Osborne Audiology offers a Master of Science in Clinical Audiology degree (MSc) that includes a core curriculum consisting of 15 semester credits and two fellowships for audiologists who hold a bachelor’s degree in Audiology or related science and have a minimum of two years clinical experience.

The first cohort of the MSc in Clinical Audiology degree program began in Spring 2018. This degree program is for Audiology practitioners desiring to advance their knowledge and skills in audiologic care and management and seek to gain specialized fellowship training within a specific content area. This degree program features biomedical and audiologic sciences, clinical sciences, research design and application, and small group learning experiences, delivered in 54 semester hour credits over a two year period.

All didactic instruction is delivered online and clinical skills training for the first year is scheduled for three days at the Elkins Park Campus through hands-on workshops. Supervised clinical training that is part of the second year fellowship program is also held at Elkins Park. Face-to-face supplemental instruction is designed for students whose country of residence does not recognize online education and these will be held at both Elkins Park and in other countries when indicated. All students enrolled in the MSc in Clinical Audiology Program can attend this face-to-face instruction, if they so choose.

The Admissions committee begins the review and selection after applicants have completed and submitted all required documentation to the GradCAS centralized application portal (see the Application Process). To receive priority consideration, applicants are encouraged to apply early and complete the application requirements as soon as possible.

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 goal of the MSCA program?
The purpose of the MSCA program is to offer audiologists who have a bachelor’s degree the opportunity to deepen their professional expertise, broaden their clinical scope, increase earning potential, or simply stay current in a rapidly evolving field. Further, since some of the program requirements can be completed online, it gives students the flexibility to accomplish these goals without significant career interruption. 
How is the MSCA program different from other Master’s degree programs?

The MSCA is a two-year degree program for audiologists with a bachelor’s degree in Audiology (or related field) who have at least two years of relevant work experience. It is a hybrid program, with courses delivered online and required hands-on workshops. The MSCA program offers concentrations in Hearing Aid Technologies and Cochlear Implants. Each concentration is a six-course series, providing in-depth coverage of these topics. Further, students who successfully complete the MSCA program also receive an Advanced Studies Certificate in Cochlear Implants.

To our knowledge there are no other online/hybrid master’s degree programs in Audiology. Traditional master’s degree programs do not require previous work experience; they also do not offer concentrations or certificates.

Is the degree that I will receive on successful completion of the MSCA program comparable to traditional Master’s degree programs?

The short answer is, yes – the Pennsylvania Department of Education has approved granting the Master of Science degree to students who successfully complete all requirements of the MSCA program. The MSCA program maintains academic standards comparable to traditional AuD programs. Students are expected to maintain a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher throughout the program.

The MSCA program was constructed by reviewing the didactic and clinical requirements for master’s degree programs in many countries. It upholds high academic standards – students are expected to maintain a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher throughout the program.

Who should enroll in the Master of Science in Clinical Audiology (MSCA) program?

The MSCA is a two-year degree program for audiologists with a Bachelor’s degree in Audiology (or related field) who have at least two years of relevant work experience.

You may be a good candidate for the MSCA program if:

  • You want to deepen your professional expertise
  • You want to broaden your scope of Audiology practice
  • You want to increase your earning potential
  • You want to stay current in a rapidly evolving field
How will obtaining a master’s degree in Audiology benefit me?

We believe that establishing a strong knowledge base within the profession and developing competencies to match the demands of the profession are essential steps to achieving professional autonomy. Our curriculum is focused on both, so that practicing audiologists around the world can upgrade their skills and deliver high quality hearing healthcare.

Our programs have a proven impact – 96% of graduates report greater confidence and proficiency, over 90% report improved patient care and outcomes, and approximately 50% state that completing their degree helped advance their careers (Bray & Sundar, 2017). These results underscore our commitment to preparing graduates for success in today’s dynamic and competitive healthcare environment.

Is the MSCA program accredited?
Osborne Audiology has been granted degree-granting authority for the MSCA program by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. The University is accredited by the Middle States Commission for Higher Education (MSCHE).
Will I be able to work in the USA with the Master’s degree from the MSCA program?
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.
What are the admission requirements to enroll in the MSCA program?
Please refer to the Admissions page.
What does “bachelor’s degree in Audiology (or equivalent)” mean?
Audiology is not a recognized profession in all countries. Further, the degree requirements for providing audiological services vary from one country to another. Under certain conditions, the admissions committee may consider degrees in medical audiology, medicine, otology, communication sciences and disorders or similar.
Please explain the license requirements.

In many countries, the practice of audiology is regulated by a local authority and audiologists are required to be registered, certified or licensed to practice. Applicants to the MSCA program must submit evidence of registration, certification or licensure.

In countries where audiology is not a regulated profession, applicants to the MSCA program can submit a letter from a professional organization or an employer attesting to the applicant’s role as an audiologist.

Can I continue to work while enrolled in the MSCA program?

The MSCA is a hybrid program. All courses and two workshops can be completed entirely online, and the required clinical training can be completed at a site convenient for the student (including the current workplace).

MSCA students are required to complete three hands-on workshops. Each is ~3-4 days in duration and held on Drexel University’s Elkins Park campus.

Students who are unable to secure a suitable clinical training site/supervisor close to home may be required to travel elsewhere to complete this requirement.

Can the MSCA program be completed entirely online?
The MSCA is a hybrid program. All courses and two workshops can be completed online. The program also requires completion of three hands-on workshop (held on Drexel University’s Elkins Park campus) and supervised clinical training.
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 MSCA program?
All students are required to obtain 51 credits, including 24 didactic courses (36 credits), five workshops (7.5 credits) and clinical training (7.5 credits).
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.

Students must complete the relevant didactic courses before participating in workshops and must complete the workshops before starting clinical training.

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.

Refer to the academic calendar for more information about course offerings.

How are the courses delivered?

All instruction is delivered online (except in-person workshops and clinical training), 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.

Are there specific days/times when students are required to log in to the course?

For courses and workshops that are delivered online, participation is typically asynchronous – that is, the course materials are posted online and students complete the work on their own time.

Some courses and most workshops may also include live, synchronous sessions (e.g., via zoom). These are typically no more than one hour/week and are scheduled in advance so that students can plan accordingly.

All course/workshop assignments and assessments have due dates for completion. Failure to submit work in a timely manner may result in reduction of points, which could affect the grade earned for the course.

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 email and by appointment to address student questions/needs.

Per University policy, you must use your Drexel email and the instructors Drexel email 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.

Students are typically enrolled in 3 courses each term and should expect to spend 5-7 hours/week on each course. This means that students enrolled full time will spend, on average, ~15-20 hours on coursework each week.

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.

Can I register for any workshop?
MSCA students are required to complete five workshops (7.5 credits) to satisfy program requirements. These workshops are an opportunity for students to practice clinical skills; they also allow faculty to assess the students’ readiness for clinical training. As such, students can participate in workshops only after they have completed the related coursework.
When and where are the workshops held?

All workshops are typically offered in the Summer A term, early May to late June.

Basic workshops – one diagnostics, one hearing aids and one cochlear implants – are delivered in person on Drexel University’s Elkins Park campus. Each workshop is ~3-4 days, and international students may require a short-term student visa or other authorization to participate in the workshop.

Intermediate workshops – one hearing aids and one in cochlear implants – are delivered online. These are similar to online courses with required weekly synchronous sessions, typically one hour.

When and how do I apply for a short-term student visa?

At the start of the academic year, you will need to indicate if you plan to attend the in-person workshops during the following summer.

Approximately six months prior to the workshop, International Scholar and Student Services (ISSS) will contact you to with the necessary paperwork so you can apply for a visa.

I already have valid visitor visa for the US. Can I just use that for the workshop?
In short, no. Anyone travelling to the U.S. to participate in an academic program (including workshops required for the MSCA program) must have the proper authorization to do so. For international students, this typically means applying for a short-term student visa.
What are the clinical training requirements?
Please refer to the clinical training page.
Is there a required comprehensive exam?
All students are required to take a Praxis-style exam annually to track their progress through the program. Praxis is a national exam required for all audiologists licensed in the U.S. Students in the MSCA program do not take the official Praxis exam, but rather one that is similar in style and scope.
Is a thesis required to complete the MSCA program?
A thesis is not a required component of the MSCA program. However, the option is available as an elective for applicants wanting or needing to do a thesis.
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. The registrar’s office will notify you, via email, about the start and ends dates for registration. You will also receive email reminder 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.

The mandatory annual student orientation (in August) reviews the calendar for the academic year and how to register for classes (along with other important information).

What is the cost of the MSCA 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 MSCA program requires 51 credits (for 24 didactic courses, five workshops and clinical training).

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 MSCA 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 MSCA program?

The MSCA 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 complete the related workshops and clinical training in the Summer terms. Students are encouraged to enroll full time.

For students who need to enroll part time, it can take up to four 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.