Admissions

UW-Madison’s Graduate School Requirements for Admission

• Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution.
• A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) is recommended for review. Successful applicants typically present stronger academic records. In very rare circumstances, we will consider a student whose GPA is below 3.0, but this requires a special review. To seek a special review, you must submit a letter of appeal along with your application materials. This letter must state the reasons for the low GPA and the rationale for making an exception to the minimum GPA rule.
• GRE test scores are not required for admission review to the AuD program.

Recommended Prerequisite Coursework

An undergraduate major in Communication Sciences & Disorders (CSD) or Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences (SLHS) is recommended, but not required, for admission to the UW-Madison Au.D. program.

Applicants without CSD or SLHS backgrounds are encouraged to complete foundational coursework that prepares them for the academic rigor of doctoral study in audiology. While the courses listed below are strongly recommended, they are not required for admission. Applicants who have not completed all recommended prerequisites are still welcome to apply and will receive full consideration.

Communication Sciences & Disorders Coursework

• Normal Development of Speech and Language
• Speech Acoustics / Speech Science
• Hearing Science
• Introduction to Audiology
• Aural Habilitation
• Sign Language*

General Academic Coursework

One course in each of the following areas:

• Life or Biological Sciences (e.g., Biology, Zoology)
• Physical Sciences (Physics and/or Chemistry preferred)
• Behavioral Sciences (e.g., Psychology, Sociology, Human Development, Political Science, Women’s Studies)
• Statistics

Clinical Experience

• 25 guided clock hours of clinical observation in audiology settings

*A course in sign language is required for graduation from the Au.D. program. This course may be completed prior to enrollment or during the program.

Applicants must submit three letters of recommendation as part of the admissions process.

Letters should speak to your readiness for graduate-level study and your potential for success in a rigorous doctoral program. At least two letters should be written by faculty members who can specifically address your academic performance, intellectual engagement, and preparedness for advanced coursework.

The third letter may come from a clinical supervisor, employer, research mentor, or another professional who can comment on your academic potential, professionalism, and overall suitability for graduate study.

Please note that no more than three letters will be reviewed.

Your GPA alone does not convey who you are. The statement of purpose is an important part of the application, both as a writing sample and an opportunity to tell us more about who you are. Through this essay, we seek to understand your preparation for doctoral-level study, your readiness for clinical training, and your fit with the University of Wisconsin–Madison Au.D. program. Please limit your statement to 2 pages using a 12-point font, double-spaced.

Please address the following:

1. Describe an experience that has prepared you for doctoral study in audiology. Include a specific example that demonstrates one or more qualities essential for success in the field (e.g., resilience, adaptability, cultural humility, teamwork, leadership, or commitment to evidence-based practice).
2. Reflect on what you learned from the experience and how it has shaped your decision to pursue the Au.D.
3. Describe your professional aspirations and how doctoral training at UW-Madison will help you achieve them.

Applicants must upload a copy of unofficial transcripts from every college or university you have attended, including any study abroad programs. These should show all courses and grades earned.

For the initial application review, only electronic copies of unofficial transcripts are accepted. If you are admitted, the UW-Madison Graduate School will request your official transcripts.

Applicants must submit a current resume, including honors and awards.

As part of the online application, you will be required to complete the UW-Madison Au.D. Program supplemental application. This section asks you to provide your undergraduate GPA, the number of completed clock hours, and whether you have taken a sign language course. You will also be asked to summarize your leadership, volunteer, work, and research experiences listed in your resume.

Prior to applying, it is recommended for International Students to review all International Student admissions requirements.

English Proficiency

All international degree-seeking applicants are required to provide proof of English proficiency. For more information on this requirement, check the English proficiency section on the Requirements for Admission page.

Degree Equivalency

To ensure your degree is equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree and to understand how your grades will be evaluated, please review the Requirements for Admission page. Selecting the country in which your degree was granted will provide information about acceptable degree types. Grading scales will be evaluated upon application.

Course Evaluation

All ASHA requirements and program prerequisites are evaluated case by case. For questions regarding course equivalencies to meet ASHA requirements and program prerequisites, please contact the Graduate Program Coordinator.

Additional International Student Resources

We have current International Students available to help answer questions about the transition to UW-Madison, the experience in Communication Sciences and Disorders, and to help answer any other questions you may have. To connect with a current international student, contact the Graduate Program Coordinator.

• International Student Services
• Becoming a Global Badger

Official English Proficiency Scores (for International Degree-Seeking Applicants)

All international degree-seeking applicants are required to provide proof of English proficiency. For more information on this requirement, check the English proficiency section on the Requirements for Admission page.

UW–Madison requires a non-refundable application fee, payable by credit or debit card at the time of submission. In addition to the application fee, non–U.S. citizens are charged an international document processing fee.

For complete details about application fees, please visit the Graduate School’s Admissions website.

University-Sponsored Application Fee Grants

Some applicants are eligible for a university-sponsored application fee grant. Eligibility information is available through the UW-Madison Graduate School at UW-Madison Graduation Application Fee Grants.

UW-Madison Department of Communication Sciences & Disorders Fee Waivers

The UW–Madison Department of Communication Sciences & Disorders offers a limited number of application fee waivers. To request a departmental fee waiver complete the CSD Application Fee Waiver Form at least one week prior to the application deadline to allow time for processing and issuance of a fee waiver code.

Fee waiver requests are reviewed separately from admissions materials. Fee waiver status is not shared with the Admissions Committee and does not affect admission decisions. Please note that fee waivers are limited and distributed on a rolling basis.

• Submit your application materials at least one week before the deadline. Late or incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
• Start early. You do not need to have all materials ready to begin your application. Starting early allows you to track requirements, request recommendations in a timely manner, and avoid last-minute technical issues.
• Monitor your application status. After submitting your application, log back into the Graduate School application portal to confirm that transcripts, letters of recommendation, and other required materials have been received.
• Review Graduate School resources. Carefully read the UW–Madison Graduate School’s “Steps to Apply” and Admissions FAQ to ensure you understand all requirements and policies.