Frequently Asked Questions
Application
Do I apply through CSDCAS?
No, all applicants must complete the Graduate School application. Applications must be completed and submitted online through the University.
Do I need an undergraduate degree or background in the discipline to be accepted to this program?
No, you do not need to have a specific undergraduate degree to be accepted into our programs. We regularly accept students with degrees in Spanish, music, law, theater, English, education, social work, psychology, and many other fields. Applicants who have not taken prior coursework in Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences or Communication Disorders may need to extend their programs. Please check our section on preparatory courses and time to complete the program below for more information.
Am I required to take preparatory courses before applying and admission to the professional graduate programs?
No, preparatory coursework is not required for applying and admission to the professional graduate programs. However, you may need to extend your program if you have not completed them. For more details, please check our Speech-Language Pathology Preparatory Coursework and Audiology Preparatory Coursework pages. There are no specific preparatory courses for the PhD program.
What is the timeline for admission decisions?
Applicants will receive a decision seven to eight weeks after the application deadline. Applicants will be notified via email and/or their online application.
Can I re-apply if I am not admitted to the program?
Yes, you will need to complete and submit a new Graduate School online application and follow any new application requirements.
Program
How many new students are enrolled each year?
On an average year, 25-35 new MA students and 6-10 new AuD students are enrolled. We restrict the number of graduate students we admit because we want students to have the opportunity to work closely with the faculty. We also have a limited number of places where we can offer students excellent supervised clinical practice.
How long will it take me to complete the program?
Duration of the MA in Speech-Language Pathology
Students with undergraduate degrees in communication disorders or speech and hearing sciences are expected to complete the MA program in two years. Students with no undergraduate background in the field typically complete the degree in approximately three years.
Duration of the Doctor of Audiology Degree
Students with undergraduate degrees in communication disorders or speech and hearing sciences are expected to complete the audiology program in four years. It is still possible to complete the degree in four years without an undergraduate degree in communication disorders or speech and hearing sciences, but you will need to take additional coursework in your first year.
Duration of the PhD Degree
Students with a background in the discipline generally complete their degree requirements in four to five years. Students with no previous background generally complete their degree in five or more years, depending upon their area of interest.
Do I need to attend this program full time?
Yes, the department expects that all MA and AuD students engage in graduate study on a full-time basis. Students typically register for 12–14 credits per semester. The majority of MA and AuD students do not register for classes or pay tuition during summer semester, but participation in clinical practicum during the summer months is expected. PhD students may be able to study part-time in consultation with their advisor.
Where can I estimate my educational costs?
Please review the university's cost of attendance page for overall estimated costs. If you would like more details about costs for our programs based on your background, please email [email protected].
I took some courses in the speech and hearing sciences as an undergraduate. Will they count toward my degree?
No, only courses that were taken as a graduate student can count toward your degree.
Can I get a PhD degree after I complete the MA or AuD degree?
Some of our students decide during their MA or AuD studies to pursue further graduate study and obtain a PhD degree. These students can file a separate application near the end of their programs to add a PhD via the standard application system. We encourage students interested in this option to speak with potential PhD faculty advisors while completing their MA or AuD to prepare for applications. We do not allow applicants to apply for an AuD/PhD or MA/PhD all at once.
What resources are available for me if I have a disability that I believe will affect my performance in this program?
We are committed to supporting students with diverse learning needs and creating an accessible learning environment. Students with a documented disability, including those pertaining to mental health, are strongly encouraged to register with the University’s Disability Resource Center (DRC) at the beginning of their graduate program.