The School of Audiology offers an innovative and accelerated three-year professional block-model curriculum leading to the doctor of audiology (AuD) degree. As part of Pacific University's renowned College of Health Professions, the School of Audiology focuses on teaching and evidence-based clinical practice in an interprofessional and highly collegial health professions learning environment. The school has onsite simulation labs to prepare students with hands-on training starting in year one. The school also offers audiologic services in its on-campus Pacific EarClinic, enhancing the student experiences while also serving and supporting the community. The inaugural cohort of AuD students, the Class of 2015, matriculated with the Fall 2012 semester.

Profession of Audiology

Audiologists enjoy rewarding careers as providers of hearing and balance healthcare through evaluating, diagnosing, treating, and managing individuals of all ages, from newborns to 100-plus years, who have hearing and balance disorders and related issues. Treatment and management of hearing loss may involve programming and dispensing complex amplification technology and other related hearing assistance devices. Audiologists work in a variety of settings, including private practice, hospitals, medical facilities, industry, universities, research labs, government and military agencies, school systems, and more.

Career Forecast

Audiology has consistently ranked high on U.S. News & World Report's top career lists in recent years. Audiology is a relatively small profession with approximately 13,000 practitioners who must be licensed to practice in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. By far the most common degree granted for the clinical practice of audiology is the doctor of audiology (AuD). Employment of audiologists is projected to grow 16 percent from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations. Hearing loss increases as people age, so the aging population is likely to increase demand for audiologists (U.S. Department of Labor, 2019).