UT Health Science Center’s Audiology Program Ranks No. 22 in Nation

With its new ranking, UT Health Science Center's AuD program is now tied for the second-best audiology program in Tennessee and tied for the state's top public audiology program.

The Doctor of Audiology (AuD) program at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center has climbed into the top 25 of audiology programs nationwide, ranking No. 22 in the U.S. News & World Report's Best Graduate Schools list for 2024.

The AuD program moved up four spots from its previous ranking of No. 26 in the nation. Led by Program Director Patrick Plyler, PhD, the program is administered by the UT Health Science Center College of Health Professions and is part of the Department of Audiology and Speech Pathology in Knoxville.

"This recognition reflects the hard work and dedication of the faculty, staff, and students in the Department of Audiology and Speech Pathology," said Department Chair Ashley Harkrider, PhD. "We are committed to excellence in education, research, and practice, and this top 25 ranking is a testament to our collective efforts."

UT Health Science Center's AuD graduates are widely sought after by employers nationwide due to the program's reputation of clinical and academic excellence. Since 2013, the program has had 100% job placement among graduates, and its students regularly have a 100% completion rate. The program is accredited by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association's Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology.

AuD students train in classrooms and in clinical settings both on and off campus throughout their 11 semesters in the program.

Students in the AuD program undergo 11 semesters of full-time, intensive academic and clinical training, and complete a research project. While academic coursework is coupled with clinical practicum each semester, four semesters are dedicated to full-time clinical experience in a variety of settings, such as private practices, physician offices, hospitals, and school systems. More than 17 clinical and academic faculty members with expertise in all areas of audiology and hearing science provide training and mentoring throughout the program.

"We are very proud of our outstanding Audiology and Speech and Language Pathology team and the training they provide every day to the students in the Doctor of Audiology program," said Stephen Alway, PhD, dean of the College of Health Professions. "Our students receive stellar instruction for meeting the hearing needs of our communities and the state of Tennessee."

According to U.S. News & World Report, the rankings were calculated and published based on surveys conducted in fall 2023 and early 2024. The survey respondents - including deans, administrators, and faculty at accredited degree programs or schools across the country - rated the academic quality of peer programs on a 1-5 scale, and rankings were determined by the average of ratings each program received. Only fully accredited programs in good standing during the survey period are ranked.

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