To be eligible for consideration, applicants must have:

• Completion of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education.  Generally, a 3.0 cumulative grade point average is the minimum required for admission.  The Graduate School will allow programs to admit students who do not meet this requirement if they are exceptional in other ways.
• Prerequisites:  The program is designed as a self-contained program with very few prerequisites.  All applicants, regardless of major background, must have completed coursework in:
  • Basic sciences (e.g., biology, chemistry, physics, statistics)
  • Basic science skills (e.g., scientific methods, critical thinking)Students at most institutions will have completed similar courses as part of their bachelor degree programs.
• Major: Applicants with a background in Communication Sciences and Disorders (speech and hearing) have an advantage in the program’s coursework since these courses provide relevant background.  However, in terms of application, neither the major nor any speech and hearing coursework are required to apply. The program encourages applicants from diverse majors to apply as they frequently bring perspectives and experiences that enrich the learning of all students.
• Essay: Applicants must also respond to this essay prompt: Please write a letter to the Director of Audiology at the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association (ASHA) about one important future direction for audiology. Please include a reference list at the end if you use them to write your letter (maximum of 3000 characters).
• Professional resume.
• Core functions: Applicants need to review the core functions document developed by CAPCSD to better understand the core functions necessary to be an audiologist. The core functions document will be provided to all prospective applicants.
• English proficiency: Test scores from one of the following English language proficiency tests: TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), IELTS (International English Language Testing System), MET (Michigan English Test), PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English Academic) or Duolingo for applicants whose native language is not English. The following minimum scores are required: TOEFL is 80, IELTS is 6.5, MET 52, PTE Academic is 53, and Duolingo is 105.  Scores must be received by the institution prior to the admission deadline. Exceptions can be requested but are not usually granted.
• Exceptional Qualifications: The program provides applicants with the opportunity to demonstrate why they should be admitted.  Examples are provided below, but each applicant could use any one or more of those mentioned or anything of their choosing that would demonstrate to the faculty that they are an exceptional candidate for this degree program.  In other words, it is the responsibility of the applicant to demonstrate to the program that they should be considered for admission.
  • The Graduate Records Examination (GRE) is not required, but is one of many ways in which an individual with high scores could demonstrate that they are an exceptional candidate.
  • Letters of Recommendation are not required, but a candidate with particularly strong references could ask individuals to submit letters to support their application. (Note: CSDCAS requires that all applicants enter contact information for three references; we may reach out to your references if a written reference isn't provided).
  • Candidates who have participated in research, particularly if it resulted in a product (manuscript, paper, poster) could submit this as evidence of exceptionality.
  • Special awards, honors, or recognitions that demonstrate the applicant met selective criteria of excellence.  Merit-based scholarships or other achievements could be used.
• Personal interview: Interviews are scheduled for selected finalists upon invitation by the program after the application deadline and upon faculty review of applications.

All materials are submitted through the CSDCAS system (online application, official GRE scores, official transcripts, core functions document, vita/resume, and references). The Supplemental Form cannot be submitted until your CSDCAS application is verified. Once your application in CSDCAS is verified, you will receive an email from Grand Valley State University with instructions to submit the Supplemental Application Form.  The email will have the subject:  ‘GVSU Application:  accessing your account’. The $30 GVSU supplemental application fee is waived for previous applicants or alumni of Grand Valley.

If you have questions or require further guidance, please contact Dr. Jennifer Smart, Director of Audiology, at [email protected].