How to Apply
Application Deadlines
The application deadline is December 1, 2026.
To be considered for admission to the PhD in Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences program, please apply online via the Boston University Application.
If you experience technical challenges with the online application, please contact Application Support by email at sar-info.bu@liaisoncas.edu, by phone at 857-304-2001, or via online chat through the Applicant Help Center website. For all other questions about the program or application requirements, please contact Sargent College directly at sargrad@bu.edu. When contacting us, be sure to include your full name, the name of the program you are applying to, and your application ID number (located at the top of your application).
Application Requirements
The admissions committee considers each applicant’s experience, professional certification (if applicable), and personal statement of goals in the selection process. In addition to submitting an online application, the following items are required to be considered for admission to the PhD in Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences program:
Transcripts
Applicants should submit unofficial transcripts by uploading them within the ‘Academic History’ section of the application. Applicants receiving a degree from a college or university located outside of the United States will be required to submit unofficial transcripts translated to English with a grade rubric attached. If admitted into the program, we will then require a formal course-by-course evaluation of all non-US transcripts from a third-party verification organization such as World Education Services (WES) directly to Sargent College.
Standardized Test Scores
GRE scores are not required to apply to the program. Any GRE scores received by the program will not be considered by the admissions committee.
For international students whose first language is not English, official TOEFL iBT or IELTS Academic scores are required unless they have completed a bachelor’s degree at an institution where English is the primary language of instruction. In such cases, official documentation from the institution confirming English as the language of instruction is required.
Minimum TOEFL iBT score: 5 (equivalent to a score of 100 on former TOEFL scoring scale)
Minimum IELTS Academic score: 7
TOEFL iBT scores should be submitted electronically through ETS to BU using the institutional code 3087. IELTS Academic scores should be requested from IELTS to be released to Boston University Graduate Programs.
Letters of Recommendation
Three (3) letters of recommendation are required from individuals familiar with your academic ability. Letters of recommendation must be submitted through the online application.
Personal Statement
The online application requires applicants to upload a personal statement. Your statement should address the following prompt:
Describe your professional interests as well as your career goals. Select a potential faculty mentor and explain your choice. Include your reasons for pursuing this particular research area.
CV/Resume
The online application requires applicants to upload a CV/resume. Be sure to include an up to date publication list, if applicable.
Application Fee
A non-refundable BU application fee of $95 is required. Applicants will be prompted to pay by credit card prior to submitting the online application.
Interview
A personal interview by the doctoral program faculty is usually required.
To ensure that you will have a suitable mentor, you are strongly encouraged to meet with a research faculty member about your research interests prior to submitting an application.
Note: Students entering post-baccalaureate who are interested in speech-language studies and in obtaining clinical certification in speech-language pathology are eligible for the combined MS/PhD program in Speech-Language Pathology.