Program Statistics
Visit PhD Program Statistics for statistics such as program admissions, enrollment, student demographics and more.
Communication Sciences and Disorders
Degree Types: PhD
The Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Northwestern brings together researchers studying mechanisms and disorders of communication in an interdisciplinary setting. Research centers around basic and clinical aspects of speech, language, learning, hearing, and swallowing, but disciplines span physics, engineering, physiology, neuroscience, linguistics, biology, psychology, cognitive science, and education. Investigations range from the level of molecules to clinical trials.
The PhD program is designed to prepare the next generation of leaders in the field by providing coursework and in-depth research experience. Developing critical thinking, scientific writing, publishing, and grant-writing skills are major emphases throughout the program. Opportunities are available to develop skills through training in related areas such as statistics, programming, big data/data science, teaching, and clinical training in audiology (PhD-AuD). Students are prepared for careers in academia as well as industry, policy, and clinical practice.
Additional resources:
Program Contact
Contact Cindy Coy
Graduate Admissions Coordinator, Communication Sciences and Disorders
847-491-5073
Degree Requirements
The following requirements are in addition to, or further elaborate upon, those requirements outlined in The Graduate School Policy Guide.
Course Requirements
Total Units Required: 11 didactic, 1 ethics (non-credit bearing), 3 lab experiences, 3 independent studies
PhD Didactic Courses
| Course | Title |
|---|---|
| Research Foundations in Communication Sciences and Disorders | |
CSD 550-1 | Research Foundations in Communication Sciences and Disorders (Scientific Thinking) |
CSD 550-2 | Research Foundations in Communication Sciences and Disorders (Experimental Design) |
CSD 550-3 | Research Foundations in Communication Sciences and Disorders (Scientific Communication) |
| Statistics | |
CSD 404-1 | Experimental Design and Statistics in Communication Sciences and Disorders (Not offered 2021/22. Students should take PSYCH 453-0 instead.) |
CSD 404-2 | Experimental Design and Statistics in Communication Sciences and Disorders (Not offered 2021/22. Students should take PSYCH 451-1 instead.) |
| Other Core Courses | |
CSD 412-0 | Scientific Writing |
CSD 544-0 | Responsible Conduct of Research in Communication Sciences and Disorders |
CSD 545-0 | Seminar: Professional Development |
| Content Courses (2 required) | |
| Topic Seminars (2 required) | |
PhD Research Courses
| Course | Title |
|---|---|
| Laboratory Experiences | |
CSD 552-1 | Laboratory Experiences in Communication Sciences and Disorders |
CSD 552-2 | Laboratory Experiences in Communication Sciences and Disorders |
CSD 552-3 | Laboratory Experiences in Communication Sciences and Disorders |
| Independent Study (related to Qualifying Research Project) | |
CSD 499-0 | Independent Study (for 3 quarters) |
Other PhD Degree Requirements
- Attendance at Scientific Lectures: four scientific lectures per quarter
- Non-Course Assignments: teaching assistantships and/or research assistantships
- Research Presentation: oral presentation of ongoing work at Annual Doctoral Student Research Presentation Days
- Qualifying Research Project (QRP): a minimum of three quarters of independent study; proposal, paper, exam, and defense
- Doctoral Dissertation: prospectus and prospectus meeting prior to conducting dissertation research project; paper and defense at the conclusion of the dissertation research project
For details on PhD in CSD degree requirements, please refer to the program handbook.