M.S.-Ph.D.

For applicants who apply to the master's program with the intent of continuing on to the doctoral program, we offer a direct transition. Students are automatically admitted to the doctoral program if they pass the first year review process. Although the M.S.-Ph.D. does not necessarily reduce the amount of time it take to complete the two degrees, it allows students to begin their research training earlier than traditional doctoral programs.

The first year of study is similar to the other master’s students’ courses. M.S.-Ph.D. students participate in research activities early on and complete a master’s thesis by the end of the second year (This is a requirement for M.S.-Ph.D. students who receive funding.). In the fall semester of the second year of the master’s program, M.S.-Ph.D. students are assigned a masters/doctoral committee and begin to participate in doctoral courses and activities while continuing with the master’s programming.

This program is tailor-made to each student and does not compromise the requirements for either the master’s or the doctoral degree. Most students complete both the clinical Master’s degree (to become a licensed speech-language pathologist) and the Ph.D. (doctoral) degree.  Students should be aware that if they leave the program without completing the doctorate, BGSU does not offer a non-clinical master’s degree.   

The typical interval to complete the M.S.-Ph.D. (earning both the master’s and doctoral degrees) is 6 years. The duration of the program may be longer for students who desire to become complete their Clinical Fellowship Year during the program.

If you are interested in the M.S.-Ph.D., please read over the web pages for the master’s program and doctoral program. These will give you more information that is helpful for M.S.-Ph.D. students. 

Inquiries about the M.S.-Ph.D. should be directed to the graduate coordinator, Dr. Virginia Dubasik.