OVERVIEW:
GVSU offers two tracks for completion of a master’s degree in speech-language pathology.
- Track 1 is an intensive 16-month program leading to a Master of Science degree (i.e., 4 consecutive semesters). The length of the program may be more than four semesters for students who opt to complete a Thesis or in exceptional conditions when special accommodations are necessary. Students interested in pursuing Track 1 must complete a series of prerequisite courses at the undergraduate level.
- Track 2 is an admission program for students who have completed a bachelor’s degree in another field, and have not completed the prerequisite coursework in communication sciences and disorders.
The profession of speech-language pathology is a licensed field of practice that typically requires completion of a graduate degree from an accredited institution. It is not possible to become licensed as a speech-language pathologist without a graduate degree. Professional certification is also available to practitioners that demonstrate to the public that the speech-language pathologist has completed rigorous academic and clinical preparation and is considered competent to practice the profession. The master’s degree program at GVSU prepares students to qualify for licensure and validates that students have completed all academic preparation to qualify for national certification.
Questions about admissions can be directed to Ms. Josie Fowler, [email protected].
Questions about the program can be directed to Dr. Courtney Karasinski, [email protected].
M.S. in SLP from GVSU
Program Descriptions:
Admissions Process:
M.S. in SLP and COVID-19:
Please visit “Lakers Together” for the most up to date information regarding GVSU’s response to COVID-19 including face coverings, vaccination clinics, and plans for in-person classes. Students and employees are required to be vaccinated against COVID-19, unless approved for an exemption or postponement by filling out the Exemption/Postponement Form. (updated 10/7/2021)
Questions about admissions and applications can be directed to Ms. Josie Fowler at [email protected].
CSDCAS:
Admissions for Fall 2023 for the Track 1 and the Track 2 programs will be done through the Communication Sciences and Disorders Centralized Application System (CSDCAS).
CSDCAS must receive:
- Online application
- Official transcripts
- 3 Electronic Recommendations
- Resume
- Personal Statement
- Essential Functions Document-the completed/signed document needs to be attached to the Documents Section of the CSDCAS application.
Completion of the following outside of CSDCAS:
- GVSU SLP Supplemental Form - The Supplemental Form cannot be submitted until your CSDCAS application is verified. Once verified, you will receive an email from Grand Valley State with instructions to submit the Supplemental Form. The email will have the subject: ‘GVSU Application: accessing your account’.
- Altus Suite Casper Assessment - TakeAltus.com
A completed application and all items above should be submitted and verified in CSDCAS by:
- January 15, 2023 for the Track 1 program
- The priority deadline for completed applications is April 1 for the Track 2 program. Applications will continue to be accepted and reviewed through July 1st as space is available in the program.
Requirements for Admission to the Speech-Language Pathology Master's Degree Program:
To be eligible for consideration, applicants must satisfy both the general and the specific requirements:
General Requirements:
Required for Track 1 and Track 2:
- Competitive GPA (minimum of 3.0)
- Courses:
- Statistics course
- Biological Sciences course
- Physical Sciences course (Physics or Chemistry)
- Psychological OR Social Sciences courses
- Completed Casper assessment: All applicants are required to complete Altus Suite as part of their application for the 2021/2022 admissions cycle. To complete Altus Suite visit TakeAltus.com to create an account and complete the following assessment: Casper: 60-90 minute online, open-response situational judgment test (SJT). For more information and our "why", please see the attached flyer here or the website. *Note: Snapshot is not required.
- Interview: Attend interview (if invited)
- 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.
- GRE: The GRE is not currently required.
Please see GVSU's Course Catalog for further details.
Specific Requirements:
For applications interested in the Track 1 program, the following specific requirements must be satisified (in addition to the general requirements above).
- Must have credits in each prerequisite course area with a minimum of 25 credit hours
- Track 1 Prerequisite Worksheet
List of Prerequisite Coursework (Track 1)
|
Course |
Minimum Credits |
|---|---|
|
Anatomy and Physiology |
3.0 credits |
|
Language Development |
3.0 credits |
|
Phonetics |
3.0 credits |
|
Hearing Science |
1.5 credits |
|
Speech Science |
1.5 credits |
|
Basic Audiology |
3 credits |
|
Neurological Foundations of Communication Disorders |
3 credits |
|
Aural Rehabilitation |
3 credits |
|
Two courses in a disorders area |
4 credits |
THESIS OPTION
Track 1 and Track 2 students may elect to complete and defend a master’s thesis which adds 1 semester to their program. Students who plan to pursue advanced graduate study are encouraged to choose the thesis option. Here is an example schedule for a Track 1 student completing a thesis.
Graduate Assistantships
Graduate Assistantships available by application.
- Questions regarding assistantships for special projects within the department can be sent to Dr. Denise Ludwig, [email protected]
- Questions regarding departmental research assistantships can be sent to Dr. Courtney Karsinski, [email protected]
- Please refer to The Graduate School website for information regarding assistantships outside of the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders.
Statistics of Admitted Track 1 Students (previous admissions cycle):
|
Criteria |
Averages |
|---|---|
|
Cumulative GPA |
3.69 |
|
Prerequisite SLP coursework GPA |
3.80 |
Statistics of Admitted Track 2 Students (previous admissions cycle):
|
Criteria |
Averages |
|---|---|
|
Cumulative GPA |
3.45 |
COVID-19 VACCINE COMPLIANCE
All incoming GVSU students, faculty, and staff are required to be COVID-19 vaccine compliant. You can read more about the reasons for this decision here. You can read the policy here.
GVSU Health Compliance COVID-19 Vaccine Exemption Requests: As a M.S. in SLP student, you are enrolled in a health/health related program that requires health compliance. Health compliance requirements will be sent to you after you accept/commit to the program and before you begin the program. If you will be requesting an exemption, you will need to undergo an exemption review process that aligns with the federal requirements currently in effect at health-care facilities. This review process is separate from the general process at GVSU. For more information, visit: GVSU Health Compliance COVID-19 Vaccine Exemption Requests - Health Compliance - Grand Valley State University
Clinical Placements and COVID-19 Compliance: Many clinical sites require COVID-19 vaccination; therefore, clinical placement opportunities are limited for unvaccinated students. Students with approved exemptions may need to extend their programs due to the availability of appropriate placements.