Applying to 2 different grad programs at same school?

[sandst]

Advertisement - Members don't see this ad

Would I be seen as a bad candidate if I did this? I want to apply to the audiology doctorate program, which is a 4 year degree, but I want to have a backup plan and apply to the speech pathology master's program at the same time at the same university. Do you think they would care? I don't want to appear scattered. Just wondering.

 

[willi113]

Depends on the school ? If it is a school i am familiar with I might be able to give you some advice. (I am a current audiology doctorate student)

 

[sandst]

I am thinking of University of North Texas, where I got my Bachelor's degree.

Are you enjoying audiology studies? I think it is my first choice as far as what fits my personality, but I am so afraid I am going to get bored with the clinic work too easily. The reason I am considering speech is mainly because there are more jobs available, I can easily work in a school setting and maybe get summers off (expecting first child in July, so that would be a plus). But, I am afraid of getting bored of that, too! I just worry that I would commit to that 4 years and not be able to find a job in my city, whereas speech jobs are in demand. Any input? Thanks!

 

[willi113]

I am not familiar with that school, but now that I have given it more thought I don't think that it would be viewed poorly because there are many clinicians that are dual-certified in both speech and audiology. In fact, I believe it is even seen as an advantage in some auditory-oral schools for deaf. However, I assume it is not your intention to be certified in both, but that would be one way to justify applying for both and then you could just "change" your mind later 😉

I am enjoying my audiology program so far, but I was originally torn between audiology and medicine. I think ultimately I want to go to medical school and be an ENT as well so I can deal with every aspect of hearing as opposed to being limited to diagnostics and rehabilitation (I'd like to be able to correct the medical problems as well).

As far as jobs go I think that you are right about their being more jobs in speech pathology. I think there are plenty of jobs in audiology, but if you are not willing to move it might be hard to find a job in the area of audiology that you want. Again, that depends on what type of audiology you are interested in. For ex. if you want to work in hearing aid dispensing with the baby boomer population it is going to be a lot easier to find work closer to you than if you want to work with vestibular disorders. You can check out the job listings on audiologyonline.com to get an idea of the job opportunities.

I hope this helps . Let me know if you have any other questions! 🙂

 

[sandst]

Thanks for your input! I just wanted to apply for both in case I didn't get accepted into one or the other so I can have a backup plan. Either way, I just want to be doing something by next fall!