Frequently Asked Questions | Audiology

Program of Study     AuD

How is Pacific University different from other AuD programs?

Pacific University’s AuD program is accelerated, allowing you to complete your degree in three years compared to the traditional four. We use a block-model curriculum to teach courses in a shorter period of time allowing for more focused and comprehensive coursework. We have a state of the art simulation laboratory for students to use at any time. The Pacific EarClinic is an on-site, school-run clinic open to the public. Pacific University’s College of Health Professions provides interprofessional development through combined courses with other health professions programs on campus.

How long will it take to earn the AuD degree?

At Pacific University, students earn their degree in three years instead of four years like traditional AuD programs. This is possible because our program is compressed and runs year-round, including students continuing to take coursework full-time each summer.

Who teaches AuD courses?

All courses in the AuD program are taught by professors who have either a PhD or AuD degree. We also have adjunct faculty from the community and faculty from other departments at Pacific University also assist in teaching courses.

What are the academic performance expectations for the graduate program?

Each course requires students to earn 85 percent or higher to pass the course. We want our students to work together rather than compete against each other so we do not release specific scores, although we advise students on an individual basis to ensure they understand their performance so that they can remain on-track.

How large is a typical cohort?

At Pacific University, we believe larger cohorts facilitate more opportunity for teamwork and peer learning which is why we aim for each cohort to have 27 students.

Do you offer any specialized tracks?

AuD programs, by their nature, are educating students to be general audiology practitioners. We do try to consider any special interest areas our students request for internship and externship placements, such as an interest in working with children, balance/dizziness disorders, or veterans.

Is your program more research or clinic based?

Pacific University only offers an AuD track at this time, and not a PhD. The AuD is a clinically focused doctoral audiology degree, which qualifies graduates to practice clinical audiology upon licensure. However, research is an important aspect to our field of study so our curriculum is taught on evidence-based practices and students are exposed to the latest research literature through coursework. 

Are research projects required for the completion of the AuD?

Students are required to complete an evidence-based capstone project during their second year. The capstone project may be a full IRB-level research study or a non-IRB clinically relevant project.

 

Cost and Funding

What is the tuition for the AuD program?

See our tuition & fees page for a table showing estimated total annual costs, including costs for books, living costs, etc.

What kind of funding is available?

Pacific University offers Federal Financial Aid and Federal Work-Study for eligible students. The School of Audiology offers limited and highly competitive assistantships to select first-year students. Graduate Assistants work alongside a faculty member a few hours a week in exchange for a reduction in tuition plus a stipend.

Is it possible to work while obtaining the degree?

Since Pacific University’s AuD program is accelerated and students spend a lot of time in class, it is recommended that students work as few hours as possible.

Where can I find cost-of-attendance information? 

Information on cost-of-attendance for the current academic year is available on the School of Audiology’s Tuition & Fees webpage.  Information on cost-of-attendance for the next academic year is typically available from the university’s Office of Financial Aid in the spring semester.  For more information contact Lisa Christensen, Financial Aid Counselor - Graduate and Professional Students, at 503.352.2863 or lisa0507@pacificu.edu.  To schedule an appointment, ask a question, or get information, email financialaid@pacificu.edu.

Clinical Experiences and Internships

What clinical experiences can I expect?

Pacific University’s AuD program has a strong clinical component which students experience throughout the entire program. Under supervision of faculty who are licensed audiologists, first-year students administer pediatric hearing screenings around the Portland metro area as well as work with patients in the Pacific EarClinic. Throughout the second year, students are placed at full time clinical internship sites for several weeks each semester. During the third and final year of the program, students continue to develop and refine their clinical skills through a year-long clinical externship.

What types of facilities/settings are available for clinical internship placements and externships?

Clinical experiences can occur in a wide range of facilities, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, public schools, private practices, and research facilities. Internship and externship sites can be in the local area, out-of-state, or at international locations.  

How do internships and externships differ?

Students complete three full-time internships during the second year of the program. Students are assigned to internship sites by the faculty. During internships, students work directly with a preceptor to develop and expand clinical skills. An externship is a full-time, year-long clinical placement in which students apply and interview for a position, under the guidance of the faculty. Students work more independently during their externship while still under the supervision of an audiologist.

Are there opportunities to work with other health professions students to support clinical education?

Pacific University offers unique coursework that adds diversity to students’ educational experiences. All first-year students in the College of Health Professions work in teams in a year-long Interprofessional Competency Course, which includes a community-based service-learning activity that is showcased at a poster presentation in the spring. Furthermore, students participate in several Interprofessional Case Conferences throughout the year, which offer stimulating discussions on a variety of clinical situations. Both the course and the case conferences allow students to collaborate across professions in truly meaningful experiences that help prepare them for best practices as healthcare providers.

 

Other

I have current CPR/BLS certification.  Is that certification valid for the program or do I need to re-do my certification when I get to the university?

School of Audiology policy is that all students, regardless of previous certification status, must complete CPR/BLS training at the university, which the School of Audiology will arrange for the new first-year students at the start of the Fall semester.  Per Oregon law, CPR/BLS certification must be completed before students can participate in clinic/clinical education rotations.  The students will then recertify for CPR/BLS near the end of their second year, before leaving for externship.  (If a student takes longer than the typical three years to complete the program, additional CPR/BLS re-certifications may be needed to ensure that certification is continuous).  This process and schedule ensures that we meet specific State of Oregon-mandated requirements for CPR/BLS training, ensures that a student’s certification is valid for the duration of the program, without any gaps in certification, and enables us to more easily and accurately track compliance for each student.

What is life like in greater Portland, Oregon, metropolitan area?

The Portland metro area offers a variety of activities that cater to anyone’s interests. Portland is known for its outdoor festivals and farmer’s markets, live music, eclectic restaurants and food trucks, and endless amounts of recreation possibilities. Portland’s public transit system is very extensive allowing you to get around the city effortlessly. Living in the Portland area allows for an urban lifestyle while only being a short drive to the Oregon coast, Mt. Hood, and the Columbia River Gorge.   

Can I visit the School of Audiology?

Yes, we encourage interested students to visit our school. Each fall, the School of Audiology hosts an admissions open house that prospective students are encouraged to attend. If you cannot attend the open house, you may contact Carmel Nicol, Assistant Director of Graduate and Professional Program Admissions, to schedule an individual tour. Carmel can be reached via AuD@pacificu.edu or 503-352-7226.

 

Accreditation

Is the AuD program at Pacific University program accredited?

The AuD program at Pacific University’s School of Audiology is a fully accredited program.  Pacific University's School of Audiology graduated its first cohort Summer 2015, which was one of the required benchmarks before an accreditation candidate could apply for full accreditation. 

For information and FAQs on accreditation, see our Accreditation page.

 

If you have further questions, please don't hesitate to contact one of our very helpful Student Ambassadors.