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School of Allied Health and Communicative Disorders
College of Health and Human Sciences

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Doctor of Audiology

Do you have a passion for helping people and an eye for technological advances? Consider becoming an audiologist -- there's a need for people like you. The demand for audiologists is swiftly growing; employment is expected to increase by 29 percent in the coming years according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The NIU Doctor of Audiology degree program prepares you to work in this dynamic field. You can work with people of all ages and backgrounds in a wide variety of work settings. We're all here to help you leverage your strengths and interests to shape your career. In our program, students gain valuable insight, advice, and guidance from diversely trained faculty members. Our program prides ourself on including students in clinical contact from the first week on, to tie academic learning to clinical practice. During your time in the program, you’ll have opportunities to experience the breadth of audiologic work through a variety of external placements, both locally and nationwide, as well as internationally through participation in optional humanitarian trips.

Once you've graduated, you'll be prepared and eligible for the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association national certification.

Open Houses

Prospective students and their family and friends are welcome to attend an Open House to tour our beautiful state-of-the-art clinic, meet the faculty and chat with current students.

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Upcoming Dates

Tuition News

NIU has recently eliminated the more expensive out-of-state tuition rate for both undergraduate and graduate students, making it financially easier for you to take advantage of our excellent programs.

Accelerated Doctor of Audiology Program

NIU will be moving exclusively to a three-year Doctor of Audiology program beginning in summer 2023. The four-year Doctor of Audiology program is no longer an option for newly admitted students. The last cohort of the four-year program began in fall 2022.

The three-year program is an accelerated version of the curriculum which consists of two full years of academic coursework and integrated clinical experiences followed by an external clinical practicum year.

What are the differences between the new three-year program and current four-year programs?

The three-year and four-year curriculum models are designed to provide you with a state-of-the-art, clinically oriented education that will train you to be an independent provider of hearing and balance care for patients of all ages. Both programs emphasize evidence-based practices and hands-on clinical skills and will prepare you to seek national certification and/or eligibility for state licensure in audiology.

Where they differ is in the amount of time it takes to complete your degree.

  • The three-year program is an accelerated version of the curriculum that presents the information found in the traditional four-year program in a shorter amount of time. This model consists of two full years of academic coursework and integrated clinical experiences followed by an external clinical practicum year. This option may be appropriate for individuals who wish to embrace a rigorous approach to their graduate education.
  • The four-year program follows a more traditional model of three years of academic coursework and integrated clinical experiences followed by an external clinical practicum year. This option may be appropriate for individuals who wish to embrace a more pliable approach to their graduate education.
What type of coursework is involved?

Coursework under both programs include the study of acoustics/psychoacoustics, adult and pediatric diagnostics, adult and pediatric (re)habilitation, amplification systems, implantable devices, noise/hearing conservation, electrophysiological measures, professional practices and balance. The curricula also include allowances for some areas to be explore through courses outside of audiology, e.g., statistics. The necessity of an evidence base for clinical practice is emphasized throughout the program.

Contact Us

Audiology
340 Wirtz Hall, DeKalb, IL 60115
815-753-1484
aud@niu.edu

Looking for the NIU Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic?
Call 815-753-1481

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