Audiology - Doctorate
Overview
This eleven semester, four year program addresses normal and abnormal communication processes, assessment, treatment and prevention over the lifespan. The curriculum emphasizes writing skills and a knowledge and application of research techniques.
Students must pass a qualifying exam in the second year of study and a comprehensive exam in the third year. There is no thesis requirement.
The Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.) education program in audiology (residential) at The University of Southern Mississippi is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 2200 Research Boulevard, #310, Rockville, MD 20850, 800-498-2071 or 301-296-5700.
What Will I Learn?
Course topics include aural (re)habilitation, cochlear implants, counseling, electrophysiology, hearing aids, hearing conservation, pharmacology and psycho-social aspects.
First year students complete practica in on-campus facilities. Second year students may transition to local audiology practices in the Laurel-Hattiesburg area, while third year students are placed with off-campus affiliates. The fourth year externship is an intensive, 9 month experience.
Students must pass the national examination in Audiology (Praxis II) in order to be eligible for the Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-A) and state licensure.
Application deadline: February 1st for fall.
In addition to the admission requirements stated in the Admission Requirements and Procedures section of the bulletin for regular and conditional admissions, applicants should have completed a bachelor's degree in Speech and Hearing Sciences that includes one biology lab science. Three letters of recommendation and GRE scores should also be submitted.
Individuals with a degree in another discipline should contact the School of Speech and Hearing Sciences for information regarding "leveling-in" courses that should be completed prior to applying for graduate studies.
Select applicants will be contacted by a school representative to arrange an in person or online admission interview.
Applicants will submit a personal statement that includes the following (please limit to two pages):
an introduction that includes the applicant's name, undergraduate school, major, and
clinical interests
professional and clinical experiences/strengths
how the applicant became interested in audiology
how the applicant became interested in Southern Miss
Individuals with a degree in another discipline should contact the School of Speech
and Hearing Sciences for information regarding "leveling-in" courses that should be completed
prior to applying for graduate studies.
A minimum TOEFL/iBT of 79 is required as applicable.
*Other bachelor’s degree holders must complete “leveling-in” courses with a letter grade no lower than “B” prior to applying: BSC 104+L, CHE 104+L or PHY 111+L and the following SHS classes: 201, 202+L, 221, 301, 302, 306, 313, 411, 421, 431 or 432 and 450.
The Audiology graduate program receives an average of 45 complete applications each year; 10 students are accepted annually.
The following are mean GPAs and GRE scores and [ranges] for Audiology graduate students accepted into the program from the three most recent years:
| Year | GRE-Q | GRE-V | GRE-AW | GPA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 |
142 [138-152] |
147 [136-158] |
3.7 [3.0-4.5] |
3.8 [3.3-4.0] |
| 2023 |
144 [142-151] |
148 [140-154] |
3.5 [2.5-4.5] |
3.8 [3.5-4.0] |
| 2022 |
144 [137-150] |
147 [141-153] |
3.2 [2.5-5.0] |
3.7 [2.9-4.0] |
On-campus and in-state, off-campus clinical supervisors hold the CCC-A (Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology) from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and licensure from The Mississippi Department of Health.
The Hellen Heidelberg Cuellefer Award in Audiology is sponsored by the Hattiesburg Sertoma Club and is conferred to that student who achieves the highest qualifying exam score in his/her cohort.
Assistantships are assigned by the school director.
New graduate students attend an annual fall orientation which covers topics that include code of ethics, clinical procedures, scope of practice, HIPAA, infection control and conflict resolution.
Professional Licensure Disclosure
Successful completion of the Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.) degree graduate program at the University of Southern Mississippi will meet the requirements for certification in audiology by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). Certification by ASHA, or other national accrediting bodies deemed appropriate by the State Board of Health, is required by Mississippi as well as by most states to acquire a state license to practice the profession of audiology or for employment as a certified/licensed audiologist. The University of Southern Mississippi highly recommends that you contact the appropriate state licensing board in the state or locality in which you wish to practice or be employed to determine whether the program you are considering will meet that state’s licensing requirements as we are unable to determine that state licensure requirements are met in states outside of Mississippi. Information about various licensures for all states can be located through the sites listed below:
Education licensing Contacts: http://www2.ed.gov/about/contacts/state/index.html
For questions, please contact Dr. Charles Marx at Charles.MarxFREEMississippi
Availability
| Degree Plan | Availability |
|---|---|
| Audiology AuD | Hattiesburg |
- Hospital
- Military
- Industrial
- Private Practice
- School
- Medical Practices
- Noelle Dunbar, 2014
Assistant Professor, Columbia University Medical Center: I have my dream job, thanks to Southern Miss training.
- Sarah Pope, 2010
Audiologist, Kevin Lunde, M.D., P.A. Thanks, Southern Miss. I'm a successful audiologist.
- Lee Helen Weeks, 2016
Audiologist, Gulf Coast VA: Southern taught me the importance of interdisciplinary approaches to patient care.