complete an evidence-based capstone project  for a minimum of 4 hours credit.
5. All students must successfully complete an oral benchmark examination.
6. All students must successfully complete a comprehensive examination containing both written and oral components.

Retention Requirements

All students enrolled in the School of Communication Sciences and Disorders are expected to attain high academic achievement and maintain professional and ethical conduct.  In addition to Graduate School policy, the criteria listed below will be used to determine the retention status of students enrolled in the School.

1. Grades of less than 2.00 in a required course are considered unacceptable. These courses must be repeated with a minimum grade of 2.00 in order to meet graduation requirements.
2. A student may count two grades of 2.00 toward their degree. Students have the option of repeating two courses in which a grade of 2.00 or less was earned. The student will be dismissed at the end of the semester in which a third grade of 2.00 or less has been earned.
3. Students are expected to maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.00 at the end of each semester of enrollment at the University of Memphis. A GPA below 3.00 across two consecutive semesters may be grounds for dismissal.
4. Grounds for dismissal include:
   • Failure to maintain appropriate standards of academic integrity or CSD Policies.
   • Failure to follow the ASHA and AAA Codes of Ethics.
   • Failure to follow HIPAA guidelines.
   • Failure to pass the oral benchmark examination.
   • Failure to pass the comprehensive examination (including both written and oral components).
   • Failure to meet essential functions as specified in CSD Policy Number E-120.
   • Failure to achieve competency as specified in CSD Policy Number E-117. 
   • A grade of less than 2.00 in clinic practicum will mandate a review within the School and may be grounds for dismissal.

Externship in Audiology

All students will complete an externship during the fourth year of the program, which is consistent with current accreditation requirements. To be eligible for the externship the student must have completed all academic coursework, including the research project, and successfully passed the comprehensive examination. Externship placement is obtained in coordination with the Director of Clinical Services in Audiology. Successful completion of the externship must include the approval of the Director of Clinical Services in Audiology and the Associate Dean of Graduate Studies. The externship provides a comprehensive training environment for students to expand and sharpen their clinical skills. Externships may be in either paid or unpaid positions.

Specific Requirements