The doctor of speech-language pathology is designed to foster the continued academic education of speech-language pathologists pursuing an advanced, professional doctoral degree. This program fosters the development of knowledge, leadership, and problem-solving skills through the scientifically-based curricula which incorporates current research, ethical decision-making, and models of best practice. Doctoral students are encouraged to analyze, synthesize, and apply research-based theory to their current work environment and through the development of the applied dissertation process. Course content is scientifically and clinically based and infuses best practices in the field. The doctoral program in speech-language pathology fulfills a commitment to society by providing practicing clinicians a variety of forums to keep their knowledge base current by allowing a flexible schedule for obtaining doctoral education and providing an environment that nurtures the development of current practitioners and future leaders.
Practicing speech-language pathologists in schools, hospitals, universities, skilled nursing facilities, private practice, nursing homes, or rehabilitation centers
Individuals with master’s degrees or above in speech-language pathology and ASHA certification who wish to obtain a doctoral degree and increase their knowledge and skills
Completed admission application packet, including $50 nonrefundable application fee made payable to Nova Southeastern University
Official transcripts indicating conferral of a master’s degree by a regionally accredited institution (minimum 3.0 grade point average required) or the completion of one of the alternative admission requirements
Official transcripts from all previously attended postsecondary institutions
Two professional letters of recommendation by two different individuals who can attest to the applicant’s ability to succeed in a doctoral program
Valid documentation of the Certificate of Clinical Competence
Written responses to questions provided related to the field of communication sciences and disorders
A test score report showing that the applicant received a raw score of 37 (scaled score 391–396) on the Miller Analogies Test (MAT) or a combined score of 1000 on the verbal and quantitative sections of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). The test must have been taken within the past five years. If the score falls below the minimum requirement, the applicant must submit a rationale, in essay format, providing an explanation of why scores do not reflect the applicant’s academic potential.
FOR NON-NATIVE ENGLISH SPEAKERS
Applicants whose native language is not English are required to demonstrate English proficiency by providing proof of a minimum score of 213 on the computer-based or 550 on the paper-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) exam or 6.0 on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam.
FOR INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS
Students taking classes in certain FSEHS international clusters may be exempt from submitting MAT, GRE, and TOEFL scores. Please contact a FSEHS enrollment representative regarding requirements for your international cluster.
(50 CREDITS)
DSO 8000 Doctoral Studies Orientation
CORE COURSES (26 CREDITS)
SLPD 7000 Technology and Instrumentation in Communication Sciences
SLPD 7030 Gerontology
SLPD 7040 Supervision
SLPD 7060 Genetics
SLPD 7070 Pharmacology
SLPD 7075 Counseling
SLPD 7080 Business Management and Leadership
SLPD 7200 Neuroscience/Neuropsychology and Communication Disorders
SLPD 7210 Advanced Seminar in Pediatric Development
SLPD 7220 Advanced Seminar in Voice and Swallowing
SLPD 7250 Advanced Seminar in Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
RESEARCH ELECTIVES (12 CREDITS)
EDD 9300 Methods of Inquiry (6 CREDITS)
ARC 8912 Statistical Methods (3 CREDITS)
CHOOSE ONE OF THE FOLLOWING:
ARC 8913 Program Evaluation and Policy Analysis (3 CREDITS)
ARC 8915 Survey Research (3 CREDITS)
ARC 8919 Single Subject Research (3 CREDITS)
APPLIED DISSERTATION (12 CREDITS)
The Applied Dissertation is a detailed, accurate, and cohesive account of a scholarly investigation designed to answer one or more research questions. It is required of all FSEHS doctoral students and its purpose is to improve practice in education and human services. The dissertation process consists of a total of 12 credits encompassing three major benchmarks (i.e., concept paper, proposal, and final report).
| ARC 8966 | Applied Dissertation Seminar 1—Concept Paper | (2 CREDITS) |
| ARC 8967 | Applied Dissertation Seminar 2—Proposal | (5 CREDITS) |
| ARC 8968 | Applied Dissertation Seminar 3—Dissertation | (5 CREDITS) |
The Doctoral Studies Orientation is an online course that provides students with an overview of six distinct areas related to doctoral studies: program overview, enrollment services, applied research, technology, distance library services, and debt management. Completion of this non credit course is a mandatory requirement for all students entering a doctoral program at the Fischler School. Students should complete DSO 8000 prior to beginning their first doctoral course.
Attendance at a Doctoral Studies Orientation
Satisfactory completion of all required courses
Successful completion of an applied dissertation
Cumulative maintained grade point average of 3.0 or higher
Completed application for degree
Coursework for the doctoral program in speech-language pathology is conducted using distance education technology and the Internet to deliver the program anywhere in the United States. Each cohort is a group of 5 to 20 speech-language pathology professionals. Students participate in faculty-directed independent reading and writing assignments between class meetings.
In addition to coursework, all doctoral students are required to travel to campus for Doctoral Studies Orientation.
Faculty members for the doctoral program in speech-language pathology are recognized scholars and educators from Nova Southeastern University and other major universities and institutions throughout the country. In addition many are also highly respected professional practitioners. They are carefully selected on the basis of their subject expertise, teaching abilities, and professional involvement. Most importantly, they are united in their desire to not only educate, but to inspire students to use what they learn to inspire others.