To be considered, an applicant must:
Admissions requirements for the 2021-2022 cycle have changed. Please review the below requirements carefully. (updated: 8/31/21)
- Submit a properly completed application to the Communication Science and Disorders Centralized Application Service (CSDCAS) (https://csdcas.liaisoncas.com/). Detailed instructions regarding the completion of the application and personal statement are provided on the CSDCAS website.
- Complete a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited undergraduate college or university. It is recommended that an applicant must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 grade scale from his/her graduating institution. Students with less than a 3.0 GPA should consult with the Salus University Office of Admissions prior to applying.
- Submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended (or currently attending) directly to CSDCAS.
- Complete admissions prerequisites (see section below) at the college level with a grade of ‘B-’ or better.
- Obtain a minimum of 25 hours of directed clinical observation of a certified speech-language pathologist (CCC-SLP).
- A blend of live, in-person as well as recorded observation is accepted.
- A minimum of two (2) different SLP settings are highly recommended.
- Observations may be performed as a volunteer and/or via employment in a non-speech-language pathology capacity.
- Submit three (3) letters of recommendation reflecting on your ability to handle the rigors of graduate studies as well as characteristics you possess as a future health scientist in the discipline of speech-language pathology. Arrange to have forwarded directly to CSDCAS the following letters of evaluation:
- One letter from a ASHA-certified, state licensed speech-language pathologist regarding your personality, work ethics, shadowing/observation experiences;
- One letter from a college/university faculty member at the undergraduate level, post-baccalaureate pre-requisite coursework level; or a research supervisor who can assess and write to your ability to complete graduate studies and those character traits that as a future speech-language pathology professional;
- One letter from another person of authority (i.e., faculty, clinically related work supervisor, speech-language pathologist) regarding your work and/or who can assess your qualifications for graduate studies, your ability to complete graduate work and the contributions you can make as a future speech-language pathologist to adult and/or pediatric populations who are mentally and/or physically challenged.
- International Students, please review any additional requirements in the drop down section below.
- All credentials submitted on behalf of an applicant become a part of that applicant’s file with the University and cannot be returned.
- Students will be required to meet University compliance requirements upon matriculation.
Recommended read:
ASHA.org - The ASHA Leader - January, 2014 Article -
Craft a Stand-Out Application
Prerequisites
Please note: Course prerequisites changed at the start of the 2019-2020 admissions cycle. The previous Articulation & Phonological Disorders and Language Disorders prerequisites are no longer required, however, highly recommended. (updated: 6/21/19)
The following prerequisites are based on the latest accreditation standards set forth by the CAA (last revised April 2019) and the standards of Salus University. Please visit the ASHA website for more information.
All required course work must be completed at the college level with a grade of 'B-' or better. An applicant need not have completed all prerequisites prior to filing an application, but must be able to complete all outstanding prerequisites prior to enrollment.
Credit by examination (such as AP credits) is permitted for any prerequisites needed to apply for the speech-language pathology program. No credit is given for experiential learning.
The applicant must have successfully completed one semester of each of the following courses with a 'B-' or better:
- Biological Science (e.g., biology, human anatomy and physiology, neuroanatomy and neurophysiology, human genetics, veterinary science) – 1 semester
- Physical Science (e.g., physics or chemistry) – 1 semester
- Social/Behavioral Science (psychology, sociology, anthropology or public health) – 1 semester
- Statistics (math, biology or psychology) – 1 semester
- Introduction to Communication Disorders – 1 semester
- Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech and Hearing Mechanism – 1 semester
- Phonetics – 1 semester
- Speech and Hearing Science – 1 semester
- Introduction to Audiology – 1 semester
- Normal Speech-Language Development – 1 semester
Please note: Courses in the biological, physical, and the social/behavioral sciences should include content areas that will assist students in acquiring the basic principles in social, cultural, cognitive, behavioral, physical, physiological, and anatomical areas useful to understanding the communication/linguistic sciences and disorders.
The University highly encourages - but does not require - additional coursework in Neurology of Communication Sciences (Neuroanatomy and Neurophysiology), Voice, Fluency, Diagnostics, Treatment Considerations, Communication Sciences and Disorders, Articulation and Phonological Disorders, and Language Disorders.
Prerequisite credits completed five or more years prior to the anticipated entrance date will be reviewed for approval on an individual basis.