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Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences

College of Fine Arts and Communication

Doctor of Audiology Curriculum

Academic coursework occurs in the first three years of the Au.D. program. Students are required to complete a preliminary written exam at the completion of their first academic year and every year thereafter through the third academic year. Students may choose to complete a clinical research project or they may choose the alternate clinical coursework progression.

Clinical experiences begin in the first semester of the program. First year students are placed in the university clinic for one to two days per week. Second year students are placed two days per week offsite and third year students are placed three days per week at off campus sites. After completion of the academic portion of the program, students will complete an externship year of clinical placement in their fourth year of the program. Placement for this clinical experience is made in conjunction with the externship coordinator and program director for audiology.

Considerations for the fourth-year externship include student's clinical area of interest and clinical experience needs outlined in the student's clinical plan of study. This placement often takes place outside of the Beaumont community, and even outside the State of Texas. Requirements for the academic and clinical portions of the program will be reviewed annually with students during academic and clinical plan of study meetings.

Fall Year 1

  • SPHS 6311 Introduction to Evidence-Based Practice and Instrumentation
  • SPHS 6312 Introduction to Hearing Aids
  • SPHS 6322 Anatomy & Physiology of the Ear
  • SPHS 6319 Advanced Clinical Practicum

Spring Year 1

  • SPHS 6313 Acoustics and Psychoacoustics
  • SPHS 6352 Aural Rehabilitation
  • SPHS 6382 Analysis of Professional Literature
  • SPHS 6319 Advanced Clinical Practicum

Summer Year 1

  • SPHS 6331 Auditory Processing Disorders
  • SPHS 6319 Advanced Clinical Practicum
  • SPHS 6319 Advanced Clinical Practicum

Fall Year 2

  • SPHS 6342 Electrophysiology
  • SPHS 6321 Advanced Hearing Aids
  • SPHS 6326 Research Methods
  • SPHS 6319 Advanced Clinical Practicum

Spring Year 2

  • SPHS 6354 Vestibular Assessment and Management
  • SPHS 6318 Cochlear Implants
  • SPHS 6343 Pediatric Assessment and Genetics
  • SPHS 6319 Advanced Clinical Practicum 

Summer Year 2

  • SPHS 6362 Pharmacology
  • SPHS 6319 Advanced Clinical Practicum
  • SPHS 6319 Advanced Clinical Practicum

Fall Year 3

  • SPHS 6361 Medical Audiology
  • SPHS 6373 Hearing Conservation
  • SPHS 6371 Advanced Rehabilitation and Case Studies
  • SPHS 6319 Advanced Clinical Practicum
  • Students choosing to pursue a research project may be required to enroll in SPHS 6372 Candidacy Proposal

Spring Year 3

  • SPHS 6363 Differential Diagnosis
  • SPHS 6381 Practice Management
  • SPHS 6319 Advanced Clinical Practicum
  • Students choosing to pursue a research project may be required to enroll in SPHS 6383 Candidacy Paper Presentation

Summer Year 3

  • SPHS 6339 Externship

Fall Year 4

  • SPHS 6639 Externship

Spring Year 4

  • SPHS 6639 Externship

Clinical Practicum

A variety of practical opportunities are available at the Speech and Hearing Center on campus and currently in more than 20 off-campus sites throughout Beaumont, Houston, San Antonio, Lake Charles, Shreveport and Biloxi. These outstanding off-campus clinical sites include hospitals, schools and private practice settings.

In-House Clinical Practicum

  • Hearing Evaluation: Diagnostic testing includes pure-tone and speech audiometry, acoustic immittance measures and pediatric testing with VRA.
  • Hearing Aid Clinic: The clinic focuses on the selection, verification and orientation of amplification and assistive listening devices to increase the communication function of each individual.
  • Deaf Co-Op: Conducted in public school settings, which allow the students to learn hearing aid troubleshooting as well as assistive listening device selection and maintenance.
  • Electrophysiology Clinic: Diagnostic testing using OAE, ABR and SSEP are used in the differential evaluation of hearing disorders.
  • Vestibular/Balance Clinic: Assessment includes VENG, EENG and vestibular rehabilitation therapy.
  • Industrial Hearing Conservation: This clinic includes monitoring hearing in the industrial setting and providing sound measurement and hearing conservation services.
  • Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) Clinic: This clinic provides full diagnostic evaluation of auditory processing problems along with counseling of family members and school personnel.
  • Aural Rehabilitation: Group and individual therapy is provided to enhance listening, speech reading and communication abilities.