Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology

Prerequisites

* 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 may be found on ASHA’s website.

† CSD coursework must be completed with a grade of 3.0 (B) or higher on a 4.0 scale.

Additional Notes

• We do not accept credit for experiential learning for prerequisite credits.
• Dual enrollment courses and Advanced Placement (AP) 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.

Frequently Approved Prerequisites

Before applying, it's essential to ensure that any prior coursework meets the admissions requirements. MUSC provides a helpful reference list of frequently approved prerequisite courses to guide you in understanding which classes may satisfy your program's requirements. To explore the list, visit our Frequently Approved Prerequisites page.

Application Process

The following process outlines how and when your materials will be reviewed.

1. Submit the Communication Sciences and Disorders Centralized Application Service (CSDCAS) application as early as possible. After fee payment and official transcripts are received, it usually takes four to six weeks to process and verify the application. Application, payments, and transcripts must be received by 11:59 PM ET on December 15, 2026. To ensure items arrive on time, it is essential that materials are sent several weeks before the deadline. All transcripts must be received by CSDCAS by December 15. Review by the MUSC SLP Admissions Committee will not begin until the application status has reached the Verified status.
2. Complete the MUSC application.
3. Once both applications are complete and the CSDCAS application has been verified, your application will be reviewed. Selected applicants will be contacted for an interview.
4. 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, with classes beginning in August.

Application Requirements

1. CSDCAS Application: The following materials must be submitted through the CSDCAS application. You do not need to send any of the following information directly to MUSC.
   1. Completed application
   2. Letters of recommendation: All applicants must provide three references from professors or advisors who know you and your abilities. One professional reference from an employer is acceptable if you have been out of school for several years. References from family or friends are not accepted.
   3. Official transcripts from all institutions attended
   4. Responses to program-specific questions: All applicants must submit responses to the program-specific questions provided within the application.
   5. Prerequisite completion plan: Plans for completing prerequisite coursework and observation hours if not complete the time of application.
   6. Resume: Applicants must provide an updated resume detailing relevant academic and professional experience.
   7. SLP observation hours documentation: Applicants who have not completed 25 observation hours are welcome to download and use the MUSC Guided Observation Log.
2. MUSC Application: All applicants must submit an MUSC application. Only the application is needed. You are not required to resubmit any supporting materials to MUSC, such as transcripts, references, or essays.

All information above 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 their application to ensure that all application materials have been submitted. Applicants are responsible for reviewing the progress of their CSDCAS application on the CSDCAS website.

International Applicants

Currently, MUSC’s MS-SLP 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.

Cost of Attendance

Disclaimer: The Estimated Total listed above reflects an approximation of educational costs for planning purposes only. Actual expenses may vary based on individual circumstances, program requirements and annual changes in tuition, fees and other costs. The Medical University of South Carolina reserves the right to adjust tuition, fees and other charges at any time without prior notice.

Scholarships

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 that these 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 the Medical University of South Carolina on your FAFSA form, along with MUSC's code: 003438. We encourage you to submit your FAFSA as early as possible. It is recommended to submit your FAFSA in January if you plan to enroll in the fall.

Praxis Pass Rates 

Note: The Praxis examination reporting period is the testing year or examination cycle, not the year of graduation for test-takers. The data for each reporting period may include test-takers who graduated from the program within the prior three years.

Competencies

Upon completion of the MS-SLP program, graduates will be able to:

• Provide high-quality services within the scope of practice of speech-language pathology.
• Embed culturally responsive practices to individuals from all backgrounds, family members, caregivers, and members involved in care.
• Foster the well-being of those we serve with humility and dignity.
• Apply sound problem-solving, critical thinking, and clinical reasoning skills to patient/client diagnosis, treatment, and management.
• Work in a collegial and collaborative manner with professionals when supporting clinical practice, research, and learning opportunities in speech, language, swallowing, and cognitive-communication disorders across the lifespan.
• Develop and implement quality control measures and individualized data-based methods to ensure that SLP services are evidence-based.
• Adhere to the Code of Ethics of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).
• Adhere to legal principles and institutional practices applicable to clinical and research practice.

Vision

To be the preeminent leaders of the field of speech-language pathology.

Mission

The program will engage in curious and innovative discovery that advances clinical care, provides students with a research-based education that fosters clinical excellence, lifelong learning, and unwavering professionalism, and advocates for person and family-centered care to empower individuals and their communities.

Values

At the core of our program, we are guided by a commitment to the following principles and include them in all aspects of decision-making and implementation.

• Humanism (community, collegiality, collaboration, and dignity)
• Commitment to learning (critical inquiry and personal responsibility)
• Social responsibility
• Leadership
• Excellence in clinical practice
• Innovation and creativity