CSD Graduates’ Perceptions (Crais & Savage, 2020)

Purpose: The shortage of doctor of philosophy (PhD)–

level applicants to fill academic and research positions in

communication sciences and disorders (CSD) programs

calls for a detailed examination of current CSD PhD

educational practices and the generation of creative

solutions. The intended purposes of the article are

to encourage CSD faculty to examine their own PhD

program practices and consider the perspectives of

recent CSD PhD graduates in determining the need for

possible modifications.

Method: The article describes the results of a survey of

240 CSD PhD graduates and their perceptions of the

challenges and facilitators to completing a PhD degree;

the quality of their preparation in research, teaching, and

job readiness; and ways to improve PhD education.

Results: Two primary themes emerged from the data

highlighting the need for “matchmaking.” The first time

point of needed matchmaking is prior to entry among

students, mentors, and expectations as well as between

aspects of the program that can lead to students’ success

and graduation. The second important matchmaking need

is between the actual PhD preparation and the realities of

the graduates’ career expectations, and those placed on

graduates by their employers.

Conclusions: Within both themes, graduate’s perspectives

and suggestions to help guide future doctoral preparation

are highlighted. The graduates’ recommendations could be

used by CSD PhD program faculty to enhance the quality

of their program and the likelihood of student success and

completion.

Supplemental Material S1. Survey.

Crais, E. & Savage, M. H. (2020). Communication sciences and disorders PhD graduates’ perceptions of their PhD program. Perspectives of the ASHA Special Interest Groups. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1044/2020_PERSP-19-00107