Applying to the Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology
Applying to the Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology
The ISU Graduate SLP Program participates in the Centralized Application Service for Communication Science and Disorders, or the CSDCAS System. This is a web-based system that allows students to apply to multiple graduate programs in Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) or Audiology at participating schools using a single application. Applicants to the program need to submit two applications:
- The ISU Graduate School Application, and
- The CSDCAS Application
For specific application instructions, please carefully read and follow the instructions in the following document: Master of Science in SLP Application Instructions 2024/2025
Application due dates: The priority consideration application deadline for the next academic year is January 15th and the final deadline is February 1st. Both the Graduate School and CSDCAS applications must be electronically submitted with fees paid by February 1st of the year in which you wish to enter the graduate program.
The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is not required nor accepted for admission to our programs.
We employ a holistic admissions process and provide several opportunities for potential students to provide information about themselves and their preparation for graduate-level studies and clinical work in our application documents.
Minimum requirements:
- Prerequisite Academic Work
- A bachelor’s degree (B.S./B.A.) in Communication Sciences or a bachelor’s degree in another field and completion of the pre-requisite courses listed below (or their equivalents). It is ideal for prerequisite coursework to be less than 5 years old. We recommend that students refresh their knowledge as needed and strongly recommend that they retake prerequisite courses if they were taken more than 10 years ago. There is a preference for students whose Communication Sciences and Disorders coursework is less than 10 years old. (*Biology, physics, psychology, and statistics can be older than 10 years). Students who are missing 1-2 of the prerequisite CSD courses may still be considered for admission to the program but would need to complete the prerequisites prior to beginning the graduate program.
- CSD foundational science courses in speech-language pathology
- Anatomy & Physiology of the Speech and Swallowing Mechanisms
- Audiology (3 credits)
- Speech Science / Speech & Hearing Science
- Clinical Phonetics and Phonology
- Language Science (Courses in speech & hearing science, language development, or language disorders do not meet this prerequisite; Courses that focus on the nature and structure of language/English meet this requirement)
- Neuroscience for Communication Disorders
- CSD Development and Disorders courses
- Speech Sound Development and Disorders
- Language Development and Disorders
- General Education courses required by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA): These courses are required by ASHA for certification as a speech-language pathologist, but are not a formal part of the graduate SLP Program. We recommend that they be completed before beginning the program, but Biology, Physics/Chemistry, and Psychology/Sociology may be completed during the program if necessary. Statistics should be completed before starting the program or during the first year, as knowledge of statistics is needed for evidence-based clinical practice in speech-language pathology.
- *Biology
- *Physics or Chemistry (physics is preferred)
- *Psychology or Sociology
- *Statistics
- CSD foundational science courses in speech-language pathology
- A bachelor’s degree (B.S./B.A.) in Communication Sciences or a bachelor’s degree in another field and completion of the pre-requisite courses listed below (or their equivalents). It is ideal for prerequisite coursework to be less than 5 years old. We recommend that students refresh their knowledge as needed and strongly recommend that they retake prerequisite courses if they were taken more than 10 years ago. There is a preference for students whose Communication Sciences and Disorders coursework is less than 10 years old. (*Biology, physics, psychology, and statistics can be older than 10 years). Students who are missing 1-2 of the prerequisite CSD courses may still be considered for admission to the program but would need to complete the prerequisites prior to beginning the graduate program.
- A GPA of 3.0 or better on the most recent 60 credits of coursework/A GPA of 3.4 or higher is recommended.
- Documents to facilitate holistic review of applicants. These should be submitted through CSDCAS only.
- Three (3) letters of recommendation (at least two should be from college/university level academic and/or clinical instructors). Additional letters may be submitted. Three are required.
- A resume highlighting one’s education and other experiences such as relevant work experience, community involvement, and volunteer work relevant to educational and health professions.
- A personal statement and a response to an essay prompt, both less than 500 words. (Specific prompts are found in the CSDCAS application).
- A Word or PDF document containing the link to a 40 to 60-second YouTube video essay (Specific instructions are found in the CSDCAS application).
- Twenty-five (25) guided SLP observation hours under the supervision of an ASHA-certified clinician, who has completed a minimum of two hours of continuing education in clinical supervision, are necessary to meet ASHA requirements. These 'guided' observation hours are required and should be completed prior to beginning our graduate program. Documentation will be required at the beginning of the first fall semester. Please see ASHA SLP certification standards (navigate to standards V-C) for more information.
APPLY (The CSDCAS application and the Graduate School application can be completed concurrently)
Applicants need to apply to both the Idaho State University Graduate School and the CSDCAS System. Application fees are assessed separately for the Graduate School and CSDCAS applications.
Please see the Master of Science in SLP Application Instructions 2024/2025Master of Science in SLP Application Instructions 2024/2025 for a checklist and detailed instructions.
- Apply to the Graduate School at Idaho State University (supplemental application, fees assessed)
- Applications must be submitted with fees paid by February 1st at midnight, MST (Mountain Standard Time) or January 15th for priority.
- Opens on August 1st for the following academic year (Fall semester)
- Contact the graduate school directly with application difficulties at gradschool@isu.edu or 208-282-2150.
- Apply to CSDCAS, the Communication Sciences and Disorders Centralized Application Service (application fee assessed). Carefully read the instructions for each section of the application before submitting.
- Within CSDCAS, you will have the option of applying to either the Speech-Language Pathology Campus Program or the Speech-Language Pathology Online Program.
- Campus program applicants will be asked to select the Pocatello campus or Meridian Campus as their first choice. They will also have the option to select either the other campus or the online program as a second choice.
- Online Program applicants may select a campus program (Pocatello or Meridian) as a second choice. You should do so only if it is a viable option for you.
- Applications must be submitted with fees paid by February 1st at midnight, EST (Eastern Standard Time). Applications received by January 15th at midnight, EST (Eastern Standard Time) will be given priority consideration.
- IMPORTANT: Your CSDCAS application must show a status of 'Verified' by the February 1st deadline. The CSDCAS status 'Complete' is NOT 'Verified'. 'Verified' is the final application status.
- The CSDCAS application portal typically opens on August 1st of each year. CSDCAS Customer Service is available Monday thru Friday from 9am - 5pm EST, phone - (617) 612-2030. Help/FAQ
- Optional - Apply for Graduate Teaching Assistantship (GTA) positions and paid student worker positions. We expect to have some GTA positions available on each campus. We also have paid student worker positions. To be considered, you must complete the ‘Optional’ section in the CSDCAS application. Unfortunately, these positions are not available for students in the online program.
IMPORTANT:
CSDCAS application processing time can take up to 4 weeks, so please plan accordingly. Please check the status of your application often. Applicants are responsible for confirming that ALL application materials including Letters of Recommendation and transcripts (including fall/winter grades if applicable) are received by CSDCAS by February 1st or January 15th for priority consideration. Your CSDCAS application must show as 'Verified' by the February 1st deadline. The CSDCAS status 'Verified' is the final application status.
We strive to have first-round admission decisions made by mid-March.
Accepted students: If you are offered a position in our Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program, a $350 non-refundable deposit will be required to hold that position. The deposit will be credited towards your tuition for fall semester. Classes begin approximately the third full week in August.
Questions can be directed to our department at csd@isu.edu (preferred) or 208-282-4544.
