Admission Requirements
- Applicants must have an identified research focus and a suitable research advisor in their area of specialization in order to be admitted to the CSD PhD program. Prospective applicants are encouraged to contact individual faculty members whose research interests align most closely with their own. Selected applicants will be interviewed by faculty members as part of the admissions process. A final admission decision depends on the availability of a suitable research advisor and a vote of the CSD PhD admissions committee.
- A master’s degree in an area related to communication science from an accredited institution. Exceptional students with a bachelor’s degree and compelling clinical/research experience in communication science will also be considered.
- A minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) or equivalent in all college work is required.
- Verification of English Language Proficiency. Verification is required unless the following apply:
- the applicant is a citizen of a country whose official language is English,
- the applicant has completed a degree program at a regionally accredited institution in the U.S., or
- the applicant is not a citizen of a country whose official language is English but has completed a degree program at an institution outside of the U.S. where the language of instruction is English and where the official national language of the country in which the institution is located is English.
Application Requirements
- Complete the GradCAS application.
- Submit the application fee of $50 (U.S.).
- An essay stating career goals, specific research interests and experience, and clinical interests and experience.
- Three letters of reference from individuals who are familiar with your background, work, and preparation for a PhD program.
- A current CV.
- Transcripts from all U.S. colleges and universities attended.
- A course-by-course evaluation with GPA conversion for all higher institutions attended outside the US. The evaluation may be from World Education Services (WES), Inc. or Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE), Inc.
- All admitted students will be required to provide official transcripts and/or credential evaluations to the SHRS Admissions Office prior to enrolling in classes.
If applicable:
- Request official English Language Proficiency test scores from one of the following options. Minimum scores accepted follow:
- Duolingo English Test: 130. Scores should be made available electronically to “University of Pittsburgh – School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences.”
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS): 7.0. Scores should be made available electronically to “University of Pittsburgh Health and Rehabilitation Sciences.”
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): 100. Scores should be submitted electronically through ETS to institution code "2927."
- Unofficial scores may be provided via GradCAS (in addition to the official scores required).
Application Deadline
January 15, 2025. Application review will begin after the deadline.
Additional Information
Acceptance into the PhD program does not guarantee financial aid, but each admitted student is automatically put into a merit-based competition for available teaching assistantships, doctoral traineeships, and positions on research grants. These positions typically require 20 hours per week of research, teaching, or other service in exchange for a monthly stipend. For students with qualifying stipends, a scholarship typically covers at least partial tuition, fees, and individual medical insurance. The department’s Financial Aid Committee works with each admitted student’s adviser to secure a funding opportunity that is both academically and financially rewarding.
Graduate Record Examination (GRE General) scores are not required.