Skip to Main Content

Admission Requirements

  • Application Process

    Gannon University and the Speech-Language Pathology Program receives and reviews applications for the Master of Speech-Language Pathology program and all applicant credentials exclusively through the Centralized Application Service for Communication Sciences & Disorders Programs (CSDCAS), provided by the Council of Academic Programs in Communication Sciences and Disorders (CAPCSD) and Liaison.

    https://csdcas.liaisoncas.com/applicant-ux/#/login

    Admission Requirements

    The program is designed as a full-time course of study. Transfers to the program will be considered on a case-by-case basis. A maximum of 6 credits may be accepted for transfer, if a grade of B or higher was achieved, and approved by the program director.

    Prior to matriculation in the program, students must complete and fulfill the following requirements:

    • Baccalaureate degree in Communication Sciences & Disorders or completion of equivalent coursework from an accredited college or university.
    • Cumulative prerequisite course grade point average of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale; Grades below a “C” are not acceptable.
    • Overall undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale.
    • Prerequisite courses should be completed within five years preceding entrance into the graduate program.
    • All prerequisite courses must be completed by June 30 in the year of enrollment.
    • A minimum TOEFL iBT score of 80 for all applicants from non-English speaking countries.

    Prerequisite Course Requirements

    • Biological Sciences - 3 credits (e.g.. Human Anatomy and Physiology, Introduction to Biology)
    • Social/Behavioral Sciences - 6 credits (e.g. courses in Psychology, Sociology, Public Health)
    • Physical Sciences - 3 credits (e.g. college-level Chemistry or Physics)
    • Statistics - 3 credits (e.g. college-level Statistics course that is computational and not remedial or historical in nature)

    *Equivalent coursework includes a minimum of one course in each of the following six subjects:

    • Normal Speech & Language Development in Children
    • Anatomy & Physiology of Speech and Hearing Mechanisms
    • Phonetics
    • Speech & Hearing Sciences
    • Introduction to Audiology
    • Introduction to Communication Disorders

    Additional Requirements

    • Personal interview.  Spoken English skills, as well as ethical, personal and professional qualities to fulfill the role of a speech-language pathologist will be assessed during the interview process.
    • Three letters of recommendation, which address the applicant's ethical, personal and professional qualities.
    • Twenty-five (25) hours of observation of clinical practice by an ASHA-certified speech-language pathologist; observation hours should vary across settings, ages, and disorders.  These hours are only shadowing hours prior to admission; they are not part of the 400 hours required by ASHA, which should be completed as part of our academic program. View and print the SLP hours template. 
    • Personal Statement/Essay - Practice as a healthcare professional requires the ability to communicate in both verbal and written form. The Speech-Language Pathology Program expects admitted students to demonstrate graduate level competence in verbal and written communication.  A writing sample is required of each applicant to assess his/her graduate level competence for written English.  Writing samples will be blinded and scored by SLP faculty as part of the admissions process.