Master of Science, Communication Sciences and Disorders

Admission Requirements

Criminal Background Checks

Clinical agencies utilized by the Program in Communication Sciences and Disorders as well as the campus-based university clinic require criminal background checks and/or drug testing prior to acceptance of the student into clinical facilities. 

Admission Standards

1. Immunizations and physical exams as required of all Georgia Southern University students.

2. Applicants must complete the requirements for a baccalaureate degree in speech-language pathology from a regionally accredited institution or complete the requirements for a baccalaureate degree in a field other than communication sciences and disorders plus appropriate prerequisite coursework in the field of speech-language pathology/communication sciences and disorders in order to apply.

3. A cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0.

4. (For Fall 2024 Applicants the GRE will be waived) Admission requires a score of no less than 145 on the Verbal Reasoning section (or the equivalent score of 380) and 141 on the Quantitative Reasoning section (or the equivalent score of 430) of the Graduate Record Exam (GRE). Scores must be achieved within 5 years of the application due date. Retired GRE scores may only be submitted if taken in the last 5 years of the application due date. Otherwise, the new GRE scores must be submitted. 

• For students whose second language is English, a score of 550 paper-based score or 100 computer- based score or better on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or a score of 6.5 or better on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) may be substituted for the verbal GRE score.

5. Documentation of the following after admission and prior to enrollment: 

1. Completion of 25 clinical observation hours as mandated by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association

2. Proof of professional liability insurance

3. Proof of health insurance

4. Clear background check and negative drug screen

5. First aid/CPR certification by the American Red Cross or the American Heart Association

6. negative TB PPD skin test within thirty (30) days of enrollment

7. Flu shot

8. Final transcript(s) documenting all required coursework and conferral of baccalaureate degree

6. The following documents are required for admission to the Master of Science program in communication sciences and disorders and should be submitted via the Communication Sciences and Disorders Centralized Application System (CSDCAS).

1. Official college transcripts requested using the CSDCAS transcript request form.

2. Official GRE scores (Within 5 years of the application due date).

1. Students are encouraged to send GRE scores to CSDCAS after they have created a CSDCAS application account. Students should also use the program CSDCAS Code 7712.

3. Three (3) Completed CSDCAS Reference Forms

1. At least two of the three forms should be completed by professors with knowledge of the applicant’s academic performance and professionalism. Professors in communication sciences and disorders are preferred.

2. No more than one of the three forms should be completed by a professional reference such as an employer

4. Personal Statement submitted via CSCCAS (Vital information from resume’s should be included in the Letter of Intent; however, resumes should not be submitted)

5. Essential Skills Statement: The Essential Skills document includes essential functions you will be expected to perform during your educational program as a student and professional career. Persons interested in applying for admission to the Communication Sciences and Disorders program should review this document in its entirety (cover sheet, Appendix A, and Appendix B) to develop a better understanding of the cognitive skills, physical abilities, and behavioral characteristics necessary to successfully complete the program and work as a speech-language pathologist. A cover sheet with acknowledgment, signature, and date MUST be obtained and submitted as part of the admissions packet via CSDCAS.

6. Video Recording: In lieu of onsite interviews, the CSDS program requires all applicants to submit a video recording as part of the admissions process. Information regarding requirements for the video can be found in the Questions section of CSDCAS. 

7. Additional Requirements: The graduate program in Communication Sciences and Disorders is accredited by the Council of Academic Accreditation (CAA). Pre-requisite courses that provide a foundational understanding of speech, language, hearing, and swallowing, as well as (basic) courses in natural sciences, physical sciences, social sciences, and math must be completed to meet accreditation and certification standards. We require all courses be completed or in process of completion when applying to the program. These include:

1. Biological Science (Science of living things-Biology, Human Anatomy, etc)

2. Physics or Chemistry

3. Social Science (Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, etc.)

4. Statistics

8. Meeting the minimum criteria for application for graduate school does not guarantee admission to the Communication Sciences and Disorders program. It should be noted that the pool of applicants for the Communication Sciences and Disorders program includes many highly qualified applicants, and the number of available positions is limited. Therefore, admission to the Communication Sciences and Disorders program is highly competitive. 

Admission Process

1. The graduate admissions process for the masters of science degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders is managed by the Communication Sciences and Disorders Centralized Application System (CSDCAS). Applications may be obtained and submitted via CSDCAS.

2. The Georgia Southern graduate school application will NOT be accepted. Only materials submitted via CSDCAS will be reviewed.

3. Deadline: the CSDCAS application and all supporting materials should be submitted by January 15th of each year via CSDCAS.

4. Applications and support materials are reviewed, and a limited number of applicants are accepted into the program.

5. Students selected for admission must formally accept the position and submit a non-refundable deposit. Students who matriculate in the CSD Program at Georgia Southern will have their deposits refunded.

*International transcripts must be evaluated by a NACES accredited evaluation service and must be a course by course evaluation and include a GPA. (naces.org)

Deadlines

*The application and all ​​required documents listed on the “admissions requirements” tab​ for the program must be received by the deadline.  If all required documents are not received by the deadline your application will not be considered for admission.

Program Contact Information

csds@georgiasouthern.edu
912-344-2969

Last updated: 4/29/2022