Communication Sciences

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Doctor of Philosophy

About the Program

Become a leader in your field with a PhD in Communication Sciences from Case Western Reserve University, one of the top research universities in the U.S. 

Here, you’ll build upon the skills you’ve mastered in your previous studies—such as preventing, assessing, diagnosing, and treating the speech-language and hearing impairments that affect 40 million Americans—and you’ll gain new ones in order to make discoveries and move the communication sciences field forward.

What to Expect

As a PhD candidate in our program, you’ll prepare for a successful career as an independent researcher in communication sciences—specializing in speech, language, swallowing, hearing and more. You’ll gain hands-on research experience as you build your expertise across a broad range of research methods. 

You’ll graduate from Case Western Reserve prepared to be a leader, mentor and teacher in the communication sciences field. And, you’ll join an alumni base of graduates who have secured faculty positions at major colleges and universities, where they’ve successfully secured research grants and conducted groundbreaking research. Many of our alumni have served as department chairs, deans and presidents of national associations.

As a communication sciences graduate student, you’ll be supported far beyond your studies. We established a Wellness Committee in 2017 to encourage a balance of personal and professional life. Our events and resources seek to target social, mental, physical and financial wellbeing with the purpose of helping you, as well as our faculty and staff, have a healthy and enjoyable experience at CWRU.

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A Place for Success

Cleveland is known for its wide array of job opportunities in addition to its culture, food and low cost of living. CWRU is situated in the heart of University Circle, one of the city’s most energetic and culturally robust communities. From our campus, you’re just a short walk to some of Cleveland and University Circle’s most outstanding destinations—including the world-renowned Cleveland Orchestra, Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland Botanical Garden, Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland, and Cleveland Museum of Natural History.


By the Numbers

4

years, average time to degree completion

2-4

average cohort size

3

average number of authored papers at time of graduation

1:1

faculty-to-student ratio

Admission Requirements

Interested in pursuing your PhD in Communication Sciences? You should have completed a bachelor’s and/or master’s degree or a clinical doctorate in the fields of speech-language pathology, audiology, linguistics, psychology, hearing and speech science, or a related field. 

The application process also requires:

  • Online application, including a personal statement
  • $50 application fee
  • Unofficial transcripts
  • Current resume/CV
  • List of research experience (optional)
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • International applicants: Results of TOEFL, IELTS or PTE
     

Contact Us

Headshot of Barbara Lewis
Barbara Lewis
Program Director, Communication Sciences
Department of Psychological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences
Telephone

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