PhD Communication Science & Disorders at University of Pittsburgh

Programme overview

A full-time, on-campus, 72-credit PhD in which students conduct original research on human language, speech, voice, swallowing and balance disorders under faculty mentorship, with research funded by organizations such as the NIH, the VA and the U.S. Department of Education.

Faculty: School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences | Department: Communication Science and Disorders | Intake: Fall; applications open September 1, 2026 and close January 15, 2027 | Location: Pittsburgh, PA, United States

What you will study

Coursework tailored to each student with a major advisor and plan-of-study committee: at least 8 credits in statistics, methods and experimental design, Intro to PhD Studies, PhD seminars, proseminar, grant writing, two 3-credit lab rotations, electives, comprehensive exams and dissertation research.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

A master's degree in an area related to communication science (exceptional students with a bachelor's and compelling clinical or research experience considered); minimum GPA 3.0; an identified research focus and suitable research advisor; essay on career goals and research interests; three letters of reference; CV or resume; apply through GradCAS ($50 fee); GRE not required. International applicants whose native language is not English: TOEFL iBT 100, IELTS 7.5 or Duolingo 140 (on the new TOEFL scale, 5.0 with all sub-scores of 4.0 or higher).

Domestic applicants: USD 32,140 a year (2026-27). Pennsylvania-resident graduate tuition, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Graduate Programs list, full-time two terms (fall and spring). Tuition only; mandatory fees and other expenses excluded. Source

International applicants: USD 57,816 a year (2026-27). Out-of-state (non-PA resident) graduate tuition, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences school-level rate (not among the listed out-of-state exceptions), full-time two terms (fall and spring). Tuition only; mandatory fees and other expenses excluded Source

Intake: Fall; applications open September 1, 2026 and close January 15, 2027

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