Audiology

A group of students looking over a canyon

Impacting People, Enriching Lives

Program Information

Why audiology? 

 

WHO reports that over 5% of the world's population—that's 432 million adults and 34 million childrenhas disabling hearing loss. By 2050, over 900 million people worldwide will likely be affected by significant hearing loss. Audiologists fill a vital niche in our complex and diverse global society, and job prospects for audiologists coming out of WWU are excellent!  

 

Why audiology at WWU? 

 

Profile of smiling graduate student with headphones on; her hands on audiometric equipment with a display screen
  • Supportive faculty, dedicated to mentorship

  • State-of-the-art Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic  

  • Fully-mediated classrooms and labs 

  • Top-of-the-line equipment and software 

  • Collaborative spaces for graduate students 

  • Live in beautiful Bellingham

 

Goals

Western's Clinical Doctorate in Audiology is a full-time, four-year program. During the first three years, students enroll in coursework and clinical practicum experiences developed and sequenced to provide knowledge and skills in the evidence-based diagnosis and treatment of hearing and balance disorders across the lifespan. The program culminates in a fourth year externship. We train competent, entry-level professionals in audiology and prepare students for advanced study at the Ph.D. level. 

Audiology Graduate Student Research

Application Requirements

  • All applicants must complete the Graduate School's ApplyWeb application and pay the $100 application fee.
  • Within the application you will be prompted to upload an unofficial transcript from each institution attended. If admitted, you will be asked to provide official transcripts.
  • Additional application materials are specified below. Applications will not be forwarded to the department for review until all required materials have been received by the Graduate School.
  • International Applicants: Please review the requirements for information regarding Degree Equivalency, English Language Proficiency and student VISA requirements.

Additional Application Requirements

  • A baccalaureate degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders/Speech Pathology and Audiology completed within the past 5 years
  • Three (3) Letters of Reference
  • One-page resume
  • Statement of Purpose: The Department of CSD at Western has a responsibility to the public to produce fully competent and caring audiologists, capable of doing benefit and not harm. Thus, it is important that persons admitted possess the intelligence, integrity, compassion, humanitarian concern, and physical and emotional capacity necessary to practice audiology. We particularly value applicants who can demonstrate strong interpersonal skills, curiosity, maturity, self‐motivation, dedication to the profession, and established strategies for managing stress. Within this context, submit a one page statement describing your academic experiences, professional experiences, research experience (if applicable) and personal qualities that make you a strong candidate for graduate training in audiology. In addition, discuss your future plans for your professional career. Please be aware that your statement will be read by a review committee who will not only evaluate you based on the content of your answer, but also on your writing ability (e.g., clarity, organization, writing mechanics).
WWU Graduate student clinician Haley Prins standing next to a conference poster with four sections, a map of Washington state, and WWU logo

I knew I wanted to pursue my AuD at WWU to continue learning with our amazing faculty and for the opportunity to get as much hands-on training as possible. Since beginning the program, I have been exposed to a wide variety of clinical experiences, making me feel knowledgeable and prepared as I enter the professional world. In the WWU AuD program, I have found a network of support among my peers and our faculty. For anyone considering a rewarding career in audiology, I would highly recommend WWU.

Haley Prins
Graduate Student Clinician
WWU Graduate student clinician Rachel Miller sitting at a desk, working with a keyboard and mouse

Going into Audiology, I would have never guessed how I would develop not only professionally, but personally. If a career in audiology is of interest to you or you want to use your life to impact others, consider continuing your education to obtain your doctorate in audiology at Western Washington University.

Rachel Miller
Graduate Student Clinician
WWU Graduate student clinician Steve Brazel, smiling and holding a dog, with a body of water in the background

The WWU audiology experience has given me more than I could have imagined. Is it hard? Absolutely! However, WWU audiology is setting a high standard that I believe rivals the most prestigious of audiology programs. I’m very proud to be a part of such a great group of people.

Steve Brazel
Graduate Student Clinician
WWU graduate student clinician Nicole Nichols standing next to conference poster with seven different sections and WWU logo

During my time as an Audiology student at Western, I have grown in ways that I could not have imagined. The faculty and staff have pushed me to be the best clinician that I can be and have supported me through these years. I have met some of my best friends and I have built relationships with people who I know will always be an important part of my life. Four years is a long time, but it is definitely worth it.

Nicole Nichols
Graduate Student Clinician