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.

2023-2024 Admissions Timeline

The CSDCAS Portal for WVU will open July 2023, and the current admissions timeline is provided below. 

  • July 17: WVU CSDCAS Portal Opens
  • October 20: In-Person Open House, 1 PM EST, Registration Required
  • November 3: Virtual Open House, 1 PM EST, Registration Required
  • January 4:  Recommended date to submit application through CSDCAS to ensure verification by February 1, 2024
  • January 16: Last day to take the Casper online (see below for details)
  • February 1: Deadline for verified applications
  • February 23: Virtual Interview Day for invited applicants
  • March 18: On-Campus Invited Open House for invited applicants
  • April 16: Rolling admissions opens, complete applications in CSDCAS reviewed on a rolling basis
  • May 15: Rolling admissions period closes

Admission Requirements

Applicants 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.

Personal attributes. Applicants are expected to possess personal characteristics that are necessary for success in graduate study as well as in professional clinical practice. These characteristics include:

  1. A desire for lifelong learning,
  2. Critical thinking ability,
  3. Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills, and
  4. An openness to receiving constructive feedback.

These characteristics may be evaluated by the Casper (Computer-Based Assessment for Sampling Personal Characteristics) and/or through a multiple mini interview process.

Academic achievement. Students must have:

  1. Obtained a baccalaureate degree or equivalent from a properly recognized institution of higher learning prior to starting the program,
  2. Maintained 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, or in the most recent 60 credits taken at the undergraduate or graduate level.
  3. Completed the prerequisite coursework listed below with a grade of ‘C’ or better. A minimum of two courses in the CSD coursework must be completed before the application deadline. The remaining prerequisite courses must be completed prior to starting the graduate program.
    1. At least one course in each of the following CSD content areas:
      1. Phonetics
      2. Language Acquisition/Development
      3. Anatomy & Physiology of Speech and Hearing
      4. Speech & Hearing Science
      5. Introduction to Audiology
    2. At least one course in each related content area listed below:
      1. Physics or Chemistry
      2. Social/Behavioral Science
      3. Statistics
      4. Biological Science
    3. For more information on related academic courses, see the ASHA Coursework requirements related to certification standards.

For the online SLP program only – Students accepted to the online SLP program will work as an SLP Assistant with approved partner organizations or achieve clinical experiences through an individual plan developed with the program director while completing coursework online with periodic on-campus activities.

English proficiency. Applicants who did not complete their bachelor's degree in the US, UK, Australia, Canada, or New Zealand must meet the minimum score requirements for English proficiency. 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.

Application Process

To be considered for 2024 admissions, all of the following need to be finalized no later than the February 1st deadline, or the May 15th deadline if applying during the April 16 - May 15 rolling admissions period.

  1. Complete an application through CSDCAS. Applications for the Doctorate of Audiology and the On-Campus and Online Master’s programs in Speech-Language Pathology must be submitted through the Communication Sciences & Disorders Centralized Application Service (CSDCAS), which can be accessed via the CSDCAS Portal.
  2. Send official transcripts from each college or university attended directly to CSDCAS.  Official transcripts should include all grades through the fall 2023 semester. Foreign transcripts should be evaluated for U.S. equivalency according to the information in the CSDCAS Applicant Help Center.

  3. No GRE, letters of recommendation, personal statement, or clinical observation hours are required. Applicants’ academic ability and personal characteristics both will be considered for admission. Because of our holistic review process, GRE scores, letters of recommendation, and personal statements are not required. Applicants’ academic ability will be evaluated based on prerequisite coursework, GPA, and interview activities. Clinical observation hours are incorporated into the graduate program and are not required as part of the admission process.

  4. Complete prerequisite coursework and report grades in CSDCAS.A minimum of two courses in the CSD coursework must be completed before the application deadline. The remaining prerequisite courses listed in the Admissions Requirements section must be completed prior to starting the graduate program. All prerequisite courses must have a grade of ‘C’ or better.

  5. Complete the Casper (February 1st deadline only). Casper (Computer-Based Assessment for Sampling Personal Characteristics) is a non-cognitive assessment of interpersonal skills. No studying is required, although you may want to familiarize yourself with the test structure using the link provided because the test can only be taken one time during an admission cycle. You do not need to take the Casper if you are applying during the April 16 - May 15 rolling admissions period.

  6. 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 one of the tests listed in the Admissions Requirements section and submit their scores to CSDCAS. The test should be completed well in advance of the deadline so that official scores will be available in time.
  7. Submit your completed CSDCAS application prior to the deadline. To be considered for admission, your application status in CSDCAS must be posted as verified on or before February 1st, or posted as complete if applying during the April 16 - May 15 rolling admissions period. Review the CSDCAS website for more information on the program deadline requirements and how long the application process takes through CSDCAS.

The timeliness of the application is considered the responsibility of the applicant. Applications that are incomplete will not be considered for the current admission cycle.