PhD Program Application Process

Admission to the CSD PhD program is restricted to those students whose abilities, experience, and previous coursework indicate that they are likely to be able to complete the doctoral program successfully. It is expected that the applicant will have sufficient interest in communication sciences and disorders to be prepared for entry into an integrated program of advanced study and research. All applicants must have a four-year baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution, with a minimum GPA of 3.50 in the last 60 hours of coursework.

Please visit the WSU Graduate Catalog - PhD in Communication Sciences and Disorders webpage for further admissions information and accepted test scores.

Application Deadlines

The CSD Department offers a rolling admissions process for PhD applicants. These deadlines are determined by the WSU Graduate School.

WSU Graduate School Application

Applications to the WSU Graduate School may be submitted by clicking the link below (in step 1). Acceptance into the doctoral program is contingent on acceptance by the Graduate School.

We encourage early submission to allow processing of your application and transcripts to be completed by the deadline. Applications will be considered complete when the following items have been received, approved, and the Graduate School has submitted their evaluation data to the department.

1. WSU Graduate School application and application fee.
2. Official scores for entrance and language examinations.
3. Two (2) official copies of transcripts from all colleges/universities attended sent to: Wichita State University Graduate School, 1845 Fairmount, Wichita, KS 67260-0004.
   • If you attended a school in the U.S. that sends electronic transcripts, send one copy only to rebekah.wagenbach@wichita.edu (U.S. citizens) or jordan.oleson@wichita.edu (international students).
   • Applicants should check with the Graduate School for instructions on submitting transcripts from schools outside the U.S.
   • DO NOT send Wichita State University transcripts to the Graduate School. Applicants should check with the Graduate School for instructions regarding coursework already transferred for credit to Wichita State from another school.

If you experience problems or have questions, please contact the WSU Graduate School at 316-978-3095 or wsugradschool@wichita.edu

Supplemental Application Materials

Submit the following supplemental application materials to the CSD Department:  

1. Letter of intent explaining professional goals related to obtaining a PhD in this field.
2. Professional resume.
3. Minimum of three letters of recommendation from individuals knowledgeable about the applicant's potential for successful completion of a research-based PhD.
4. Sample of research and/or writing. (optional)
   
   

   Mailing Address: Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, ATTN: PhD Program Coordinator, College of Health Professions, Wichita State University, 1845 Fairmount, Wichita, KS 67260-0075.  

   Email: csd@wichita.edu

   Applications will be reviewed by the admissions committee after the Graduate School's evaluation packet and all supplemental materials have been received. Applicants may be required to interview with the doctoral faculty after the initial review of the applicant's materials.

Examination Scores

Applicants may choose to submit scores for either the Graduate Record Examination (www.gre.org) or the Miller Analogies Test (www.milleranalogies.com) to meet the entrance examination requirement. Please note: as of spring 2024, the GRE is not required. Exams must be taken within the last 5 years. If multiple scores are received, either from additional attempts at the same test or if both tests are taken, the score that generates the best result for the applicant will be used by the admissions committee.

Applicants whose native language is not English must also submit official scores for either the TOEFL or the Academic Module of the IELTS examination with their application. See the WSU Graduate Catalog - PhD in Communication Sciences and Disorders webpage for updated scores and further information.

WSU's institution codes:

• GRE -- 6971. Official results will be reported to CSDCAS.
• MAT -- 2090. Official results will be reported to the WSU Graduate School.
• IELTS -- 6884. Official results will be reported to the WSU Graduate School.

Departmental Financial Support Application (optional)

Academic departments consider students for fellowships and graduate assistantships. All students are required to submit the CSD Scholarship/Fellowship Application if they want to be considered for any type of departmental funds. Details about departmental funding opportunities and the application form are available at www.wichita.edu/csd/financialaid . Links to the WSU Office of Financial Aid and external resources are also provided.