Presently, Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.) degree programs are not available through the online or hybrid format. They must be obtained through an on-campus program due to the nature of the clinical practicum and curriculum.
However, if you are currently practicing as an audiologist, certainly you are aware that to continue your practice in a clinical setting, you must have a Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.) degree.
As of January 1, 2012, those individuals who are practicing without the Au.D. degree must obtain one, which can easily be earned through a 100% online transitional or bridge program.
Methodology
The writers and editors of Online-PhD-Degrees.com gather the most important and relevant information from the independent, unbiased NCES.gov’s College Navigator, as well as, each college’s website and publicly available data.
We also consider the opinions of various highly respected sources, such as prestigious and reputable journalistic and academic findings. Positive student reviews were also considered, in addition to:
- 100% Online or Hybrid Availability; may offer Bridge or Transitional Programs, if applicable,
- Offering the latest State-of-the-Art and Innovative training in today’s field of Audiology & Neuroscience,
- Tailored online programs to fit the needs of working professionals in Audiology,
- Provides an in-depth understanding of public health issues and ethics leading to an AuD degree,
- Enhances clinical knowledge and experiences,
- Provides choices in coursework specialties within the field of Audiology,
- Exceptional experienced Faculty and globally recognized guest speakers,
- Unique classroom experience using web-based instructional courses, clinical projects, as well as, video demos and interactions with fellow classmates through email and online discussion boards,
- Applicable Financial Aid opportunities, as well as, proper regional Accreditation.
For an in-depth look, see our Methodology page.
Best Online Doctor of Audiology Degree Programs
Audiologists are professionals who diagnose, help rehabilitate and manage disabilities such as hearing loss, balance difficulties, tinnitus, and other audiological fields. Unlike many other professions, since 2014, audiologists are required to possess a Doctorate in audiology in order to be licensed to practice. This provides information on the two online Doctor of Audiology degrees that are currently accepting students.
A.T. STILL UNIVERSITY
Program Standouts: Both their residential and online programs offer the Au.D. degree which is a clinically focused doctoral degree in Audiology. This post-professional degree program is designed to meet the needs of current audiology practitioners. This online program is customized according to the scheduling needs of each student.
This fully online program is offered through the Arizona School of Health Sciences. Because the degree program is tailored to each student, specific curriculum requirements will vary from student to student, according to previous coursework and professional experience. The normal time frame for completing the program is 2-3 years.
A two-year curriculum may be approved for applicants with three or more years of full-time clinical experience. A three-year plan may be approved for those with one to three years of experience. For applicants not currently licensed, certified, or registered and who have not been working in the profession for the past five years, a three-year program is required. Each course is either four or ten weeks long.
Despite the accelerated – and, thus, more fast-paced and rigorous – curriculum, students can still maintain a full-time practice! This is because the curriculum itself was designed specifically for active practitioners who are able to put in 12-14 hours of study time per week. Students can then work on their coursework during the evenings and weekends, even during break times.
Every course is accessible 24/7 in a fully asynchronous format using the latest e-learning technology. There are no on-campus visits required, too. The courses are delivered via regular video announcements, recorded lectures and online threaded discussions. The interactions between students and the 39 professors occur via emails and faculty feedback tools, too.
Note that the faculty consists of adjunct members and contributors from around the world, thus, the need for online technologies. Aside from their teaching duties, these professors are also invested in student success and, thus, provide guidance, mentorship and motivation from program application to degree completion.
Students must meet the program requirements including:
- academic assessments,
- case scenarios,
- discussion board threads and article reflections
- the typical projects,
- exams and papers used for evaluation purposes.
Students are expected to become practitioner-leaders and scholars in audiology with the commitment to making a positive impact in their patients and communities.
Campus Location: 5850 E. Still Circle, Mesa, Arizona 85206
Accreditation: A.T. Still University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
Admission Requirements:
- Master’s or doctoral degree in audiology from a regionally accredited college or institution. Master’s degree equivalency is verified through state licensure or verification of the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology
- Minimum 2.70 GPA for graduate work
- All official transcripts from a college of academic institutions from which a degree was earned
- Official documentation of current audiology licensure/registration
- Employer verification form from a current or most recent employer
- Three references from audiologists or healthcare professionals
- Personal resume
- You will find detailed information here: Doctor of Audiology Degree
Sample Course Options:
- Amplification: Assessment, Fitting and Verification
- Global Healthcare and Audiology
- Occupational and Environmental Hearing Conservation
- Implantable Devices
Each course is either four or ten weeks long. The number of courses that every student must take to earn the AuD degree varies depending on their customized program of study.
Students on the two-year curriculum typically take 12 courses, or the equivalent of 38 semester credit hours, to earn the degree. Students on the three-year plan, however, must complete 18 courses, meaning 57 semester credit hours must be earned.
Degree Outcomes: This degree program is designed to increase its graduates’ expertise for continued development in clinical practice. Graduates from this degree program will have improved knowledge and skills in audiological care and management. Graduates from this degree program go on to work in positions under titles such as:
- Clinical Audiologist
- Doctor of Audiology
- Audiology Director
- Audiology Practice Owner
- Educational Audiologist
- Pediatric Audiologist
- Licensed Audiologist
- Clinical Director
- Chief of Audiology
- Audiology Faculty
Their Post-Professional Doctor of Audiology Program is a fully online curriculum tailored to the needs and interests of full-time practitioners.
Our learning management system and global faculty provide the most current course content in our profession through state-of-the-art e-learning technology. As such, students are expected to possess a working knowledge of word processing software and Internet use for research and communication, among other computer literacy skills.
Qualifying audiologists may also explore our non-degree-seeking options if interested in exploring a particular area of interest. Applicants must possess a master’s or doctorate degree in audiology and with at least one year of full-time practice as a registered audiologist.
Up to three courses may be taken and, if necessary, transferred to the degree-granting program. Students take the non-degree courses to expand their knowledge, collaborate with peers, and/or obtain continuing education credits. This information and application can be found at https://www.atsu.edu/post-professional-doctor-of-audiology-non-degree.
Check out ATSU’s Entry-level AuD program, too, a four-year program with 164.5 semester credit hours for completion. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree, among other requirements, and a desire to become certified audiologists to be considered for admission.
LEARN MORE ABOUT A.T. STILL UNIVERSITY’S POST PROFESSIONAL DOCTOR OF AUDIOLOGY DEGREE PROGRAM ONLINE
SALUS UNIVERSITY
Program Standouts: Salus University’s online doctorate in audiology is designed as a bridge program specifically oriented towards international audiologists who want to earn a doctorate in order to maintain certification and licensure as well as stay abreast of the latest techniques and technologies in the field.
The academic term for this program begins in August, and applications are accepted on a rolling basis. This degree program provides international professional audiologists with knowledge of the fundamentals of neuroscience.
Students learn the application of sound clinical judgments based on psychoacoustic principles. Students are trained in evidence-based intervention methods as well as public health and professional matters. Their program of study and curriculum are designed to be at par with Salus University’s on-campus AuD program, too.
Both online and on-campus students then receive formal education and hands-on training that prepare them for the delivery of excellent healthcare services to individuals with hearing and balance disorders.
Online students must register for and complete at least 30 advanced-level, post-masters courses. Each course is equivalent to 1.5 semester credits and, thus, completion of the program means earning 45 academic credits.
Of the 30 courses, 28 are didactic courses and offered completely online. The two practicum courses must be completed at the university’s Elkins Park campus, meaning out-of-state and international students must travel to fulfill the requirement. Salus doesn’t accept internships and practicum experiences anywhere else.
The two-year time-to-completion can be achieved if a student registers for two courses or every six-week session. Full-time audiology practitioners will find it easy to juggle their work-studies-life schedule as the two courses are conducted on different days but in the same week. The two courses in every session are related and, thus, form a cohesive unit of learning.
The university recommends following the sequential order of the courses for maximum benefit including completion within two years. But for students who may be unable to meet the two-year completion period, alternative arrangements can be made. Note, nonetheless, that there’s a four-year cap on completion.
Their assignments, lectures and other activities are scheduled at the start of the week, but the courses are delivered by their professors in a two-hour format. Salus University uses Blackboard for the asynchronous delivery of learning materials. Students are evaluated based on their reading assignments, exams and participation in the threaded discussions.
Campus Location: Elkins Park, Pennsylvania
Accreditation: Salus University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Admission Requirements:
- Submit an online application
- CV/resume of work experience
- Copy of license, registration or the equivalent to practice audiology in the country of residence
- Personal Goal Statement
- Official transcripts of master’s degree or medical degree in audiology
- Official results from the TOEFL (or Academic IESTS) for those for whom English is a second language
- Demonstration of one year of clinical fellowship and two years of clinical experience
- Two letters of evaluation
Program Options:
- Auditory Neuropathy Spectrum Disorder
- Cochlear Implants & Other Implantable Devices
- Computer Application & Instrumentation in Audiology
- Sound Transmission into the Cochlea
- Evidence-based Audiology: Transitioning from Research to Clinic & Adoption of Best Practices in Audiology
Degree Outcomes: This degree is designed to prepare audiologists to integrate evidence-based practice and advances in research into clinical practice. Graduates from this online doctorate in audiology have received instruction according to a comprehensive curriculum along with hands-on practice.
LEARN MORE ABOUT SALUS UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE DOCTOR OF AUDIOLOGY BRIDGE PROGRAM
UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI
Program Standouts: Offered by the College of Allied Health Sciences, the AuD program at the University of Cincinnati follows a hybrid model. The first five weeks of didactic courses are delivered online in a synchronous manner (i.e., on a schedule). The on-campus clinicals also have a hybrid model, meaning students must be prepared to juggle between online and in-person activities.
Since the 2021 summer term, the four-year program has transitioned to its current accelerated three-year format. Students complete the program in nine semesters but still receive the excellent quality of instruction. The accelerated format, however, means that students must keep up with the faster pace of study while maintaining academic rigor.
Students participate in their didactic classes and local internship on and near UC’s campus over a six-semester period. By their final year of full-time externship, students also attend their classes completely online!
Due to the online course delivery, their full-time, final year externship can be completed in their desired place, whether in the greater Cincinnati area or beyond it. Students can choose from several national practicum sites, too, meaning it’s easier to set their sights on a career outside of the State of Ohio!
But with the accelerated format combined with the clinical rotations, students are unable to work on a full-time basis while enrolled in the program. Many students, however, engage in part-time work during the weekends but are available for their didactic classes and clinical rotations during the weekdays.
Every cohort has 15 students only. Due to the small class size, students are encouraged to be active participants in the course discussions. Students also benefit from the one-on-one attention from professors that contribute to their academic and clinical success.
From their first day of classes, students start their clinical training, too! Their hands-on experience starts in the on-campus UC Speech and Hearing Clinic during their freshman year.
In their sophomore year, students engage in practicum experiences at local sites followed by their full-time externship during their final year. Students work with the Director of Clinical Education in determining their best clinical placements based on their areas of interest and competency.
UC’s student outcomes are among the highest in the country for AuD programs. On-time completion rates have been 100% for the past academic years (2019-2020 and 2020-2021). The employment rates have also been at an impressive 100% for these years.
Campus Location: 3225 Eden Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45267-0004
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
American Speech-Language Hearing Association
Admission Requirements:
- A bachelor’s degree in communication sciences and disorders
- Official transcripts or the bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 3.0 overall GPA
- Completed application form
- Description of volunteer, extracurricular and leadership activities and awards
- A 125-word essay on each of the five questions on the CSDCAS
- Three letters of reference, preferably from professors regarding your academic abilities as an undergraduate and potential success in graduate school
- At least 100 IBT score on the TOEFL for students with English as a second language (i.e., non-native English speakers)
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score is temporarily waived but may be voluntarily submitted. All applications will be considered regardless of submission or non-submission of GRE scores. But the GRE scores may boost scholarship funding opportunities.
Provisional acceptance may be granted to students who failed to meet the initial admission requirements. Their full acceptance depends on their maintenance of a 3.0 average for their two-semester provisional stay. Financial aid eligibility will also depend on their full acceptance.
Applicants without a bachelor’s degree in communication sciences and disorders must complete prerequisite courses before admission. These prerequisite courses may be completed at UC or any regionally accredited institution, and cover:
- biological sciences,
- physical science or chemistry,
- social and behavioral sciences,
- statistics,
- and college algebra.
Students must also complete courses in introductory audiology, speech and language development, and neurological foundations in communication.
All students start their graduate studies during the summer semester only. As such, completion of these prerequisite courses must be achieved before the summer semester. Applicants who have completed the prerequisites, however, aren’t guaranteed admission due to the competitive selection process. Other factors are considered aside from the academic performance in the prerequisite courses.
Sample Coursework:
- Foundations of Professional and Clinical Practice in Audiology
- Anatomy and Physiology of the Auditory System
- Advanced Hearing Science
- Advanced Neurological Basis of Communication Disorders
- Auditory Evoked Potentials I
- Hearing Disorders
- Pediatric Audiology: Assessment
- Comparative Auditory & Vocal Mechanisms
- Individuals with Exceptionalities
Most of the courses have a minimum B- grade requirement.
Degree Outcomes:
Graduates are prepared for the challenges and benefits of a successful career as a licensed audiologist. UC’s AuD program prepared them for eligibility for licensing as an audiologist under state standards and for certification from the American Board of Audiology.
Graduates are also eligible for certification in animal audiology and educational audiology as well as the American Speech Language Hearing Association (ASHA) Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology (CCCA). The animal audiology certificate program is in partnership with FETCHLAB, UC’s animal hearing and bioacoustics laboratory and the only one of its kind in the world.
LEARN MORE ABOUT UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI’S HYBRID DOCTOR OF AUDIOLOGY PROGRAM
Frequently Asked Questions
What does an Audiologist do?
An audiologist is responsible for the well-being of an individual’s hearing. They are skilled and knowledgeable on all services and products used to assist others in hearing loss and proper ear care. Audiologists also diagnose balance disorders and tinnitus, perform hearing evaluations, provide rehabilitation services, as well as treat other hearing disorders.
Audiologists fit patients for hearing aids, in addition to, conducting relevant research on hearing health. Often, audiologists work closely with physicians to create an effective patient care plan. An audiologist can treat ear-related issues in patients ranging in age from newborns through senior citizens. Pediatric audiology focuses on the hearing health of children.
What sort of accreditation should I look for in a school?
There are two academic accreditation organizations in the field of audiology that you should consider when choosing a credible school and audiology program. One is the Accreditation Commission for Audiology Education (ACAE). The other organization is the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA).
How do I earn my Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.) degree?
If you are new to audiology, you must earn the Au.D. degree to begin your clinical practice. This audiology program is typically a four-year graduate program commitment in which you may enter with a bachelor’s degree. The Au.D. degree now replaces the master’s degree in medical audiology. If you desire, you may specialize in pediatric hearing, geriatric hearing loss, or educational audiology.
Prerequisites for earning your Au.D. degree may include a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Communication Disorders or a B.S. in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, although, other bachelor’s degree programs may satisfy your school’s requirements. Communication sciences and speech and hearing are complementary disciplines to audiology.
Coursework involved with an Au.D. program may consist of classes related to:
- the Advanced Anatomy of the Ear,
- Physiology of the Nervous System,
- Biological Foundations of Speech & Music,
- as well as, aud curriculum focused on Diagnosing and Treatment of Hearing Disorders or Balance Disorders.
Coursework in Peripheral Hearing, Amplification, Medical Audiology, along with, Psycho-Acoustics, Speech Communication, Research Methods in Audiology, and Ethics of the Hearing Aid Industry may be included.
You can also expect to learn about Cochlear Implants, Deaf Education, Pharmacology, and Genetics. Audiologists also learn how to read audiograms after a hearing test to determine hearing loss, in addition to, measuring low frequency and high-frequency loss. Most programs also include coursework in Patient Communication and Business Development.
Audiologists do not perform surgery or prescribe medications to their patients, although over-the-counter medications can be recommended. Audiologists, who are also recognized as “hearing aid fitters” can sell hearing aids per their state’s registration requirements.
Your first two years of an audiology program will primarily include observation and clinical orientation; however, in your last two years, you can expect to gain clinical experience through internships and a capstone project.
What type of degree do I need to pursue research or educate others in Audiology?
Typically, if you are interested in doing intensive research or becoming an educator at the university level, you will need a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Audiology. Your dissertation will be a major part of your program. You can expect coursework in Hearing Sciences and Disorders, Communication Disorders, Electroacoustics, Sign Language, and Behavioral Management.
How do I earn a transitional or bridge Au.D. degree?
If you currently hold a master’s degree, you will need to earn a Doctor of Audiology degree to continue your clinical practice as an audiologist. In this capacity, you can typically find transitional or bridge programs through a 100% online graduate program, therefore, allowing you to continue working while attending a doctoral program.
What kind of career and salary can I expect with my Au.D. degree?
As of May 2022, the BLS reports that the median salary for an audiologist was $82,680 annually. They also state that the lowest 10 percent earned less than $56,990 per year, although the highest 10 percent earned upwards of $120,380 or more annually. As our population ages, the need for competent audiologists is expected to grow by 11 percent between 2021 and 2031.
Most audiologists work in specialty audiology clinics, physician offices, hospitals, governmental agencies, or within the school system or research facilities. Audiologists often open their own audiology practice. In addition, they are sometimes hired in a consulting capacity, such as in manufacturing facilities and the travel or music industry to reduce loud noises and pressure changes.
Do I need a license to be an audiologist?
To protect consumers, each state requires an audiologist to be properly licensed in compliance with their state’s regulations. Each state has its own mandates; however, some require that you earn a Certificate of Clinical Competency in Audiology (CCC-A) in addition to the completion of your accredited Au.D. program, as well as at least one year of full-time supervised clinical practicum.
Often, passing a national certification exam is also required. Most states also require continuing education classes. You will want to check with your state’s rules for the proper licensing and educational requirements. Additional regulations may be required to sell and fit hearing aid devices.
What essential qualities should I have as an Audiologist?
- Patience – As an audiologist, you need to be patient and understanding with your patients, as it can take a long time for them to adjust to their hearing devices.
- Compassion – Audiologists must possess compassion and understanding for the patient as they go through the process of adjusting to their hearing device.
- Technical Knowledge – Being an audiologist requires being knowledgeable in the diagnosis and treatment of hearing disorders, as well as the technical operation of hearing devices.
- Communication Skills – It’s essential that an audiologist communicates regularly and effectively with their patients.
- Organization – Audiologists must be organized and able to efficiently manage their time and patient load.
What schools offer Doctor of Audiology degrees?
As a practicing audiologist who needs to make a transition into the Au.D. degree, there are a couple of 100% online bridge programs to consider. Salus University located in Elkins Park, PA and A.T. Still University of Health Sciences located in Kirksville, MO both offers this type of program.
The following schools offer their students the opportunity to earn Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.) degrees through an on-campus program: The University of the Pacific – San Francisco, CA, Central Michigan University – Mount Pleasant, MI, Indiana University, Bloomington – Bloomington, IN, University of Buffalo SUNY – Buffalo, NY and Salus University located in Elkins Park, PA.
Becoming an audiologist is an awesome opportunity to help others who are in need. No one should miss out on the chance to hear the birds sing, their grandchild’s sweet voice, or the sound of music. Without a doubt, you can change someone’s life through a career in audiology!
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