Communication Sciences and Disorders (PhD)
Admissions for this program have been suspended until further notice.
The purpose of the new doctoral program at Montclair State University provides students with the necessary training to have successful careers in academia as researchers, scholars and teachers. Graduates of the program will be prepared to assume positions in communication sciences and disorders programs and other related programs at colleges and universities and in research facilities. The PhD is not an advanced clinical degree and as such students will be mentored through rigorous and intensive coursework and research experiences. We expect that graduates of our program will serve as leaders in the study of human communication and disorders.
Along with the PhD in Communication Sciences and Disorders, the department also offers a master’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders, with a concentration in Speech Language Pathology.
Please refer to our programs of study page for a comprehensive list of all of the graduate programs offered within the university.
Students may enter the program at the post-baccalaureate level. Students with an earned master’s degree in speech-language pathology who are practicing clinicians and want additional study in research may also apply.
In order to make applying for graduate school as seamless as possible for you, we have
created an application checklist. This checklist can be a reference point for you during the
application process to ensure that you have a comprehensive understanding of the steps
needed to apply, as well as all corresponding supplemental materials for your specific
program of interest.
- Application Deadline: February 15.
- Submit Online Application: Please create your online account and submit your application by following the general application instructions and pay (or waive) the non-refundable $60 application fee. Once this step has been completed, the online portal will allow you to upload your supplemental materials.
The following is a list of the supplemental materials that will accompany your application for the Communication Sciences and Disorders (PhD) program:
- Transcript: One from each college attended.
- Essays/Personal Statement: Two.
- General Statement of Purpose: The Statement of Purpose provides you an opportunity to give evidence of your unique talents and experiences as an applicant to doctoral study at Montclair State University. In preparing your statement, please keep in mind that the Admissions Committee is seeking evidence of your ability to communicate clearly and professionally. Please include your reasons for pursuing doctoral studies by referring to relevant personal, academic and work experiences. Please also outline your future plans and any other information that may be of interest to the Admissions Committee.
- General Statement of Research/Inquiry: The Statement of Research/Inquiry provides you an opportunity to inform the Admissions Committee of your thoughts, ideas and areas of interest that may lead to dissertation research. In preparing your statement, please keep in mind that the Admissions Committee is seeking evidence of your ability to communicate clearly and professionally.
- Letters of Recommendation: Three.
- Resume: Optional.
- Standardized Test Scores: GRE (see test waiver policies).
- Students holding degrees from non-US institutions must request a course-by-course transcript evaluation from a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services or by Educated Choices. TOEFL or IELTS is required for applicants to any program who earned their degree in a country where English is not the official language. Please check our International Applicants page for more information and for our current TOEFL/IELTS Waiver Policy.
If you have any general questions regarding the application process and requirements, please email or call us:
The Graduate School
Email: graduate.school@montclair.edu
Telephone: 973-655-5147
Fax: 973-655-7869
If you have specific inquiries regarding your program of interest, please contact the Communication Sciences and Disorders (PhD) Program Coordinator:
*During the summer months, there will be a rotating department chair available to answer your inquiry. Find the updated summer chair for this program.*
Program Coordinator: Dr. Mary Boyle
Office: 1515 Broad Street 2176
Email: boylem@montclair.edu
Telephone: 973‑655‑7356