Applying to the MS in Speech-Language Pathology Program

What makes a competitive applicant?

The program takes a holistic approach to admissions. That means we consider a combination of GPA, relevant work experience, volunteerism, etc., in addition to the interview (if offered). An admissions committee examines each qualified applicant's portfolio (the letters of reference, resume, and other admissions materials) and scores these. Experience related to speech-language pathology, strong letters of reference, volunteer/service activities, and leadership experience assist applicants in improving their profile score. Applicants who score highly will be invited to interview with the program faculty.

Admission Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university. A specific major is not required. Applicants without a Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) undergraduate degree will need to complete additional prerequisite coursework.

• Complete a minimum of 12 hours of general education prerequisite coursework at a regionally accredited college or university. In-person and online courses are accepted for all prerequisites. Courses do not need to be completed at the time of application but must be completed by matriculation. (See course list below).

  Applicants without a CSD undergraduate degree are required to take a minimum of 12 hours of CSD prerequisite coursework. Courses do not need to be completed at the time of the application, but must be completed by matriculation. The program recommends applicants take as many CSD prerequisites as possible before applying.

• Complete twenty-five (25) hours of observation in speech-language pathology by matriculation. Observation hours do not need to be complete at the time of application. We are unable to assist with finding observation opportunities. We accept in-person, telehealth, and Master Clinician Network opportunities for observation. See our FAQs for more information.

• Three references from professors or advisors who know you and your abilities. One (1) professional reference from an employer is acceptable if you have been out of school for several years. References from friends or family members are not accepted. 
• Complete an application through the Communication Sciences and Disorders Centralized Application Service (CSDCAS).

• Submit a resume.

• Submit a personal statement in response to questions provided in CSDCAS.

• Complete the MUSC application.

Prerequisite

Prerequisite Special Notes

• *General education coursework must be completed with a grade of 2.0 (C) or higher on a 4.0 scale. More specific information about courses that will satisfy these requirements can be found on the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) website.
• +CSD courses must be completed with a grade of 3.0 (B) or higher on a 4.0 scale. View a list of universities that offer all of the CSD prerequisite courses online.
• View Frequently Approved Prerequisites. To speak with an admissions specialist about your coursework or request an unofficial transcript evaluation, please call 843-792-2536 or email nesmitka@musc.edu. The MUSC Office of Enrollment Management (OEM) offers unofficial transcript evaluations from March 1st to June 30th.  

• We do not credit for experiential learning for prerequisite credits.

• Dual enrollment courses and advanced placement courses are accepted for prerequisite credits so long as the course/credit appears on your college transcripts.

• Prerequisite courses must be fulfilled by separate individual courses. 

Application Checklist

1. Complete an application through the Communication Science and Disorders Centralized Application Service (CSDCAS). Opens July 15, 2024. The following application items are submitted via CSDCAS.
   • Official transcripts from all colleges or universities for all college credit courses..
   • Resume
   • Three References (see step 2 also)
   • Personal Statement
   • Documentation of SLP observation hours. Applicants that don’t have an already established record of observation hours are welcome to download and use the MUSC Guided Observation Log (PDF).
   • Plans for completing prerequisites and observation hours if not complete at time of application.
   • Review and acknowledge the Essential Functions/Technical Standards for Program Admission, Continuance and Graduation (PDF).
2. Complete the MUSC Application. Opens July 1, 2024. Only the application is needed. You are NOT required to resubmit any supporting materials to MUSC, such as transcripts, references, or essays.

Note: All above information must be received by the deadline to be considered for admission to the program. Without all materials, applications will be incomplete. It is the applicant's responsibility to review the progress of his/her application by viewing the Application Progress Portal and ensure that all application materials (including official reference forms, and all official transcripts are received by the application deadline). Applicants are responsible for reviewing the progress of their CSDCAS application on the CSDCAS website.

Admission Timeline

Interview Process and Program Acceptance

Only complete applications will be considered. Applicants selected for interviews will be notified by early to mid-February. Applicant interviews will be conducted via Zoom in February / early March.

Applicants who are invited to join the program will receive a letter of acceptance from the Dean of the College of Health Professions by the end of March. Classes begin in August.

International Students

Currently, MUSC’s SLP degree program only accepts applications from U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or those holding other valid nonimmigrant visa classifications that allow participation in lawful study while in the United States. We are unable to accept international students that require I-20 issuance.

Accreditation

The Master of Science (M.S.) education program in speech-language pathology (residential) at the Medical University of South Carolina is a Candidate for Accreditation by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Candidacy is a “pre-accreditation” status with the CAA, awarded to developing or emerging programs for a maximum period of five years. Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology, American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 2200 Research Boulevard, #310, Rockville, MD 20850, 800-498-2071. 

Use of Marijuana and/or CBD Products

Marijuana is a Schedule 1 drug and is illegal to purchase in South Carolina. Apart from a narrow and limited scope of codified/documented medical exceptions, it is illegal for individuals to use marijuana/tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in South Carolina. Although cannabidiol (CBD) products may be purchased and used in South Carolina, please be aware that CBD products may contain higher levels of THC than represented on packaging and use of CBD products can result in a positive drug screen for THC/marijuana. Be aware that current drug testing methods cannot accurately ascertain the origins of THC metabolites (i.e., whether from marijuana or CBD products). Your academic program has the authority to conduct random and/or scheduled drug testing; if your test result is reported as positive for THC metabolites (even if you only used a CBD product), your ability to be accepted into the program, progress in the program, and/or successfully complete the program may be negatively impacted.

Scholarship Eligibility

MUSC offers scholarships for which you may be eligible. Some are awarded based on academic achievement; others are awarded based on community service, for example. However, the majority of scholarships awarded at MUSC are based on financial need. This means those scholarships are only awarded to students who need some financial assistance to cover the cost of tuition and fees. If you would like to be considered for a financial need-based scholarship, you must have an up-to-date Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file. Make sure you list Medical University of South Carolina on your FAFSA form, along with MUSC’s code: 003438. We encourage you to submit the FAFSA as early as possible. It is recommended to submit the FAFSA in January if you plan to enroll in the Fall.

Application Deadlines