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Curriculum

PhD, Communicative Sciences and Disorders

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The 36- to 48-credit PhD in Communicative Sciences and Disorders (CSD) is designed to develop leading independent researchers, scholars, and teachers. Combining rigorous coursework and research with specialized faculty mentorship, graduates are well-positioned to advance the field of communicative sciences and disorders.

Core Course Sequence

As a PhD student in CSD, you will complete coursework on seminal readings in communicative sciences and disorders (CSD), a research colloquium covering current topics in CSD, and a doctoral seminar covering professional issues in the field. You will also complete coursework in core research methods, including research design and methodology and statistical analysis. The remaining credits are used to explore your content areas of interest. 

Program Requirements 

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Course work for the PhD program is informed by student interests and background, in consultation with their mentor. The PhD program requires 48 credits of course work; students with a master's degree in a related area of study may be eligible for up to 12 credits of advanced standing, enabling them to complete their studies for 36 credits.

Course Title Credits
Major Requirements
CSCD-GE 3001Sem Readings in Comm Sciences & Disorders3
Research Colloquium3
CSCD-GE 2420
Research Colloquium in Communicative Sciences and Disorders 1
Doctoral Seminar3
CSCD-GE 3400
Doct Sem Communicative Sciences & Disorders 1
Other Requirements
Graduate Methods Courses15
Specialization and Cognate Courses24
Total Credits48
1

CSCD-GE 3400 Doct Sem Communicative Sciences & Disorders and CSCD-GE 2420 Research Colloquium in Communicative Sciences and Disorders are offered for variable credit. Students can work with their advisor to determine appropriate credit enrollment per term.

Additional Program Information

The program is structured around the completion of the following milestones:

Qualifying Papers (QPs)

Students complete two QPs of the quality expected in peer-reviewed research journals. Each QP investigates a different area of CSD research, and is conducted, written, and orally defended by the student under faculty mentor guidance. We expect that this work will form the basis of conference presentations and journal submissions.

Lab Rotation

Doctoral students must spend a minimum of one semester in a second lab to fulfill the lab rotation requirement. During this semester, you will become involved in one of the projects in the lab, playing a role in the research process and completing a term paper on the subject.

Dissertation

In the final years of the degree, you will develop, write, and defend your dissertation proposal and ultimately your dissertation. The dissertation is supervised by a faculty mentor, but reflects your novel ideas and empirical contribution to the field. A final component of the degree also involves gaining teaching experience to position you to successfully pursue academic positions in the future.

Sample Plan of Study

Plan of Study Grid
1st Semester/TermCredits
Methods Course 3
CSCD-GE 3400 Doct Sem Communicative Sciences & Disorders 1 1
CSCD-GE 2420 Research Colloquium in Communicative Sciences and Disorders 1
Specialization and Cognate Course 3
Specialization and Cognate Course 3
 Credits11
2nd Semester/Term
CSCD-GE 3001 Sem Readings in Comm Sciences & Disorders 3
Methods Course 3
CSCD-GE 3400 Doct Sem Communicative Sciences & Disorders 1
CSCD-GE 2420 Research Colloquium in Communicative Sciences and Disorders 1
 Credits8
3rd Semester/Term
Methods Course 3
CSCD-GE 3400 Doct Sem Communicative Sciences & Disorders 1
CSCD-GE 2420 Research Colloquium in Communicative Sciences and Disorders 1
Specialization and Cognate Course 3
 Credits8
4th Semester/Term
CSCD-GE 3400
 Doct Sem Communicative Sciences & Disorders  
CSCD-GE 2420
 Research Colloquium in Communicative Sciences and Disorders  
Specialization and Cognate Course 3
Specialization and Cognate Course 3
Methods Course 3
 Credits9
5th Semester/Term
CSCD-GE 2420
 Research Colloquium in Communicative Sciences and Disorders  
CSCD-GE 3400
 Doct Sem Communicative Sciences & Disorders  
Specialization and Cognate Course 3
Methods Course 3
 Credits6
6th Semester/Term
CSCD-GE 3400
 Doct Sem Communicative Sciences & Disorders  
CSCD-GE 2420
 Research Colloquium in Communicative Sciences and Disorders  
Specialization and Cognate Course 3
Specialization and Cognate Course 3
 Credits6
 Total Credits48

Note: CSCD-GE 3400 Doct Sem Communicative Sciences & Disorders and CSCD-GE 2420 Research Colloquium in Communicative Sciences and Disorders are offered for variable credit. Students can work with their advisor to determine appropriate credit enrollment per term. 

Following completion of the required coursework for the PhD, students are expected to maintain active status at New York University by enrolling in a research/writing course or a Maintain Matriculation (MAINT-GE 4747) course.  All non-course requirements must be fulfilled prior to degree conferral, although the specific timing of completion may vary from student-to-student.

Culminating Experience

Throughout your studies, you will meet designated research landmarks towards the completion of the degree including two qualifying papers, a dissertation proposal, and a final dissertation.

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