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image 1Communication Sciences and Disorders
Doctoral Programs| D.A. in Communication Disorders | Plan of Study

Adelphi has the distinction of having inaugurated the first program in the country to award a Doctor of Arts (D.A.) degree in communication disorders, with a concentration in speech-language pathology. The program's primary objective is to train candidates to assume positions of leadership in the field of communication disorders. It accomplishes this goal through emphasis on the professional and clinical aspects of speech-language pathology.

Candidates are required to complete a minimum of 60 credits beyond the master's degree or its equivalents. A doctoral dissertation is required and must be based on substantive research on a topic related to:
  • clinical problems
  • symptom analysis of communication impairments
  • remediation of communication disorders.
The Doctor of Arts is a part-time program. Candidates have ten years to complete the degree requirements.
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Plan of Study View curriculum details and degree requirements
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Admission Requirements
A master's degree in communication disorders or its equivalent is required.

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Degree Requirements
Candidates must meet the necessary credit, language, and research requirements.

Of the 60 post-master's credits required, a maximum of 12 post-master's credits may be applied from other educational institutions. Transfer of credit requires departmental approval.

Upon the completion of 30 credits of required course work, students must apply for the doctoral candidacy examination which includes written and oral segments. An oral defense of the doctoral dissertation is required.

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Research Tool
Students must demonstrate proficiency in one of the following areas:
  1. Foreign Language: Demonstration of competence in translating a research article into English from a foreign language. The article will be chosen by the student's major adviser upon consultation with the doctoral faculty.
  2. Instrumentation: Demonstration of competence in using a variety of instruments to measure acoustic, physiological, and perceptual behaviors of normal and/or disordered populations.
  3. Computer Programming: Demonstration of competence in developing a computer program suitable for use in an experimental design with a normal and/or clinical population.
  4. Advanced Statistical Design: Demonstration of competence in employing an advanced statistical design to process data gathered from an experimental or descriptive study of a clinical or normal population.
  5. Research Design: Demonstration of competence in developing a research design for an experimental or descriptive study of a clinical or normal population.
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Continuous Registration
All doctoral students are expected to register for at least one course each semester during the academic year (fall and spring). Exceptions to this policy require approval of the academic adviser.

Registration for SPH 799 "Continuous Matriculation" is required for every semester in which a student does not register for a course. Continuous registration allows for the continuity of training and education, secures student status within the department, and enables the student to maintain campus privileges. Failure to maintain continuous registration will result in dismissal from the program.

Students seeking a leave of absence must formally petition the Doctoral Program Committee for approval. A leave of absence will be approved only under extraordinary circumstances.
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Contact
For additional information, please contact:

Janet Schoepflin
Chairperson
Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders
Hy Weinberg Center - Room 005
p - 516.877.3343
f - 516.877.4783
e - schoepfl@adelphi.edu

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