Doctor of Audiology
USD's Au.D. program is a comprehensive four-year post-baccalaureate curriculum that...
Doctor of Audiology
Vermillion, South Dakota
INTAKE: August
Program Overview
USD's Au.D. program is a comprehensive four-year post-baccalaureate curriculum that integrates three years of rigorous coursework and clinical rotations with a culminating full-time externship in the fourth year. The curriculum encompasses 115–130 credit hours, including courses in audiologic assessment, cochlear implants, pediatric audiology, electrophysiology, and aural rehabilitation.
ASHA Accreditation: The program's accreditation by ASHA underscores its commitment to providing quality education and training in audiology. This accreditation assures students that the program meets the professional standards required for clinical practice and licensure in audiology.
Curriculum: The curriculum is designed to equip students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Courses cover a broad spectrum of audiology topics, including psychoacoustics, cochlear implants, pediatric audiology, and central auditory processing disorders. Students engage in extensive clinical practicum experiences, providing them with hands-on training under the supervision of licensed professionals.
Research Focus: USD emphasizes research as a critical component of its audiology program. Students are required to complete a research capstone project during their third year, fostering an environment of inquiry and evidence-based practice. Research areas include audiologic rehabilitation, cochlear implants, pediatric audiology, and the use of assistive listening technologies.
Industry Engagement: The program maintains strong ties with the audiology industry, providing students with opportunities to engage in clinical rotations and externships that enhance their practical experience. USD's Speech, Language, and Hearing Clinic serves as a primary training site, offering services across the lifespan and addressing a wide range of audiological needs.
Global Perspective: USD's commitment to global engagement is evident through initiatives like the Cochlear Implant Outreach Clinic, which provides services to underserved populations in remote areas. These outreach programs not only extend care to those in need but also offer students invaluable experience in delivering audiological services in diverse settings.
Location
Vermillion, South Dakota
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 12768
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $38
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 79 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 53 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 110.
The University of South Dakota (USD) offers a variety of scholarship opportunities specifically designed to support international students in achieving their academic goals. These scholarships help reduce the financial burden of studying abroad and make quality education at USD more accessible to talented students from around the world.
Merit-Based Scholarships: USD awards merit-based scholarships to international students based on their academic achievements, leadership potential, and extracurricular involvement. These scholarships recognize outstanding high school or previous college performance and are renewable for multiple years, provided students maintain satisfactory academic progress.
International Student Academic Scholarships: These scholarships are specifically tailored for international undergraduate students and can cover a significant portion of tuition fees. Eligibility is typically based on a combination of academic excellence and the completion of the admission process by specified deadlines. Many of these scholarships are automatically considered upon application, so no separate application is required.
Graduate Assistantships and Fellowships: For international graduate students, USD provides graduate assistantships and fellowships that offer financial support alongside valuable professional experience. These opportunities often include tuition waivers and a stipend in exchange for research, teaching, or administrative work within the university.
Departmental Scholarships: Certain USD academic departments and colleges offer specialized scholarships for international students pursuing specific fields of study, such as business, health sciences, or fine arts. These scholarships often reward exceptional talent and dedication within those disciplines.
The University of South Dakota (USD) offers a prestigious Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.) program designed to equip students with advanced skills in hearing and balance disorders. Graduates from USD’s Au.D. program enjoy diverse and rewarding career paths within healthcare, research, education, and industry.
Clinical Audiologist: The most common career path, clinical audiologists assess, diagnose, and treat hearing and balance disorders in hospitals, clinics, and private practices. USD Au.D. graduates are prepared to deliver evidence-based patient care using the latest diagnostic tools and hearing technologies.
Pediatric Audiologist: Specializing in diagnosing and managing hearing issues in children, pediatric audiologists work closely with families and educators to support early intervention and language development.
Cochlear Implant Specialist: These audiologists focus on assessing candidates for cochlear implants, performing device programming, and providing post-implantation therapy. USD’s curriculum includes specialized training in cochlear implant technology.
Research Audiologist: With a strong research component in their training, USD Au.D. graduates may pursue careers in academic or corporate research, studying hearing science, auditory processing, and novel treatment modalities.
Industrial Audiologist: Working in occupational health, industrial audiologists develop hearing conservation programs, conduct workplace noise assessments, and advise companies on compliance with hearing safety regulations.
Educational Audiologist: These professionals work within school systems to support students with hearing impairments, advising on assistive technologies, classroom accommodations, and auditory training.
Hearing Aid Specialist: Audiologists in this role focus on selecting, fitting, and fine-tuning hearing aids, ensuring optimal patient outcomes through personalized device programming and follow-up care.
Balance and Vestibular Specialist: Specializing in dizziness and balance disorders, these audiologists perform vestibular testing and rehabilitation, often collaborating with neurologists and physical therapists.
Audiology Program Director: Experienced clinicians and researchers may move into leadership roles directing audiology education programs, clinical services, or research initiatives, fostering the next generation of professionals.
Teleaudiology Consultant: With advances in telehealth, some audiologists provide remote diagnostic and rehabilitation services, increasing accessibility for patients in rural or underserved areas.
