Master of Speech-Language Pathology Graduate Admissions

About the Program

The MS SLP is a rigorous full-time graduate program in which academic coursework is infused with clinical experiences.  A new cohort will matriculate each summer.  Students can expect to finish the standard MS SLP 23 months after program start.

Admission Requirements

The SLHS Department is committed to recruitment processes that are inclusive of diverse students as well as admission principles that account for the diversity of applicants’ education and experiential background.  Admission criteria are designed to capture the applicants’ strengths and compatibility with the MS SLP’s core values: community, accessibility, diversity and respect.

Undergraduate SLHS coursework 

Foundational subject-matter knowledge is demonstrated by a GPA greater than or equal to 3.0 in prerequisite SLHS coursework.  An undergraduate major in Speech, Language, Hearing Sciences (or similar) is not required. However, students who possess a bachelor’s degree in another field must submit an official transcript that shows completion of the following prerequisite coursework with a grade of C or higher:

1. 1. 1. Anatomy and Physiology of Speech and Hearing
      2. Clinical Phonetics
      3. Diagnostic Audiology
      4. Language Acquisition and Development
      5. Language Disorders and Differences
      6. Neural Bases of Communication and its Disorders
      7. Principles of Assessment and Intervention
      8. Rehabilitative Audiology
      9. Speech Disorders and Differences
      10. Speech Science

Students who possess a bachelor’s degree in another field and do not have these prerequisites are encouraged to explore the Department’s Leveling Certificate in Speech, Language, Hearing Sciences. Completing coursework as a non-degree or certificate-seeking student does not guarantee admission into the MS SLP program.

Math & Science Coursework  

The following college-level coursework must be completed before starting the MS SLP program in adherence to the Standards of the Council for Clinical Certification in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology.

1. 1. 1. Coursework in biological sciences
      2. Coursework in physical sciences (physics or chemistry)
      3. Coursework in social/behavioral sciences
      4. Coursework in statistics

Grades earned in math and science coursework required for clinical certification will also be taken into consideration for admission.

Essential Functions of MS SLP Students

Information on essential functions is designed to encourage students to self reflect and advocate for their needs in order to succeed in the MS SLP program.  Prospective students are encouraged to reach out to the Program Director with any concerns they might have regarding these essential functions.

Application Procedure

To apply for the Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology, the following items must be submitted by the application deadline.  There is one application cycle annually, with a single admissions deadline (January 15 for early June start).

1. Program admission. Apply through the Communication Sciences and Disorders Centralized Application Service (CSDCAS) and submit associated application fee.
   • Once you have registered in CSDCAS, search for MSU Denver’s MS SLP Program, and add it to your programs.  Then you will click the blue, “Continue To My Application” button.
   • You will also need to pay the CSDCAS fee. If you need financial assistance in order to apply to our program, please contact our Director of Clinical Education, Ilana Oliff at [email protected] and describe your need.  Requests for assistance must be received by December 15.  A coupon code may be provided which will cover your cost of your application to MSU Denver.
2. Evidence of a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university with a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA.
3. Evidence of a cumulative GPA in prerequisite SLHS coursework greater than or equal to 3.0.
4. Three letters of recommendation.  At least one recommendation should be from someone who can speak to your professionalism/skills outside of a traditional classroom setting.
5. Answer all required questions in the CSDCAS application, including seven short-answer questions.  For short-answer questions, write in complete sentences and use appropriate grammar.  Answers should be between 250-400 words and will be scored on clarity of writing, relevance and completeness of answers, as well as quality of content.
6. GRE scores are not required.

Additional requirements may include:

• Writing sample
• In-person or virtual interview

International Applicants

International applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English by obtaining a baccalaureate degree from a university in which English is the primary language of instruction and is required for all evaluations (written and oral), or through TOEFL administration, with a minimum score of 20 in each section, and a total score minimum of 90.

Admission Process

The MS SLP Admissions Committee will only review complete applications.  The deadline for application is January 15.  Application and all required documents must be submitted to AND verified in CSDCAS prior to the January 15 deadline in order to be considered for the program.  Applicants who submit incomplete applications will not be reviewed by the Admissions Committee.  After the MS SLP Admission Committee receives and reviews the applications, the applicants will be notified in writing of their status.  Acceptance decisions are anticipated by early March.  Applications may be:  accepted, waitlisted, or denied admissions.  In some cases, the Admissions Committee may require a writing sample or interview before an acceptance decision can be made.

Accepted:   Students who are accepted into the MS SLP program will receive an electronic acceptance packet from the SLHS Department including a welcome letter and a link to the new student pages containing next steps, information about required forms, and an advising snapshot of the program.  Students are required to confirm their acceptance into the program.

Confirmation of Enrollment

Accepted students must confirm their acceptance at the time of admissions with the MS SLP program.  The process by which to confirm enrollment will be articulated in the admission decision notification.

Waitlisted: Students may be offered waitlist status.

Denied Admission:  The Admissions Committee reserves the right to deny acceptance of any applicant.  Applicants who submit incomplete applications, including missing transcripts and additional admissions material will not be reviewed by the admissions committee.

Financial Aid

Financial aid may be available for graduate students. Visit the Office of Financial Aid for more information.

Prior Learning Assessment

In general, no credit is given for prior learning experience derived from employment or other life experience.

Testing Out Policy

The MS SLP does not provide an option to test out of any coursework.

Questions about our admissions policies should be sent to [email protected].