College of Science and Health > Academics > Speech Language Pathology > Graduate Program > Speech Language Pathology (MS) > Admission Requirements

Admission Requirements

How to apply

To apply to our program you must submit an application online through CSDCAS. CSDCAS is the online, centralized application service for Communication Science Disorders and Speech-Language Pathology programs nationwide. Visit the CSDCAS Applicant Help Center for detailed application instructions. There is not a supplemental application through DePaul's website - please only submit a CSDCAS application. You will, however, be asked to fill out one form upon verification of your CSDCAS application so please watch for an email from cshgrad@depaul.edu.

Application deadline

The fall 2024 application cycle is open now in CSDCAS. Applications submitted by the early review deadline of October 15 will be reviewed and have a decision by the end of December 2023.  The final application deadline is January 16, 2024 at 11:59 pm EST. We recommend submitting your application via CSDCAS 3-4 weeks ahead of the deadline to allow time to verify your application credentials. We will only review applications that have been completed or verified by the deadline. If you do not receive a confirmation email from DePaul University, CSDCAS has not yet verified your credentials and you should contact them.

Requirements

The Speech Language Pathology (MS), or SLP, degree program is designed as a full-time course of study. Students must complete and fulfill the following requirements upon application:

  • To be eligible for the SLP program, students must hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university in Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) including the courses listed below OR a bachelor’s degree in any area other than CSD with completion of the prerequisite coursework.
    • You must have a previous grade point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale. We are looking for a minimum 3.0 GPA in Communication Sciences and Disorders coursework as well.
    • You can apply while you are still enrolled in undergraduate degree program or while you are completing prerequisite coursework.
    • The GRE is not a requirement for this program.
  • Prerequisites courses may be in progress when an application is submitted but all must be complete before the start of the SLP program. Prerequisites must be completed with a grade of C or above. Prerequisites must be completed at regionally-accredited colleges or universities. DePaul offers prerequisite SLP courses to current undergraduate students, non-degree-seeking students or students enrolled in our SLP Post-Baccalaureate Program.
    • Prerequisite courses include one course in each of the following subject areas:
      • Biological Science (e.g., Human biology, Human anatomy and physiology, Neuroanatomy and neurophysiology, Human genetics, Animal biology/veterinary science)
      • Physical Science (e.g. Physics, Chemistry)
      • Social/Behavioral Science (e.g. Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, Public Health)
      • Statistics
    • Communication Sciences and Disorders Courses include one each of the following:
      • Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech and Hearing Mechanism
      • Introduction to Audiology
      • Introduction to Communication Sciences and Disorders
      • Normal Child Language Development
      • Phonetics
      • Speech and Hearing Science
      • Speech Sound Disorders
      • Aural Rehabilitation (highly recommended before starting the graduate coursework)
    • If you have questions about whether a course you have taken or plan to take will meet a prerequisite, please email cshgrad@depaul.edu with the school and course number or name for review.
  • Personal Statement/Essay (upload in the "Documents" section of CSDCAS): Please submit in ONE document the responses to the following personal statement prompts. Keep the response to each prompt around 2-pages double spaced.  Please do not submit a document with more than 8-10 pages.
    • At DePaul we live and walk in the mission of St. Vincent DePaul. How will you apply the MS-SLP program and clinic mission to carry out the work of St. Vincent?
    • Speech language pathologists work with clients from a wide variety of backgrounds. Why is diversity, equity, and inclusion critical to being a culturally responsive speech-language pathologist? 
    • Identify and describe 3-5 experiences where you have shown commitment to community service; advocacy for yourself, others, and/or the profession; leadership in academics, work, or service; and research. 
  • GPA explanatory statement (found in the "questions" section of CSDCAS): If your academic record does NOT accurately reflect your capabilities, please describe why it does not. Present any information that may assist the admissions committee in interpreting and evaluating your academic history or credentials.
  • Letters of Recommendation: Three (3) letters of recommendation (e.g. professor, supervisor, or employer), on professional letterhead (recommended), who can comment on the academic, clinical and professional experiences of the applicant should be submitted via CSDCAS.
  • Transcripts: Official transcripts of all undergraduate coursework will be submitted directly to CSDCAS.

International Students

If you have an international undergraduate degree and you do not require a student visa to participate in university courses and/or degrees you can be considered for admission. All instruction in the MS-SLP program is conducted in English. To be considered, a candidate must submit:

  • Course -by-course credential evaluation report (including transcripts). Applicants can send an official WES evaluation directly to CSDCAS. DePaul also accepts evaluations from: One Earth, Educational Perspectives or ECE which would need to be sent directly to DePaul (not CSDCAS). We will not accept credential evaluations from any other service.
  • Official English proficiency exam scores - TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test - are accepted for applicants whose education was completed in a language other than English or their native language is not English.

Health documentation, background check and drug screening

Speech Language Pathology is a profession that interacts with patients, clients and vulnerable populations within a variety of settings. The Speech Language Pathology Program requires that students participate in such interactions during clinical training and practicum placements as requirements for graduation. Therefore, students must be vaccinated against specific communicable diseases or have tests verifying immunity before enrollment. This includes documentation of the COVID-19 vaccination.

To begin the program and participate in the required course-related clinical experiences and externships, students must satisfy criminal background checks. In addition, students must complete drug screenings as required by fieldwork placements. Results of background checks and drug screening may affect a student’s ability to participate and progress through the program.

Take the next step

Learn more about Graduate Admission or attend an Admission Event

If you need assistance to complete your application and/or have questions, contact the CSH Graduate Admission office at (773) 325-7315 or cshgrad@depaul.edu.

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