Our curriculum and training are designed to prepare the next generation of audiologists to provide high-quality patient-centered care across the lifespan. Through a combination of rigorous coursework, hands-on clinical experiences, and interdisciplinary collaboration, trainees develop the knowledge, skills, and professional competencies needed to succeed in a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape.
Program Requirements
Breadth Requirements and Procedures
The Au.D. program does not require students to complete a doctoral minor, however the option is available to those who wish to do so. Acceptance of the minor requires the approval of the Au.D. program advisor and respective department in which the minor is administered.
For students who do not complete a minor, breadth requirements will be fulfilled with alternate requirements and opportunities. All students will meet with the Au.D. program advisor on an annual basis to discuss the breadth requirements and will complete the Au.D. breadth requirement form and have it signed by their advisor. See the Au.D. student handbook for further information on breadth requirements and opportunities.
Course Work
A minimum of 75 credits are required for a Doctor of Audiology. When you are admitted to the Au.D. program, you will be provided with a course sequence for the entire program. It is strongly recommended that you adhere to this sequence, although you may modify the plan in consultation with your advisor and clinic coordinator(s).
The expected time to complete the program is four years (including three summers). If you do not have an undergraduate degree in communication sciences and disorders, you may need to take additional courses.
Clinical Experiences
In your first and second years, you will participate in clinical clerkship at the UW Speech and Hearing Clinic. The UW Speech and Hearing Clinic offers experience in adult and pediatric diagnostics and hearing technology.
Third-year clinical clerkships are entirely off-campus. Off-campus sites include major medical centers, VA Hospitals, outpatient ENT clinics, schools, and private practices.
During the summers, you have the option to complete off-campus clerkships at out-of-state sites or sites within Wisconsin that are further away from Madison.
Your fourth year consists of a 12-month, full-time externship. Typical externships are obtained at a single site and may be completed in Wisconsin or out-of-state.
Research
All Au.D. students complete a capstone research project during their second and third years of study. This project may involve an in-depth literature review, a limited-scope clinical investigation, a case study, or a large-scale clinical project. At the end of the third year, students present their projects at our annual capstone presentation day. See the capstone timelines for further information.
In addition, students who are interested in research beyond the capstone project, should contact faculty members for more information about possible opportunities in their labs.
Courses
A minimum of 75 credits are required for a Doctor of Audiology. When you are admitted to the Au.D. program, you will be provided with a course sequence for the entire program. It is strongly recommended that you adhere to this sequence, although you may modify the plan in consultation with your advisor and clinic coordinator(s).
The expected time to complete the program is four years (including three summers). If you do not have an undergraduate degree in communication sciences and disorders, you may need to take additional courses.
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Year 1
| Fall Semester | Spring Semester |
|---|---|
| Hearing Science (3 credits) | Pediatric Audiology (3 credits) |
| Electroacoustics and Instrument Calibration + Laboratory (3 credits) | Amplification Systems + Laboratory (4 credits) |
| Hearing Assessment + Laboratory (4 credits) | Physiological Assessment + Laboratory (3 credits) |
| Clinical Practicum in Audiology I (2 credits) | Clinical Practicum in Audiology I (2 credits) |
| Clinical Foundations for Audiology Practice (1 credit) | Clinical Foundations for Audiology Practice (1 credit) |
| Sign Language I (if not taken in undergrad) (2 credits) |
Year 2
| Summer Semester | Fall Semester | Spring Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Special Topics in Hearing Across the Lifespan – alternating with Practice Management (2 credits) | Evidence Based Practice (3 credits) | Peds II (3 credits) |
| Clinical Practicum in Audiology II (3 credits) | Amplification Systems II (2 credits) | Auditory & Vestibular Pathologies/Special Topics in Evaluation and Treatment (3 credits) |
| The Human Balance System + Laboratory (4 credits) | Capstone Study in Audiology (1 credit) | |
| Clinical Practicum in Audiology II (2 credits) | Clinical Practicum in Audiology II (2 credits) | |
| Clinical Foundations for Audiology Practice (1 credit) | Clinical Foundations for Audiology Practice (1 credit) |
Year 3
| Summer Semester | Fall Semester | Spring Semester |
| Practice Management – alternating with Special Topics I (2 credits) | Implantable Auditory Prostheses (3 credits) | Special Topics in Evaluation and Treatment/Auditory and Vestibular Pathologies (alternating) (3 credits) |
| Clinical Practicum in Audiology III (3 credits) | Counseling in Audiology (2 credits) | Capstone Study in Audiology (2 credits) |
| Capstone Study in Audiology (2 credits) | Clinical Practicum in Audiology III (3 credits) | |
| Clinical Practicum in Audiology III (3 credits) | Clinical Foundations for Audiology Practice (1 credit) | |
| Clinical Foundations for Audiology Practice (1 credit) | Elective (2 credits) |
Year 4
| Summer Semester | Fall Semester | Spring Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Externship in Audiology (4 credits) | Externship in Audiology (4 credits) | Externship in Audiology (4 credits) |
| Clinical Foundations for Audiology Practice (1 credit) | Clinical Foundations for Audiology Practice (1 credit) |
Clinical Experiences
Students gain experience across the lifespan and scope of practice through on-campus clinical training and a wide variety of off-site placements, including hospitals, private practices, educational settings, specialty clinics, and community-based programs. These diverse experiences prepare graduates to enter the profession with confidence and versatility.
UW Speech & Hearing Clinic
Our program fosters a strong sense of community through a structured Mentor System that pairs each first-year student clinician with a second-year student clinician. This intentional partnership supports the transition into clinical training while building leadership skills among more advanced students.
Off-campus Clinical Placements
Students complete rotations within large, nationally recognized hospital systems in both Madison and Milwaukee, where they encounter complex diagnostic cases, interprofessional care teams, cochlear implant programs, vestibular assessment, and specialty pediatric and adult services.
In addition, students have opportunities to train in private practice, educational placements, and rural hospitals and clinics.
Interdisciplinary Training
Interdisciplinary training is a cornerstone of our program, preparing students to collaborate effectively across professions.
Through optional programs like Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND), participation in our Central Auditory Processing Disorder clinic, and our Professional Seminar series, students learn alongside colleagues in other health-related fields.
Questions?
If you have questions about our program not answered on this or related pages, please contact us: