Speech-language pathologists (SLPs), or speech therapists, specialize in communication. They work with babies, children and adults to treat issues relating to articulation, language, fluency, feeding and swallowing.1
If you’re interested in speech-language pathology (SLP) as a potential career, familiarize yourself with the SLP grad school requirements and how to get into speech pathology school to pursue a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (MS-SLP) program like the one offered at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS). According to the 2024 Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) Education Survey, 45.3% of applications to speech-language pathology master’s programs were offered admission during the 2023–2024 academic year. 2
Read on to understand SLP grad school requirements and learn how to get into SLP grad school.
USAHS SLP Grad School Admissions Requirements
| Degree | Bachelor’s |
| Undergraduate field of study | Communication sciences and disorders (CSD) or speech-language pathology (preferred, but not required) |
| GPA | A minimum GPA of 3.0 calculated on SLP master’s program prerequisites (preferred) |
| Prerequisites | American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) basic prerequisite course requirements |
| GRE | Not required |
| Resume | A current resume or curriculum vitae |
| Statement of Purpose | A writing sample of two, double-spaced pages in 12-point, Times New Roman or Arial font answering the question, Why do you think you can make a difference in speech-language pathology? |
| Letters of recommendation | Two letters of professional recommendation |
| Observation hours | 25 guided observation hours with an ASHA-certified SLP |
| Interview | Virtual interview, as needed |
- Earn a bachelor’s degree
- Graduate with a minimum GPA of 3.0 (preferred)
- Provide a resume
- Submit letters of recommendation
- Write an essay or personal statement
- Complete a minimum of 25 guided observation hours
- Complete prerequisite coursework
- Participate in a virtual interview, as needed
Please note that USAHS doesn’t require a GRE score to gain admission to the MS-SLP program.
What If Your Bachelor’s Degree Isn’t in Communication Sciences and Disorders?
If your bachelor’s degree is in another field, you’re not alone. Many aspiring SLPs begin their journey after studying psychology, education, English, linguistics, health sciences or a different discipline. A career change doesn’t prevent you from earning an MS-SLP, but it may add a few steps before you begin your graduate program.
At USAHS, you’ll need to meet the course prerequisites required by both ASHA and the University. ASHA requires coursework in statistics, biological sciences, social or behavioral sciences and chemistry/physics.3
In addition to these general education requirements, USAHS requires applicants to complete leveling courses that provide the foundation for the MS-SLP program.
If you need four or more leveling courses, USAHS’ Preparatory Pathway program offers a streamlined route to help you qualify for the MS-SLP program.
How to Get into SLP Grad School in Seven Steps
Follow these seven steps to increase your chance of getting into grad school for speech pathology.
1. Graduate with an Undergraduate Degree
The first MS-SLP admission requirement is to obtain a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. While not required, majoring in CSD or speech-language pathology helps ensure you complete all prerequisite coursework.
If your school doesn’t offer a CSD or SLP undergraduate degree, you can still apply as long as you complete the following ASHA prerequisite course requirements:
- Biology
- Chemistry or physics
- Statistics
- Behavioral or social sciences
USAHS offers the following leveling courses if your degree isn’t in CSD or SLP:
- Introduction to Audiology
- Aural Rehabilitation
- Speech Anatomy and Physiology
- Introduction to Communication Sciences and Disorders*
- Phonetics
- Normal Speech and Language Development
At USAHS, we recommend completing prerequisite coursework no more than five years prior to enrollment.
2. Take the GRE (Only if Your Target Programs Require It).
Depending on the SLP grad school program you are applying to, you may be required to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). This standardized test assesses your verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning and analytical writing skills.4
USAHS is one of the SLP grad school programs that doesn’t require a GRE score for admission. If standardized tests aren’t your strong suit, you may want to consider the GRE requirement when deciding how to get into SLP grad school.
3. Complete Your Observation Hours (Shadow SLPs).
Next, you’ll want to shadow several SLPs in the field to learn more about their day-to-day responsibilities. Since there are multiple career path options, you may want to shadow in a variety of different settings where SLPs work, including:5
- Schools, colleges and universities
- Nonresidential healthcare facilities, hospitals and residential healthcare facilities
- Private practice
- Corporate environments
- Local, state and federal government agencies
SLP programs require you to complete 25 guided observation hours with an ASHA-certified SLP. Log these hours to ensure you meet your SLP grad school requirements.
4. Gain Field Experience
In terms of how to get into SLP grad school, seek out opportunities to gain experience in the field. While clinical internships typically aren’t available to undergraduate students, you can pursue non-clinical internships, volunteer experiences or other opportunities that strengthen your grad school application.6 These experiences provide insight into an SLP’s day-to-day responsibilities and allow you to learn from practicing clinicians.
Admissions committees often look beyond the required observation hours. Volunteering with children or adults who have communication disorders, serving as a research assistant or volunteering in a faculty research lab and taking on leadership roles in student organizations or community groups can all help demonstrate your commitment to the profession and readiness for graduate study.
This emphasis on hands-on experience is supported by research from Ellie Cooper, PhD, CCC-SLP, LSLS, Cert. AVT, assistant professor, MS-SLP program at USAHS, which found that speech-language pathologists develop deeper hearing loss health literacy through on-the-job experience, highlighting the important role that experiential learning can play in professional development.
Keep in mind that these volunteer opportunities and work experiences don’t count toward the 25-hour guided observation requirement, but they can help your application stand out by showcasing your initiative, service and engagement with the field.
5. Network with SLPs
While not required, networking with SLPs is a great way to learn more about the field and may lead to other opportunities. Attend networking events or connect on LinkedIn to establish relationships.
You may want to connect with alumni who can share advice and experiences on how to get into SLP grad school or provide a reference letter.
6. Research Multiple Programs
Research multiple MS-SLP programs to decide which ones to apply to. Some factors to consider include:
- Curriculum
- Learning model
- Program length
- Mission statement
- Virtual/hybrid coursework options
- Virtual or on-site clinical practica options
- Tuition and financial aid options
- On-campus facilities
Also, speak with current students, alumni and professors to gain insight into each SLP grad school program.
How Many SLP Programs Should You Apply to?
A common question from applicants is, “How many speech-language pathology programs should I apply to?” There’s no magic number. Your list will depend on factors like your GPA, observation or clinical experience, prerequisite coursework, budget and where you want to live or study.
Applying to more than one program can improve your chances of receiving an offer. According to the Communication Sciences and Disorders Centralized Application Service (CSDCAS) 2024-2025 Applicant Data Report, applicants who were accepted into at least one SLP graduate program submitted an average of 3.55 applications, while applicants who were not accepted submitted an average of 2.09 applications.7
Rather than aiming for a specific number, focus on building a thoughtful list of programs that align with your academic background, professional goals and personal priorities. Compare each program’s admission requirements, prerequisite courses, curriculum, clinical placement opportunities, delivery format and tuition so you can invest your time and application fees where they matter most.
If you’re unsure where to start, connect with a USAHS enrollment advisor. They can help you evaluate your academic background, understand prerequisite requirements and map out an application plan that fits your goals.
7. Complete SLP Grad School Program Applications
Narrow your options and apply to the program you are most interested in. To improve your chances of acceptance, apply to multiple programs. Each program might have different SLP grad school requirements, so thoroughly read and fill out each application.
Understanding How CSDCAS Works
As you research MS-SLP programs, you’ll likely come across CSDCAS. Many programs use this centralized application system, allowing you to submit one core application that can be sent to multiple participating schools. Each program may also have its own supplemental requirements, such as essays, prerequisite coursework or application fees.
After you submit your CSDCAS application and all required materials, CSDCAS verifies your transcripts before forwarding your application to your selected programs. During peak application season, this process can take up to four weeks, so it’s important to submit well before your earliest deadline rather than waiting until the last minute.
Before you apply, review each program’s admission requirements and create a timeline for requesting transcripts, securing recommendation letters and completing your personal statement. If you’re applying to USAHS, an enrollment advisor can help you understand program requirements and stay on track throughout the application process.
To learn more or start your application, visit the CSDCAS Portal.8
Five Tips to Get Accepted into an SLP Grad School
Below are a few tips for how to get into SLP grad school:
1. Maintain a High GPA During Your Undergrad Program
A grade point average (GPA) is a factor that most SLP grad school programs take into consideration. Retain a minimum GPA of 3.0, either overall or for prerequisite coursework. SLP programs are competitive, and some programs prefer a higher GPA.
2. Have Multiple People Revise Your Essays
Many SLP grad school programs require a personal essay in response to a specific prompt. Thoroughly answer the question and adhere to font, spacing and length requirements.
After writing your essay, ask family, friends, professors or classmates to review it before submitting it.
3. Start the Application Process Early
As each program has various SLP grad school requirements, we recommend getting a head start on the application process to give you plenty of time to apply for each program you’re interested in.
While every program has its own deadlines, most applicants follow a similar timeline. Write down each SLP grad school application’s deadline, list each requirement and keep track of your progress. Starting early and planning ahead gives you time to complete prerequisites, strengthen your application and avoid delays during CSDCAS verification.
| SLP Grad School Application Timeline8 | What to Do |
| Spring to summer | Finish any required ASHA prerequisite coursework and complete your 25 guided observation hours. Ask professors, supervisors or mentors to write letters of recommendation. |
| Late summer to early fall | Once the new CSDCAS application cycle opens, create your account, research program requirements and begin your application. Draft, revise and refine your personal statement while requesting transcripts and gathering any additional application materials. |
| 4-6 weeks before your earliest application deadline | Submit your CSDCAS application. Although verification times vary, CSDCAS recommends allowing at least four weeks for transcript verification and application processing during peak application season. Submitting several weeks before your earliest deadline provides additional flexibility if any materials are delayed. |
Even after you submit, continue monitoring your application to confirm transcripts, recommendation letters and other required materials have been received and your application has been verified before your program’s deadline, if required. Check each school’s admissions requirements, as deadlines and verification policies may differ.
4. Research Your Target Programs
Consider whether each SLP grad school program is the best educational fit for your learning needs and lifestyle. Some questions to ask yourself include:
- Do I want to be in a specific geographic area?
- Do I prefer a small or a large university?
- How many fellow students do I want in my cohort?
- Do I want to specialize in a specific area of SLP?
- Does a traditional, hybrid or online program fit my learning style?
Additionally, you should look into each program’s student outcome data, such as on-time program completion and Praxis exam pass rates. This ensures that you’re applying to an SLP grad school program where graduates have a solid success rate.
5. Submit Multiple Letters of Recommendation
SLP grad school applications require you to submit at least two letters of recommendation. These letters can come from professors, supervisors or employers familiar with you in a professional or academic setting. Take the time to establish professional relationships during undergrad, work experiences and volunteer opportunities, so you’re not scrambling when it comes time to ask for a letter of recommendation.
Request these letters in advance to give the individual plenty of time to write your letter.
How to Get into SLP Grad School FAQs
Applying for grad school can be a confusing process. Below, we’ve answered some common questions regarding SLP grad school requirements.
How Hard Is SLP Grad School to Get into?
Grad schools for SLP programs are typically very competitive. SLP master’s programs have maintained a median admissions capacity of between 26 and 34 students per cohort, from the 2008-2009 to 2023-2024 academic years, according to ASHA trend data.2 Therefore, you may want to apply to multiple SLP grad school programs to improve your chances of acceptance.
What GPA is Required to Get into SLP Grad School?
Most programs require a minimum 3.0 GPA, either overall or for prerequisite coursework.
Find more SLP FAQs on our website.
Can You Get into an SLP Grad School Program with a Low GPA?
Each program places a different weight on the importance of application factors, so you may be able to get into some SLP grad school programs with a low GPA. Additionally, some programs consider your grade trend, so try to continue to raise your GPA each semester.
Apply to USAHS’ MS-SLP Program
A career as an SLP offers countless benefits. From the impact on patient lives to the high level of job security, there are several reasons to pursue a degree in speech-language pathology.
Now that you know how to get into grad school for speech pathology, we encourage you to apply to our program. With our student-first philosophy, blended learning model and state-of-the-art simulation labs, we provide our SLP grad school students with the tools they need to succeed in their careers.
*Not required if the applicant holds an undergraduate degree in communication sciences and disorders or speech-language pathology.
Sources:
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- “Who Are Speech-Language Pathologists, and What Do They Do?” Communication Health Support Association (CHSA), 2026, https://helpingyoucommunicate.org/article/who-are-speech-language-pathologists-and-what-they-do.
- “CSD Education Survey: Communication Sciences and Disorders Education Trend Data,” American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), https://www.asha.org/siteassets/uploadedfiles/communication-sciences-and-disorders-education-trend-data.pdf.
- “Prerequisite Course Content Areas Related to SLP Certification Standards,” American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), 2026, https://www.asha.org/certification/course-content-areas-for-slp-standards/.
- “The GRE® General Test,” Educational Testing Service (ETS), 2026, https://www.ets.org/gre/test-takers/general-test/about.html.
- “Employment Settings for SLPs,” American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), 2026, https://www.asha.org/students/employment-settings-for-slps/.
- Keller, S., “Speech Pathology Internships – Your Complete Guide to Selecting the SLP Internship That’s Right for You,” November 24, 2025, https://www.speechpathologygraduateprograms.org/blog/speech-pathology-internships/.
- “2024-2025 Applicant Data Report,” Communication Sciences and Disorders Centralized Application Service (CSDCAS), https://www.capcsd.org/assets/pdf/2024-2025-CSDCAS-Applicant-Data-Report/.
- “Preparing Your CSDCAS Application,” Communication Sciences and Disorders Centralized Application Service (CSDCAS), 2026, https://www.csdcas.org/preparing-your-csdcas-application/.
