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Auburn University launching Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences Ph.D. in fall 2026

The College of Liberal Arts at Auburn University will expand its academic offerings in fall 2026 with the launch of a new Doctor of Philosophy program in Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences (SLHS).

Housed in Auburn’s Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences, the program will provide advanced doctoral-level training in speech-language pathology and audiology, preparing graduates to become leaders in research, teaching and professional practice.

Designed to address the growing national demand for highly trained professionals, the program will equip students with the skills to conduct independent research, secure grant funding and advance innovations in the fields of communication sciences and disorders. Students will also gain experience in pedagogy and research evaluation, contributing to Auburn’s teaching mission while strengthening the university’s role as a hub for impactful scholarship.

“This program positions Auburn to meet an important workforce need while advancing our research enterprise,” said Jason Hicks, dean of the College of Liberal Arts. “By preparing the next generation of scholars and researchers in speech, language and hearing sciences, Auburn is strengthening its role in solving some of the most pressing communication health challenges facing our state and nation.”

The need for doctoral-trained SLHS professionals is critical. National data show that between 2021 and 2022, more than 320 full-time faculty openings in SLHS fields were advertised, yet fewer than 160 doctoral degrees were awarded. Employment opportunities for speech-language pathologists and audiologists are projected to grow 19% and 11% respectively through 2032, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – far exceeding the average growth rate for all occupations. This program will play a key role in addressing this need by training doctoral level faculty to serve in the growing number of training programs for these professions.

In Alabama, the new program will be only the second of its kind, with Auburn positioned to lead through its strong faculty expertise and national reputation. Current faculty research areas include aphasia, auditory processing, augmentative and alternative communication, autism, balance, literacy, stuttering, and voice and upper airway, with additional areas of expertise expected as the program grows.

The addition of the doctoral program also aligns with Auburn’s strategic goal to expand federal grant activity, increase scholarly output and enhance Auburn’s national research profile. With doctorate students engaged in long-term research projects, faculty will be better positioned to secure funding from agencies such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Science Foundation (NSF).

Enrollment in the program will begin with 2-3 students in the first year and a goal of 12 students at various stages of their doctoral studies once fully implemented. Auburn also plans to hire additional tenure-track faculty to support the program, further enriching opportunities for students and expanding Auburn’s contributions to interdisciplinary research.

“We are thrilled to announce the launch of our Ph.D. program in Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences,” said Allison Plumb, department chair. “This milestone marks an exciting new chapter for our department and reflects our deep commitment to advancing knowledge, fostering innovation and training the next generation of clinical research scientists in the areas of speech-language pathology and audiology. We are excited to welcome our inaugural cohort in fall 2026.”

For more information, visit the Auburn University Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences website.

Tags: Speech Language and Hearing Sciences Speech and Hearing Clinic