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Education in AAC
What is offered in AAC at the Ph.D. level?
The goal of the Ph.D. program in AAC in the Department of Communication Disorders at Penn State
is to train researchers and future leaders in the AAC field. Graduates of the doctoral program will
be prepared for careers as researchers and scholars at colleges, universities, and research
institutes. There is a strong research component within the program, training students to become
independent researchers and to contribute to the knowledge base of AAC. In addition to the
coursework offered at the graduate level, Ph.D. students are involved in the following activities:
- Customized curriculum
- Research in AAC
- Funding Support at the Ph.D. Level
- Research assistantships
- Teaching assistantships
- Clinical supervision
- Other funding
Customized Curriculum
The curriculum leading to a Ph.D. degree is individually customized for each person to allow the
student to build competencies in AAC and supporting areas. Each student gains extensive expertise
in AAC and significant expertise in at least two related areas of study within Communication
Disorders and one related area of study outside the department. Additionally, each student
develops competencies in research methods, statistics, and other tools (e.g., grant writing,
teaching). The curriculum and other experiences will prepare students to assume leadership roles
within the field of AAC.
Some examples of related areas of study within the department include: child language development,
child language disorders, and motor speech disorders. Some examples of related areas of study
outside of the department include: cognitive development and rehabilitation counseling. The
program is developed by the student and an advisory committee.
Research in AAC
Doctoral students are given a variety of opportunities to participate in research projects. The
degree program provides significant research training and experiences and the opportunity to work
with nationally and internationally recognized faculty. For a list of current research projects
in AAC at Penn State, click here. Throughout the program, the student will have the opportunity
to develop skills in: reading, critically reviewing, and synthesizing research literature in AAC,
identifying critical research questions, designing and carrying out high quality empirical
studies, collecting data, analyzing data, and interpreting results. Doctoral students will be
involved in presentations at local, national, and international conferences, and in submitting
manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals.
Funding in AAC at the Ph.D. level
Research Assistantships
Assistantships are available on some of the research projects currently in progress in AAC.
Research assistants are typically involved in some aspects of literature review, study design,
data collection, data analysis and interpretation, manuscript preparation, and presentation of
results at local, national, and international conferences. Additionally, doctoral students may be
asked to take significant leadership on projects and assist in directing other students. For a
list of current research projects in AAC at Penn State, click
here.
Teaching Assistantships
Doctoral students are given the opportunity to develop teaching skills through teaching
assistantships within the department. Responsibilities may include holding office hours or lab
hours, occasional lecturing, test preparation and scoring, and general assistance with the course.
After the student has had the opportunity to be mentored in teaching by a faculty member, he/she
may be able to independently teach an undergraduate course, based on availability and expertise
of the student and the needs of the department.
Clinical Supervision
Doctoral students with an ASHACertificate of Clinical Competence may have the opportunity to be
a clinical supervisor to the Masters students in the Speech and Hearing Clinic at Penn State.
This opportunity allows for continued development of clinical skills while sharing past
experiential knowledge with graduate students.
Other Funding
Other traineeships, fellowships, and scholarships may be available from state, federal, or
private funds. Students should contact the Office of Student Aid at Penn State (314 Shields
Building, University Park, PA 16802; 814-865-6301) or the Fellowships and Awards Office at Penn
State (313 Kern Building, University Park, PA 16802; 814-865-2514) for further information.
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