Doctor of Audiology

Distance Learning Doctor of Audiology - F.A.Q.

Why do I need an Au.D. degree?
Au.D. degree programs have become common among the nation's universities and hundreds of Au.D. graduates are entering the marketplace. State licensing boards and national certification organizations are establishing plans to replace the Master's degree requirement with the Doctorate. Additionally, the U.S. government, healthcare management organizations, and insurance companies are redefining the role of the audiologist in the detection and treatment of hearing disorders. The audiology professional with an Au.D. degree will be better positioned to capitalize on these opportunities.

Is this a correspondence course?
No. This is a distance learning program that recognizes the demands and experiences of the working professional and takes advantage of technology to deliver a comprehensive and innovative educational program.

Do I need to travel to Florida to complete this program?
No, but you will always be welcomed. The University of Florida has designed this program to be delivered throughout the country. The program utilizes online regional meetings and facilitators to minimize the travel requirements of the program without eliminating the tremendous value of peer interaction.

How many courses do I have to take?
Each student must complete nine courses. Each course is 5 credit hours for a total of 45 credit hours.

How much does the program cost?
Each course in the program costs $1550 resulting in a total cost of $13,950 to complete the degree. This is a great investment when you consider the value an Au.D. degree adds to your career. It is also a huge savings in comparison to the time and cost of a traditional on-campus program.

How long does it take to complete?
The program can be completed in 18 months. The 9 courses are offered one at a time, and the entire program is repeated every 18 months. If you take every class, you will finish in 18 months from your start date, no matter when you start the program. But students don't need to go straight through if they wish to take longer to complete the program.

What are the requirements for admission to the distance learning program?
Requirements for admission to the program are a master's degree in Audiology, Audiology licensure or certification (State, ASHA, or ABA), and 3 positive letters of recommendation from professional colleagues. Upon the recommendation of the University of Florida faculty and the Audiology Advisory Board, we are pleased to inform recent graduates that the Distance Learning Graduate Admissions Committee is now considering applicants with fewer than 3 years of experience if they demonstrate (1) one full year of post master's work experience prior to first class day, (2) exceptional letters of recommendation supporting the applicant's qualifications and abilities to meet the academic demands of a doctoral program, (3) a strong personal Statement of Intent addressed to the Graduate Admissions Committee reflecting the applicant's desire, ability, and determination to succeed in the program, and (4) an exemplary academic record.

How are the courses delivered?
Courses utilize a combination of real-time lectures with the course instructor via online chat room, recorded lectures, virtual clinics, traditional readings, Internet postings, and online discussion groups and chat rooms.

Do I receive a University of Florida degree upon completion?
Yes. You will receive the same Au.D. degree as students attending the University's on-campus program.

What accreditation does the distance-learning program have?
Institutions of higher learning that offer graduate degree programs in audiology and/or speech-language pathology can voluntarily seek accreditation by the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). The Joint AuD program is accredited by the CAA. However, the CAA does not specifically accredit distance-learning programs for working professionals such as ours. This is because all of the requirements for accreditation (practicum and academic experience) have already been met at the Master's level for our distance-learning students. The distance learning programs for working professionals are bridge programs that were developed to support the transition to a doctorate. The CAA did not develop new accreditation standards for the working professional bridge programs. The Joint AuD Program at the University of Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) Commission on Colleges. Although the CAA does not specifically accredit distance programs, both the distance-learning and on-campus components of the Joint AuD program undergo an annual process leading to the reaffirmation of SACS accreditation.

Is the distance-learning AuD degree a bona fide UF degree?
Absolutely and without compromise, our graduates earn a University of Florida Doctorate. Graduates of the Working Professional Doctor of Audiology program receive the same degree as those who go through the 4-year on-campus program.

Who should apply?
Upon the recommendation of the University of Florida faculty and the Audiology Advisory Board, we are pleased to inform recent master's degree graduates that the Distance Learning Graduate Admissions Committee is now considering applicants with fewer than 3 years of experience if they demonstrate:

1. One full year of post master's work experience prior to first class day.
2. Licensure or certification in audiology (or its international equivalent).
3. Exceptional letters of recommendation supporting the applicant's qualifications and abilities to meet the academic demands of a doctoral program.
4. A strong personal Statement of Intent addressed to the Graduate Admissions Committee reflecting the applicant's desire, ability, and determination to succeed in the program.
5. An exemplary academic record.

Important Information for International Applicants
The University of Florida Doctor of Audiology Distance Learning Program provides an academic credential to transition masters-level audiologists to doctoral-level audiologists. Students admitted to the program are practicing audiologists in their country of residence. Requirements for admission to the program are a master's degree in Audiology, Audiology licensure or certification (US State, ASHA, ABA or its international equivalent) and one full year of post master's work experience. As such, students entering the program have obtained their clinical skills in audiology through masters-level practicum experiences and a year of post-masters work experience. The program director of the University of Florida Distance Learning program can attest to the satisfactory completion of academic coursework received during enrollment in the University of Florida Distance Learning Doctor of Audiology program. The program director cannot attest to the satisfactory completion of clinical practicum skills received during a student's master's degree program and will not verify or approve clinical credentials during any licensure or certification application in any country. Individuals who wish to apply for audiology licensure or certification in the US or other country should contact the appropriate board to determine requirements for confirmation of clinical skills.