Communication Sciences and Disorders

Admissions

The following information is provided for individuals who wish to apply to the Master of Science (MS) in speech-language pathology (on-campus and online) or the Doctorate of Audiology (AuD).

Applicants interested in pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) should visit the PhD in Clinical and Translational Sciences webpage.

General questions about admission to graduate or professional programs in the Division of Communication Sciences and Disorders should be directed to Graduate/Professional Admissions via email. Questions about your online application should be directed to the CSDCAS Applicant Help Center.

Graduate Admissions Philosophy

In alignment with the mission and vision of the Division of Communication Sciences & Disorders we utilize a holistic review process that fosters a diverse and inclusive culture. We welcome students who are reflective critical thinkers and embody curiosity, compassion, and collaboration, as well as an openness to feedback.

2024-2025 Admissions Timeline

The CSDCAS Portal for WVU will open July 2024, and the current admissions timeline is provided below. 

  • July 16: WVU CSDCAS Portal Opens
  • October 18: In-Person Open House, 1 PM EST, Registration Required
  • November 1: Virtual Open House, 1 PM EST, Registration Required
  • January 3:  Recommended date to submit application through CSDCAS to ensure verification by February 1, 2025
  • February 1: Deadline for verified applications
  • February 21: Virtual Interview Day for invited applicants
  • March 10: On-Campus Invited Open House for invited applicants

Admission Requirements

Applicants for the Master of Science (MS) in speech-language pathology (on-campus and online) or the Doctorate of Audiology (AuD) will be considered for our graduate programs if they have personal attributes that are predictive of academic and clinical success; high academic achievement; and English proficiency. These characteristics are evaluated in the following manner:

Academic achievement. Students must have:

  • Obtained a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a properly recognized institution of higher learning prior to starting the program.
  • An overall undergraduate grade point average of at least 2.8 (where 'A' = 4.0).
    • However, for an overall undergraduate GPA below 3.0, the applicant must have achieved a GPA of 3.2 or higher in one of the following:
      • CSD major coursework
      • All of the CSD prerequisites 
      • Last 60 credits taken at the undergraduate or graduate level
  • Completed the coursework listed below with a grade of ‘C’ or better including the ASHA Coursework requirements.
    • At least one course in each of the following CSD content areas:
      • Phonetics
      • Language Acquisition/Development
      • Anatomy & Physiology of Speech and Hearing
      • Speech & Hearing Science
      • Introduction to Audiology
    • At least one course in each related content area listed below:
      • Physics or Chemistry
      • Social/Behavioral Science
      • Statistics
      • Biological Science
      • For more information on related academic courses, see the ASHA Coursework requirements related to certification standards.
    • Demonstrate English proficiency if the bachelor’s degree was not obtained in the US, UK, Australia, Canada, or New Zealand. WVU’s minimum score requirements for English proficiency are: Academic IELTS score of 6.5, TOEFL iBT score of 79, PTE Academic score of 53, or Duolingo English Test score of 105.
    • Possess personal characteristics necessary for success in graduate study as well as in professional clinical practice. The following characteristics are evaluated through a multiple mini interview process.
      • A desire for lifelong learning,
      • Critical thinking ability,
      • Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills, and,
      • An openness to receiving constructive feedback.

Application Process

To be considered for 2025 admissions, all of the following need to be finalized no later than the February 1st deadline.

  1. Complete an application through CSDCAS. 
  2. Send official transcripts from each college or university attended directly to CSDCAS.  Official transcripts should include all grades through the fall 2024 semester. Foreign transcripts should be evaluated for U.S. equivalency according to the information in the CSDCAS Applicant Help Center.
  3. Complete prerequisite coursework and report grades in CSDCAS. A minimum of two courses in the CSD coursework must be completed before the application deadline. All prerequisite courses must have a grade of ‘C’ or better.
  4. Complete English proficiency test and submit scores to CSDCAS (if applicable). Applicants who did not complete their bachelor's degree in the US, UK, Australia, Canada, or New Zealand should complete the Academic IELTS, TOEFL iBT, PTE, or Duolingo English Test.
  5. Submit your completed CSDCAS application prior to February 1 for verification. Review the CSDCAS website for more information on the program deadline requirements and how long the application process takes through CSDCAS.

GRE, letters of recommendation, personal statement, and clinical observation hours are not required because of the holistic review process. 

  • Applicants’ academic ability will be evaluated based on prerequisite coursework and GPA.
  • Personal attributes are evaluated during the multiple mini interviews.
  • Clinical observation hours are incorporated into the graduate program.