SLPD vs. PhD: What's the difference?

Because about half the staff at The Informed SLP has an SLPD, PhD, or is pursuing one, we often get member questions about these degrees. (Plus, I think our website members tend to be people who are interested in our field's research and/or serve as leaders among fellow SLPs!)

The SLPD is a newer degree in our field, but there are already some excellent resources out there to help explain it. For example: from ASHA, from a scientist, and from a clinical leader in our field. Also, from schools that offer both degrees, like Northwestern and KU.
 
If you're looking for the 5-minute answer to: What's the difference between a PhD and SLPD, see those resources (above).

However, if you're further along in your journey of considering a doctorate, watch our 90-minute explanation (!!), here:

And if you still have questions after this, seek out others who've obtained one of the two degrees! For example, Clinical Research for SLPs, on Facebook could be a good place to solicit tips and advice from SLPD and PhD colleagues. I'd recommend searching the terms "PhD" and "SLPD" in the group, first, to see what's been posted in the past.

Hope this helps, and congrats on your journey!  ~Meredith & Team


We'll add additional helpful links, below, and please comment if you have others!

• ASHA EdFind, to find a program
• CAPCSD.org, for academic salary survey data
• Habla Lab's website has several posts on getting a PhD. e.g. here, here, and here.
• This ASHA Blog Post on meeting other PhD students; and an ASHA PhD Myths post