FINAL BILL REPORT

SB 5472

C 281 L 13

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description: Authorizing applied doctorate level degrees in audiology at Western Washington University.

Sponsors: Senators Bailey, Ranker, Kohl-Welles and Becker; by request of Western Washington University.

Senate Committee on Higher Education

House Committee on Higher Education

House Committee on Appropriations Subcommittee on Education

Background: One of the primary purposes of regional universities is to offer undergraduate and graduate education programs through the master's degree. The regional universities are specifically authorized by law to grant any degree through the master's degree to any student who has completed a program of study in an area determined by the faculty and the institution's board of trustees to be appropriate for granting a degree.

Currently, Eastern Washington University (EWU) is the only regional university that has been authorized to offer a graduate degree above a master's. EWU has the authority to offer applied, but not research, doctorate-level degrees in physical therapy and an educational specialist degree, which is an advanced degree for people who already have a master's degree with a teaching or educational focus.

According to the Academy of Doctors of Audiology (Au.D), the Au.D. is the designator for the professional doctorate, a degree that replaces the master's degree as the standard entry level qualification for the profession of audiology. The transitioning period is complete by 2012, at which time the Au.D., a four-year post-baccalaureate program, is required to enter the practice of audiology.

Summary: The board of trustees of Western Washington University is authorized to offer applied, but not research, doctorate-level degrees in audiology.

Votes on Final Passage: