Dear Applicants,


Thank you for your interest in the Doctor of Audiology (AuD) program at Northwestern University! We are absolutely thrilled you’ve taken the first step toward joining our community of forward-thinking audiologists. This newsletter is your sneak peek into what makes our program one of the best—and why pursuing your AuD with us is an investment in an exciting and impactful career.


What Sets Us Apart?

At Northwestern, we’ve designed a unique, accelerated 3-year program that not only covers everything you need to know to enter the dynamic field of audiology but also propels you into your final-year externship, fully prepared, in record time. Our curriculum blends core essentials (like anatomy, diagnostics, hearing aids, electrophysiology, and vestibular science) with cutting-edge topics you won’t find everywhere else. From the business of audiology to genetics, pharmacology, and even the biological underpinnings of speech, music, and aging, you’ll gain a deep understanding of audiology in its broadest and most impactful sense. Plus, we go beyond technical skills with a 2-year “soft skills” course series. Here, you’ll develop leadership, ethical decision-making, cultural sensitivity, communication mastery, and critical thinking—essential tools to thrive in today’s healthcare environment.


Learn From the Best

Our world-renowned faculty of academic experts and clinical leaders are here to guide you every step of the way. Whether in the classroom, clinic, or research lab, you’ll have access to resources and mentors who are deeply invested in your success. You’ll also undertake a capstone research project of your choice, delving into areas you’re passionate about. And thanks to our location just north of Chicago, you’ll have access to a rich variety of clinical settings, ensuring your hands-on training covers the full audiology scope of practice.


Unmatched Clinical Opportunities

Our partnership with Northwestern Medicine allows you to observe and learn alongside otolaryngologists, both in clinical settings and even the operating room. Combined with diverse off-campus placements, you’ll graduate ready to tackle real-world challenges with confidence and skill.


Ready to Learn More?

Keep reading to discover more about our program. Hear from our students, alumni, and faculty, and learn how our program prepares graduates for success in this ever-evolving field. We’re excited to support you as you take this next big step in your journey. Wishing you all the best as you explore the incredible possibilities ahead!


Warm regards,

Kristine Riley, PhD

Program Director


Visit Our Curriculum Page


Enjoy the holiday season, and we look forward to connecting with you soon!

Program Testimonials

Current Students

Second year students Savannah, Qianyi, and Mollee share their thoughts on the AuD program at Northwestern. 

Alumni

Andrew Burleson, PhD/AuD, Class of 2024

Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Harvard Medical School/Massachusetts Eye and Ear


“The AuD program at Northwestern prepared me very well for the profession of audiology. The program overall prepared me with the ability to think systemically and creatively when considering the function of the auditory system - both typical and disordered function. … This broad skillset helps with not only comprehensive and thorough understanding of the auditory system, but the ability to clearly communicate this understanding to patients and other hearing professionals alike, … 

… One of the strengths I've noticed among graduates of NU's program is the ability to think through the *entire* auditory system comprehensively and quickly - and not just the parroting of learned information. This prepares you not only for unexpected patient data but sets you up to incorporate new understanding or new research...”

Alison Rigby, AuD, Class of 2008; NYU Cochlear Implant Center - Senior Audiologist & Clinical Assistant Professor of Otolaryngology


"It has been a long time since I graduated, however, I remember feeling very prepared due to quantity, quality and varied clinical rotations we had while students. It is an intensive program (i.e. all your course work, clinicals & capstone in 2-years), but you are very prepared to enter the world of Audiology upon graduation."

Courtney Baker, AuD, Class of 2023; Owner and principal audiologist at Hearing Brain Audiology, a specialty practice focusing on neuro-audiology (central auditory processing, aural rehabilitation post CI, tinnitus, and decreased sound tolerance).


“The NU AuD program helped prepare me for the profession by providing exemplary research opportunities and access to some of the leading experts in audiology specialties. The program encourages us to participate in research through working as research assistants and through our capstone projects. Those experiences taught me the basics of developing evidence-based protocols (research and/or clinical) that have helped me establish my specialty practice.”  

 https://hearingbrainaudiology.com/

Heather Kamath, AuD, Class of 2006

Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center, Clinical & Research Audiologist


“Having been in Northwestern's first Au.D. graduating class, when there was a transition in the profession from a Master's to Doctoral level degree, Northwestern elevated the bar! The academic coursework was rigorous and clinical experiences were abundant. NU's Au.D. program prepared me very well to not only enter into the field of Audiology but to continue to grow as an audiologist throughout my career.”  

https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-rudisill-kamath-42abaa5/  

https://www.va.gov/lovell-federal-health-care-va/  

Employers

Christopher Norwood, AuD, CCC-A of Evergreen Speech & Hearing Clinic in Seattle, Washington says, “When I see a doctor of audiology student candidate that comes from Northwestern I know they are going to be trained well. Northwestern audiology students are well regarded nationwide as some of the best of the best in breadth of knowledge, critical thinking, and overall professionalism.”  

https://www.instagram.com/ever_hear/ 

Website: https://everhear.com/ 

Joy Ringger, Au.D, Audiology Clinical Coordinator at Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago. Dr. Ringger says, “Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago has the privilege of collaborating regularly with Northwestern doctoral students. Over time, we have invited them onto our team as externs and many have joined permanently, when hired onto our staff. Our team recognizes the exceptional skills and dedication that Northwestern students put into their work. In addition to their work at the hospital and our outpatient locations, Northwestern’s doctoral students have consistently volunteered with Sound Experience. Sound Experience is a support group for children with hearing loss and their families. Their involvement has been instrumental to the group’s success, and we are deeply grateful for their continued support. The Northwestern Audiology program continues to provide a solid and foundational education to their students, that clinically, we can partner with to take them to the next level in their careers.” https://www.luriechildrens.org/ 



Ariel Fruendt, AuD, is the co-Owner at Pacific Hearing Service in Menlo Park, CA and is also a graduate in the class of 2013. Dr. Fruendt shares, “The NU AuD program requires commitment, hard work, and dedication that is well worth it to help you realize your potential and discover the many opportunities within the field of audiology! The on-campus clinical experience is second to none, as the clinical educators are passionate about providing excellent patient care and student development, all in a state-of-the-art clinic. The research faculty are approachable and readily available for students. Dr. Kristy Riley, the program director, goes above and beyond for each and every student. Several AuDs and multiple student externs have joined our practice over the years and we have not encountered a student more prepared than those from Northwestern. All have impressed us with their depth of knowledge and big-picture thinking to provide top quality patient care. I cannot recommend the Northwestern program enough.” 

https://pacifichearingservice.com/ 

Student Academy of Audiology Chapter

So far this academic year, NU’s Student Academy of Audiology (SAA) chapter has participated in and raised funds for the Hearing Loss Association of America’s Walk for Hearing, volunteered at Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago’s Sound Experience events (https://www.luriechildrens.org/en/specialties-conditions/sound-experience/), and hosted a Donated Hearing Aids Day at the University clinic. The group has also hosted several guest speakers including Dr. Kevin Zhan, otolaryngologist, and representatives from ReSound Hearing Aids, with plans for many more in the coming months. They also sponsor fun social events like the professional headshot social, the pumpkin painting social, and a de-stress social before final exams. Feel free to follow them on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northwesternuniversity_saa/  

Center for Audiology, Speech, Language, and Learning

NU AuD students begin their clinical education in the second week of the program. Throughout the first year, students learn and provide clinical services in our campus speech and hearing clinic (NUCASLL) before transitioning to off-campus placements in year 2. The Audiology clinic in NUCASLL offers a wide range of educational and clinical services for our patients and our community and the AuD students play an integral part! 

  • Aural Habilitation 
  • Cognitive Fitness  
  • Adult Diagnostics and Rehabilitation 
  • Cochlear Implant Evaluations 
  • Pediatric Evaluations 
  • Hearing Conservation Programs 
  • CAPD Evaluations 
  • Tinnitus Assessment and Management 
  • Open Houses with Hearing Aid Demonstrations 
  • Community Hearing Health Screenings and Workshops 
  • Occupational Hearing Monitoring Events 


Academic Faculty

Our faculty not only conduct cutting-edge research, but they are also invested in our students’ learning and development. They teach many of our core courses and serve as capstone research mentors to our students.  


Dr. Bharath Chandrasekaran https://soundbrainlab.northwestern.edu/  

Dr. Sumit Dhar https://hearing.northwestern.edu/ 

Dr. Nina Kraus https://brainvolts.northwestern.edu/  

Dr. Adrian Contreras-Rodriguez 

Dr. Jason Sanchez https://caplab.northwestern.edu/  

Dr. Jonathan Siegel https://sites.northwestern.edu/siegellab/  

Dr. Pamela Souza https://halab.northwestern.edu/  

Dr. Beverly Wright 

Capstone Corner

AuD students in the SoundBrain Lab are collecting normative data on a measure of cortical electroencephalography (EEG) to continuous speech. This measure could be used by audiologists to better characterize speech perception abilities in their patients, including those with normal hearing who struggle to understand speech in background noise. The students have submitted their project to be presented at the 2025 American Academy of Audiology conference.

University Partners

Dr. Kevin Zhan, Northwestern Medicine

 

Kevin Zhan, MD, is a Neurotologist with Northwestern Medicine who specializes in working with patients pursuing cochlear implants. 



“The NU audiology students always have the opportunity to shadow our clinicians and surgeons in both the office as well as in the operating room. They've been outstanding to work with and have been super engaged in the process. It's always such a joy to teach students that are interested in the process and are invested in their education! I've been very impressed with the thoughtfulness of the questions asked and their extensive insight on patient matters.”   

The Knowles Hearing Center

 

Bridging Research and Clinical Practice at the Knowles Hearing Center 


The Knowles Hearing Center is a center focused on holistic hearing health at Northwestern University. The Center is committed to advancing the field of audiology by seamlessly connecting research with clinical practice. Through initiatives such as the annual Knowles Symposium and the Knowles Speaker Series, the Center fosters an ongoing dialogue among clinicians, researchers, and students to share groundbreaking ideas and practices. These events bring leading experts to the forefront, inspiring innovation and collaboration. Recent highlights include a symposium exploring hypersensitivity to sound and a talk by Matt Hay, author of Soundtrack of Silence, whose experience with an auditory brainstem implant exemplifies the Center’s dedication to the transformative power of sound. 



Additionally, the Center is proud to provide financial support for scholarships that help recruit and support talented incoming Doctor of Audiology (AuD) students, ensuring the next generation of audiologists is well-equipped to meet the evolving needs of the field. These scholarships are part of a broader commitment to supporting excellence in education for all AuD students. 

The Center also champions translational research, encouraging projects that directly impact patient care and enhance clinical outcomes. By supporting studies that bridge the gap between the lab and the clinic, the Center ensures that audiology professionals can deliver evidence-based solutions to improve hearing health. 



These initiatives reflect the legacy of founder Hugh Knowles and his belief in sound’s profound impact on all aspects of life. Through these efforts, the Knowles Hearing Center exemplifies a steadfast dedication to advancing the field of audiology and enriching the lives of individuals with hearing and communication challenges. 

https://knowleshearingcenter.northwestern.edu/ 

Upcoming Preview Days

Virtual Preview Day 

Friday March 7, 2025, 10 am to noon via Zoom 

  • Program overview with Dr. Kristy Riley, Program Director 
  • Clinic overview with Dr. Nathan Waller, Clinic Director 
  • Current student Q & A 
  • Individual advising meetings with Dr. Riley will be available via zoom following the event  

 

In-Person Preview Day 

Friday March 14, 2025, 10 am to 2:30 pm in Evanston, IL 

  • Program Overview with Dr. Kristy Riley, Program Director 
  • Clinic Overview with Dr. Nathan Waller, Clinic Director 
  • Current student Q & A 
  • Lunch (provided) with current students and clinical faculty 
  • Translational Research update with Drs. Sumit Dhar, Pamela Souza, Bharath Chandrasekaran 
  • Tours of the University Clinic 
  • Individual advising meetings with Drs. Riley and Waller 

 

Sign up to attend and to learn even more about our program by emailing Celeste Lee (c-lee6@northwestern.edu)

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