Frequently Asked Questions

Master's Program in Speech and Language Pathology

How many students apply and are accepted each year?
The average number of applications for the Master's program in speech-language pathology for the past several years has been approximately 200-225.  About 45-50% of those who apply are admitted.  The average number of students matriculating in each of the past several years has been approximately 40-45.

What are the average Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores for students admitted to the program?
The average GRE score for students admitted in recent years is 1168 (sum of verbal and quantitative scores).  Applicants with GRE scores lower than about 1100 typically need to have a strong cumulative GPA (approximately 3.5 or higher) to be admitted. 

What is the average grade point average for students admitted to the program?
The average cumulative undergraduate GPA of applicants admitted for the past several years has been approximately 3.63 (on a 4.0 scale).  A student’s GPA during the most recent 2 years of school is also considered.  Generally students with cumulative GPAs lower than about 3.4 are admitted only if they have particularly strong GRE scores and/or other significant credentials.  Grades in individual courses, especially in the sciences, may also be weighted more heavily in assessing a student’s overall academic potential.

Are factors other than GRE scores and GPA important in admissions decisions?
In addition to GPA and GRE scores, letters of recommendation and one’s personal statement are considered in making admissions decisions.  Letters of recommendation preferably should be from individuals who can assess a candidate’s ability to be successful in graduate studies.

What kind of financial aid is available to Master's students?
Scholarships are available to graduate students with outstanding academic credentials.  Decisions concerning such awards are made primarily on the basis of previous academic performance and scores from the Graduate Record Examination.  Partial tuition scholarships are the only source of departmental funding available for M.A. students.

What are my chances of getting a scholarship?
Departmental scholarships are offered to approximately 40% of admitted students.  The awards range between $10,000 - $30,000 for the academic year.  To be competitive for a partial tuition scholarship, M.A. applicants must generally have GRE scores and a cumulative GPA higher than the averages for admission.  Neither stipends nor assistantships are available to master's students.  Most master’s students obtain federally-supported student loans (which are arranged through the Graduate School Financial Aid Office) to pay for their educational and living expenses. 

Can one be admitted to the M.A. program without an undergraduate degree in communication sciences and disorders?
Quite a few students who do not have a background in communication sciences and disorders are admitted to the master's program each year.  Approximately 25% of the students who begin the M.A. program each fall come in with backgrounds such as education, psychology, linguistics, English, a foreign language, etc.  For students entering the M.A. program without a background in communications sciences and disorders, there are a number of prerequisite courses that must be taken before progressing into the advanced course offerings for the M.A. degree.  This generally lengthens the student’s time spent in the M.A. program by approximately one academic year.

How long does it take to earn a Master's Degree?
Students with an extensive background in Speech and Language Pathology typically require 8-9 quarters to complete the M.A. degree; students entering the M.A. program with little or no specific background in the field generally require more time.

What are the job prospects and earning potential for a Speech Language Pathologist?
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