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AuD Program Introduction

Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.)

Student using an audiometer

Introduction

The Doctor of Audiology program at ISU is committed to delivering a thorough and diverse clinical program with a balanced emphasis in all areas within the scope of practice for the audiologist. The program also provides strong clinical training in the areas of educational audiology, balance function assessment, auditory evoked potentials, auditory processing, and rehabilitation. The program duration is 4 years (11 semesters) for full-time students. In special cases, students can apply for an adjusted program-of-study as needed. The course sequence takes the student from introductory level concepts in the first semester through intermediate and advanced concepts and clinical applications in the following semesters.

In order to provide students with the best and most diverse clinical experiences, the audiology program at ISU requires that students relocate to the ISU Meridian campus between their 2nd and 3rd year. The ISU Meridian Health Science Center campus is in the heart of the largest population area of Idaho (approx. 500,000) which allows the students to participate in very diverse clinical experiences. Students also take a few courses while on the Meridian campus.

During the first year, students obtain an average of 80 individually supervised contact hours by participating in on-campus clinical experiences. Second year students obtain another 390 contact hours during on-campus rotations including summer externship experiences. An additional 350 contact hours are obtained during the third year in clinical rotations in the Boise, Idaho metro area. Students have an average of 820 contact hours prior to beginning their fourth year externship. During the fourth year, the student will enroll in a full time externship where they will refine their clinical skills.

Program Goals

To prepare students to be skilled, professional, and ethical clinicians in the areas of evaluation, treatment, education, and prevention across the scope of practice in audiology. A graduate of Idaho State University with a Doctor of Audiology degree will be able to:

  • Research - Evidence Based Practice: synthesize evidence in the available research relevant to best practices in audiology for the purpose of providing quality care to their patients.
  • Education - Interprofessional Education: effectively share their knowledge, ideas, and expertise with patients, colleagues, and professionals in the health care communities.
  • Ethical, legal, and professional behaviors: conduct themselves in an ethical, legal, and professional manner clinically, administratively, and personally.
  • Knowledge - Foundational and application: effectively apply their knowledge and skills in the clinical environment using current evidenced based protocol, procedures, and technology.
  • Communication utilize appropriate interpersonal skills to effectively communicate with patients, colleagues, and professionals in the health care communities.
  • Lifelong Learning: engage in and appreciate quality continuing education to remain current with developing technology, theory and ideas.
  • Collaboration: contribute their knowledge and skills in a collaborative way with other health care professionals and persons significant to the patient as a means of providing excellence in patient care.
  • Leadership: provide leadership in areas that will foster growth and stability in the profession.
  • Diversity: demonstrate a commitment to and respect for diversity by recognizing and valuing differences among people and their cultures.

Doctor of Audiology Suggested 4 year Sequence

CSD Graduate Manual

Audiology Program & Clinic Manual

AuD Program Admission Requirements

For admission to the Doctor of Audiology program, the applicant must:
  • Complete a bachelor's degree from a college or university accredited in the United States or its equivalent from a school in another country. This degree may be in progress during the application process but must be completed prior to beginning AuD courses in the fall semester. Typically, undergraduate degrees in communication sciences, speech pathology, or audiology have the necessary prerequisite coursework for the student to enter the regular Doctor of Audiology degree sequence. The applicant's undergraduate degree can be from any field, however, if the applicant’s degree is in a field other than communication sciences, a one-year pre-professional sequence may be required. If you are unsure or have questions regarding your specific undergraduate degree, please contact our Audiology Admission Coordinator, Dr. Jeff Brockett, at jeffbrockett@isu.edu or (208) 282-2556.
  • Possess a 3.0 or higher GPA. The method of calculating an admission GPA is based on the last 60± semester undergraduate credits (90± quarter credits) or coursework taken during the last two years of undergraduate training. Post-Baccalaureate coursework in communication sciences and disorders will be considered in computing GPA.
  • Currently there is no requirement to complete the graduate record examination (GRE)
  • Submit three letters of reference from individuals who can speak to the applicant's academic qualifications to pursue graduate education.
  • Submit a personal statement and video introduction as part of their admission process. At a minimum, the personal statement should be guided by the following questions:
    • What events led you to your current interest in audiology?
    • What personal or professional characteristics do you possess that will help you be successful in the Doctor of Audiology program?
    • Describe a personal goal that you are currently working to achieve.
    • What do you believe will be your biggest challenge?
    • Describe your commitment to learning.
    • Why would you like to attend Idaho State University?
  • Provide a brief (<2 minutes) video introduction that highlights your professionalism. This introduction should include the following components:
    • What is a non-audiology skill that you would love to develop in the next few years.
    • What do you like to do in your spare time?
*When you have completed your video, upload it to your YouTube account (or other suitable video sharing service), and provide us with a link at the bottom of the written personal essay. Limit your video to 2 minutes or less.
  • Apply through CSDCAS (Communication Sciences and Disorders Centralized Application Service)

International Students

International students who have not graduated from an accredited college or university in the United States and whose native language is not English normally must achieve satisfactory scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System test (IELTS). In recognition of the fact that COVID-19 has made it significantly difficult for many students to register for and take these tests, we are allowing students to take the Duolingo English Test in lieu of the TOEFL or IELTS test for applicants applying for admittance.

  • Options for Satisfactory TOEFL requirements for Classified admission are:
    • Internet-based test: a total score of 80 with a score of 20 on each section (graduate assistants who teach courses must score 23 or above on the speaking section) on the iBT
    • Computer-based test: a total score of 213 with a score of 21 on section 1 (listening comprehension) on the computer test
    • Paper-based test: a total score of 550 with a score of 55 on Section l (Listening Comprehension) on the paper test
    • A level 112 from the ELS Language Centers.
  • Satisfactory Duolingo performance for Classified admission includes scoring 110 or higher. Graduate assistants who teach courses must score 110 or above on the Conversation sub-score.
  • Information about the TOEFL, including test dates and locations in international countries, can be obtained from Educational Testing Service (ETS). Satisfactory IELTS performance is a score of 6.5 or better.
  • Photocopies of TOEFL and/or IELTS scores will not be accepted.

Pre-Professional Certificate Program

To enter the Doctor of Audiology (AuD) program, you must complete a bachelor's degree in Communication Sciences & Disorders or similar degree in which you receive instruction in the foundation areas necessary to enter the doctoral degree program. If your bachelor's degree is from an unrelated field, the Department of Communication Sciences & Disorders offers a one-year Pre-Professional Certificate Program to provide you with all of the necessary foundational coursework necessary to enter our Doctor of Audiology degree program. More about the Pre-Professional Certificate Program

The number of seats available for each new cohort will vary. Our cohort sizes typically range from 6-9 students with approximately 25 – 30 students that are in-program across all for years at any time. Classes begin in the fall semester of each year. Meeting entry-level requirements for admission does not guarantee a seat in the program.
Visit the ISU 2024/2025 graduate catalog for specific Doctor of Audiology degree requirements and Au.D. courses

AuD Program Application Process

Note: The deadline for admissions is February 1
The procedures listed below are for applicants who have an undergraduate degree in communication sciences and disorders or similar OR have taken the pre-professional leveling sequence or equivalent. If your undergraduate degree is in an unrelated field, you will need to complete the  or equivalent before applying to graduate school.

ZoomTour! If you would like to get more information about our program and have a private ZoomTour, just let us know! Contact Dr. Jeff Brockett at JeffBrockett@isu.edu

Step 1:
Read through the AuD Program Admission Requirements above and ensure that you have, or can complete all of the requirements.

Step 2:
Apply to the ISU Graduate School. The online application includes a $65, non-refundable application fee. In this application process, you will need to provide unofficial copies of your transcripts. If you are admitted to the Doctor of Audiology program, you will be required to upload an official copy of your transcript. 

Step 3:
Apply to the Communication Sciences and Disorders Centralized Application Service (CSDCAS). In this application you will submit several pieces of information, including transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal essay and introduction video. See program requirements above. CSDCAS Customer Service is available Monday through Friday 9 am – 5 pm EST, phone - (617) 612-2030. The application fee is $139 for the first program you apply to and $56 for each additional program. CSDCAS offers income based fee waivers. Help/FAQ

Licensure Disclosure 
Idaho State University is required to disclose information regarding professional licensure or certification related to our programs, in compliance with the U.S. Department of Education and the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (Standard 2.G.3). Please click HERE for information.

Program Costs

The costs associated with the Doctor of Audiology program include tuition, ongoing fees and one-time fees. Program specific professional fees are listed below. Please visit the Financial Services website for additional tuition information.

Tuition 

Doctor of Audiology: The 4-year program is 101 credits. 2024/2025 tuition is $5761 per semester. Tuition (including professional fee) is approximately $680 per credit hour over the course of the program. Tuition and fees are subject to change and generally increase each fall semester. 

Please visit the ISU Graduate Tuition Page for additional tuition information.

Ongoing Program Fees

  • Professional Program Fee for Fall 2024 - Summer 2025:  Professional program fees have a broader purpose, in that they support the entire program function, as opposed to individual courses. The graduate level fees assessed are program specific and are 'in addition' to graduate level tuition, as is the pre-professional and undergraduate online fees. The online program fees/tuition are substantially higher than on campus, due to new financial support necessary to develop and continue these high demand online programs. Doctor of Audiology professional fee: $170 per credit hour (does not include tuition)
  • Malpractice Insurance: In addition to tuition, the Doctor of Audiology program has a $5 per semester fee for malpractice insurance. Some clinical practicum sites may have additional requirements that would be paid by the student, such as drug testing, background checks, or additional insurance.
  • Background check: In order for students at Idaho State University to participate in clinical education experiences, to qualify for professional credentials, and for the safety of our clients, it is required that all students undergo a criminal background check. There is a small one-time fee associated with the background check. This will be completed prior to your first clinical experience.

Financial Assistance

  • Western Regional Graduate Program: The Doctor of Audiology program is a member of the Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) which allows students from 15 western states to attend Idaho State University at resident tuition rates.
  • Student Financial Services: Please visit the Financial Services website for additional tuition information. 

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