What Makes An Au.D. From UW-Madison Special?
Clinical Experiences
We integrate strong foundational coursework with extensive hands-on clinical experiences the very first semester.
Community Outreach
UW-Madison's collaborative culture provides rich opportunities for outreach and advocacy within the Madison community and across Wisconsin. Students engage in service initiatives, public health efforts, and inter-professional experiences.
Research Opportunities
UW is a leading research institution where students have exceptional research opportunities - from clinical studies to translational and interdisciplinary projects – advancing knowledge while strengthening their clinical expertise.
Top-Rated Externship Placements
Our students consistently secure highly competitive, top-rated externship placements across the country, reflecting the strength of their preparation and the reputation of the program.
Why Four Years?
Our goal is not simply graduation, but preparation for a sustainable, rewarding career. A four-year structure promotes a healthier work-life balance.
Interdisciplinary Training
Students have multiple opportunities for interdisciplinary training and collaboration.
Why Four Years?

We believe strong clinicians are developed through intentional training, balance, and sustained growth. Our four-year model reflects that commitment.
Our four-year AuD curriculum is intentionally designed to promote depth of learning, clinical confidence, and long-term professional well-being. Rather than compressing coursework and clinical expectations into an accelerated timeline, our structure allows students the time and space to fully absorb foundational knowledge, integrate new skills, and apply what they’ve learned in meaningful clinical settings.
A four-year structure also promotes healthier work-life balance. Built-in academic breaks, manageable course loads, and gradual increases in clinical responsibility reduce unnecessary stress and burnout. Students consistently report feeling supported, not overwhelmed, as they progress through the program.
Value
Because of our program structure, students typically incur a lower overall tuition cost compared to many three-year AuD programs, providing an excellent return on investment.
The four-year model also allows students opportunities to work outside the program at various points in their training, helping offset costs while gaining additional professional experience.
Students pay reduced tuition during their fourth year.

Wisconsin resident: $14k/year – total $56k
Wisconsin non-resident: $29k/year – total $116k
Average at Three Year Programs: $40k/year – total $120k
*Data derived from publicly available information
Student Outcomes
Audiology Program Completion Rate
| wdt_ID | Period | Number Completed Program Within Expected Time Frame | Percentage Completing Within Expected Time Frame |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 2022-2023 | 13 | 100% |
| 11 | 2023-2024 | 15 | 100% |
| 12 | 2024-2025 | 13 | 100% |
Praxis Examination Pass Rate, of Test -Takers
| wdt_ID | Period | Number Taking Exam | Number Passed Exam | Percentage Pass Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 2022-2023 | 13 | 12 | 92% |
| 11 | 2023-2024 | 15 | 15 | 100% |
| 12 | 2024-2025 | 13 | 13 | 100% |
Employment Rates of Graduates Within One Year of Graduation**
| wdt_ID | Period | Number of Graduates | Percentage of Graduates in Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 2022-2023 | 13 | 100% |
| 11 | 2023-2024 | 15 | 93% |
| 12 | 2024-2025 | 13 | 100% |
** Percentage of graduates in employment or continuing to Ph.D. is regularly monitored and updated for one year following the student’s graduation.
FAQ
Program Overview
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Is the program accredited?
The Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.) program is pursuing accreditation through the Council of Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA). Programs may enroll students while in the application process, and accreditation – once granted – applies retroactively to students enrolled during that time.
When will the first cohort start?
Our first cohort will apply in the spring of 2027, and begin the program in the fall of 2027. Current consortium students will be fully supported through a thoughtful transition and teach-out process.
How many students will you admit each year?
We admit approximately 10 students per year, allowing for individualized mentorship and strong clinical supervision.
What makes this program unique compared to other Au.D. programs?
Our program emphasizes early clinical experiences, individualized mentorship, community outreach, research engagement, and strong interdisciplinary training. Students begin clinical learning early and work closely with faculty and clinical mentors throughout the program.
Why is the program four years?
The four-year structure allows students to build knowledge gradually through coursework, hands-on clinical training, and a full-time fourth-year externship. This model ensures graduates are well prepared for independent clinical practice.
Where do most classes take place?
Most classes are in Goodnight Hall, home of the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders. Located on the shore of Lake Mendota, the building features updated classrooms, clinical spaces, and modern technology for teaching and patient care.
Admissions
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What are the admission requirements?
Applicants must meet the requirements listed on our Admissions page, which includes academic prerequisites, letters of recommendation, and other application materials submitted through the centralized application system.
Do I need a background in communication sciences and disorders?
No. Students from a variety of academic backgrounds apply successfully. However, applicants must complete certain prerequisite coursework before beginning in the program.
Do you require the GRE?
No. The GRE is not required for admission.
How competitive is admission?
Admission is competitive, and we review applications holistically. We consider academic preparation, experiences, recommendations, and commitment to the field of audiology.
Do you accept international students?
Yes. We welcome applications from international students who meet university and program admission requirements.
Can I visit campus or speak with current students?
Yes! Prospective students are welcome to visit campus, tour our facilities, and connect with current students. Contact us to arrange a visit.
Financial Support
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What funding opportunities are available?
Students may access a variety of scholarships, assistantships, and financial aid opportunities through the program and the university.
Are assistantships available for Au.D. students?
Yes. Some students obtain research, teaching, or departmental assistantships, depending on availability and student interests.
What scholarships are available and how do I apply?
Scholarships may be offered through the department, the university, and external professional organizations. Details and application information are available on our Financial Support page.
What is the estimated cost of attendance?
Estimated tuition and cost of attendance information can be found on the Financial Support page of our website.
Clinical Training
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When do students begin clinical experiences?
Right away! Students begin clinical experiences early in the program through a scaffolded model that integrates coursework with hands-on clinical learning in a highly supported environment.
What types of clinical settings will students experience?
Students gain experience in a variety of settings, including private practices, hospitals, K-12 schools, the VA system, and community clinics.
Where do students complete their fourth-year externship?
Students complete a full-time fourth-year externship at clinical sites across the country. A map of current and former externships can be found on the Clinical Experiences page.
How are clinical placements determined?
Clinical placements are determined through faculty advising and collaboration with the clinical education team, taking into account student interests, training needs, and career goals.
Do students gain experience with pediatric and adult patients?
Yes. Students gain experience with patients across the lifespan, including pediatric and adult populations, through both on-site and off-site clinical placements, as well as community outreach.
Research Opportunities
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Is research required in the Au.D. program?
Yes. Students complete a capstone research project, which may focus on clinical research, translational work, or other topics aligned with student interests and faculty expertise.
Can students work with faculty on research projects?
Yes, many students work with faculty in research labs or as research assistants, gaining valuable experience in study design, data collection and dissemination.
Are there opportunities to present at conferences or publish?
Yes. Students are encouraged to present their work at national conferences such as those held by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, the American Academy of Audiology, and the American Auditory Society. Some students also contribute to publications.
Student Experience
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What advising and mentorship are available?
Students receive individualized academic and clinical advising from faculty and clinical educators. Our mentorship approach supports students through their academic, clinical, and professional development.
What interdisciplinary opportunities exist at UW?
Students can engage in interdisciplinary training opportunities across campus, including programs such as Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) and collaborative clinical programs related to central auditory processing and other specialties.
What support services are available for students?
Students have access to a wide range of university resources, including academic support, wellness services, career advising, and graduate student services.
What is life like in Madison for graduate students?
Madison offers a vibrant graduate student experience, with a strong sense of community, outdoor recreation, cultural events, and a lively downtown – all within a welcoming and highly livable city.
Career Outcomes
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What types of careers do graduates pursue?
Graduates pursue careers across many settings, including hospitals, private practices, pediatric clinics, schools, rural healthcare settings, nonprofit organizations, and industry.
How does the program prepare students for licensure and certification?
Students received supervised clinical training from licensed and certified audiologists, preparing them for state licensure and professional certification following graduation.
What are the program’s expected employment outcomes?
Our graduates are well prepared for the workforce, with strong clinical training and professional preparation. Outcome data are available on our Student Outcomes page.
Au.D. CAA Accreditation Statement
The Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.) program in audiology (residential) at the University of Wisconsin-Madison is an Applicant for Accreditation by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 2200 Research Boulevard, #310, Rockville, MD 20850, 800-498-2071 or 301-296-5700.
Questions?
If you have questions about our program not answered on this or related pages, please contact us: