Doctor of Philosophy in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences (PhD SLHS)

The Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences doctoral program (PhD SLHS) at the University of Montana provides the opportunity for students to closely study with faculty in the School of Speech, Language, Hearing, & Occupational Sciences. Students who choose to pursue this research-focused PhD will work with a primary faculty mentor of a chosen speech, language, and/or hearing specialization to develop related content and research skills. Content specialization experiences and seminars are balanced with opportunities to complete coursework across a wide variety of related content disciplines (e.g., neuroscience, psychology, education) through individualized plans of study. Thus, students benefit from both the expertise and mentorship of a faculty mentor in a chosen expertise that is characteristic of a traditional apprenticeship PhD model, and the advantages of an interprofessional model.

PhD SLHS Program Description:

The program is made up of a combination of 54 credits of coursework and professional products, the preliminary comprehensive competency exam, and a dissertation. Students must pass a preliminary comprehensive competency exam that includes disciplinary knowledge, a critique of a research manuscript, and design of an experimental research study. In addition, students complete professional products in areas critical for the success of faculty or professionals in the speech, language, and hearing sciences that include the following: (1) research, (2) conference presentation, (3) writing for publication, (4) systematic review of research literature, (5) grant writing, (6) college teaching, and/or (7) supervision. Following the successful completion of coursework, the preliminary comprehensive competency exam, and professional products, students complete a directed research dissertation experience that contributes to the advancement of the field of speech, language, and hearing sciences. Full-time students entering with their completed master’s degree in an area related to speech, language, and hearing sciences can complete the PhD in 3-4 years.

How to Apply:

Applications for the PhD SLHS Program are accepted at any time during the year and need to be accompanied by a letter of support from your confirmed doctoral faculty mentor in the School of Speech, Language, Hearing and Occupational Sciences. 

Due to the close apprenticeship model of the PhD SLHS program, prospective students who wish to apply for this program need to have confirmed support from a faculty member with a doctoral degree in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences in the area of research in which the student wishes to specialize (see faculty page). Prospective students for the PhD SLHS program should complete the following steps: 

  1. Contact a faculty member with a doctoral degree in the School of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences who conducts research in your chosen area of interest and provide a statement of interest (including an attached resume and/or background information). This faculty member can then determine a mentorship fit and discuss whether there is an available opportunity for a new PhD student in the chosen semester and year. 
  2. Prospective students who successfully confirm a faculty match must then secure a letter of support from this faculty member to be included in their application. 
  3. Students must then complete and submit their full application through the University of Montana Graduate School website. Applications should include:  
    1. Completed application. On the application form, indicate that you are applying to the Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences PhD Program (not the Speech-Language Pathology MS program). 
    2. A full resume 
    3. A 1-2 page statement of interest that includes why your reasons for pursuing a PhD and for choosing to pursue your selected area of specialty 
    4. Three letters of recommendation: One of the letters of recommendation should be the letter of support from the doctoral faculty mentor of the School of Speech, Language, Hearing and Occupational who has agreed to serve as your primary research mentor in your PhD program. The other two letters can be from references of your choice. Professional and academic references are preferred to personal references. 
    5. Completed UM graduate school requirements (e.g., GPA, official transcripts, IELTS, TOEFL) 
  4. In addition to the completed application through the UM Graduate School, you must also send your resume, letter of interest, an academic writing sample, and letters of recommendation via email to your chosen doctoral faculty mentor:

Begin Your Application Here 

Campus Visit

We strongly encourage prospective students to visit and meet with current faculty and PhD students in order to determine whether this program is a best fit. The campus visit also helps faculty understand the experiences, attitudes, and skills that the prospective student would bring to the program. 

For any questions or to schedule a visit, please contact: 
SLHOS@umontana.edu 

Launch UM virtual tour.