Frequently Asked Questions
Numbers At A Glance
- PRAXIS Exam Scores 2008-09: 100% passed first attempt
- Employment Rate 2008-09: 100% (92% before graduation)
FAQs
Please see the Admissions section for information on applying to the program.
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- What is an Au.D. versus a Ph.D.?
The Au.D. (Doctorate in Audiology) is an entry-level professional, clinical degree, for students whose intended career path involves direct patient care. The Ph.D. prepares students for careers in research and academia. NIU does not offer a Ph.D. at this time.
- How does your graduate program compare to others?
Northern Illinois University has a long, rich history of educating excellent clinical audiologists. NIU was an award-winning first model program for training audiologists in hearing aid dispensing in 1978. We continue to honor that heritage, as our program is young and ambitious, and our clinical/professional and research faculty members work collaboratively to ensure program cohesion and optimal student training. Our program is clinically intensive, with an unparalleled clinical training facility housed in the same building as the academic classrooms, and an excellent network of diverse external rotation sites. We emphasize accountability, and carefully track our students’ skill development through in-house and external clinical rotations. Students are assigned to clinical advisors each year who monitor their progress and suggest goals for more intensive work.
- Who teaches the courses in your program?
Courses are taught by doctorally-qualified research and clinical/professional faculty members in their areas of expertise and interest.
- How do I apply? (and all related questions)
Please see our comprehensive guide to admissions pre-requisites and the application process.
- If I’m accepted, is it possible to attend part-time? Is it possible to begin my coursework in the spring or summer semester?
The curriculum is progressive in nature, where each semester’s coursework builds upon that in the previous semesters. Because of this, full-time matriculation must begin in the fall semester for all students
- Do you offer courses by distance learning, or for audiologists who already have a master’s degree?
At this time, no distance learning or post-baccalaureate programs are available.
- How do I set up a visit to the program?
Open houses for prospective students are scheduled throughout the year. If you cannot attend one of the sessions, we are pleased to help you arrange a personal visit. Please contact Dr. Tina Grieco-Calub at tgriecocalub@niu.edu or 815-752-8389.
- What are the annual tuition and fees?
Please see the NIU Bursar’s website on graduate tuition and fees for the most current information.
- What types of financial aid are possible?
There are many types of financial assistance that may be available to a student, including assistantships, tuition waivers, scholarships and loans. Students are encouraged to make contact with the Financial Aid Office and to submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
- Can I work during my studies?
The Au.D. is a very challenging and time-consuming program of study. Many classes are scheduled in the evenings, and clinical rotations vary by semester. Some students choose to maintain employment through their studies – some in on-campus positions - but are encouraged to limit their work to less than 20 hours per week, and to inform employers of their schedule variations and educational demands. Work demands are not considered an excused absence from class or clinical assignments.
- I am a parent. Are there any university resources available to me?
On- and off-campus child care options are available. The Commuter and Non-Traditional Student Services office is a repository for information and support.
- What is the program completion rate?
There are several reasons why students may not complete a graduate program after enrolling, including financial difficulties, health problems, and family emergencies. The program completion rate for 2008-09 graduating classes was 75% overall.
- Where do students live?
Most students living in the DeKalb/Sycamore area find private housing off-campus, though some graduate student housing is available through the university. Some students with family members in the greater Chicago area choose to live with them and commute. Due to the number of evening/night courses and group projects in graduate work, long commutes can sometimes be challenging. See the Resources page for more information on community housing and commuting options.
- How do NIU student perform on the PRAXIS exam?
The PRAXIS is a national examination of knowledge in audiology, which is required for most national certification and state licensure applications. As of July 2009, NIU’s Au.D. graduates have had a 100% pass rate their first time taking the PRAXIS exam.
- What are the job prospects after I graduate?
With the impending retirement age of the baby boomer generation, audiology is considered to be an in-demand profession, and has in fact been featured in the U.S. News & World Reports’ ‘Best Careers’ series. Of the 2008 and 2009 graduating classes, graduates achieved 100% employment within 2 months of graduation, and 92% were employed prior to graduation.
- What kinds of certification programs are available for audiologists?
Graduates of the Au.D. program are eligible for the voluntary Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) awarded by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). Though not required for licensure in any state but Alaska, the CCC is used by many states as a means of simplified transportability of credentials. The American Board of Audiology also offers voluntary national Board Certification in Audiology, typically completed within the first year following graduation from an Au.D. program. Every state requires licensure or registration of audiologists; specific requirements vary by state but NIU Au.D. graduates are eligible to apply in all states.
