Communication Sciences and Disorders, M.S. Admission Requirements
Coursework
Applicants to the program must have knowledge of the scope of speech-language pathology practice. This knowledge will be demonstrated in one of two ways:
- The applicant must complete the requirements for a baccalaureate degree in communication sciences and disorders, speech-language pathology, speech and hearing sciences or an equivalent discipline from a regionally accredited institution OR
- The applicant must complete the requirements for a baccalaureate degree in a field other than communication sciences and disorders plus appropriate prerequisite coursework in the field of speech-language pathology/communication sciences and disorders. Students will be admitted to the Communication Sciences and Disorders program after completing the five (5) pre-requisite courses listed below are successfully completed and official transcripts are submitted.
- The pre-requisite courses can be taken at any accredited university; this includes Georgia Southern. Any or all of the needed prerequisite courses are offered through our program in the fall and spring semesters prior to enrollment.
- Students must complete all of the prerequisite courses and submit official transcripts no later than August 1 of the enrollment semester. Classes begin the third week of August.
Pre-requisite courses
- Anatomy of Speech and Hearing Mechanism
- Normal Speech and Language Development
- Phonetics
- Non-Communication Sciences and Disorders coursework (i.e., linguistics courses) is NOT acceptable
- Speech Science
Introduction To Audiology
GPA
A cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 is required. This minimum GPA is based on ALL college-level work.
Test Scores
GRE
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not required as an admissions requirement for fall 2023.
Test of English as a Foreign Language
For students whose second language is English, a score of 550 (paper-based) or 100 (computer-based) or better on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or a score of 6.5 or better on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Scores should be within 5 years of the application date.
Documents
The following documents are required for admission to the Master of Science program in communication sciences and disorders and should be submitted via the Communication Sciences and Disorders Centralized Application System (CSDCAS).
- Official college transcripts requested using the CSDCAS transcript request form.
- Three (3) Completed CSDCAS Reference Forms
- At least two of the three forms should be completed by professors with knowledge of the applicant’s academic performance and professionalism. Professors in communication sciences and disorders are preferred.
- No more than one of the three forms should be completed by a professional reference such as an employer.
- Personal Statement (Vital information from resume’s should be included in the Letter of Intent) (Please submit via CSDCAS)
Essential Skills
The attached document includes essential functions you will be expected to perform during your educational program as a student and professional career. Persons interested in applying for admission to the Communication Sciences and Disorders program should review this document in its entirety (cover sheet, Appendix A, and Appendix B) to develop a better understanding of the cognitive skills, physical abilities, and behavioral characteristics necessary to successfully complete the program and work as a speech-language pathologist.
A cover sheet with acknowledgment, signature, and date MUST be submitted as part of the admissions packet. (Please submit via CSDCAS)
Video Submission
Video Recording:
In lieu of onsite interviews, the CSDS program requires all applicants to submit a video recording as part of the admissions process. Information regarding requirements for the video can be found in the questions section of CSDCAS.
Additional Requirements
The graduate program in Communication Sciences and Disorders is accredited by the Council of Academic Accreditation (CAC). Pre-requisite courses that provide a foundational understanding of speech, language, hearing, and swallowing, as well as (basic) courses in natural sciences, physical sciences, social sciences, and math must be completed to meet accreditation standards.
We require all courses be completed prior to enrolling in the program. Official transcripts must be submitted to verify completion. Courses include:
- Biological Science (Science of living things-Biology, Human Anatomy, etc)
- Physical Science (Physics or Chemistry)
- Social Science (Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, etc)
- Statistics
Application Submission
- Deadline: The online application and all support materials should be received and/or postmarked by January 1 of each year.
- Verification of application materials can take up to 4 weeks during peak periods. Be sure to submit all required documents as soon as possible.
- The applications and support materials are reviewed and a limited number of applicants are accepted into the program.
- Meeting the minimum criteria for application for graduate school does not guarantee admission to the communication sciences and disorders program. It should be noted that the pool of applicants for the program includes many highly qualified applicants, and the number of available positions is limited. Therefore, admission to the communication sciences and disorders program is highly competitive.
Criminal Background Check and Drug Screen
- A background investigation and ten-panel drug screen must be completed with Professional Screening and information, the company selected by Georgia Southern’s Waters College of Health Professions, prior to the start of classes. Students who do not pass the criminal background check and a drug screening test may be restricted from clinical placements and may be dismissed from the program at the discretion of the program faculty and the College administration. Any fees or cost associated with the background checks and/or drug testing will be the responsibility of the student.
Further information will be provided to students upon acceptance to the program.
Additional Requirements
Current proof of the following requirements must be provided to the program upon the student’s receipt of an official acceptance letter from the program no later than July 15.
- Professional liability insurance (Further information will be provided to students upon acceptance to the program)
- Health insurance or waiver (Further information will be provided to students upon acceptance to the program)
- 25 ASHA CCC-supervised clinical observation hours
- First aid certification, only the American Heart Association will be accepted
- Infant/child and adult CPR HealthCare Provider certification (Only American Heart Association will be accepted.)
- Negative TB PPD skin test (or negative chest x-ray following positive PPD)
- Flu Shot (required from October 1 to March 31)
Fees
Students selected for admission must formally accept the position and submit a non-refundable deposit. Students who matriculate in the CSDS program at Georgia Southern University will have their deposits refunded during the second week of classes.
Readmission Procedures
- The student must complete the readmission application and go through the readmission process by submitting the current graduate applications for both Georgia Southern University and the Communication Sciences and Disorders program.
- The student will be required to meet admission requirements in effect at the time of application for readmission.
- The student’s admission will be based upon available space in the class to which the former student is seeking readmission and recommendation of the program faculty.
- The student who has been dismissed for inability to meet minimum grade requirements or ethics violations is NOT eligible for readmission
Last updated: 6/22/2023