CSD Grad FAQs
The Program
Do you offer an AuD program?
Yes. As of Fall 2004 we are now offering an AuD program. Please visit our AuD web pages for more information.
What happened to the tracks (specializations)?
In response to changes in the ASHA certification standards (the new Knowledge and Skills Assessment–KASA–framework), we have restructured the curriculum to provide a set of core "foundations" courses, with comprehensive coverage of the field. These are supplemented by elective course work, enabling a student to go more deeply into topics of special interest or to broaden his or her expertise. Specialization is still possible, and it is encouraged. But it is done on a more individual basis with more flexibility than was possible under the previous system of "tracks".
Can I still specialize in bilingualism?
Of course, but now without the tracks, you can build your program to suit your specific area of interest. For example, if you're interested in bilingualism you can elect the Language Theories and Bilingualism course instead of the Cognitive and Linguistic Foundations of Language Disorders in the core course load, and Collaborative Models of Assessment and Intervention for Bilingual Populations for one of your three electives. Then, if you are interested in working with adults, you can select two more electives focused on the adult population. If you are more interested in children, you could elect two more electives that focus on the child population. Or if you're interested in lifespan issues you might select a mix of elective courses.
How many hours are required to complete the MA program? How many hours of coursework are required each semester?
In Speech-Language Pathology, a total of of 39-42 hours of academic course work over two full years (summers included). In Audiology, 65-107 credit hours (including clinical practicum) are required. Clinical practicum requires enrollment for additional credit hours each semester and summer. The typical course load in the Fall and Spring semesters is 12-15 credit hours (including practicum); in the summer students engage in practicum full time, along with one course.
How many hours of observation and clinical practicum are required to complete my Master’s or AuD program?
Our Master's program requires a total of 375 clock hours of practicum, which includes the 25 hours of observation. Doctor of Audiology (AuD) students are required to complete 1820 hours, including clinical practicum here at the Speech and Hearing Center and off-campus with their fourth year externship.
ALL students are encouraged to complete their observation hours before entering the Graduate program in CSD here at UT Austin. Observation hours should be properly documented and certified (including signature of supervisor and ASHA certification number) by the institution at which they were earned.
What is the clinic and class load for graduate students each semester?
Students typically take 12-15 credit hours each long semester (3 courses plus clinical practicum for SLP students) and (four courses plus clinical practicum for AuD students). In the first semester, SLP students take 4 academic courses plus limited practicum. In terms of the weekly time commitment, being a graduate student in this program is essentially the equivalent of a full-time job. Students normally take courses and continue practicum in the summer sessions.
How long does it take to complete the graduate program in CSD?
The program is designed to be completed in five semesters for SLP students (Fall-Spring-Summer Year 1; Fall-Spring Year 2) and four years for AuD students (Fall-Spring-Summer Year 1; Fall-Spring-Summer Year 2; Fall-Spring-Summer Year 3; Fall-Spring Year 4).
How much are tuition and fees for graduate students in CSD?
Fees for resident and non-resident may be viewed at the Registrar’s website.
How competitive is admission?
In a typical year we will admit approximately 30% of the total applicants.
How many students are admitted into the graduate program each Fall?
Each Fall we aim to enroll 22-24 new students in Speech-Language Pathology and 8-10 new students in Audiology.
What are the median GRE scores and GPAs of students accepted for admission?
The median GRE score (verbal and quantitative combined) for students recently admitted to the SLP Master's program was 1157. The median GPA was 3.82. For Audiology, the figures were 1028 and 3.69. Bear in mind that there is always a range of scores attained by members of the incoming class.
I have a bachelor’s degree in another field other than CSD. Can I start the master’s program and complete leveling classes at the same time?
Typically, no. To be competitive for admission, an applicant must demonstrate that he or she will complete all prerequisite courses prior to the beginning of graduate study. We suggest that all applicants without the prerequisite courses take them first either here or at another institution.
Here at UT Austin, you'll need to apply as an Undergraduate Non-Degree Seeking student.
Admission into the Non-Degree Seeking program does not guarantee your admission into our Graduate program. You will still need to apply for admission to our graduate program as a Master's degree student in SLP or AuD degree student in Audiology after completing the required prerequisites. Visit our Graduate admissions information and prerequisites.
What if I earned observation hours or clinical practicum in my undergraduate institution? Will I be able to count those hours?
In most cases, yes, provided the hours are properly documented and certified by the institution at which they were earned.
Can I transfer credit for graduate courses taken elsewhere?
Yes, provided the coursework meets the approval of our faculty as a substitute for one of our own courses. Only a limited number of courses may be waived in this fashion. Typically credit is granted in the form of a waiver of the requirement to take our version of the course. Generally, in its place, a student will be expected to substitute another course from a different area of our Department.
I am currently enrolled in a Master's program at another institution. Can I transfer to UT Austin?
Transfer is not automatic. Even if you are in a graduate program, you must apply in the usual way. Your application will be considered along with all others received by the deadline date. If you are admitted, then we will review your previous course work to determine which courses can be counted towards your degree and certification plans.
Is financial aid available for graduate students at UT Austin?
Yes, through the Office of Student Financial Services.
Are scholarships or fellowships available in the CSD graduate program?
Fellowships and assistantships (teaching, research) are available, on a competitive basis, within the Department. We consider all admitted students for such aid; no special application is required for fellowships, and a simple form, requesting consideration for an appointment as a TA or RA, takes care of those. Departmental aid is not considered until after the applicant has been admitted. We now also have special funding (stipends, tuition/fees) available through the Language, Poverty and Culture Training program for students interested in bilingual/multicultural speech-language pathology. If admitted, you will be mailed an application by the grant staff.
Do you offer a graduate program in Deaf Education?
Unfortunately, we have had to discontinue our graduate program in Deaf Education (lack of faculty resources), and we are no longer admitting students to that particular concentration. The following web site may be helpful to you in locating alternate programs: http://www.deafed.net. It is not necessary to register and log on the site in order to view the national list of accredited Deaf Education graduate programs.
Do you offer a distance-learning program?
No, at this time the Department does not offer any of its programs on a distance-learning or correspondence basis.
What if I am not interested in clinical certification? Do you have a non-certification Master's program?
Yes, Master's programs for students not seeking certification in SLP or Audiology are typically more focused on research and are individually tailored to meet each student's needs and interests. The Graduate Program Coordinator can provide more information about such programs.