https://healthsciences.pacific.edu/healthsciences/programs/audiology

Gabriella Musacchia, Ph.D., Department Chair & Program Director

Mission

The mission of the Doctor of Audiology program at University of the Pacific is to empower aspiring audiologists to achieve the highest quality of education through an accelerated program that emphasizes academic excellence, student-centered learning, inclusion, humanistic patient care, innovation in audiological research and a strong commitment to community service. We aim to graduate practice-ready, forward-thinking professionals who advance the field of audiology and provide exceptional care to individuals with hearing and balance disorders.

Program Offered

Doctor of Audiology

The Doctor of Audiology program at University of the Pacific is an entry-level doctoral degree program designed to comprehensively educate students over three years. The curriculum encompasses key areas such as foundational sciences, pediatric and adult diagnostics, and amplification. From their very first day, our students are immersed in hands-on clinical experiences, working with diverse populations to deliver effective and holistic care. Our teaching approach is to nurture future leaders through personalized mentorship and a supportive learning environment.  Integration of evidence-based research is a major focus of our curriculum, ensuring that all students have opportunities for active participation in annual conferences and faculty-guided research projects. Community service for the undeserved is emphasized throughout the program, encouraging students to extend their expertise beyond traditional clinical settings. Upon completion, graduates will meet all educational requirements for AuD licensure and will have the opportunity to qualify for the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology (CCC-A) issued by ASHA.

The program is conducted in-person at the San Francisco campus by faculty members who possess extensive clinical expertise and academic mastery in the discipline. The prerequisite degree is an undergraduate Bachelor of Arts or Science (or equivalent). The program follows a cohort-based educational model requiring the students to complete courses sequentially as outlined in the curriculum. Successful completion of all courses each trimester is necessary for progression to the next trimester.

Accreditation

The Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.) education program in audiology (residential) at University of the Pacific is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 2200 Research Boulevard, #310, Rockville, MD 20850, 800-498-2071 or 301-296-5700.

The Doctor of Audiology (AuD) program at University of the Pacific is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Audiology Education (ACAE), 11480 Commerce Park Drive, Suite 220, Reston, VA 20191  (703) 226-1056  https://acaeaccred.org/ for the period of April 1, 2018 – April 30, 2028.

Admission Requirements

A Bachelor of Arts or Sciences or equivalent with an overall 3.0 GPA and three letters of recommendation. Prerequisites include 3 semester or 4 quarter units in Mathematics (Statistics, Pre-Calculus or Calculus) and 3 semester or 4 quarter units in Biological Sciences and Physical Sciences (General Biology, Physics or Human Anatomy & Physiology). Applications are accepted through The Centralized Application Service for Communication Science & Disorders Programs. Apply here: https://csdcas.liaisoncas.org/

Other Admissions Requirements
Technical Standards

​​Students must be able to achieve and maintain certain technical standards of knowledge and skill. The technical standards apply to satisfactory performance in all academic and clinical course work, as well as fulfillment of non-academic essential functions of the curriculum involving communication, motor, cognitive, and behavioral factors. Students must review these standards in the Student Handbook and attest to their ability to meet them prior to matriculation.  Students who are unsure of their capacity to meet these standards may inquire about reasonable accommodations through the Services for Students with Disabilities office.

International Applicants

All prerequisite course work must be completed at an accredited US institution. Baccalaureate degrees will be accepted from foreign institutions only if accompanied by a World Education Services (WES) evaluation of foreign training.

Language

The entire curriculum is taught in the English language. If English is not your first language, you may be required to take the TOEFL/ IELTS and should submit your score with your CAPCSD application. The program will not accept applications with a TOEFL score less than 100 or IELTS score less than 7.0. TOEFL scores are valid for two years after the test date per ETS website. View the TOEFL Flowchart to see if it is required for you.

Doctor of Audiology

The Doctor of Audiology program is a full-time program with a cohort based plan of study. Students are required to enroll full-time and must advance through a pre-determined curriculum in sequence with their cohort.  Students are required to successfully pass each course in a given trimester in order to advance to the subsequent trimester with their cohort and progress in the program.  Students who do not pass a course, or who withdraw from a course, will not be able to progress with their cohort in the program.  Students may be able to rejoin the program at a later date if allowed by program policy and approved by the department chair.

Students must complete a minimum of 125 units with a Pacific cumulative grade point average of 3.0 in order to earn the doctor of audiology degree.

First Year
Trimester 1Units
AUDI 301Anatomy and Physiology of Hearing3
AUDI 303Signals and Systems3
AUDI 305Diagnostic Audiology I3
AUDI 306Diagnostic Audiology Lab1
AUDI 307Diagnostic Audiology II3
AUDI 315Amplification I3
AUDI 316Amplification Lab1
AUDI 385AAudiology Practicum I1
AUDI 386APracticum Seminar I1
 Term Units19
Trimester 2
AUDI 309Diagnostic Electrophysiology I3
AUDI 310Diagnostic Electrophysiology Lab1
AUDI 311Pediatric Audiology3
AUDI 317Amplification II3
AUDI 341Psychoacoustics3
AUDI 345Hearing Disorders3
AUDI 385BAudiology Practicum II1
AUDI 386BPracticum Seminar II1
 Term Units18
Trimester 3
AUDI 331Vestibular Assessment I3
AUDI 332Vestibular Assessment Lab1
AUDI 338Speech-Language Pathology for Audiologists2
AUDI 340Deaf Culture and Communication Systems1
AUDI 343Research Methods3
AUDI 367Vestibular Assessment II3
AUDI 373Professional Issues I1
AUDI 385CAudiology Practicum III1
 Term Units15
Second Year
Trimester 4
AUDI 319Amplification III3
AUDI 321Auditory Implants3
AUDI 325Aural Rehabilitation3
AUDI 371Counseling3
AUDI 383Professional Issues II1
AUDI 370AInternship I3
 Term Units16
Trimester 5
AUDI 313Central Auditory Processing - Diagnosis & Management3
AUDI 349Industrial Audiology3
AUDI 358Pharmacology and Ototoxicity for Audiologists2
AUDI 364Diagnostic Electrophysiology II2
AUDI 368Physical and Behavioral Health for Audiology2
AUDI 393Professional Issues III1
AUDI 370BInternship II3
 Term Units16
Trimester 6
AUDI 347Tinnitus Assessment and Treatment3
AUDI 355Practice Management3
AUDI 362Comprehensive Differential Diagnosis2
AUDI 366Advanced Topics in Research, Practice and Technology2
AUDI 370CInternship III1
 Term Units11
Third Year
Trimester 7
AUDI 388AExternship I9
AUDI 389AExternship Seminar I1
 Term Units10
Trimester 8
AUDI 388BExternship II9
AUDI 389BExternship Seminar II1
 Term Units10
Trimester 9
AUDI 388CExternship III9
AUDI 389CExternship Seminar III1
 Term Units10
Total Unit: 125

Course Descriptions

AUDI 301. Anatomy and Physiology of Hearing. 3 Units.

An in-depth course on the anatomy and physiology of the hearing mechanism primarily as it related to hearing. Prerequisites: Admission to the AuD program or permission of instructor.

AUDI 303. Signals and Systems. 3 Units.

Basics of signal processing for hearing aids and equipment that measure hearing. IEC/ANSI standards of performance for the instrumentation, calibration procedures, and compliance. Prerequisites: Admission to the AuD program or permission of instructor.

AUDI 305. Diagnostic Audiology I. 3 Units.

Foundation and orientation to audiological equipment and testing. Basic audiometric tests and underlying principles, case history and universal precautions. Prerequisites: Admission to the AuD program or permission of instructor.

AUDI 306. Diagnostic Audiology Lab. 1 Unit.

Foundation and orientation to audiological equipment and testing. Practical experience with a focus on basic audiometric and physiologic tests, case history and universal precautions. Prerequisites: Admission to the AuD program or permission of instructor.

AUDI 307. Diagnostic Audiology II. 3 Units.

Evaluation of middle ear function by using the principles of acoustic immittance. Principles underlying optoacoustic emissions. Implementation of tests and formulation of diagnosis based on test results. Prerequisites: Admission to the AuD program or permission of instructor.

AUDI 309. Diagnostic Electrophysiology I. 3 Units.

Diagnostic electrophysiological techniques, assessment of hearing using auditory evoked responses across all age ranges. Evidence-based best practices for determining threshold and neurophysiological integrity with the auditory brainstem response (ABR). Prerequisites: Successful completion of all previous courses in the AUD course sequence or permission of instructor.

AUDI 310. Diagnostic Electrophysiology Lab. 1 Unit.

Applied, hands-on training in Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) techniques for the measurement and interpretation of Threshold Estimation and Neurodiagnostic protocols for adults and children. Prerequisites: Successful completion of all previous courses in the AUD course sequence or permission of instructor.

AUDI 311. Pediatric Audiology. 3 Units.

Diagnostic assessment of children from ages 0-18. Embryology and hearing development and genetics of hearing loss. Prerequisites: Successful completion of all previous courses in the AUD course sequence or permission of instructor.

AUDI 313. Central Auditory Processing - Diagnosis & Management. 3 Units.

This course provides overview of the central auditory nervous system with emphasis on the neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, and the central auditory disorders and their assessment and management. The course also provides detailed discussion of the theory, causes, diagnosis, management strategies for central auditory processing disorders, and differentiation diagnosis of cases with central auditory processing disorders.

AUDI 315. Amplification I. 3 Units.

This course provides theoretical and applied understanding of current technology in hearing aids, hearing aid components, compression, hearing aid acoustics, digital sound processing schemes, programming of hearing instruments, and electroacoustic analysis of the performance of hearing instruments. Prerequisites: Admission to the AuD program or permission of instructor.

AUDI 316. Amplification Lab. 1 Unit.

This course provides hands on practicum regarding hearing aid troubleshooting, taking ear impressions, modifying earmolds, fitting software manipulations, ANSI electroacoustic analysis, and real ear measurements. Prerequisites: Admission to the AuD program or permission of instructor.

AUDI 317. Amplification II. 3 Units.

This course provides detailed discussion of hearing aid candidacy; procedures for selecting, prescribing, and fitting hearing aids; patient counseling; follow up procedures; clinical procedures related to amplification; validation methods; and fine tuning of hearing aid features and digital processing schemes. Prerequisites: Successful completion of all previous courses in the AUD course sequence or permission of instructor.

AUDI 319. Amplification III. 3 Units.

This course provides advanced application of knowledge and skills obtained in AUDI 315 and AUDI 317, and provides detailed discussion about hearing aid issues for special populations, evidence based practice in hearing aids, enhancing the amplification benefit in different situations using: bilateral advantage, wireless transmission, assistive listening devices, and counseling techniques. Prerequisites: Successful completion of all previous courses in the AUD course sequence or permission of instructor.

AUDI 321. Auditory Implants. 3 Units.

This course covers a variety of auditory prosthetic devices with emphasis on cochlear implant technology. History, pediatric and adult candidacy, signal processing strategies and fitting protocols will be explored in detail. Prerequisites: Successful completion of all previous courses in the AUD course sequence or permission of instructor.

AUDI 323. Pediatric Aural Rehabilitation. 3 Units.

This course is an overview of current management options for the (re)habilitation of children with hearing loss.

AUDI 325. Aural Rehabilitation. 3 Units.

Rehabilitation of children and adults with hearing loss. Current rehabilitation strategies and outcome measures that assess patients’ success. Prerequisites: Successful completion of all previous courses in the AUD course sequence or permission of instructor.

AUDI 327. Auditory Verbal Therapy. 3 Units.

Key principles and components of a successful auditory-verbal program along with procedural outlines to formulate a strategy to implement goals, including audiological monitoring, parent training and therapy components.

AUDI 331. Vestibular Assessment I. 3 Units.

Anatomy and physiology of the vestibular mechanism, diagnostic tests, case history, bedside evaluations, and ENG/VNG test battery. Prerequisites: Successful completion of all previous courses in the AUD course sequence or permission of instructor.

AUDI 332. Vestibular Assessment Lab. 1 Unit.

Hands on training to implement tests of vestibular function including diagnostic tests, case history, bedside evaluations, and ENG/VNG test battery. Prerequisites: Successful completion of all previous courses in the AUD course sequence or permission of instructor.

AUDI 333. Vestibular Treatment. 3 Units.

Didactic and hands on approach to management and treatment of vestibular disorders. Causes and pathophysiology of vestibular loss, treatment programs. Interdisciplinary approach to the patient management.

AUDI 335. Speech and Language Development. 3 Units.

Overview of the normal processes underlying speech and language development across the lifespan.

AUDI 338. Speech-Language Pathology for Audiologists. 2 Units.

Overview of the speech and language disorders, screening and identification of children at risk for speech and language disorders. Basic phonetics and transcription, basic speech and language screening protocols. Prerequisites: Successful completion of all previous courses in the AUD course sequence or permission of instructor.

AUDI 340. Deaf Culture and Communication Systems. 1 Unit.

Introduction to Deaf Culture and American Sign Language (ASL), with emphasis on signs most useful to audiologists working clinically. Prerequisites: Successful completion of all previous courses in the AUD course sequence or permission of instructor.

AUDI 341. Psychoacoustics. 3 Units.

Physical and psychological attributes related to sound in normal hearing and impaired ears. Classical psychophysical methods discussed, with an emphasis on their application to audiological testing.

AUDI 343. Research Methods. 3 Units.

Introduction to research methods used in audiology. Statistical analyses in descriptive and experimental research. Prerequisites: Successful completion of all previous courses in the AUD course sequence or permission of instructor.

AUDI 345. Hearing Disorders. 3 Units.

Etiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the outer, middle, inner ear and the central auditory system. Syndromic and non-syndromic genetic disorders along with their impact on the development and function of the auditory system. Prerequisites: Successful completion of all previous courses in the AUD course sequence or permission of instructor.

AUDI 347. Tinnitus Assessment and Treatment. 3 Units.

Causes and pathophysiology of tinnitus. The various therapies, pharmacological agents, and management of tinnitus. Prerequisites: Successful completion of all previous courses in the AUD course sequence or permission of instructor.

AUDI 349. Industrial Audiology. 3 Units.

Introduction to the basic principles of sound and its measurement, including Damage Risk Criteria and its application to noise-induced hearing loss will be addressed, as well as components of hearing conservation programs in a variety of settings and evaluation of their effectiveness in the prevention of hearing. Prerequisites: Successful completion of all previous courses in the AUD course sequence or permission of instructor.

AUDI 355. Practice Management. 3 Units.

This course provides detailed discussion of operational and business management of audiology clinical practice, business plan development, startup and long term business plans, and legal considerations. Prerequisites: Successful completion of all previous courses in the AUD course sequence or permission of instructor.

AUDI 358. Pharmacology and Ototoxicity for Audiologists. 2 Units.

Basic concepts and terminology of pharmacology will be explored, including pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and ototoxic drugs. Medications that may contribute to or treat audiologic and vestibular diagnoses will be discussed. Legislation and regulatory issues related to drug clinical trials and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will be reviewed. Prerequisites: Successful completion of all previous courses in the AUD course sequence or permission of instructor.

AUDI 362. Comprehensive Differential Diagnosis. 2 Units.

Comprehensive review of use of auditory and vestibular test batteries in different diagnosis and management of patients. Prerequisites: Successful completion of all previous courses in the AUD course sequence or permission of instructor.

AUDI 364. Diagnostic Electrophysiology II. 2 Units.

Advance assessments of hearing using auditory evoked responses across all age ranges. Evidence based review of the measurement and interpretation of the neurophysiological and electrophysiological methods of auditory function assessment in adults and children. Prerequisites: Successful completion of all previous courses in the AUD course sequence or permission of instructor.

AUDI 366. Advanced Topics in Research, Practice and Technology. 2 Units.

Advance topics of current trends in the field of audiology. Seminars in contemporary research topics, developments in evidence-based practice, and advancement in technology in the industry. Prerequisites: Successful completion of all previous courses in the AUD course sequence or permission of instructor.

AUDI 367. Vestibular Assessment II. 3 Units.

Anatomy and physiology of the vestibular mechanism, case history, bedside evaluations, advanced diagnostic tests, introduction to vestibular rehabilitation, and advanced topics in vestibular research. Prerequisites: Successful completion of all previous courses in the AUD course sequence or permission of instructor.

AUDI 368. Physical and Behavioral Health for Audiology. 2 Units.

Referral and management of common health conditions including physical and behavioral health. Implications for hearing loss and clinical management. Prerequisites: Successful completion of all previous courses in the AUD course sequence or permission of instructor.

AUDI 370C. Internship III. 1 Unit.

Clinical Experience in an off-campus placement to develop intermediate audiology skills and provide patient care. Minimum of 100 hours of clinical experience required. Prerequisites: Successful completion of all previous courses in the AUD course sequence or permission of instructor.

AUDI 370B. Internship II. 3 Units.

Clinical Experience in an off-campus placement to develop intermediate audiology skills and provide patient care. Minimum of 200 hours of clinical experience required. Prerequisites: Successful completion of all previous courses in the AUD course sequence or permission of instructor.

AUDI 370A. Internship I. 3 Units.

Clinical Experience in an off-campus placement to develop beginning audiology skills and provide patient care. Minimum of 200 hours of clinical experience required. Prerequisites: Successful completion of all previous courses in the AUD course sequence or permission of instructor.

AUDI 371. Counseling. 3 Units.

This course provides an overview of the theory and practice of counseling, with a focus on diagnosis, rehabilitation and adjustment processes of patients and families. The course emphasizes patient-centered care, psychosocial effects of hearing loss, tinnitus and balance disorders, multicultural and multigenerational approaches of counseling. Prerequisites: Successful completion of all previous courses in the AUD course sequence or permission of instructor.

AUDI 373. Professional Issues I. 1 Unit.

Current issues in the profession of audiology including audiology scope of practice, audiology employment opportunities, state licensure requirements to practice audiology, and professional certification options for audiologists. Prerequisites: Successful completion of all previous courses in the AUD course sequence or permission of instructor.

AUDI 383. Professional Issues II. 1 Unit.

Course content will discuss current issues in the profession of audiology including audiology employment opportunities, state licensure requirements vs. professional certification options, ethical and legal issues for audiologists, and coding & billing. Prerequisites: Successful completion of all previous courses in the AUD course sequence or permission of instructor.

AUDI 385C. Audiology Practicum III. 1 Unit.

Guided clinical experience of a variety of audiological activities in diagnostic evaluations and hearing aid fittings under the guidance of clinical supervisors. Students will accrue a minimum of 40 patient contact hours. Prerequisites: Successful completion of all previous courses in the AUD course sequence or permission of instructor.

AUDI 385B. Audiology Practicum II. 1 Unit.

Guided clinical experience of a variety of audiological activities in diagnostic evaluations and hearing aid fittings under the guidance of clinical supervisors. Students will accrue a minimum of 40 patient contact hours.

AUDI 385A. Audiology Practicum I. 1 Unit.

Guided observations of a variety of audiologic activities and preliminary structured participation as aide in diagnostic evaluations under the guidance of clinical supervisors. Students will accrue a minimum of 40 patient observations and/or contact hours. Prerequisites: Admission to the AuD program or permission of instructor. Prerequisites: Successful completion of all previous courses in the AUD course sequence or permission of instructor.

AUDI 386B. Practicum Seminar II. 1 Unit.

Evidence-based approach, to advanced procedures and protocols for diagnostic testing, results, and recommendations. Prerequisites: Successful completion of all previous courses in the AUD course sequence or permission of instructor.

AUDI 386A. Practicum Seminar I. 1 Unit.

Evidence-based approach, to advanced procedures and protocols for diagnostic testing, results, and recommendations. Prerequisites: Admission to the AuD program or permission of instructor.

AUDI 388C. Externship III. 9 Units.

Clinical Experience in an off-campus placement to develop advanced audiology skills and provide patient care. Minimum of 500 hours of clinical experience required. Prerequisites: Successful completion of all previous courses in the AUD course sequence or permission of instructor.

AUDI 388B. Externship II. 9 Units.

Clinical Experience in an off-campus placement to develop advanced audiology skills and provide patient care. Minimum of 500 hours of clinical experience required. Prerequisites: Successful completion of all previous courses in the AUD course sequence or permission of instructor.

AUDI 388A. Externship I. 9 Units.

Clinical Experience in an off-campus placement to develop advanced audiology skills and provide patient care. Minimum of 500 hours of clinical experience required. Prerequisites: Successful completion of all previous courses in the AUD course sequence or permission of instructor.

AUDI 389C. Externship Seminar III. 1 Unit.

Utilizing an evidence-based approach, case presentations are made by students in a grand rounds format (presenting a particular patient’s medical problems, diagnostic testing results and treatment effects) to other audiology students and faculty incorporating various clinical practices and evaluation and treatment protocols. Prerequisites: Successful completion of all previous courses in the AUD course sequence or permission of instructor.

AUDI 389B. Externship Seminar II. 1 Unit.

Utilizing an evidence-based approach, case presentations are made by students in a grand rounds format (presenting a particular patient’s medical problems, diagnostic testing results and treatment effects) to other audiology students and faculty incorporating various clinical practices and evaluation and treatment protocols. Prerequisites: Successful completion of all previous courses in the AUD course sequence or permission of instructor.

AUDI 389A. Externship Seminar I. 1 Unit.

Utilizing an evidence-based approach, case presentations are made by students in a grand rounds format (presenting a particular patient’s medical problems, diagnostic testing results and treatment effects) to other audiology students and faculty incorporating various clinical practices and evaluation and treatment protocols. Prerequisites: Successful completion of all previous courses in the AUD course sequence or permission of instructor.

AUDI 391. Graduate Independent Study. 1-4 Units.

AUDI 393. Professional Issues III. 1 Unit.

Course content will discuss current issues in the profession of audiology including audiology scope of practice, audiology externship preparation, state licensure requirements vs. professional certification options, ethical, cultural, and legal issues for audiologists. Prerequisites: Successful completion of all previous courses in the AUD course sequence or permission of instructor.

AUDI 397. Graduate Research. 1-6 Units.

Graduates of the Doctor of Audiology program will demonstrate:

Comprehensive Knowledge

Graduates will demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of audiology theories, principles, and practices, as evidenced by high academic performance and successful completion of coursework that aligns with accreditation standards.

Clinical Competence

Graduates will develop clinical competence, including the ability to assess, diagnose, and treat individuals with hearing and balance disorders, meeting or exceeding clinical education accreditation standards.

Professionalism and Ethical Behavior

Graduates will exhibit professionalism and ethical behavior in audiological practice, adhering to the highest ethical standards in patient care and research. 

Engagement in Research Activities

Graduates will engage in research activities, such as designing experiments, conducting studies, and presenting findings, contributing to the advancement and understanding of evidence-based audiological knowledge. 

Community Outreach

Graduates will actively participate in community health initiatives, outreach programs, and partnerships, addressing hearing health disparities, and promoting community well-being.

Audiology Faculty

Joe Hu, Vice-Chair, Director of Clinical Education, August 17, 2015, Au.D., Ph.D., jhu@pacific.edu

Gabriella Musacchia, Department Chair, Program Director, July 1, 2015, Ph.D., gmusacchia@pacific.edu, 415-400-8424

Gail Amornpongchai, Clinic Director (Stockton), September 14, 2015, Au.D., gamornpongchai@pacific.edu

Julia Chung, Clinic Director (San Francisco), August 2, 2021, Au.D., jchung1@pacific.edu

Munirah Awad, July 13, 2022, Au.D., mawad@pacific.edu

Fadi Najem, July 1, 2021, Au.D., Ph.D., fnajem@pacific.edu

Melanie Rosenblatt, June 18, 2022, Au.D., mrosenblatt@pacific.edu

Celia Zhang, July 1, 2021, Au.D., Ph.D., czhang1@pacific.edu