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Northern Illinois University

School of Allied Health & Communicative Disorders

Capstone Projects

Research experience

Students are expected to take a Research Seminar course (AUD 700), one course in statistics, and two courses in Au.D. Research (AUD 798).

Capstone research project

Students are expected to complete a research project prior to the completion of the AuD program. The objectives of the capstone are as follows:

  1. To provide the student with an opportunity to contribute to the research and/or clinical protocols used in the field of audiology
  2. To provide the student with an opportunity to learn about the research process and be an active participant in the collection and analyses of data
  3. To provide the student with an opportunity to contribute to the research and/or clinical protocols used in the field of audiology

Capstone Advisor and Committee

At the start of the 2nd year in the Au.D. program, each student will choose a capstone advisor among the three audiology academic faculty. This decision should be based on mutual research interests and availability. After a capstone advisor is chosen, the student and advisor identify two additional faculty members to serve on the capstone committee. These individuals can be within or outside of the School and are chosen based on their expertise and ability to contribute to the development and evaluation of the capstone project.

Capstone deadlines

Students are to use the following deadlines as a template. Additional deadlines may be imposed by each student’s capstone advisor.

  • Prior to the start of the 2nd year
    Students choose a capstone advisor
  • Prior to the start of the 3rd year
    • Students choose a capstone committee (the capstone advisor and at least two additional faculty members)
    • Students obtain approval of the Northern Illinois Institutional Review Board (IRB)
  • At the end of the fall semester of the 3rd year
    Students complete written prospectus. The purpose of the document is to outline the capstone project. It should contain the following sections:
    • A comprehensive introduction, detailing the existing literature in the field of study;
    • The main research question of the capstone project;
    • A detailed methods section, describing the techniques that the students will use to answer their research questions
  • At the end of the spring semester of the 3rd year
    Students present their completed capstone projects. Students final presentations will be evaluated by their capstone committees.

Northern Illinois University Audiology Day

In 2009, the Au.D. program held the first annual Audiology Day. Third-year students had an opportunity to present their completed capstone project to faculty and students of the School. This purpose of this day is to showcase the projects of the students as well as to celebrate the students’ accomplishments. The Au.D. program is planning to continue this tradition each year.

Courtney MwangiCourtney Mwangi

Courtney Mwangi

"As part of my Au.D. capstone project, I traveled to Kenya, Africa through a grant provided by Oticon, Inc. to determine tha status of ear pathologies in HIV+ children. I participated in a two-week long audiology clinic with two audiologists and tested 250 children. We performed otoscopy, tympanometry, and hearing testing to determine course of treatment needed, if any. We identified numerous cases of ear infections, tympanic membrane perforations, and impacted cerumen. Through this trip and follow-up visits from the audiologist, a lasting impact will be made on this population of children. Though we came across many pathologies, the children were amazingly resilient and happy! This experience has broadened my view of audiology and has given me greater insight into ear pathologies of a developing country. It was an amazing experience that I hope to continue doing in the future!