personal statement for speech language pathology graduate school

Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology

On This Page: Application Dates and Deadline | Minimum Admission Requirements | Prerequisite Coursework | Identified Mentor | Required Application Materials | Application Steps | International Students | Nontraditional Applicants

The University of Washington Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program is designed for students who want to become speech-language pathologists. We have a holistic admissions process. Our goal is to select an intellectually capable, diverse group of students. While a high GPA is desirable, it's not the determining factor in admissions; we consider all information submitted.

Application Dates and Deadlines

A new cohort of the UW Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program starts each fall. The application deadline is  January 15, 2025. You’ll be notified of an admission decision in mid-March.

Minimum Admission Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in speech and hearing sciences, communication disorders or a similarly named major from a regionally accredited college or university in the U.S. (or its equivalent from a foreign institution) OR a bachelor’s degree in another major with sufficient coursework in speech and hearing sciences, communication disorders or a similarly named major
• A minimum 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) for the last graded 60 semester credits or 90 graded quarter credits 
• Demonstrated English language proficiency for applicants whose native language is not English. The Department of Speech & Hearing Sciences requires higher test score minimums than outlined in the UW Graduate School policy; please review our requirements below .

Note: We can’t accept applications from individuals with undergraduate or graduate degrees outside the field of speech and hearing science (e.g., linguistics, education, psychology) who don’t have the prerequisite speech and hearing sciences coursework.

Prerequisite Coursework

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) requires specific undergraduate coursework as a prerequisite to graduate study and clinical certification. To meet the prerequisite coursework requirements, you may use credits from college-level coursework taken at any time from any accredited institution of higher education, including community colleges. Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate credit is also acceptable.

Speech and Hearing Sciences Coursework

You should report coursework in the following ASHA-defined areas:

• Anatomy and physiology of the speech mechanism
• Speech and language development
• Speech and language disorders
• Audiology and hearing disorders
• Acoustics and hearing science
• Treatment of communication disorders
• Anatomy and physiology of the swallowing mechanism
• Social-cultural aspects of communication

Basic Science and Statistics Coursework

You must complete a minimum of one course in each of the following areas:

• Biological sciences (biology)
• Physical sciences (physics or chemistry)
• Statistics (computational)
• Social sciences and behavioral sciences

Courses used to fulfill these requirements should:

• Be taken outside the speech and hearing sciences department.
• Appear by name/number on your official college transcript with a final grade.
• Consist of any number of credits.
• Be taken for a grade, credit/no credit, pass/fail or satisfactory/unsatisfactory. You must achieve a “credit,” “pass” or “satisfactory” ranking or a numeric grade of at least 0.7. Competitive applicants should have a GPA of at least 3.0 in the prerequisite undergraduate speech and hearing coursework, with no single course graded less than 2.0. We highly recommend that all prerequisite coursework grades be at 2.5 or above.

Identified Mentor (CoreSLP Applicants Only)

If you’re planning to apply to the Clinical Research Speech-Language Pathology (CoreSLP) program, you need to identify a professorial faculty mentor at the University of Washington with whom you’ll study. We can’t review your application if it’s submitted without the official support of a faculty mentor. Before applying, contact your proposed mentor directly to discuss their research interests and secure the mentor’s support for your application. Your mentor should be conducting research in the areas of speech, language, cognitive-communication or swallowing. 

The best times to contact faculty about mentorships are during autumn quarter (September–November) and spring quarter (March–early June). Most faculty are not available during summer quarter (mid-June–August). Faculty research interests and contact information can be found on our departmental faculty directory page.

Required Application Materials

• UW Graduate School online application and fee 
• Unofficial transcripts from every college or university attended 
• Resume or curriculum vitae 
• Personal statements (Program Track Selection and Perspectives and Experiences) 
• Three recommendations 
• Proof of English language proficiency if English is not your native language 

Application Steps

To apply to the Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology, you'll submit your application materials online through the UW Graduate School website. We recommend you begin your application early to complete all requirements on time. 

Step One: Prepare to Apply 

Familiarize yourself with the Health Sciences Immunization Program (HSIP) , state licensure requirements and  required technical standards .  

Get transcripts from each college or university you’ve attended.  Download unofficial transcripts or scan printed copies for each post-secondary college or university you have attended. Current or former University of Washington students must include a UW transcript. Make sure your transcript includes your prerequisite coursework and GPA.

Update your resume or curriculum vitae.  Be sure to list any supervised clinical observations or experiences, relevant work, internships or volunteerism in the field, and any active professional licenses or certifications you currently hold.

Write your personal statements for your Program Track Selection and Perspectives and Experiences.  You're expected to write your statements independently and without the assistance of others, excluding proofreading or general feedback. Content should be original and reflect your individual writing style, communication abilities, real-life experiences and unique goals. Using artificial intelligence content generators, such as ChatGPT, to write your personal statements is expressly prohibited. Any applicant found using AI in violation of this policy will be denied admission.

Personal Statement: Program Track Selection

Your statement should describe your abilities, interests and motivations, and address why you believe you’ll be successful as a graduate student at the UW in the field of speech-language pathology. The content and format of this essay are at your discretion, but at a minimum please address the following: 

• Why do you want to attend UW for your graduate education? 
• What has motivated you to pursue a career in speech-language pathology? 
• Why did you select the program track you did (EdSLP, MedSLP, or CoreSLP) and why is it a good fit for you? CoreSLP applicants: Please also address the fit between your selected mentor and your research and career goals. 
• What personal characteristics, abilities or strengths do you possess that make you well suited for graduate study and for clinical practice in the field of speech-language pathology? 
• Share an example of a time when you effectively demonstrated initiative, perseverance, self-awareness, creativity and/or teamwork in your problem solving to achieve your goals or to benefit others.

Your uploaded document should not exceed 4,500 characters (not including spaces) and also cannot exceed 500KB.

Personal Statement: Perspectives and Experiences

As speech-language pathologists, we aspire to enrich and expand clinical service delivery and outreach to the diverse communities in which we live. An important component of the UW master’s program mission includes advocating for and serving underrepresented and underserved populations. These populations are diverse in terms of linguistic, cultural, ethnic and racial backgrounds, as well as their abilities/disabilities, educational experiences, economic resources and health care access. 

How do your experiences, personal history and/or perspectives align with our program’s vision of responsively serving the heterogeneous needs of individuals with communication disorders? 

The admissions committee is seeking insights about your preparedness to support our program’s mission. Please don’t duplicate portions of your Program Track Selection statement; however, we understand that some individuals might express overlapping ideas in both statements.

Your uploaded document should not exceed 1,500 characters (not including spaces) and cannot exceed 500KB.

Identify three people who can recommend you to the program . Consider asking current or former employers, supervisors, instructors or research mentors. Make sure you choose people who can speak to your potential for a career in speech-language pathology.  

You'll need the email addresses of your references for the Graduate School application. They'll each be sent an email directing them to a secure website where they'll submit their recommendations. 

Step Two: Apply Online

Start your  online application  to the UW Graduate School. This online application allows you to jointly submit the required information to both the UW Graduate School (primary application) and the Department of Speech & Hearing Sciences (supplemental application). All information and materials should be submitted through the online process.

Select the program name you’re applying to.  In the Program Selection tab, choose these options:  

• Select your application type: Graduate
• Narrow your search: By Degree
• Filter by degree: Master's
• EdSLP: Speech & Hearing Sciences – MS (Educational Speech-Language Pathology)
• MedSLP: Speech & Hearing Sciences – MS (Medical Speech-Language Pathology)
• CoreSLP: Speech & Hearing Sciences – MS (Speech-Language Pathology)

Note: If you're applying to multiple programs, you'll need to submit separate applications and application fees.

Upload all required documents. 

Pay the nonrefundable application fee and submit your application.  It’s your responsibility to verify that all required materials have been submitted and received in a timely manner by both the Graduate School and the Department of Speech & Hearing Sciences. You can check the status by logging in to your application status page. 

International Students

International applicants are welcome to apply to the UW Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program. You’re considered an international applicant if you aren’t a U.S. citizen, immigrant or permanent resident. International applicants must meet all admission requirements for the program.  

Visa Status

International students must have a visa status that allows for academic study at the University of Washington. If you’re admitted to the speech-language pathology program and plan to attend on an F-1 or J-1 visa, you must study full time — at least 10 credits per quarter — to maintain your visa status. For more information, review the citizenship and visa status section of the Graduate School application process page, and contact Graduate Enrollment Management Services at [email protected] if you have any questions. 

English Language Proficiency

Applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate English language proficiency. Test scores must be sent directly to the UW by the Educational Testing Service using institution code 4854. Only scores less than two years old will be accepted.       

To ensure that speech-language pathology students can manage our program’s high language demands and standards, the Department of Speech & Hearing Sciences requires higher test score minimums than the UW Graduate School policy . The score requirements are as follows:  

• TOEFL iBT® total test scores of 105 or higher AND minimum scores of 26 on both the Speaking and Listening subtests
• IELTS total test scores of 7.5 or higher AND minimum scores of 7.5 on both the Speaking and Listening segments

We also deviate from the UW Graduate School policy and will not accept the following scores as evidence of English language proficiency: 

• TOEFL iBT® Superscores, also known as MyBest™ Scores
• TOEFL ITP Plus China® scores 
• Duolingo English scores

More Information

International Applicant Information  

Visa Information for F-1 Students and J-1 Exchange Visitors  

Nontraditional Applicants

Graduate nonmatriculated students.

We don’t accept graduate nonmatriculated students to the UW Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program.

Visiting Graduate Student Applicants

We accept applications from students who are actively pursuing a graduate degree at another college or university to take a limited number of courses in the UW Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program. Please review our Non-Degree Enrollment page for further details and instructions.

In This Section

Important dates.

September 15, 2024 Applications Open

January 15, 2025 Applications Due

Mid-March 2025 Admission Offers Made

September 24, 2025 Classes Begin

We're happy to answer any questions you may have about the Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology.

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Master of Science Education Program in Speech-Language Pathology

Students who are interested in pursuing a Master of Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology at USC should review the following information on our application and admissions process. Applicants must apply through the University of Southern California Centralized Application System (USC). Please go to  Apply at USC

For program questions please email us at  [email protected] .

Admissions for Fall 2024 are now closed.

The Admissions Committee only reviews applications that are submitted and verified. This means that all items required (see below) have been submitted and verified by USC. It is recommended that applicants submit their applications early to allow for verification during the busy application season. Submitting all required documents at least three weeks prior to the deadline is advised, to avoid any delays in the application review process. Admission is granted one time per year, for a fall semester start. We enroll 25 graduate students each fall.

Click to view our NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT

USC Application

Complete all sections of the application. Pay specific attention to the Program Materials required for the MS-SLP. Below is an overview of the requirements for the application. Specific information is described in the actual application. Go to  Apply at USC.

• Application Required Components Checklist

Holistic Admissions Criteria

A holistic review evaluates applicants based on both cognitive and non-cognitive traits, which ensures that more than one factor contributes to admissions decisions.

The five requirements included in the University of Southern California Master of Science Education Program in Speech-Language Pathology (MS-SLP) review process are:

• Letters of recommendation
• Personal statement
• Program statements/questions

A select number of applicants will be invited to participate in a personal interview with the USC Faculty. These interviews may be either in person or via teleconference. It is anticipated that interviews will occur sometime in the beginning of March.

Application Requirements

Admission to the Master of Science Education Program in Speech-Language Pathology is highly competitive. Meeting the minimum thresholds below does not guarantee admission.

Undergraduate Degree/Post Baccalaureate requirement

• All students applying for admission to the graduate program must either 1) have completed a bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders at an accredited college or university prior to the start of the master’s program, OR 2) hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution in a major other than Communication Sciences and Disorders and also have, or will have completed a post-baccalaureate (e.g. preparatory) equivalent of a Communication Sciences and Disorders degree (i.e. leveling courses) certificate program prior to the start of the master’s program.
• All preparatory (e.g. Leveling courses must be completed at a regionally accredited college or university in the United States.)
• Undergraduate degrees, minors or leveling courses completed outside the United States will not be accepted.

Prerequisite coursework: The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) requires that master’s degree candidates show transcript evidence of at least one course in each of the following categories with a passing grade:

• Biological Sciences Coursework, which emphasizes content related to human or animal science
• Physical Sciences Coursework, which must be either Physics or Chemistry Coursework, due to the need to establish foundational knowledge necessary to understand of the profession of speech-language pathology
• Social/Behavioral Sciences Coursework, such as psychology, sociology, anthropology or public health
• Statistics, which must be a stand-alone course

Each course must be a minimum of 3 credits and must be completed prior to enrollment in the graduate program. For more detailed information and a list of all of the acceptable courses, please visit the ASHA website.

Please complete the attached form and submit with your application.

• USC MS SLP ASHA Prereq form for application

GPA Requirement

• A minimum 3.00 GPA overall and 3.25 GPA in CSD prerequisite coursework (on a 4.0 scale) is highly recommended for admission to the graduate program.

Demonstrating Basic Skills in Reading, Writing, and Math

• CCTC Basic Skills Requirement 

In order to apply to USC MS-SLP Program, you are required to submit official documentation that you have satisfied the basic skills requirement.   

There are a number of ways to satisfy the basic skills requirement. For details on these options, visit the  California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) website.  

• Meet the basic skills requirement with qualifying college-level coursework  
• Pass the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST)  
• Achieve qualifying scores on the SAT or ACT  
• Pass a CTC-approved basic skills examination from another state  
• Meet the basic skills requirement with a  combination of qualifying college-level coursework and any qualifying exam .  
• Basic Skills Requirement Demonstration of Qualifications Form 

Transcripts

• As part of the USC application, you must submit official transcripts from each college or university attended. You will need to do this directly through the USC application system. To allow adequate processing time, please ensure you do this early in the process.
• Transcript Requirements

Letters of Recommendation

Submit three letters of recommendation from professors, therapists, and/or other professionals who know you well. They should attest to your skills and abilities as they relate to becoming a speech-language pathologist, and your potential for completing a graduate program. Academic references who can speak to your potential in a graduate program are the strongest, but work references who can cite your professionalism are also acceptable. Recommendations should be submitted electronically through the USC application system.

Personal Statement

The letter of intent/personal statement should highlight the applicant’s interest in speech-language pathology by identifying personal interests, passions and relevant qualities, work experience, clinical and extracurricular experience, academic history, and an aptitude for working with a linguistically and culturally diverse population. The statement should also outline professional interests, future career goals and objectives in obtaining a Master of Science Education Program in Speech-Language Pathology at USC. It is recommended that you not list the same items that are on your resume, but rather reflect on the importance of the activities in terms of your growth and development to this point. It is important that you reflect on the mission and values of the program and how they align with your personal values and desires regarding graduate work and a future career.

The Personal Statement/Letter of Intent is to be submitted through the Documents in Supporting Information on the USC Application System.

USC Program Questions

Submit a response to the  two required  short-answer essays through questions in the application, in response to the prompts provided.

A resume or CV should be uploaded with your application. The resume should include relevant work and volunteer experiences, research, and other extracurricular activities or accomplishments. Applicants are encouraged to include all relevant information in order to provide a holistic view of themselves.

Cost of Attendance

University of Southern California Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology Estimated Costs: Tuition and Fees 

It is anticipated that the MS-SLP Program will be 71 units as of Fall 2024.

Total Direct Cost Estimate   

Tuition: $167, 842 + Fees: $5,223 = Total Direct Cost Estimate: $173,065 Cost of Attendance  

This estimate does not include Indirect Costs (Books & Supplies, Room & Board, Personal Expenses).  Please see USC Financial Aid Website for additional information on estimating indirect cost https://financialaid.usc.edu/graduate-professional-financial-aid/cost-of-attendance/ . USC Financial Aid Office https://financialaid.usc.edu/ and phone number (213) 740-4444.   

* Flat rate is any student taking 15-18 semester units who will be charged a flat rate for tuition that will be the same if a student enrolls in 15, 16, 17, or 18 semester units.   

Because the Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology is a new program we do not offer any forms of departmental scholarships/aid/assistance, including graduate assistantships. Students are, however, encouraged to seek funding from other sources that may support their education.   

MA in Speech-Language Pathology

Fall 2024 applications are now closed. Applications for Fall 2025 will open on October 1st. All required materials along with the application must be submitted by the deadline. Before submitting, please double check your application and all documentation. Once you submit your application, you cannot make any changes. The department will not consider incomplete or late applications. Please use the university's online application portal to apply.

There is no rolling admission; all applications are reviewed after the deadline. Do not contact the department to check the status of your application. Please log in to the  application status page  to view the status of your graduate application(s). 

Our information sessions for Fall 2024 entry have concluded. If you would like more information, please email [email protected] . 

University Fellowship

Eligible MA-SLP applicants will be considered for the Professional Education Diversity Fellowship . The fellowship is intended to assist professional degree programs in promoting a diversity of views, experiences, and ideas through the recruitment and support of academically excellent students with diverse ethnic, racial, economic, and educational backgrounds and experiences.

Program Selection

Campus:  University of Minnesota Twin Cities College:  Liberal Arts Program:  Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences – Speech-Language Pathology MA Term: Fall 2024

Instructions

The application fee is $75 for U.S. citizens/permanent residents and $95 for international applicants.

First-generation students (none of your parents received a 4-year college or university degree) can apply for a fee waiver. Please fill out this fee waiver application form to request one. 

The Graduate School offers  application fee grants  to McNair Scholars. 

Admission to a UMN graduate program requires a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in the US or a comparable degree from outside the US.

International and domestic applicants whose first language is not English must provide proof of English language proficiency . The department requires the TOEFL or IELTS exam. The exam date should be within two years of the graduate program start date. 

Exemption:  Test scores are not required from applicants who meet the  Graduate School’s "Education" standard .  

Official TOEFL Scores

University of Minnesota Minimum TOEFL Scores for Admission

Applicants must meet the University's requirements and the department expects a total score of 100 or higher.

The institution code is 6874.

Official IELTS Scores

University of minnesota minimum ielts scores for admission.

Applicants must meet the University's requirements and the department expects a total score of 7.0 or higher. 

Official IELTS scores can be sent electronically to the Graduate Admissions Office. When prompted, please select  University of Minnesota Graduate Admissions All Campuses  from the drop-down menu.

Official IELTS scores can also be sent by physical mail to the Graduate Admissions Office. When prompted, please enter the following address:

University of Minnesota Twin Cities Graduate Admissions 309 Johnston Hall 101 Pleasant St SE Minneapolis, MN 55455

The department does not require the GRE and test scores will not be reviewed. 

The department does not require letters of recommendation and letters of recommendation will not be reviewed. 

Transcripts and Credentials 

Unofficial transcripts for all post-secondary institutions are required with your application (under the Academic History tab). Do not submit a grade audit or summary. All documentation must be in a transcript format.

Please follow instructions on the  Transcripts & Credentials page , as well as the specific information given on the  International Student Resources page .

There is no minimum GPA requirement. The preferred GPA is an undergraduate degree GPA of 2.8 or higher (on a 4.0 scale).

Personal Statement

Every person has a story that has led them to a career. Because there are a variety of professions that “help” others, please go beyond your initial interaction or experiences with speech-language pathology and share your unique path that has confirmed your decision to specifically pursue speech-language pathology as your career. Additionally, describe how your lived experiences, education, background, and interests have prepared you for graduate studies and professional training at the University of Minnesota. (The statement must be answered in the application and there is a 750 word limit.)

If you wish to explain factors that affected your past productivity, such as family care responsibilities, military service, or other personal challenges (including those related to the COVID-19 pandemic), please address them in your personal statement.

Note: The SLHS admissions committee is looking for you to use this statement to persuade the reader that speech-language pathology is the right fit for you and that you are prepared for graduate school. Please keep this in mind as you complete your personal statement.

Diversity Statement

SLHS is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion.  Please describe your experiences in any of these areas and help us to appreciate how these personal experiences will contribute to our graduate program and to the broader discipline. (The statement must be answered in the application and there is a 750 word limit.)

Submit a resume using the  SLHS Resume Template . 

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Suggestions for Preparing Your Goal Statement (a.k.a., Letter of Intent, Personal Statement, etc.) We recognize that preparing the Goal Statement for your application for Graduate study in speech-language pathology can be a daunting task. This document provides guidance that we hope will help you as you develop your letter.

The Speech-Language Pathology Graduate Admissions Committee does read your Goal Statement and it is an important component of your application "package," so do plan to spend time planning, developing, writing and revising your letter. Two resources you might consider using during this process are the Writing Commons and Career Exploration and Development . There is no specific “formula” for what should be included or how it should be organized, but there are features of letters that we feel make a stronger case for your admission to Graduate Programs in Communication Sciences and Disorders/Speech-Language Pathology.  Some of these features are summarized below.

Length:  We suggest 1-2 pages.

Content: Strong goal statements tend to:

• Reflect you as an individual and represent your ideas and writing. While it is common to seek general advice or feedback on your letter, we want to read your ideas written in your words, not those of someone else.
• Highlight your strengths, accomplishments, and experiences, including those that may be unique or distinguishing.
• Help the admissions committee identify what knowledge, skills, and attitudes you will contribute to the program and future career as a speech-language pathologist.
• Talk about your preparation and readiness for graduate-level study, including work or volunteer experiences that may relate in some way to being a speech-language pathologist or working with diverse groups of people.
• Discuss and clarify any extenuating circumstances underlying discrepancies/weaknesses with your grades or GRE scores.
• Give some specific examples or evidence to illustrate key points.

Strategies:

• Think about what you would say if you had five minutes to “sell yourself” to the program. Jot down those points as a start on your letter.
• Write a rough draft, getting all your thoughts down on paper.
• Edit down to the strongest and most important points about you.
• Organize those thoughts into paragraphs, then organize the paragraphs into the larger document in an order that makes sense and is clear to the reader.
• Edit the letter, then leave it alone for a day or two. Come back and re-read it, then edit and revise again where you feel you haven’t been clear, or to add or revise points to help “market” yourself to the program.

Letters will be submitted on the CSDCAS  application portal. 

Links to Other Resources

• Purdue OWL, Writing the Personal Statement
• OWL video on Personal Statement for Grad School
• Undergraduate Programs

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SFSU NSSLHA's Guide to Applying to Grad School

Applying to grad school can be a daunting task! Each university has its own requirements, deadlines and specifications for how applications must be prepared and submitted. The SFSU NSSLHA Chapter is here to help!! Listed below are the common requirements for most Speech-Language Pathology Graduate Programs. This is a guide written for students by students.

Applications

For every university you apply to you are required to submit two applications, one application directly to the department and one application to the university's graduate admissions. California State Universities, including San Francisco State, no longer accept paper applications to graduate programs. Applications must be submitted online via CSU Apply .

Be sure you check each university's graduate admission requirements before applying as well as the department?s requirements.

SFSU Says: Apply to San Francisco State University's Graduate Division using the Graduate/Post-baccalaureate application to The California State University. The application can be filled out online at CSU Apply . The program application can be downloaded or picked in up in Burk Hall 156, or 244.

Transcripts

You will need a set of transcripts for every college you have attended. Actually, just like applications, you will need to submit two copies of your transcripts, one to the university and one directly to the department. In most cases these must be official sealed transcripts. Most programs ask that you include these with the application packet, however this is problematic because a lot of colleges will not send official transcripts to the student. In this case you must have the transcripts sent to the university directly.

SFSU Says: Submit one official set of sealed transcripts from every college or university attended. This is in addition to transcripts for the CSU Graduate application. You should collect all official transcripts and submit them with the application. SFSU transcripts can be unofficial copies from MySFSU.

Letters of Recommendation

Speech Language Pathology/Communicative Disorders graduate programs usually require applicants to submit letters of recommendation. These letters are very, very important. While your transcript, resume, and personal statement or admissions essay are vital components to your application, an excellent letter of recommendation can compensate for weaknesses in any of these areas.

Each University requires that these be submitted in a specific way. Some require that the writers of your letters fill out a form to submit along with the letter of recommendation. These forms can usually be found on the departments website. Each university also requires a different number of letters, usually two or three.

When asking for a letter prepare in advance. You should provide each writer with enough material to write a meaningful and personalized recommendation. Provide each of them with a copy of your transcript, your letter of intent, resume, and for professors especially, any work that you have from classes you've taken with them. If possible give them the original draft with their grade/comments. Also be sure to include forms (if any) required by each school you are applying to. You might want to consider placing all materials in a large pre-stamped envelope that is already addressed to you. This way the writer can simply return the letters to you in once completed.

SFSU says: Candidates must submit at least two letters of recommendation. Letters should come from individuals who have observed and collaborated with the applicant in a professional or educational setting. It is preferred that the letters be from people who can comment on the applicant's experiences with people with disabilities and or in an educational setting. It is also appropriate to have recommendations from those who can speak to the applicant's academic ability and potential for success in a graduate-level program. Additional letters beyond the required two will also be accepted to augment the application. Letters need to be typed on professional letterhead with original signatures. Letters from relatives are not acceptable.

This is a great place to include any info that you could not squeeze into your letter of intent. Although length and organization may vary the following format is standard for a grad-school resume:

Objective – A short sentence identifying the school and the program to which you are applying. Example: To gain admittance into San Francisco State's Speech Language Pathology Master's Program.

Education – This should be the most important entry in your resume. After providing the basics (name of undergraduate college / university, degree, graduation date, major, minor, GPA, etc), select the outstanding academic accomplishments to highlight for the admissions committee. These may be sub-topics under Education or they may be their own categories. Areas that may be included are Research, Scholarships, Independent Study, International Study, Honoraries, Conferences, Presentations, and Publications.

Academic Experience/Course Highlights – Highlight particularly relevant academic courses by providing more details about these courses. Describe two to three upper-level courses that provided hands-on experiences or in-depth study with bullet statements. Include only the most salient courses relevant to your intended graduate school major. Do not list all courses.

Internship, Volunteer, and/or Related Experiences – While your academic abilities are the most essential assets to emphasize, experiences in the field related to your intended graduate school major are significant, too. Most graduate schools prefer applicants with a combination of academic and experiential preparation. Some graduate schools require volunteer or internship experience. Provide details about your related experiences.

Activities – If you participated in campus or community activities that developed your leadership, time management, or other skills important to your success in graduate school, include these activities and provide details that show your active participation.

Additional Experience – Experiences not related to your graduate school admission do not need to be included unless they show skill development relevant to graduate school.

ASHA offers some wonderful resources for preparing a professional resume. See Asha resume preperation tips .

SFSU says: You may include information about your academic, employment, and volunteer experiences that are pertinent your application and program objective.

Letter of Intent

Graduate and professional schools often require some sort of written statement -- often called a "statement of purpose," "personal statement," or "letter of intent"-- as a part of the application. Some universities require that statements include rather specific information--for example, the applicant's intended area of study within the field of Speech Language pathology. Still others are quite unstructured, leaving the applicant free to address a wide range of matters. The importance of the statement varies from school to school.

SFSU says: Applicants must submit a typed essay outlining personal attributes and professional experiences that illustrate a potential for excellence in the field. The essay should also include a brief discussion of future professional and academic goals. The essay should be no longer than two double-spaced pages.

Standardized Tests

This is another requirement that varies from program to program. Some require the GRE, some require the GRE only if your GPA is below 3.5 and, some require no standardized test scores at all. SFSU has a written English Proficiency requirement that can be met through a number of standardized tests (see below).

The best advice we have to offer regarding standardized tests is to check requirements at each program you plan on applying to early. You need time to study for the test, take the test and receive the scores, all before our application deadline. And if you do not feel confident with the test then you may even want to allow time to retake the test and raise your score.

SFSU’s WRITTEN ENGLISH PROFICIENCY REQUIREMENT : All graduate students are required to submit evidence of one of the following as part of the requirements for the M.S. degree in Communicative Disorders: 1. Score of at least 3.5/6.0 on the GRE Analytical Writing Test or GMAT Analytic Writing Assessment; 2. Score of at least 4.5/6.0 on the essay test of the paper-based [PBT] TOEFL (a minimum score of 24/30 on the Writing section of the Internet-based test [iBT] TOEFL 3. Score of at least 6.5/9.0 on the IELTS writing test, or a concordant socre on the Pearson Test of English 4. A passing status score of at least 220 on the CSET Writing Skills Test

Final Thoughts

• The most important thing to remember is to start early.
• Decide which schools you would like to apply to and review their requirements in each area.
• Allow yourself time to prepare for any standardized tests that may be required.
• Allow plenty of time to write a well-structured letter of intent and resume.
• Request transcripts early.
• Ask for recommendations early on and provide plenty of material.
• Begin to gain experience through volunteering and employment ASAP.
• Sign up for NSSLHA's Volunteer Committee to learn about volunteer experiences.
• Get to know the faculty!!

Helpful Websites

• Speech, Language & Hearing Sciences Prospective Students

Addresses for SFSU Applications

SF State Graduate Admissions Office (for transcripts): San Francisco State University Graduate Admissions, ADM 250 1600 Holloway Avenue San Francisco, CA 94132

SF State Communicative Disorders Graduate Admissions: Credential Services Office ATTN: Credential Admissions CD College of Education - Burk Hall 244 San Francisco State University 1600 Holloway Avenue San Francisco, CA 94132-4158

• Email: [email protected]
• Telephone: (415) 338-1001

Office Hours

Quick links.

• Frequently Asked Questions
• SFSU Graduate College of Education
• NSSLHA (National Student Speech Language Association) at SFSU
• Interprofessional Education Resources

• Department of Neuroscience
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Speech-Language Pathology MS

The Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology degree provides unique academic and clinical training for students preparing for professional practice in speech-language pathology

The University of Texas at Dallas Master of Science (M.S.) in Speech-Language Pathology degree program provides unique academic and clinical training for students who are preparing for professional practice in speech-language pathology. The Master of Science program is housed at the UT Dallas Callier Center for Communication Disorders , known internationally for its programs of research and clinical service, and takes advantage of the wide array of clinical, medical, and educational facilities in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Students have opportunities to participate in faculty research on topics that include child language development and disorders, autism spectrum disorders, bilingualism, literacy, speech production, and the neurobiology of language at the Callier Center as well as at three other UT Dallas centers: the Center for BrainHealth , the Center for Children and Families and the Center for Vital Longevity .

The program is ranked 21st among U.S. Master programs in speech-language pathology by U.S. News & World Report .

Admission to the Speech-Language Pathology Master of Science program is based on a review of the applicant’s application portfolio, which includes:

• Grade point average (GPA)
• Scores on the Graduate Record Exam (GRE)
• Three letters of recommendation
• A “statement of purpose” essay describing the applicant’s specific interests and career goals

The Essential Functions and Technical Standards for Admission and Continued Enrollment describes necessary functions and skills for success in the program. Applicants are responsible for reviewing the technical standards for admission before applying to the SLP MS program.

See the UT Dallas graduate admissions page for general information on the application process. Specific questions about applying to the speech-language pathology Master of Science program should be directed to [email protected] .

Overview of MS SLP Curriculum

Students earning a Master of Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology enroll in coursework and clinical practicum/internship placements each term.

For students with undergraduate degrees in speech-language pathology, the Master of Science degree program requires five semesters of full-time study. Students entering the program from other fields typically need to complete prerequisite courses, in which case the program requires six semesters of full-time study.

Part-time study is not advised because most classes and practicum take place during the day. The program does not admit non-degree students.

Course of Study

Courses and clinical placements are designed around core requirements that are typically completed during the first three terms of the program, followed by electives that students choose from a broad array of specialties during the remaining terms as they develop their specific clinical interests and career goals. A highly customizable course of study is a hallmark of our program. Throughout their time at UT Dallas, students work closely with their academic advisor each semester in order to select the most appropriate courses for their goals and to maximize their graduate educational experience.

The UT Dallas graduate catalog provides more information on the Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology degree. The university’s course database, CourseBook , describes specific courses in the program. Graduate courses in speech-language pathology are listed with the prefix COMD.

The Essential Functions and Technical Standards for Admission and Continued Enrollment describes necessary functions and skills for success in the program.

Clinical Experiences

Overview of Clinical Experiences

Students earning a Master of Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology enroll in coursework and clinical practicum/internship placements each term. Between clinical partnerships with the many programs housed within the Callier Center for Communication Disorders and a wide variety of sites across the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, our extensive connections and community resources provide students with experiences in a variety of settings and give them many options in the selection of on- and off-campus practicum and internship placements.

Within the first three semesters of study, students must complete one adult and one pediatric on-campus core practicum placement at either Callier Dallas or Callier Richardson. The Callier Center houses many programs across its Dallas and Richardson campuses for both children and adults; these programs are run by faculty and faculty associates who train and supervise graduate student clinicians.

The program maintains over 75 partnerships with off-campus practicum sites throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, including a wide variety of locations within each of the following areas: hospitals, private practices, home healthcare services, long-term care facilities, and both public and private schools.

Through our network of connections, students have the opportunity to work with clinicians who specialize in areas across the broad scope of practice of speech-language pathologists (SLPs). Students can choose to focus on either adult or pediatric populations, to specialize in a particular area of interest, or to select experiences across the lifespan and scope to attain a well-rounded background. All graduate students have a clinical advisor to guide them in their selection of practicum placements to ensure that they meet clinical competencies and are progressing toward their goals.

Students are required to complete an internship placement during one of their final two semesters.

Financial Aid

General information on financial aid for graduate students is available via the UT Dallas graduate admissions page. Financial aid for Master of Science students in the speech-language pathology program is limited and is awarded on a competitive basis after students have been admitted to the program. Please contact the program head for more information about funding opportunities for M.S. students in the speech-language pathology program.

UT Dallas Office of Financial Aid UT Dallas Estimated Cost Calculator

Callier Center for Communication Disorders

Research Opportunities

Master of Science students are not required to be engaged in research. However, for those who are interested in taking part in research during their graduate career, a variety of laboratories provide either paid or unpaid positions. SLP students who help to design studies and collect data present posters at state and national meetings, publish papers, and may find that their research experience serves as a springboard to dual clinician-scientist training.

More information about researchers and laboratories can be found through the School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences .

Career Paths

SLPs work to prevent, diagnose and treat communication disorders and swallowing disorders. They are employed in schools, hospitals and clinics; they often work collaboratively with other health care providers and educators. Job opportunities in speech-language pathology continue to expand with speech-language pathology consistently rated among the “100 Best Jobs” by U.S. News and World Report. In addition to clinical practice, SLPs also may be employed as researchers, educators, and administrators.

Through the broad selection of electives that allow our students to tailor their degree plan to their specific interests, graduates from our program enter the field well-prepared to follow their chosen career path. All graduates of the program are qualified for positions as a speech-language pathologist in clinical, educational, and medical settings.

For more information about career opportunities in speech-language pathology, please explore the website of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association .

Student Experiences

UTD’s top-tier SLP program is one of the largest programs in the country, and we have a correspondingly large faculty with expertise across the scope of practice, facilitating specializations across the scope of practice. In our SLP program, you will interact with different students in your elective courses and your practicum from semester to semester. We value and welcome excellent students from a wide variety of backgrounds, both in and out of field. This creates a strong program full of individuals with different perspectives, passions and personalities.

Our faculty and staff are dedicated advocates for our students, and guide and encourage them through their trajectory from incoming student to graduating colleague. In our program, we have a culture of collaboration and mutual success, and our faculty and staff’s office doors are typically open to welcome students and any questions they may have.

Student Perspectives

My favorite part about UTD is the professors and supervisors. They go above and beyond what I would expect professors to do for classes and practicums and to support students. The faculty has an open-door policy, and it is evident in the way they interact with students. Shoot a professor an email and they answer right away, call your supervisor and they pick up; walk in their office and they do their best to help you. The faculty’s knowledge and accessibility really make the program unique for me! – Anna Spencer

I love how customizable the program is! Each semester, you get to pick various electives in areas you are interested in. For example, I am interested in working with the pediatric population, and so this past summer I took Pediatric TBI and loved it! I think the ability to customize your schedule really allows you to explore and gain knowledge in many of the areas that you may want to work with as a future SLP. – Rachel

Each semester will vary, but in an average week a practicum may be 9 to 11:30am two to four times a week, then classes in the afternoon starting at 1pm. You usually get out in the mid-afternoon each day– some days might be 2:30, others 5:00pm. After your first semester, you’re able to mold your class schedule a little more and may have a couple mornings a week with no practicum, or a big study break in between classes.

Student Organizations

Students can join the Texas Speech-Language Hearing Association (TSHA) as well as the national and local chapters of the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association (NSSLHA) , the student correlate of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) . Each of these organizations provides opportunities for involvement, connection, resources, and networking among students and future colleagues.

Alumni Experiences

We have a wide network of successful alumni both within the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex and across the United States. Our program values our alumni and their input, and we love to maintain contact with former students. We regularly send communications related to the field of speech-language pathology to our alumni, including job openings in Texas and around the country. Our graduates are highly sought, and we routinely hear from recruiters seeking to hire UTD graduates.

Life in Dallas-Ft. Worth

Most SLP courses take place at Callier Dallas near UT Southwestern in the Medical District, while some electives and prerequisites are housed on UT Dallas’s main campus in Richardson. Core practicum sites are located at both Callier Dallas and Callier Richardson. Students often live near or between Callier Dallas and UT Dallas’ main campus, but some live all over the Metroplex.

While the program itself provides a community of connections with fellow students, the location offers all the conveniences, attractions, and resources of a large city. The Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex is the fourth largest metropolitan area in the country, and as such, there is plenty to see and do.

While public transportation is available, it is limited, and SLP students generally find a car to be extremely helpful, if not necessary, for life in Dallas. Students regularly commute to classes and to off-campus practicum sites, which are spread throughout the city and sometimes across the Metroplex.

Program Accreditation and Outcome Data

The Master of Science (M.S.) education program in Speech-Language Pathology (residential) at The University of Texas at Dallas is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 2200 Research Boulevard #310, Rockville, MD 20850, 800-498-2071 or 301-296-5700.

Student Outcome Data

On-time completion rates, praxis examination pass rates of test-takers, employment rates of graduates, speech-language pathology strategic plan.

View the Speech-Language Pathology Strategic Plan

Program Contacts

Program head.

Michelle Aldridge, PhD, CCC-SLP Office: CD A107 Phone: 972-883-3192 [email protected]

Director of Clinical Programs

Jessica Carter, MS, CCC-SLP Office: CD A105 Phone: 972-883-3013 [email protected]

Program Coordinator

Chona Lucas Office: CD B112 Phone: 972-883-3060 [email protected]

Program Mailing Address

Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (MS SLP) Program Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences The University of Texas at Dallas UT Dallas/Callier Center 1966 Inwood Road Dallas, Texas 75235 Phone: 972-883-3060 [email protected]

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

The program welcomes visitors before or after admission, but we request that you apply prior to scheduling a visit.

Please note that the primary location for the Master of Science program is the UTD Callier Center – Dallas, which is near the UT Southwestern Medical Center District and downtown Dallas; it is NOT located at the main UT Dallas campus in Richardson.

We do not have a specified visitor’s day, but we set aside time each week for visitors. If you visit in the morning, you may be able to observe some of the student practicum programs. Call 972-883-3060 or email the program office to schedule a visit and for directions to Callier Dallas, which is located at 1966 Inwood Road, Dallas, Texas 75235. Note that parking and the building entrance are accessed from our driveway off Southwestern Medical Avenue. Callier Dallas is closed on weekends.

The UT Dallas Master of Science degree program in speech-language pathology has more full-time students than any other SLP program in the U.S. During some semesters, there may be as many as 225 students enrolled in the program. There are many advantages to our size. Because of our program size, we offer more elective courses than most SLP programs. We offer 10-12 elective courses from which to choose each semester, and half of the courses in the degree plan will be electives. This allows students to develop their own areas of focus, taking courses across a broad range or shifting directions as their interests and career goals change (as they almost always do). Every student has an academic and clinical advisor and we ensure all students have access to faculty. We encourage you to talk with our current students and graduates about their experiences.

We typically enroll 85-90 new students in the summer and fall terms combined, and 25-30 new students in the spring term. Students who are admitted for the summer may defer to the fall term, and students who are admitted for the fall term may choose to instead begin in the summer term. Students who have not completed prerequisite coursework are encouraged to enter in the summer.

Admissions are made after reviewing an applicant’s portfolio with a holistic review process. The portfolio contains GRE scores, undergraduate GPA, three letters of recommendation, a narrative statement/essay, and a resume.

We welcome students whose undergraduate degrees are in fields other than speech-language pathology. Inclusion of students from a variety of fields enriches the educational experience for everyone. As a result, we make every effort to limit the number of prerequisite courses to those which cover material not taught at the graduate level. Students from out-of-field undergraduate majors apply directly to the Master of Science degree program; we do not offer a separate “leveling” or “post-baccalaureate” program. Out-of-field students who are admitted to the SLP MS program have specific prerequisite courses assigned as part of their overall degree plan, which adds one semester to the program duration. Out-of-field students may alternatively choose to take prerequisite courses at other institutions before applying to the UT Dallas Master of Science degree program. All students must complete four basic science courses as required by ASHA. For more information regarding prerequisites, contact the program office.

All students can apply for need-based financial assistance – including loans, grants and work-study positions – through the University’s Office of Financial Aid . Students are strongly encouraged to request work-study funds as part of their financial aid package; there are many opportunities for employment within the department, including research-oriented positions and administrative positions that expose you to clinical program management and advanced classroom content. Competitive Callier Center scholarships are also available which, when awarded to non-resident students, make them eligible to pay resident tuition. There is no separate application required for the competitively awarded Callier Center scholarships; all admitted students are considered for these scholarships regardless of residency status. Other paid positions are periodically available through faculty research grants and as needed to assist in practicum and other program activities.

Program graduates enjoy excellent outcomes including high program completion, Praxis examination scores, and rates of employment.

Students with exceptional academic records who have career goals in university teaching and research may apply for admission to both the Master of Science degree program in Speech-Language Pathology and the PhD program in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences . The PhD is a research-intensive degree, not an advanced clinical degree, and completing the PhD will generally require an additional 3-4 years of study beyond the Master of Science degree. Students pursuing both degrees may have the opportunity to complete their clinical fellowship year at the Callier Center while enrolled in the doctoral program; however, a leave of absence from the PhD program is necessary if you are engaged in full-time clinical activities that preclude progress towards PhD program milestones.

In general, we recommend that students who are interested in both the MS and PhD programs apply first to the MS program. During the first year of master-level study, students can meet with faculty and doctoral students and participate in faculty research to identify an area of research focus and a potential doctoral mentor. At the start of the second year, if the student has a very strong academic record and a faculty member has agreed to become their PhD advisor, the student can apply to the PhD program.

We do not recommend combining a Master of Science degree in speech-language pathology with a Doctor of Audiology (AuD) degree. The AuD requires four years of full-time study and because there is little overlap in coursework or clinical experiences between the two degrees, completing both would require six years of study as well as an additional clinical fellowship year in speech-language pathology. AuD faculty offer MS courses in hearing loss and aural rehabilitation and MS students will find ample opportunity for related coursework, research, and clinical experience at the Callier Center. Each summer, the Callier Center hosts a camp for children who have cochlear implants and their families and a community-based program for adults with hearing loss. Speech-Language Pathology MS students and Audiology students earning the AuD are active participants in those programs.

Most graduate courses are held at Callier Dallas. Some practicum experiences and a few elective courses are offered at Callier Richardson, but graduate students are at Callier Dallas most of the time. MS students should plan accordingly when deciding on a place to live. Public transportation is often limited but commuting by car is relatively easy and many students live in other areas of the city or Metroplex. Some student housing is available on the main campus in Richardson, but on-campus housing caters primarily to undergraduates. Please contact [email protected] for a list of apartment complexes within reasonable proximity to Callier Dallas. Online search engines can be used to filter potential apartment complexes that fit a specific price range and target location. As part of the welcome process for incoming students, the office of the Director of Clinical Education will provide students with the opportunity to send in a roommate request, which will be forwarded to other students seeking roommates.

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Mailing Address

School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences GR41 | 800 W Campbell Road | Richardson, TX 75080-3021

Graduate admissions: M.A. and Au.D. programs

Most applicants will have also completed introductory coursework in speech-language pathology and audiology; however, this is not required. Admission is based on academic performance, recommendations and a personal essay. Transcripts, scores and a completed application must be submitted in total prior to consideration for admission.

CSDCAS application

Important: Applications for the M.A. program must be submitted through CSDCAS (Communication Sciences and Disorders Centralized Application Service).

Complete the CSDCAS M.A. program application

Within CSDCAS, applicants will be required to pay an application fee and submit:

• General application form
• Transcripts
• Personal statement/essay
• Contact information for three letters of recommendation

Wayne State University application

In addition, applicants to the M.A.program must complete Wayne State's graduate application.

Apply for admission

Application procedures and checklist for the M.A. and Au.D. programs

Important: Admitted students must begin the program in the fall semester. The department does not offer the option of beginning the M.A. or Au.D. program in the winter or spring/summer semester.

Limited student funding in the form of graduate student assistantships .

Step 1: Bachelor's degree

Deadline: Before the start of the graduate program.

Complete bachelor's degree in CSD or any B.A. with appropriate post-bachelor coursework.

Requirements

A bachelor's degree in speech pathology/audiology/communication disorders or a bachelor's degree in any area with appropriate CSD post-bachelor coursework is required.

Step 2: CSDCAS application

Deadline: Jan. 15

Submit your application to CSDCAS.

• Application fee
• Application form
• Official transcripts
• Personal statement/essay (one to two pages)
• Three letters of recommendation/reference
• GRE – optional/recommended for SLP only
• See application details and hints below for more information

CSDCAS charges $125 for the first graduate program application and $50 for each additional program (see fee schedule ). The application to the CSDCAS Fee Assistance Program has to be submitted before application submission. See a list of speech-pathology and audiology graduate programs participating in the Communication Sciences & Disorders Centralized Application (CSDCAS). For assistance, visit the CSDCAS Applicant Help Center or contact 617-612-2030 or [email protected] .

Step 3: Wayne State application

Submit another application to Wayne State University Graduate School.

• Application fee ($50)
• Official transcripts from all colleges/universities previously attended (see details below)

Note: You do not have to submit your personal statement or letters of recommendation to Wayne State University.

Step 4: Math requirement

Complete a statistics course (for SLP M.A. program only).

See statistics courses offered by our math department.

Step 5: International student application

Submit your TOEFL, TWE and SPEAK/TSE scores to Wayne State University (code: 1898). See details below.

Step 6: Financial assistance

Deadline: See individual application forms (i.e., FAFSA).

Apply for financial aid as necessary. See below for tuition costs, departmental graduate student assistantship (GSA), WSU Graduate Professional Scholarship (GPS) and other financial aid.

Au.D. program interview

An Au.D. interview will be held in the department in February, by invitation only.

Detailed application instructions and helpful hints

For questions or help with this application, contact the communication sciences and disorders graduate admissions office at [email protected] .

A personal statement/essay is required. Please upload your personal statement to  CSDCAS Centralized Application Service . The personal statement for  audiology  should be one to two pages long and should include a description of your career goals and your qualifications for graduate study in audiology. The personal statement for  speech-language pathology  should be one to two pages long and should be a response to the prompt listed on the CSDCAS site.

Three letters of recommendation/reference are required. At least two of these letters should be from academic faculty who can comment on your academic potential for graduate study. As part of your online application through  CSDCAS Centralized Application Service , you must provide the names and contact information of three individuals for letters of recommendation/reference. The writers of your three letters will then be sent information that allows them to upload their letters online confidentially.

All letters of recommendation/reference should be submitted to  CSDCAS Centralized Application Service  by Jan. 15. All letters of reference should include the street address, email address and phone number of the letter writer.  Important: We will not review your application unless we have all three letters by Jan. 15 . Submitting a fraudulent letter of recommendation/reference will result in your application being rejected.

About GRE scores:

• This is optional/recommended for the SLP program only.
• GRE scores are not required or optional/recommended for the Au.D. program.
• GRE scores from within the past five years are valid to send. 

If you've taken the GRE but have not had the test scores sent directly to WSU, you must contact the testing service and request that your official scores be sent to Wayne State University CSDCAS (DI code  0699 ).

Important:  If you have not taken the GRE yet, write the Wayne State University CSDCAS Designated Institution code ( 0699 ) on the test form when you take the GRE to request that your test scores be sent directly to the WSU communication sciences and disorders department.

You  must  take the GRE before Jan. 1 for the test scores to reach WSU before the Jan. 15 deadline. For test information, visit  Testing and Evaluation Services . For a schedule of GRE test dates, see the  GRE site .

Official transcripts of TOEFL test battery scores (only required for international students who are non-native speakers of English) are required. The minimum scores acceptable for admission are:

• TOEFL : 600
• iBT : Score of 100
• IELTS : Score of 7.5
• Duolingo : Score of 130

Official scores must be sent directly to Wayne State University (institution code  1898 ). All exams must be taken prior to Jan. 1 to ensure receipt of the score report by the Jan. 15 deadline. For test schedules and fees, see  Testing and Evaluation Services  at Wayne State University.

You must submit an official transcript from  each  undergraduate institution you have attended. All the transcripts have to be received by Jan. 15. For admissions purposes, we consider both undergraduate GPA and communication major GPA. GPA is calculated based on your entire undergraduate record from all institutions attended. If you do not submit all of your official transcripts, we will be unable to review your application.

The transcript from your current undergraduate institution must show your fall semester grades. You must submit all of your transcripts to two different places:

• To the WSU Office of Graduate Admissions.

To ensure your official transcript is handled properly by CSDCAS, you must first list your school in the  Colleges and Universities Attended  section of your CSDCAS application.

According to  CSDCAS' instruction for sending transcripts , you should then print the CSDCAS Official Transcript Request Form and give this form to your registrar's office to include with your transcript when it is mailed to CSDCAS. At the same time, you should request a second copy for yourself to help you complete the online application. Transcripts must be sent directly from the Office of Registrar in your undergraduate institutions to these two locations.

CSDCAS Transcript Processing Center P.O. Box 9113 Watertown, MA 02471

Wayne State University Graduate Admissions 5057 Woodward, Suite 6304 Detroit, MI  48202

International transcripts

All students with international transcripts must submit an official course-by-course transcript evaluation completed by  World Education Services  (WES). Please do not send any  official  academic records to WSU. The official course-by-course transcript evaluation must be transmitted directly from WES to the Office of Graduate Admissions.

Our department considers your entire undergraduate record and requires a minimum GPA of 3.0 for serious consideration for regular admission. The average GPA for accepted students is about 3.5 in the past few years.

Students entering the graduate program must have completed the undergraduate course requirements for admission to speech-language pathology or audiology. This can be accomplished by:

• Graduating with an undergraduate degree in communication disorders and/or audiology and speech-language pathology; or
• Graduating with a bachelor's degree in a different major and then completing pre-requisite courses as a post-bachelor student in our department at Wayne State University or at another institution.

All applicants can apply for the graduate program while they are still completing these  ASHA undergraduate required and CSD re-requisite courses , but they must finish these undergraduate courses before beginning the graduate program. Admission to the post-bachelor program does not guarantee admission to a graduate program in the CSD department. Interested students may contact the  undergraduate/post-bachelor advisor . International students holding a three-year undergraduate degree must also contact the post-bachelor advisor.

Tuition costs

Up-to-date tuition information can be obtained from the  Wayne State University Office of the Registrar . Students from Michigan, select counties of Ohio (Fulton, Lucas, Ottawa and Williams) and the Canadian province of Ontario pay resident tuition rates ( Ohio/Ontario Good Neighbor Policy ). Students who reside in other areas are required to pay the non-resident tuition rate.

Department graduate assistantships

The Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders may award a limited number of graduate assistantships each year. Each graduate assistant is required to work approximately 20 hours per week on department assignments. Awards are given on a competitive basis. To apply for a graduate assistantship, complete the  one-page GA application  and email it to the admissions coordinator at  [email protected]  by Jan. 15.

University financial assistance

Information regarding the  Graduate Professional Scholarship  can be obtained by contacting  Graduate School . For the most up-to-date information on other university-sponsored awards and loans, please see the  Office of Student Financial Aid .

2024-25 University Catalog

Speech-language pathology, m.a..

The on-campus and the online M.A. in Speech-Language Pathology are accredited by the Council of Academic Accreditation of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and provide academic and clinical instruction sufficient for the Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) in speech-language pathology awarded by ASHA and licensure in the state of North Carolina.

Both the on-campus and the online program require 66 credit hours (34 credits in academic course work and 32 credits in clinical course work, excluding clinical practicum credits earned) and provide a lifespan approach for advanced study of language, speech, swallowing, non-speech communication systems, and hearing in persons of all ages. The UNCG Speech and Hearing Center, a variety of research laboratories, telepractice, simulated cases, and numerous human service agencies provide ample practical and research experiences.

For information regarding deadlines and requirements for admission, please see https://grs.uncg.edu/programs/ .

In addition to the application materials required by the Graduate School, applicants must submit a written personal statement, not to exceed two double-spaced typed pages, focusing on the applicant’s unique qualifications and interests in the field of speech-language pathology and the master’s program at UNC Greensboro.

Students are admitted for full-time study only. Permission for exceptions must be approved by faculty. Typically, students are enrolled full-time for two consecutive academic years including one summer session.

Students without an undergraduate degree in communication sciences and disorders should expect to spend approximately one year taking pre-professional courses (see the undergraduate CSD major in the catalog) required for graduate course work and should consult with advisors in this program for course selection that will meet degree, certification, and licensure requirements.

Upon admission, students will be assigned an academic advisor, who will provide information regarding academic and clinical aspects of the program.

Degree Program Requirements

Required:  66 credit hours

Non-thesis students must take this course.

Thesis students must also enroll in this course.

In consultation with an academic advisor in the discipline.

In order to meet requirements for clinical certification and state licensure, students must complete specific clinical practicum requirements.

As advised.

Collateral Expertise

Additional courses may be selected to meet basic science requirements for certification or licensure including the following:

Capstone Experience

Non-thesis degree candidates will complete the research courses CSD 632 Introduction to Research in Communication Sciences and Disorders and CSD 633 Special Projects in Communication Sciences and Disorders as capstone experiences. Thesis students will complete CSD 632 and CSD 699 Thesis .

Dismissal From the Program

Fully admitted students will become academically ineligible to continue in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders under any of the following circumstances:

• Academic Ineligibility;
• Grades of U, F, or WF are received in any course;
• Grades of C+ or C are received in more than 6 credit hours;
• Grades of C+ or C are received in CSD 678 Clinical Foundations in Speech-Language Pathology II ; or
• The required 3.0 for graduation is not achieved within the minimum number of credit hours required for the degree.

Residence Requirement

In most cases, students will enroll as full-time students in the Fall semester and continue full-time enrollment for the subsequent four semesters.

8 Tips to Prepare for Speech Pathology Graduate School

Industry Advice Healthcare

If you’re considering a career as a speech-language pathologist (SLP), you’ll need to complete a graduate program, such as a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology, in order to practice . An advanced degree will provide you with both the foundational knowledge and hands-on experience you’ll need when working with patients.

With this in mind, below are eight tips to help you prepare for an SLP graduate program. 

Tips for Getting Into a Speech-Language Pathology Graduate Program

1. think carefully about your undergraduate degree..

If you know that you are interested in becoming an SLP as an undergraduate, it will be helpful to major in a field related to SLP. Two common choices include a Bachelor of Science in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology and a Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders. 

While not a requirement, earning a degree in a related field will provide you with foundational knowledge that will help you succeed in your graduate courses. Most related undergraduate programs also include hands-on clinical hours, which you must typically complete anyway before enrolling in a graduate program. Additionally, having a related undergraduate degree can help your application stand out among your peers and increase your chance of admission. 

If you have already completed your undergraduate degree in a field outside of speech-language pathology, that’s fine! Just know that you will likely need to complete several prerequisite courses before you begin your graduate program. 

Interested in a Speech-Language Pathology Career?

Learn how an SLP degree can give you the skills you need to make a difference in educational and healthcare settings.

2. Apply to multiple programs.

Speech-language pathology graduate programs tend to be highly competitive, typically admitting relatively few students in each cohort. With this in mind, it’s a good idea to apply to multiple programs to improve your chances of being admitted to at least one. 

“Because of the competitive nature of the admissions process, it makes sense to apply to multiple programs—even if you have a dream school in mind,” says Lorraine Book, department chair and associate clinical professor at Northeastern’s MS in Speech-Language Pathology program.

3. Maintain your grades. 

While this tip likely goes without saying, it’s important to maintain your grades and earn as high a GPA as possible in your undergraduate courses. GPA is a key piece of information admissions officers consider when reviewing applications, and it can be the difference between getting into a program or not. 

“Admissions counselors pay special attention to the GPA you earned in any prerequisite courses, so at a minimum, you should be mindful of those,” Book says.

The good news is that most programs will list their minimum required GPA on their program pages. With this information, you can retake courses if you are falling below the threshold or find other ways to boost your score. 

4. Complete the GREs.

Many programs waived their GRE requirements in 2020 and 2021 due to COVID-19. Those programs may decide they do not need GREs to adequately evaluate applicants, in which case they may permanently no longer require test scores. On the other hand, GREs may become necessary again in the future. As such, Book recommends that all students prepare for and take their GREs to be ready for either scenario. 

“You want to study and do well on those exams because those scores are closely evaluated in the admissions process,” Book says. “If you don’t do well the first time, you should try again until you have achieved a score that is at least the minimum required by the university, if not higher.”

5. Think critically about your letters of recommendation.

According to Book, the letters of recommendation you submit with your application are critical pieces of information for admissions officers to evaluate. Therefore, you must be thoughtful about the people that you ask to write your letters of recommendation. 

“Most programs look for letters of recommendation written by a professor or course instructor that knows the student well,” Book says. “You don’t just want a letter that says you attended class or earned a certain grade. The letter should be written by somebody who knows you beyond simply the coursework that you took.”

Book recommends that students take the time to develop authentic relationships with their professors and advisors during their undergraduate studies. This way, they’ll have multiple people that can write a strong letter of recommendation. If you have lab experience, research experience, or have completed an independent study, those individuals can all offer powerful recommendations as well.

6. Take the time to write a meaningful personal statement.

In writing your personal statement , Book offers the following pieces of advice:

• Be very mindful of spelling and grammar.
• Tailor your message to the university and program that you are applying to by mentioning certain professors or recent research completed by faculty members.
• Write as genuinely as possible. 

“The personal statement is your opportunity to speak directly to an admissions officer,” Book says. “Use that space to tell them about your dreams, your goals, and why you want to be a speech-language pathologist.”

7. Be thorough in your application.

While students may think admissions counselors don’t much consider extracurricular activities at the undergraduate level, Book confirms that they are, in fact, an important part of the process and are something that counselors actively seek.

“Volunteer experience, leadership experience, and research experience are all important,” Book says. “They help the admissions team get a fuller picture of who you are and how you would engage in their programs.”

8. Choose the right program.

Finally, Book mentions the importance of choosing the right program for your interests. For example, if you are interested in working with a specific patient population or within a particular branch of SLP, Book recommends looking for programs that will allow you to explore those interests.

Some programs offer concentrations or learning tracks, while others may offer specialized courses that can be just as helpful. 

An Important Part of Your Speech-Language Pathology Journey

Earning your MS in Speech-Language Pathology is one of the most important steps you will complete in beginning your career. By following the tips above, you’ll increase your chances not only of getting into a program but of achieving success once you enroll.

Interested in becoming a Speech-Language Pathologist? Learn more about the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Northeastern University.

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Master of Science in Communication Disorders and Sciences | Health Professions | SIU

Health professions:, communication disorders and sciences.

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Master of science in communication disorders and sciences.

Our accredited Master of Science in Communication Disorders and Sciences leads to national certification in speech-language pathology and prepares students for doctoral education in speech-language pathology or related fields. Through a strong clinical program, diverse faculty, study abroad options, and a multitude of research opportunities, our graduates are well-prepared for their chosen profession.

Our students excel at passing the Praxis exam, a national exam necessary for ASHA certification. We have  100% job placement in the field within one year of graduation.

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Degree Requirements

Beginning in 2023, the master’s program will be a six-semester program, and it will transition to begin in the Summer term. The Master of Science program in Communication Disorders and Sciences ranges from 63-66 credit hours. The first Summer Semester will enable students to start earning clinical hours and complete a Research Methods in Communication Disorders course. We promote collaboration between our faculty and students throughout clinical, research, and mentorship experiences. 

View our Masters Curricular Guide which helps you outline what courses you would want to take each semester.

Professional Education License

SIU CDS Masters of Science program provides education and clinical experiences enabling graduates to earn a non-teaching professional educator license in Illinois as a speech-language pathologist. Becoming a speech-language pathologist in a public school in Illinois requires a professional educator license. Students planning to pursue the non-teaching professional educator license should apply through the teacher education program .

Steps to Obtaining your PEL .

For those that do not have a CDS Bachelor's degree, we offer a leveling course sequence to obtain prerequisites. This course sequence is currently offered on-campus only.

This program requires that you submit an application to both  SIU Graduate School Application and a CSDCAS application .

The GRE exam is optional and not required for admission to the Communication Disorders and Sciences here at SIU.

Factors influencing acceptance are volunteer work, professional experience, and those who demonstrate self-motivation and passion for the CDS field.

Apply to SIU

Apply to CSDCAS

Clinical Program

Clinical practice is where students apply what they’ve learned in the classroom. Under the supervision of CDS faculty, students provide care to those with communication disorders in the SIU Clinical Center and the Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders . Here, students learn to assess, diagnose, and treat those in need and discover the benefits of strong listening, problem-solving, and communication skills.

The last two semesters of the CDS clinical program students are completing full-time internships and/or student-teaching experiences. These internships/student-teaching assignments offer real-life experiences in schools and health care settings, allowing students engage in a higher level of clinical practice.

The Communication Disorders and Sciences master’s program is nationally accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology. They accredit graduate programs that prepare individuals to enter professional practice in audiology and/or speech-language pathology.

Contact Information

Valerie Boyer, Program Director Rehn 309 A 1025 Lincoln Dr. Carbondale, IL 62901 Phone: 618-453-7211 [email protected]

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Speech-Language Pathology SLP

| 4 October 2023

How to Get into Grad School for Speech Pathology

Speech-language pathologists , or speech therapists, specialize in communication. They work with babies, children and adults to treat issues relating to articulation, language, fluency, feeding and swallowing. 1

If you’re interested in speech-language pathology (SLP) as a potential career, be aware of the requirements to get accepted into a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (MS-SLP) program . According to a recent Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) Education Survey, the average SLP grad school acceptance rate is 41.6%. 2

Read on to learn how to get into grad school for speech pathology. 

USAHS SLP Program Requirements

While every program is different, USAHS’s requirements include: 

• Earn a bachelor’s degree
• Graduate with a minimum GPA of 3.0 
• Take the GRE 
• Submit letters of recommendation
• Write an essay or personal statement 
• Complete 25 observation hours
• Complete prerequisite coursework

Please note that USAHS doesn’t require a GRE score to gain admission to the MS-SLP program. 

How to Get into SLP Grad School in Seven Steps

Follow these seven steps to increase your chance of getting into grad school for speech pathology. 

1. Graduate with an Undergraduate Degree 

The first MS-SLP admission requirement is to obtain a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. While not required, majoring in CSD or speech-language pathology helps ensure you complete all prerequisite coursework . 

If your school doesn’t offer a CSD or SLP undergraduate degree, you can still apply as long as you complete the following ASHA prerequisite course requirements :

• Chemistry or physics
• Behavioral or social sciences

USAHS offers the following leveling courses if your degree isn’t in CSD or SLP:

• Introduction to Audiology
• Aural Rehabilitation
• Speech Anatomy and Physiology
• Introduction to Communication Sciences and Disorders
• Normal Speech and Language Development

At USAHS, we recommend completing prerequisite coursework no more than five years prior to enrollment. 

2. Take Your GRE

Depending on the programs you’re applying to, you may be required to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) . This standardized test assesses your verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning and analytical writing skills. 3

USAHS is one of the many SLP programs that doesn’t require a GRE score for admission. If standardized tests aren’t your strong suit, you may want to consider the GRE requirement when deciding which programs to apply to. 

3. Shadow SLPs 

Next, you’ll want to shadow multiple SLPs in the field to learn more about their day-to-day responsibilities. Since there are multiple career path options, you may want to shadow in a variety of different settings where SLPs work, including 4 :

• Schools, colleges and universities
• Nonresidential healthcare facilities, hospitals and residential healthcare facilities
• Private practice
• Corporate environments 
• Local, state and federal government agencies

SLP programs require you to complete 25 guided observation hours with an ASHA-certified SLP.  Log these hours to ensure you meet the requirements. 

4. Gain Field Experience

It’s important to seek out opportunities to gain experience in the field. While clinical internships typically aren’t available to undergraduate students, you can find non-clinical internships or volunteer opportunities that will strengthen your grad school application. 5 These experiences will give you insight into an SLP’s daily tasks and allow you to interact and learn from SLPs. 

These volunteer opportunities and work experiences don’t count toward the 25-hour observation requirement.

5. Network with SLPs

While not required, networking with SLPs is a great way to learn more about the field and may lead to other opportunities. Attend networking events or connect on LinkedIn to establish relationships. 

You may want to connect with alumni who can share advice and experiences or provide a reference letter. 

6. Research Multiple Programs

Research multiple MS-SLP programs to decide which ones to apply to. Some factors to consider include:

• Learning model
• Program length 
• Mission statement
• Virtual/hybrid coursework options 
• Virtual or on-site clinical practica options 
• Tuition and financial aid options 
• On-campus facilities 

Also, speak with current students, alumni and professors to gain insight into each program. 

7. Complete Program Applications

Narrow your options and apply to the programs you’re the most interested in. To improve your chances of acceptance, apply to multiple programs. Each program might have different requirements, so thoroughly read and fill out each application. 

Five Tips to Get Accepted into an SLP Graduate Program

Below are a few tips to help you get accepted into an SLP grad program. 

1. Maintain a High GPA During Your Undergrad Program  

A grade point average (GPA) is a factor that most SLP programs take into consideration. Retain a minimum GPA of 3.0 calculated on program prerequisites. SLP programs are competitive, and some programs prefer a higher GPA.

2. Have Multiple People Revise Your Essays 

Many SLP grad programs require you to write a personal essay in response to a specific prompt. Thoroughly answer the question and adhere to font, spacing and length requirements. 

After writing your essay, ask family, friends, professors or classmates to review the essay before submitting it. 

3. Start the Application Process Early 

As each program has various requirements, we recommend getting a head start on the application process to give you plenty of time to apply for each program you’re interested in. Write down each application’s deadline, list each requirement and keep track of your progress. Staying organized and on schedule will help ensure you submit each application on time. 

4. Conduct Research

Consider whether each program is the best educational fit for your learning needs and lifestyle. Some questions to ask yourself include: 

• Do I want to be in a specific geographic area? 
• Do I prefer a small or a large university? 
• How many fellow students do I want in my cohort? 
• Do I want to specialize in a specific area of SLP? 
• Does a traditional, hybrid or online program fit my learning style? 

Additionally, you should look into each program’s student outcome data such as on-time program completion and Praxis exam pass rates. This ensures that you’re applying to a program where graduates have a solid success rate. 

5. Submit Multiple Letters of Recommendation

Most SLP grad programs require you to submit at least two letters of recommendation. These letters can come from professors, supervisors or employers familiar with you in a professional or academic setting. Take the time to establish professional relationships during undergrad, work experiences and volunteer opportunities so you’re not scrambling when it comes time to ask for a letter of recommendation. 

Request these letters in advance to give the individual plenty of time to write your letter. 

How to Get into Grad School for Speech Pathology FAQ

Applying for grad school can be a confusing process. Below, we’ve answered some common questions regarding grad school for SLP. 

Is it Hard to Get into Grad School for SLP? 

Grad schools for SLP programs are typically very competitive. Programs can accommodate a median of about 32 students, according to a recent survey of the 2021-2022 academic year. 2 Therefore, you may want to apply to multiple programs to improve your chances of acceptance. 

What GPA is Required to Get into SLP Grad School? 

Most programs require a minimum 3.0 GPA , either overall or for prerequisite coursework. 

Can You Get into an SLP Grad Program with a Low GPA?

Each program places a different weight on the importance of application factors, so you may be able to get into some SLP grad programs with a low GPA. Additionally, some programs consider your grade trend, so try to continue to raise your GPA each semester. 

Apply to USAHS’ MS-SLP Program 

A career as an SLP offers countless benefits . From the impact on patient lives to the high level of job security, there are several reasons to pursue a degree in speech-language pathology . 

Now that you know how to get into grad school for speech pathology, we encourage you to apply to our program. With our student-first philosophy, blended learning model and state-of-the-art simulation labs, we provide our students with the tools they need to succeed in their careers. 

• ASHA, “Who Are Speech-Language Pathologists, and What Do They Do?” ASHA, last modified [June 2023], https://www.asha.org/public/who-are-speech-language-pathologists/
• ASHA, “CSD Education Survey: Communication Sciences and Disorders Education Trend Data,” ASHA , last modified [May 2023], https://www.asha.org/siteassets/uploadedfiles/communication-sciences-and-disorders-education-trend-data.pdf
• ETS, “The GRE® General Test,” ETS , last modified [August 2023], https://www.ets.org/gre/test-takers/general-test/about.html
• ASHA, “Employment Settings for SLPs,” ASHA , last modified [August 2023], https://www.asha.org/students/employment-settings-for-slps/
• SpeechPathologyGraduatePrograms.org, “Speech Pathology Internships – Your Complete Guide to Selecting the SLP Internship That’s Right for You,”  SpeechPathologyGraduatePrograms.org , last modified [June 2023], https://www.speechpathologygraduateprograms.org/2021/09/speech-pathology-internships/

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La Salle University

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Admission Requirements

How to apply.

All application materials must be submitted through the  CSDCAS Portal .  Please do not send any materials directly to La Salle University ; they will not be considered as part of your application.

Application Deadline

Applications must be  verified  by 11:59 PM ET on June 1, 2024. Applications can only be verified once all payments, transcripts, and letters of evaluation have been received. To ensure your application is verified on time, try to complete your application at least four weeks before the deadline.

Application Instructions

• Complete the  CSDCAS application .
• Request that official transcripts from all U.S. institutions attended be sent to CSDCAS.
• “Being an effective speech-language pathologist is both an art and a science. As a graduate student, you will be expected to do well academically and clinically.  In no more than 400 words, please describe an experience highlighting the personal qualities you possess illustrating that you will be a successful clinician.”
• Our graduate SLP admissions are GRE test-optional. If you choose to submit test scores, you should request that official GRE scores be sent to  La Salle University  using code  0717 . The test must be taken within the past five years.
• Request three letters of recommendation be sent through the CSDCAS recommender portal, at least two of which must be provided by someone who taught you during your college career and can speak about the quality of your academic work and your ability to succeed in a graduate program.
• International Applicants: Request that official evaluations of transcripts from all foreign institutions be sent to CSDCAS as follows: Use the World Education Services (WES) link in the Academic History section of the application to order your official WES evaluation.

Admission Requirements for a Successful Applicant

• Applicants must have transcript credit for at least four communication sciences and disorders prerequisite courses before the application deadline. For students who do not have a background in communication sciences and disorders, we offer prerequisite courses through our  PreSLP program.
• All applicants must have a minimum total GPA of 3.0 to apply and to be reviewed by the Admissions Committee. We rely on CSDCAS computation of total GPA. Most successful applicants have 3.5 or higher.
• Applicants may be interviewed as part of the application process.

In fairness to all our applicants, La Salle does not review applications before the deadline.  You are responsible for monitoring the completeness of your application through the CSDCAS portal.

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MS Speech-Language Pathology FAQ

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General Questions

What degree is offered after completion of the program?

A master of science in speech-language pathology

How long is the program?

For individuals who have an undergraduate degree in communicative disorders or speech-language pathology OR have a bachelor's degree in another field AND have taken the following eight (8) courses from a CAA-accredited program in Speech-Language Pathology: Speech and Language Development; Phonetics; Audiology; Articulation & Phonology (or Speech Sound Disorders); Anatomy & Physiology of Speech; Language Disorders; Speech & Hearing Science; Aural Rehabilitation, the program is 15 months in length.

The program is 24 months in length for individuals with degrees outside of speech-language pathology.

Cost and Financial Aid

How much does it cost to attend Pacific's SLP program?

Go to Tuition and Fees to see current costs.

What kind of financial aid is available? Financial aid packages at Pacific are tailored to each individual's qualifications and program of study. Therefore, no specific information can be given regarding financial aid until a student has been admitted to a program and has accepted admission to a program. For answers to specific financial aid questions, applicants can contact the Office of Financial Aid department at 209.946.2421 or [email protected].

Do you offer teaching assistantships or graduate assistantships? At the present time, the department does not offer teaching/graduate assistantships. General Application How many students apply, and how many do you accept? During the 2023 admissions cycle, 105 individuals applied to Pacific's SLP program. For our 15-month program, 28 individuals were admitted. For our 24-month program, 8 individuals were admitted. Our graduate-level class size is typically 28-32 students. What is required to apply to the program? Go to Graduate Admissions Process for a detailed list of the items required to apply. Is it possible for me to come and see the campus and talk with an advisor? Our department offers information sessions throughout the year to help answer prospective student questions and tour our department/clinic. Go to Events for upcoming information sessions. Due to the large number of requests received each year, no individual appointments for graduate tours will be made. Do you offer admission in the spring semester? No. Due to the prescriptive nature of our program, we only admit students to begin the program in the fall. Do I need to submit official transcripts to CSDCAS and Pacific when I apply? During the application process, you only need to submit official transcripts to CSDCAS. If you are admitted to Pacific, we will contact you to request official transcripts. Which prerequisite courses are necessary? There are no prerequisite courses required to apply to our program (regardless of your prior major); however, you must have a bachelor's degree before you can enter our graduate program. The following courses ARE NOT prerequisites but need to be completed before you graduate from our program (these are often part of your general education requirements and must be completed with a grade of "C" or better):

• A developmental psychology or a child development course
• A psychology, sociology, or anthropology course
• A biology or human anatomy course
• A statistics course
• A chemistry or physics course

Can online courses satisfy the undergraduate foundation course requirements to make me eligible for the 15-month program?

If you successfully complete an online speech-language pathology or communicative disorders program, you may be considered for the 15-month program. Your program MUST include the following 8 courses to be eligible for the 15-month program: Speech and Language Development; Phonetics; Audiology; Articulation and Phonology (or Speech Sound Disorders); Anatomy & Physiology of Speech; Language Disorders; Speech & Hearing Science; Aural Rehabilitation.

Where do I go to access the CSDCAS application? The CSDCAS application can be accessed at csdcas.liaisoncas.com . What if my recommender DOES NOT want to fill out his/her letter of recommendation online? CSDCAS requires that all letters of recommendation be completed online. If your recommender does not want to complete the recommendation online, unfortunately, you will need to find another recommender. DO NOT use the recommendation forms that can be found on the university's webpage. The university recommendation forms WILL NOT be accepted by CSDCAS or the department. Can I submit more than the three required letters of recommendation? Due to the volume of applications we will be reviewing, we will only read three letters. What is the prompt and length requirement for the personal statement? The essay has no assigned prompt; however, your personal essay should describe your motivation, skills, and abilities that will contribute to your academic and clinical success in our program. My application status still says "RECEIVED." Did I make the deadline? In order to meet our application deadline, your CSDCAS application needs to have a status of "COMPLETE" or "VERIFIED." NOTE, your application must be submitted to CSDCAS by 11:59 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time) on the application deadline date in order to be considered "on-time." If you check on your application and you are at an "On Hold" or "Undelivered" status, please contact CSDCAS regarding the status of your application at 617.612.2030. What if my transcripts, letters, etc., aren't received by CSDCAS by the deadline? CSDCAS requires that your application, letters of recommendation, and transcripts are received by them for your application to be considered "COMPLETE."  Therefore, all items must be received by CSDCAS by January 15th to meet the priority deadline and February 1st to meet our regular application deadline. What is the minimum GPA required to apply to Pacific's SLP program? The minimum GPA required to apply is 3.0 for the last 60 units of study. As a point of reference, the average GPA for the last 60 units of study of the students admitted for the Fall 2023 cycle was 3.73 for the 15-month cohort and 3.61 for the 24-month cohort. My GPA is low, but I really want to be a speech-language pathologist. What do you recommend? Visit the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) website for more information about the minimum requirements for different programs. I have a graduate degree. Should I include my graduate course grades when calculating my GPA for the last 60 units? Yes. The Department of Speech-Language Pathology will be looking at your last 60 units of study. This would include all post-baccalaureate coursework, if applicable.

Admissions Process

When will I find out if I was admitted? All applicants who meet the priority deadline of January 15th will receive an admission decision, sent via email, from the Graduate Admission Office by mid-February.  All applicants who meet the February 1st deadline will receive an admission decision, sent via email, from the Graduate Admission Office by the end of March. If admitted to the program, when will I need to make my decision? All applicants will have a decision deadline (to accept or decline our offer) of April 15th. What happens if I'm placed on the waiting list? If you are placed on the waiting list, you will be asked to let our department know whether or not you want to remain on the waiting list by emailing [email protected]. After April 15th, the admissions committee will meet and review those who remain on the waiting list. The Graduate Admission Office will begin notifying students on the waiting list if spaces become available. NOTE: Student rankings WILL NOT be disclosed to those on the waiting list, even after it has been ranked, due to its ever-changing nature (e.g. applicants accepting positions elsewhere). All applicants who are placed on the waiting list will be notified when the class has been filled, and the waiting list has been closed.

Other Questions

When do classes begin? Classes begin on the last Monday in August. Can general education courses (needed to complete the program) be taken as a pass/fail? All GE courses must be taken for a grade, and students must earn a "C" or better in order to meet the course requirement. If I am applying to the 24-month program and I've taken some of the SLP foundation courses for your program at my undergraduate institution, do I need to retake them? Yes. Accepting admission to our program means that you will complete all SLP foundation courses required for the program here at Pacific. Is it possible for me to work a full-time job while in your program? No. The program requires students to be available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (this includes time spent in class, clinic, and off-site school/medical sites).  

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Speech-Language Pathology Admissions

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COVID-19 Update

We continue to monitor the impact of COVID-19. The Admissions Committee has reviewed their policies with special consideration for the effects of COVID-19 on our applicants. The current policies have been established with these considerations in mind. For this reason, and in keeping with our Program’s policies, we are unable to waive any of our admission requirements for any reason.

As more jurisdictions across the country are closing schools, limiting large gatherings, and taking other measures to create social distance to minimize the spread of COVID-19, we have asked our staff to work remotely in the near term and all admissions information events have been either canceled or moved online. Given this change, we'd like to assure you that we have robust technology and a culture of flexibility that allows us to continue providing you with uninterrupted service.

We are closely monitoring guidance from the World Health Organization, the CDC, and state and local authorities and will provide up to date information on our website as new information becomes available.

Priority Deadline: January 15th Due to the competitive nature of our program, applicants are encouraged to submit their applications prior to the priority deadline of January 15th. Applicants who meet the January 15th priority deadline can expect an admissions decision by mid-February. 

Final Deadline: February 1st Applications will continue to be accepted through the final deadline of February 1st at 11:59 p.m. EST. Admissions decisions for all applicants meeting the February 1st deadline will be sent out by the end of March.  

Application Requirements

Official transcripts.

Official transcripts, from all institutions attended post high school (this includes vocational/technical school transcripts), must be submitted to CSDCAS as part of the application. DO NOT mail transcripts to the university at this time.

GPA Requirements The minimum GPA to apply to the graduate program is a 3.0 for the last 60 units of study.

Transfer of credits policies Units for any coursework taken outside of the University of the Pacific cannot be transferred at the graduate level.  All graduate level speech-language pathology courses must be taken at Pacific.

Personal Statement

There is no assigned prompt for the essay, however, your personal essay should describe your motivation, skills and abilities that will contribute to your academic and clinical success in our program.

Three (3) Letters of Reference

All letters of reference must be sent in using the CSDCAS online system. At least one letter of reference should come from a university faculty member.

Video Recording

Each applicant must submit a 3-4 minute video recording responding to the prompts detailed on CSDCAS. Once you have completed your video, please upload it to YouTube (be sure your video IS NOT set to "private" or we will be unable to view it; instead, select "unlisted") and submit your video link in the "Questions" portion of the CSDCAS application.

24-Month Prerequisite Classes:

Note : Not all of these need to be taken prior to applying to the 24 month program.  Some students take these during the summer before enrolling in our MS program.

• Child Development
• Basic Biology or Anatomy Class
• Basic Chemistry OR Physics
• Intro to Psych OR Sociology
• Mainstreaming/Exceptional Child*

*Although a Mainstreaming/Exceptional Child class is not a prerequisite, it is a required class to be able to work after graduation as an SLP in the public schools, We recommended students take the course prior to graduation.

Any questions related to our prerequisite courses should be directed to our Graduate Program Director, Dr. Larry Boles at [email protected]  

15-Month Prerequisite Classes:

All of the above courses for the 24-month program plus the following:

• Speech & Hearing Science
• Speech Sound Disorders
• Language Disorders
• Disorders of Fluency (optional but encouraged)
• Anatomy & Physiology in Comm Disorders
• Aural Rehabilitation
• Speech-Language Development

For all applicants applying to the 15-month program, you will submit your clinical observation hours in the "Documents" section of the application. Applicants that do not have hours to submit need to submit a Word document stating that they do not have hours to submit at this time.

Pacific’s FAFSA school code is 001329.  

Please join a program information session to learn more and discover if our program is the right fit for you. Each session is hosted by a faculty member and will provide an overview of the program, tours of the classrooms and clinic facilities, and opportunities for individual questions.

If you have any further questions, refer to our FAQ page or contact the department's graduate program director, Dr. Larry Boles, at [email protected] or 209-946-7490.