M.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders

About M.S.CSD Program

The Speech Language Pathology graduate program is a highly competitive, full-time program made up of a 30 person cohort. The application deadline for all students in Feburary 15, as cohorts begin in the Fall of each year. 

Pre-Requisites

At the time of matriculation, applicants must have earned an undergraduate degree and completed all ASHA pre-requisite courses (a biological science course, a chemistry or physics course, a social science course, and a statistics course).

The competitive applicant will have the following:

• a strong grade point average (e.g. > 3.3 for both overall and in pre-requisite courses)
• strong GRE scores
• 3 letters of recommendation
• excellent communication skills. 

How to Apply

Step 1

Applicants must apply through the CSDCAS application system.

CSDCAS APPLICATION FOR ENROLLMENT

  

Step 2

Applicants must complete Western Carolina University’s Graduate School application (no supporting documents or letters of recommendation should be completed with this application as all supporting documents will be reviewed as part of the CSDCAS application) and pay the application fee.

STEP 2: WCU GRADUATE SCHOOL APPLICATION FOR ENROLLMENT

  

Application Deadline

The application deadline is February 15th. All application materials must be submitted to CSDCAS and the WCU Graduate School by that date.

Application Requirements

All of the following application materials must be submitted through CSDCAS.

Applications Must Include:

• Official college/university transcripts from all previous coursework
• Completion of ASHA prerequisite courses - we accept students with out of field degrees so the specific CSD courses are not a requirement prior to being accepted
• Three letters of recommendation completed per CSDCAS guidelines
• An official copy of scores on the General Test of the GRE (GRE program code #4302)

Speech Language Pathology practice requires certain aptitude, abilities, and skills to ensure success and client safety. Students accepted into the program must attest to meeting these essential functions.

Information for International Applicants

Citizens of other countries, whose degrees are not from U.S. institutions, must have their transcripts and full course descriptions translated into English and evaluated by a recognized credential evaluation service such as World Education Services. International applicants from countries where English is not the primary language must submit a minimum score of 550 (paper-based), 213 (computer-based), or 79 (Internet-based) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and provide a statement of financial responsibility.

Course Sequence

• If you have a degree in CSD and are interested in completing a thesis in graduate school click here to see your typical course sequence.
• If you have a degree in CSD and are not interested in completing a thesis in graduate school click here  to see your typical course sequence.
• If you have a degree in another field click here  to see your typical course sequence.

Application Contact Information

If you have questions about the application process and status of your application, you may contact Dr. Tracie Rice (trice@wcu.edu).

If you have questions about improving your application to reapply in the future, you may contact Laura Trivette (ltrivette@wcu.edu).

If you would like to schedule a visit because you are unable to attend Open House, please contact Penney Parker (pjparker@wcu.edu) to discuss potential dates and times.

Request more info!