The College of Health Sciences, Education and Rehabilitation Speech-Language Pathology Program accepts applications to the Master of Science program only through the Communication Science and Disorders Centralized Application Service (CSDCAS).

The processing of applications by CSDCAS (csdcas.liaisoncas.com) begins July, one year prior to the year of desired enrollment. Applications must be submitted on or before May 1 of the year of desired enrollment.
  • Student application reviews begin when an application is verified by CSDCAS.
  • Interviews are scheduled and initiated, as soon as October.
  • Candidates meeting the requirements are admitted on a weekly basis until class capacity is reached.
See a profile of the most recent Entering Class (PDF)

It is to an applicant’s advantage to apply as early as possible to ensure priority consideration for admission. 

Apply at CSDCAS 


 
Criteria & Prerequisites

The Health Sciences, Education and Rehabilitation actively seeks individuals with an undergraduate degree and diverse life experiences who desire to become speech-language pathologists.

To be considered, an applicant must: 


Admissions requirements for the 2020-2021 cycle have changed. Please review the below requirements carefully. (updated: 6/25/20 and 1/28/21)

  • ​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.
  • ​In addition to the personal statement, submit an optional observation statement essay. This secondary essay can only enhance the application, if submitted. If an applicant chooses not to submit the secondary essay, it will not negatively influence admission into the program.
    • INSTRUCTIONS: Think about the clinical interactions you've observed between speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and their clients. Select one observation and describe it in detail, addressing the following questions:
      • What were the client's diagnosis and presentation?
      • What were the goals of the therapy session?
      • What evidence-based** assessment and/or treatment was utilized by the SLP to address the therapy goals?
      • How did the client respond during the session?
      • How successful was the session, and why?
      • **Please include a minimum of one citation, ideally from peer-reviewed journal article, that lends support for the specific activities you observed in the session.
      • Your response should be in current APA format (APA 7 General Format) and limited to two pages.
  • 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.
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. 
International Students & Practitioners

INTERNATIONAL TRANSCRIPTS

For applicants who have attended foreign and French-Canadian schools, please provide the Office of Admissions with the following information:

ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY

Fluency in written and spoken English is essential for success in a Salus University academic program as well as to help ensure patient/client safety and/or effective communication with members of a healthcare or educational team. Official results from the TOEFL (or IELTS) examination are required for all students for whom English is a second language (ESL).
 
Exceptions will be made for ESL applicants who hold degrees or diplomas from accredited post-secondary institutions in countries where English is the official language and in which English is the language of instruction (e.g. the United States, Canada, England, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand).  

The TOEFL (or IELTS) examination must be taken within two years prior to the start date of the entering class to which an applicant seeks admission. 
  • If submitting TOEFL scores, please use the CSDCAS code of C112.
  • If submitting IELTS scores, please send scores directly to Salus University, Office of Admissions.
Admissions Selection Process

The Admissions Committee has established policies that include the selection of applicants best qualified to serve the public and the profession in the years to come. Many factors are considered in selecting students for our program, including:

  • academic performance
  • motivation
  • extracurricular activities and interests
  • related and unrelated work experience
  • personal achievements
  • essays
  • letters of evaluation
  • communication skills, including a demonstrated command of the English language, both written and oral
When evaluating academic performance, the applicant’s grade point average, performance in prerequisite courses, number of college credits completed and degree status are taken into consideration.

Admissions Selection Process - Speech-Language Pathology Program


INTERVIEW PROCESS
Individuals successfully meeting the required admissions selection criteria may receive an invitation to visit our campus for an interview. This meeting provides further insight into the applicant’s character and motivation, and allows an applicant the opportunity to discuss their application with an Admissions staff member, tour the campus and meet with faculty and students.

Please note: Due to the impact of COVID-19, the interview process will be conducted virtually until we are able to return to normal campus operations. 

NOTIFICATION OF ACCEPTANCE AND MATRICULATION FEE

An applicant may be notified of his or her acceptance as early as October, prior to the desired year of enrollment. Upon receipt of acceptance, an applicant is required to pay a $1,000 matriculation fee to the University prior to the start of classes. The process for securing a seat in the entering class is as follows:
  • Return the matriculation form within 14 days of the date of the acceptance letter to indicate your intention to enter the program.
  • A $1000 matriculation fee is due no later than April 15.
  • If accepted after April 15, the offer of acceptance will detail payment requirements.
  • All monies received are non-refundable and will be applied toward first term fees.


DEFERMENT OF ADMISSION 

An accepted student to the Salus University Speech-Language Pathology program with an unforeseen, extenuating circumstance prohibiting them from matriculating may request a deferment of admission in writing. The request must be directed to both the Dean of Student Affairs and the SLP Program Director, and made via the Office of Admissions. 

For deferment consideration, the following is required:

  • A deferment request submitted in writing by May 15, before the August start of the academic year. Please note, submission of a deferral request by the deadline does not guarantee approval.
  • Official documentation verifying the reason(s) for the requested deferment.
  • All non-refundable deposit fees and the matriculation supplement must be received (as directed in the University’s official Letter of Acceptance.)
If deferment is approved:
  • Admission will be extended to August matriculation of the next academic year.
  • A deferment will not extend beyond one admission cycle.
  • The student must contact the Office of Admissions, in writing, by April 1st of the deferred admission calendar year regarding his/her intention to resume enrollment.
  • The student will be required to meet with a member of the Admissions Committee prior to matriculation.

If a deferral request is denied:

  • A student has the option to withdraw acceptance from the Program, or reapply through CSDCAS for future admission. 

For questions regarding this policy, please contact the Office of Admissions at admissions@salus.edu.

 

Compliance Requirements

Students may be required to complete various compliance requirements (i.e. background checks or immunizations) in order to participate in clinical experiences and interact with patients at Salus-owned clinics. Please contact the Office of Student Affairs for the most up-to-date requirements for a specific program.

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

Enrolled students who withdraw or are dismissed from the University will be responsible for the payment of tuition in accordance with the institutional refund schedule.