Audiology (Au.D.)
Degree: Doctor of Audiology
Major: Audiology
Total Hours: 99
Graduate Programs in Speech and Hearing Science Lamar University programs in audiology and in speech-language pathology hold national certification by the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).
Established in 2007, the Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.) degree is the entry-level degree required to practice audiology. The degree currently requires a minimum of 88 didactic course credits and 66 academic credits of clinical practicum and externship. Students must complete a minimum of 2200 hours of supervised clinical practicum, the majority of these hours being obtained during a full-time externship. Students completing the doctoral degree typically meet the national certification standards of the American-Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) as well as requirements for state license. Graduates may apply to ASHA for the Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) in Audiology. This national certification requires the completion of specified course content and clinical practice. ASHA standards mandate the passing of a national qualifying board examination for prospective practicing audiologists. Lamar University’s Au.D. program will require a minimum of four full years beyond a bachelor’s degree in communication disorders. Those students with an undergraduate degree in another discipline will be required to complete foundational undergraduate courses before applying for full admission into the Au.D. program. Typically, these leveling courses require a minimum of a fall-spring semester sequence, but may vary with the undergraduate background of the student. Lamar University’s Au.D. program requires a candidacy research project, comprehensive examinations, and a full-time externship. Our academic and clinical program is designed to prepare audiologists for the full breadth of the Audiology Scope of Practice, including medical, rehabilitative, educational, and private practice settings. Students in the Au.D. program should refer to their doctoral handbook for additional information regarding specific department policies and procedures for the doctoral degree.