Admissions

Master of Science Education Program in Speech-Language Pathology

Students who are interested in pursuing a Master of Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology at USC should review the following information on our application and admissions process. Applicants must apply through the University of Southern California Centralized Application System (USC). Please go to Apply at USC

For program questions please email us at msslp@usc.edu.

Admissions for Fall 2024 are now closed.

The Admissions Committee only reviews applications that are submitted and verified. This means that all items required (see below) have been submitted and verified by USC. It is recommended that applicants submit their applications early to allow for verification during the busy application season. Submitting all required documents at least three weeks prior to the deadline is advised, to avoid any delays in the application review process. Admission is granted one time per year, for a fall semester start. We enroll 25 graduate students each fall.

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Complete all sections of the application. Pay specific attention to the Program Materials required for the MS-SLP. Below is an overview of the requirements for the application. Specific information is described in the actual application. Go to Apply at USC.

• Application Required Components Checklist

A holistic review evaluates applicants based on both cognitive and non-cognitive traits, which ensures that more than one factor contributes to admissions decisions.

The five requirements included in the University of Southern California Master of Science Education Program in Speech-Language Pathology (MS-SLP) review process are:

• Letters of recommendation
• Personal statement
• Program statements/questions
• GPA
• Resume

A select number of applicants will be invited to participate in a personal interview with the USC Faculty. These interviews may be either in person or via teleconference. It is anticipated that interviews will occur sometime in the beginning of March.

Admission to the Master of Science Education Program in Speech-Language Pathology is highly competitive. Meeting the minimum thresholds below does not guarantee admission.

Undergraduate Degree/Post Baccalaureate requirement

• All students applying for admission to the graduate program must either 1) have completed a bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders at an accredited college or university prior to the start of the master’s program, OR 2) hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution in a major other than Communication Sciences and Disorders and also have, or will have completed a post-baccalaureate (e.g. preparatory) equivalent of a Communication Sciences and Disorders degree (i.e. leveling courses) certificate program prior to the start of the master’s program.

• All preparatory (e.g. Leveling courses must be completed at a regionally accredited college or university in the United States.)

• • • • Undergraduate degrees, minors or leveling courses completed outside the United States will not be accepted.

Prerequisite coursework: The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) requires that master’s degree candidates show transcript evidence of at least one course in each of the following categories with a passing grade:

• Biological Sciences Coursework, which emphasizes content related to human or animal science
• Physical Sciences Coursework, which must be either Physics or Chemistry Coursework, due to the need to establish foundational knowledge necessary to understand of the profession of speech-language pathology
• Social/Behavioral Sciences Coursework, such as psychology, sociology, anthropology or public health
• Statistics, which must be a stand-alone course

Each course must be a minimum of 3 credits and must be completed prior to enrollment in the graduate program. For more detailed information and a list of all of the acceptable courses, please visit the ASHA website.

Please complete the attached form and submit with your application.

USC MS SLP ASHA Prereq form for application

GPA Requirement

• A minimum 3.00 GPA overall and 3.25 GPA in CSD prerequisite coursework (on a 4.0 scale) is highly recommended for admission to the graduate program.

Demonstrating Basic Skills in Reading, Writing, and Math

• CCTC Basic Skills Requirement 

In order to apply to USC MS-SLP Program, you are required to submit official documentation that you have satisfied the basic skills requirement.  

There are a number of ways to satisfy the basic skills requirement. For details on these options, visit the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) website. 

1. Meet the basic skills requirement with qualifying college-level coursework 
2. Pass the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST) 
3. Achieve qualifying scores on the SAT or ACT 
4. Pass a CTC-approved basic skills examination from another state 
5. Meet the basic skills requirement with a combination of qualifying college-level coursework and any qualifying exam. 

Basic Skills Requirement Demonstration of Qualifications Form 

Transcripts

• As part of the USC application, you must submit official transcripts from each college or university attended. You will need to do this directly through the USC application system. To allow adequate processing time, please ensure you do this early in the process.
• Transcript Requirements

Letters of Recommendation

Submit three letters of recommendation from professors, therapists, and/or other professionals who know you well. They should attest to your skills and abilities as they relate to becoming a speech-language pathologist, and your potential for completing a graduate program. Academic references who can speak to your potential in a graduate program are the strongest, but work references who can cite your professionalism are also acceptable. Recommendations should be submitted electronically through the USC application system.

Personal Statement

The letter of intent/personal statement should highlight the applicant’s interest in speech-language pathology by identifying personal interests, passions and relevant qualities, work experience, clinical and extracurricular experience, academic history, and an aptitude for working with a linguistically and culturally diverse population. The statement should also outline professional interests, future career goals and objectives in obtaining a Master of Science Education Program in Speech-Language Pathology at USC. It is recommended that you not list the same items that are on your resume, but rather reflect on the importance of the activities in terms of your growth and development to this point. It is important that you reflect on the mission and values of the program and how they align with your personal values and desires regarding graduate work and a future career.

The Personal Statement/Letter of Intent is to be submitted through the Documents in Supporting Information on the USC Application System.

USC Program Questions

Submit a response to the two required short-answer essays through questions in the application, in response to the prompts provided.

Resume

A resume or CV should be uploaded with your application. The resume should include relevant work and volunteer experiences, research, and other extracurricular activities or accomplishments. Applicants are encouraged to include all relevant information in order to provide a holistic view of themselves.

University of Southern California
Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology
Estimated Costs: Tuition and Fees 

It is anticipated that the MS-SLP Program will be 71 units as of Fall 2024.

Total Direct Cost Estimate  

Tuition: $167, 842 + Fees: $5,223 = Total Direct Cost Estimate: $173,065 Cost of Attendance 

This estimate does not include Indirect Costs (Books & Supplies, Room & Board, Personal Expenses).  Please see USC Financial Aid Website for additional information on estimating indirect cost https://financialaid.usc.edu/graduate-professional-financial-aid/cost-of-attendance/. USC Financial Aid Office https://financialaid.usc.edu/ and phone number (213) 740-4444.  

*Flat rate is any student taking 15-18 semester units who will be charged a flat rate for tuition that will be the same if a student enrolls in 15, 16, 17, or 18 semester units.  

Because the Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology is a new program we do not offer any forms of departmental scholarships/aid/assistance, including graduate assistantships. Students are, however, encouraged to seek funding from other sources that may support their education.