In the United States, master’s level audiology training programs have been phased out to be replaced by the four-year clinical doctorate, the Doctor of Audiology degree (AuD), earned after a bachelor’s degree. Osborne Audiology helped steer this course of action for practicing audiologists in the United States to transition from a master’s degree to an AuD degree by offering an online AuD-bridge program from the years 2000 to 2010. Our current goal is to extend a similar program to domestic and international audiologists so that they can maintain high standards of practice by staying in touch with the current state of the science of audiology.

The intended program start date of the AuD Bridge degree program is August (fall term) of each year. Applications must be submitted on or before July 15 of the year of desired enrollment. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

The Admissions Committee review and selection begins after applicants have sent all the necessary documents to the Office of Admissions (graduateadmissions@drexel.edu). To receive priority consideration, applicants are encouraged to apply early and complete the application requirements as soon as possible. Please note: Each new cohort will begin every August. Hence, the entire application process may occur over a six month period.

Please note: The admission requirements of an official foreign credential evaluation (as necessary), English Language Proficiency exam (as necessary) and recommendation letters must be met as soon as possible after submitting the online application.

What is the AuD degree?
The AuD, or Doctor of Audiology, degree is a clinical doctorate. It enables audiologists to work to the fullest extent of Audiology’s scope of practice. Its clinical focus differentiates it from the PhD, or Doctor of Philosophy, which emphasizes research. Since 2007, the AuD degree is the minimum requirement to practice Audiology in the United States. 
What is the goal of AuD Bridge degree program?

The purpose of the AuD Bridge program is to offer audiologists who have a master’s degree the opportunity to refine their knowledge and skills, stay abreast of development in science and clinical practice, and expand their professional expertise. Further, our program is offered fully online so that students have the flexibility to complete our program while still working, etc.

How is the AuD Bridge degree program different from other AuD programs?
  • The AuD Bridge program is a two-year degree program for audiologists with a master’s degree in Audiology (or related field) who have at least three years of relevant work experience. It can be completed entirely online (with optional in-person workshops, if desired) and there isare no clinical training requirements. 
  • Traditional AuD programs take 3-4 years to complete (including clinical training and externship), have no requirement of previous Audiology training or work experience, and are [almost] entirely in-person (that is, you must be located within daily commuting distance of campus). 
Is the AuD degree that I will receive on successful completion of the AuD Bridge program the same as the degree from a traditional AuD program?
  • The short answer is, yes – the AuD Bridge program maintains academic standards comparable to traditional AuD programs, and the degrees are equivalent. Students are expected to maintain a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher throughout the program. 
  • It must be noted, however, that the AuD Bridge program does not include a clinical training component. As such, upon completion of the program, the University can only attest to the student’s academic accomplishment and not to the clinical credentials of the audiologist. 
  • One practical implication for those intending to obtain audiology licensure or certification in the US is that they must independently obtain the necessary supervised clinical training. 
Who should enroll in the AuD Bridge degree program?
  • The AuD Bridge program is for practicing audiologists who have a master’s degree and at least three years relevant work experience who want to refine their knowledge and skills, stay abreast of development in science and clinical practice, and expand their professional expertise. 
  • You may be a good candidate for the AuD Bridge program if:
    • You want to advance your Audiology career; 
    • You want to pivot or expand your area(s) of practice or concentration in Audiology; 
    • You want to connect with leaders and experts in the profession, and cultivate a global network of peers; 
    • You have immigrated to the US with a master’s degree in Audiology and want to continue working as an audiologist (verify state licensure requirements). 
How will obtaining an AuD degree benefit me?
  • The AuD degree has replaced the master’s degree in the United States as the profession’s entry-level clinical degree for the practice of audiology. The AuD degree defines the role of the audiologist as an independent professional and provider of audiology diagnostic and treatment services to those with hearing and balance disorders within the medical and healthcare service delivery. 
  • We believe that the first step to achieving professional autonomy is by expanding the knowledge base within the profession and developing competencies to match the demands of the profession. Our curriculum is focused on enhancing the breadth of knowledge in both the current trends and recent advances in the field of audiology, hearing science and diagnostic and rehabilitative technologies, so that practicing audiologists can upgrade their skills towards leveling the capabilities around the world. 
Is the AuD Bridge program accredited?

Osborne Audiology has been granted degree-granting authority for the AuD Bridge program by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. 

Will I be able to work in the USA with the AuD degree from AuD Bridge program?

Each state in the US has guidelines for issuing audiology license and students who wish to acquire either US certification or licensure in audiology will need to contact national associations (e.g. AAA, ASHA) for certification rules and individual states for their licensure rules. 

What are the admission requirements to enroll in the AuD Bridge program?

Please refer to the Application Process page.

Can I continue to work while enrolled in the AuD Bridge program?
Yes. The AuD Bridge program is delivered online and is intended for mid-to-senior level audiologists to sharpen professional skills without requiring a full career break. 
Can the AuD Bridge program be completed entirely online?

Yes. All courses and many workshops are delivered online, and all program requirements can be completed online. Some in-person workshops are available for those who are interested in these opportunities. 

Are there any particular technology requirements?
  • All courses are delivered online via a learning management system. Many courses utilize simulation software which can only be installed on Windows-based computers. 
  • To successfully complete program requirements, you will need:
    • A Windows-based device (preferably a tablet, laptop or desktop) on which you have administrator access (to install software); 
    • Internet connectivity with sufficient bandwidth to stream video lectures; 
    • Audio playback (speaker or headphones); 
    • Microphone and webcam for synchronous events and activities; 
    • Standard productivity software such as web browser, Microsoft office suite (Word, Excel and Powerpoint, or similar), Adobe Acrobat Reader; 
    • Any audiology software required for courses (e.g., simulation, hearing aid programming) – instructions will be provided. 
What if I need technical assistance?
  • Course instructors and teaching assistants can assist you with any issues related to a specific course (e.g., accessing a particular video). And, program staff can assist with any program-level issues. 
  • If you need help with general IT problems (e.g., e-mail, learning platform, etc.), you can contact the Drexel University Help Desk. 
How many courses/credits must I take in the AuD Bridge program?
  • All students are required to obtain 45 credits (30 courses/workshops), including 28 didactic courses (42 credits) and 2 workshops (3 credits). 
  • Students can choose 2 domains out of 4 – (Hearing Technologies, Tinnitus & Hyperacusis, Cochlear Implant, and Vestibular Sciences & Disorders) for concentration. Each concentration involves six courses (9 credits) offered in one semester (two consecutive terms). 
  • The only exception to the course requirement is for AuD Bridge students who are also graduates of Osborne Audiology’s Master of Science in Clinical Audiology (MSCA) program who receive a waiver for two courses (3 credits) taken in the MSCA program. 
Can I take any course at any time?
    • The courses are instructor-led and, as such, are offered at a particular time. Many courses are sequential, building on concepts previously introduced. Further, the courses are offered in a two-year cycle – i.e., every other year. For maximum benefit, it is recommended that students take courses in the order offered. 
    • Courses are offered in the fall, spring, and summer semesters. Each semester is divided into two terms – A and B. There are six terms in an academic year. The fall and spring terms are eight weeks long; the summer terms are six weeks. 
How are the courses delivered?
  • All instruction is delivered online (except in-person workshops), in English, via a Learning Management System such as Blackboard or Canvas. 
  • Instruction for each course typically involves weekly video lectures, readings and engagement (active learning) activities (e.g., discussion, learning checks, case study, live Q&A). 
  • In addition, each course has midterm and final examinations. 
  • All instruction and assessment are delivered asynchronously (except live Q&A) so that students can complete the work on their own time. However, students are expected to meet the posted deadlines. 
  • Any synchronous activities (such as the live Q&A) are scheduled in advance to maximize participation and typically afford some flexibility (with advance notice) for those unable to attend. 
Who teaches the courses?

Our core philosophy is anchored in the belief that combining advances in science with evidence-based practice enables delivery of audiological services of the highest quality. This is reflected in our faculty who are internationally recognized for their significant contributions to the field; many are also clinician scientists. Learn more about them. 

How do students interact with instructors?
  • Our courses are led by instructors who carefully curate the course materials in their areas of expertise. 
  • Instructors often include discussion and/or live Q&A as engagement activities for their courses; students are encouraged to participate actively in these opportunities to ask questions, share ideas and engage with experts (and peers) in a safe environment. 
  • Instructors are also available via e-mail and by appointment to address student questions/needs. 
  • You must use your Drexel e-mail for all program-related communication. 
How much time should I expect to spend on my coursework?
  • Each course is worth 1.5 credits, and the course content and activities are aligned with this valuation. 
  • On average, you should expect to spend 5-7 hours/week on each course. This means that students enrolled full time will spend, on average, ~20 hours on coursework. 
  • To ensure your success, it is recommended that you plan your daily/weekly study schedule in advance. In addition to keeping up with courses, this will help you to anticipate and work around busy times. 
How do I sign up for courses?
  • After you have been accepted to the program, confirmed enrollment and received your Drexel University username and password, you will be able to access the student portal (DrexelOne) where you can register for courses, among other things. 
  • The courses offered each term are shown in the academic calendar. You will also receive e-mail notification from the program about the specific courses available to you. Use this information to select courses in DrexelOne. 
  • You must register for courses prior to the start of each term. It is recommended that you do this at least one week prior to the start of class to ensure that there are no delays in gaining access to the course site. 
  • Students receiving financial aid, particularly in the U.S., must register for all designated courses in a semester (A and B terms) prior to the start of the semester. 
  • There is a mandatory virtual orientation prior to the start of classes to review how to register for classes and other important information! 
What is the cost of the program?
  • There is a one-time, non-refundable application fee due with the student’s application to the program. 
  • Tuition is charged per semester credit. The AuD Bridge program requires 45 credits (for 30 courses). 
  • Technology and laboratory fees are charged per semester. Each academic year has three semesters. 
  • Current information about the tuition, fees, and cost of attendance can be found here. 
How do I pay for the program?
  • Drexel University offers several convenient methods to pay your student account. 
  • You can find out how much you owe by logging into the student portal (DrexelOne). 
  • Failure to make payments in a timely manner will result in a hold that prevents you from registering for courses in the next term. 
How long does it take to complete the AuD Bridge program?
  • The AuD Bridge program is designed to be completed in two years (24 months) based on full time enrollment. 
  • Full time enrollment means that students will take three courses at a time in the Fall and Spring terms, and two courses/workshops at a time in the Summer terms. Students are encouraged to enroll full time. 
  • For students who need to enroll part time, taking less than three courses at the same time, it can take 4-6 years to complete the program. 
  • Students must successfully complete all program requirements within six years from the date of initial enrollment in order to obtain the degree.