Admission Requirements | Audiology

Enrollment in Pacific University's doctor of audiology (AuD) degree program is limited and admission is selective.

Educational Background

We accept all majors. Students who enter an AuD degree program often have an undergraduate degree in communication sciences and disorders (speech-language pathology and audiology) or in the core physical sciences (biology, chemistry, physics), but this is not required.

Non-traditional backgrounds or second career backgrounds are considered. AuD students have backgrounds in business, psychology, education, and the social and behavioral sciences, among other diverse majors.

Regardless of degree, all students must have completed these required prerequisite courses.

Required for Admission

Applications must complete an online application through the Communication Sciences and Disorders Centralized Application Service (CSDCAS).

GRE is not required | GRE scores reported on the CSDCAS application are not used in the evaluation of the application.

GPA & Coursework | For last 45 semester credits only, a minimum 3.00 GPA and the completion of all required prerequisite courses with a grade of "C" or better. All prerequisite courses must be completed before the program begins in August, and can be in-progress at the time of the application and application deadline. 

Personal Essay | Describe what inspires your decision for becoming an audiologist, including your preparation for training in this profession, your aptitude and motivation, and the basis for your interest in audiology.

Three letters of recommendation | Strongly Preferred Letters will come from the following: a professor who can speak on academic preparedness for graduate level work and/or interpersonal skills; an audiologist; or director supervivor who can speak to interpersonal skills/future capability of working with patients. Letters are not accepted from family or friends.

English proficiency | Demonstrated English proficiency is required of all applicants whose first language is not English. The deadline to take the TOEFL exam is January 1 of the year that you are applying to start the program.

Interview | Following review of the written application, qualified candidates will be invited to an interview. This interview provides both you and Pacific University the opportunity to determine fit, motivation and ability to be successful in the AuD program.

Accepted students must meet and fulfill all essential functions for Pacific University School of Audiology as outlined in the document Essential Functions for Audiology Education: Admissions and Retention Requirements (pdf)

Admission Considerations

The Audiology Admissions Committee utilizes a holistic review process in considering applicants for admission. We accept a class size of 27 students. 

Although we do not require that applicants have volunteer or observation experiences prior to admission, we do look for evidence that an applicant has enough knowledge of the profession of audiology to ensure that they are making the right career choice and, therefore, are likely to succeed in the program. Shadowing or observing an audiologist is strongly recommended.

Other factors include:

  • Academic record, including cumulative undergraduate GPA, GPA for last 45 semester credit hours of undergraduate study and any post-baccalaureate GPA
  • Prerequisite core courses in human biology/biological sciences, physical sciences, statistics, and social/behavioral sciences
  • Undergraduate and any post-baccalaureate field(s) of study
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Personal interview
  • Essay questions and writing sample
  • Spirit of teamwork
  • Community and/or college service
  • Prior audiologic care experiences
  • Accuracy, completeness, and neatness of application
  • Demonstration of commitment to pursuing a professional career in audiology

Important Licensing Information

All U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico require licensure or other registration to practice audiology. A felony or misdemeanor conviction may affect a graduate's ability to attain licensure or professional certification in audiology. Students are urged to contact the appropriate state licensing or professional certification agency for further information.