myCSUSM
MS Frequently Asked Questions
Thank you for your interest in our Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology
program. Please also review our MS SLP Admissions Guide for more information.
We kindly ask that you do not reach out with questions regarding course equivalencies
or requesting pre-admission advising. Due to the number of inquiries that we receive, we are unable to review students
for eligibility without an application. Please utilize the information and resources
we have provided below. Thank you for understanding.
Admissions
- What are the admission requirements for the MS SLP program?
- Bachelor's degree in Speech & Hearing Sciences and/or Disorders, as well as ASHA basic science requirements OR a Bachelor's degree in another field AND ASHA basic science requirements AND CSUSM SLP prerequisite courses
- A minimum undergraduate grade point average of 3.0; and in the last 60 units attempted.
- The following items must be submitted by the deadline to be considered for admission:
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- Cal State Apply Application
- Supplemental Application with Video Response
- Official transcripts
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- Do courses/prerequisites expire?No. Courses/prerequisites do not expire. We don’t have a recency requirement.
- Can I apply if prerequisites are in-progress?Yes. Prerequisite courses and degree can be in-progress if minimum requirements are met, and you can show proof of completion of those in-progress requirements prior to starting the program.
- Do you accept online courses?Yes, we accept online courses. Courses must be completed at a regionally accredited institution, CSU transferable, and meet course content requirements.
- I repeated courses, which grades will be used?We will use the best attempt taken/highest grade.
- I have several courses that meet the same requirement, which courses will be used?If several courses meet the criteria for the same requirement, we will use the best attempt taken/highest grade.
- Do you accept “P”/”CR” grades for the prerequisite courses?Yes, if the “P”/“CR” equals a “C” or better. If the “P”/“CR” grade equals a “C-”, it will not be accepted.
- Can I have my courses reviewed prior to applying and/or meet with an academic advisor?
- Due to the number of inquiries and applications that we receive, we are unable to conduct pre-evaluations. Students must apply to be reviewed for eligibility.
- We kindly ask that you do not send inquiries regarding course approval/equivalencies, we only review courses when reviewing applicants for eligibility.
- We encourage students to self-assess by using the following resource:
- Can I apply if my degree is in-progress?Students can apply with their degree in-progress if all minimum requirements are met, and they can show proof of their degree prior to starting the program.
- How do I convert my quarter units to semester units?
- To convert quarter to semester: quarter units is x 2 divided by 3 to get semester
- Example: 6 quarter x 2 = 12 units/3=4 semester units
- To convert quarter to semester: quarter units is x 2 divided by 3 to get semester
- Can someone help me calculate my GPA?No. Due to the volume of applications and inquiries received, we are unable to conduct pre-calculations/evaluations or provide feedback to applicants.
- Are the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) 25 hours of guided observation
for the Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP) eligibility required prior to
starting the CSUSM SLP program?No, the 25 observation hours are not required before starting the CSUSM SLP program. Students complete the required observation hours during the first semester of the program.
- How competitive is the program?We receive about 250-300 qualified applicants each term. The program admits 35-40 students each fall.
Application
- Are letters of recommendation required?No, letters of recommendation are not required nor considered for admission.
- Is the GRE required?No, the GRE is not required nor considered for admission.
- Do I need to send AP scores?No, you do not need to send AP scores.
- Do I need to submit all transcripts?
- Yes, you need to submit official transcripts for all colleges attended, we need a full academic record. Applications are not considered complete until all official transcripts are received. Incomplete applications are not reviewed. All official transcripts should arrive at CSUSM by the application deadline. Please plan accordingly.
- For more information about how to apply and where to send transcripts, please review the MS SLP Admissions Guide.
- If I attended community college and transferred the courses to a four-year college,
do I still need to submit official transcripts for the community college?
- Yes, you need to submit official transcripts for all colleges attended, we need a full academic record. Applications are not considered complete until all official transcripts are received. Incomplete applications are not reviewed. All transcripts should arrive at CSUSM by the application deadline. Please plan accordingly.
- For more information about how to apply and where to send transcripts, please review the MS SLP Admissions Guide.
- Where do I send my official transcripts?
- Electronic Delivery: This is the preferred transcript delivery method. CSUSM requires electronic transcripts from listed colleges/universities. If your school is not on the list, verify with your school if an electronic transcript is available. Electronic transcripts can be provided through external or third party vendors such as Credential Solutions, eTranscriptCA, National Student Clearinghouse, Parchment, etc. When ordering your transcript, please choose California State University San Marcos as the intended recipient from the school name dropdown. If California State University San Marcos is not listed, please use transcripts@csusm.edu as the recipient email address.
- Mailed Transcripts: All official transcripts must be mailed or delivered in sealed envelopes to the address below:
Office of Admissions and Recruitment
California State University San Marcos
333 S. Twin Oaks Valley Road
San Marcos, CA 92096
ATTN: MS SLP- Once you have submitted your transcripts, it may take up to 14 business days after the university has received your transcript(s) for your record to be updated. If after 14 business days your record has not been updated, please email us at el@csusm.edu for additional assistance.
- How do I confirm my official transcripts were received?
- After submitting your application, you will receive information on how to access your MyCSUSM student center. There you can review your to-do list and see transcripts that are still needed.
- Once you have submitted your transcripts, it may take up to 14 business days after the university has received your transcript(s) for your record to be updated. If after 14 business days your record has not been updated.
- If I graduated from or previously attended CSUSM, do I still need to submit official
transcripts for CSUSM?You do not need to submit your CSUSM transcript to us. You are still required to submit official transcripts for all other colleges you have attended or are currently attending.
- If I previously submitted official transcripts to CSUSM for a different application,
do I need to resubmit those transcripts again?
It depends; we archive transcripts after a certain period. Please reach out to us at el@csusm.edu to confirm if we still have your transcripts on file from a previous application.
- How do I confirm my Supplemental Application was received?Once you finished the last section and clicked on the last >> button, the next screen will show a full report of your entries for this application. You can save a .pdf copy of this report. The application will be received electronically by the Speech-Language Pathology department. No other action is required on your part.
- Who do I work with for my student status/admission if I'm an international student?All students will work directly with Extended Learning Student Services for these matters. Please see our Advising link for more information.
- How do I know that my application was properly received?Once we have received your application, an email (listing any additional requirements) will be sent to your email address that was listed on the submitted application.
- Do I need to apply to CSU Mentor to apply to the SLP program?You should only apply to our programs through the active link on our websites. CSU Mentor applications should not be used for programs such as ours, administrated through Extended Learning.
Admission Decisions & Process
- How are admission decisions made?Applicants are reviewed for minimum admissions requirements. Then your official transcripts and supplemental application are sent to faculty for review. Faculty review your application materials and then invite a select number of applicants for in-person interviews. Faculty then combine all that information to make final admission decisions.
- Will I receive feedback on my application after I apply?No, we do not provide feedback to applicants.
- Will I be notified if I’ve been invited to an interview?
Yes, you will be notified via email. Please refer to the Admissions Timeline on the MS SLP Admissions Guide for details.
- I received a denial email; can I find out why I was denied and/or meet with someone
to improve my application for next year?No. Faculty do not provide reasons why a student was denied. Due to the number of inquiries and applications that we receive, we are unable to meet one-on-one with denied students or provide feedback about how to improve your application.
- Can I re-apply?Yes, you can reapply for the next application cycle.
- Can I appeal?
- Yes, you can appeal your decision. Please find the Admissions Appeal process and form here
Student Experience
- When does the program begin?A cohort starts every fall semester.
- How long is the program?The program is 2 years, or 5 semesters, long (including summer).
- What is a cohort?A cohort is a group of students who work through a curriculum together to achieve the same academic degree. Because they are accepted into the same program, take their classes together and graduate together, students in cohorts tend to form a strong support system and professional network that benefits them during their degree program and beyond.
- What does a typical day look like for a MS SLP student?Residential full-time students can be expected to be in classes and clinic Monday - Friday during typical working hours. Some exclusions may apply to evenings and weekends on rare occasions.
- What is the schedule and location for clinicals?Residential full-time students can be expected to be in classes and clinic Monday - Friday during typical working hours. Some exclusions may apply to evenings and weekends on rare occasions. Clinical placements will be in the San Diego County and surrounding region.
- Can I continue to work during the program?We do not recommend working during the program, but we understand that you may need to. Please make sure that your work is flexible as your school schedule will vary each semester. The MS SLP program is a full-time program and will require a major commitment of time to complete. Prospective students should take into consideration the demanding nature of this program prior to applying for admission. Clinical rotations may vary by day and time each month; therefore, you should not plan on working while enrolled in this program.
- What services do you offer to active military, veterans, and dependents?
- Please visit the Extended Learning Military & Veterans Services website about the eligible funding options. You can also visit the campus Epstein Family Veterans Center or reach out directly by phone: (760)750-4827 or email: veterans@csusm.edu.
- Unfortunately, these Extended Learning programs, certificates, or courses are not eligible for the Cal Vet Fee Waiver.
- What are the program completion rates? What are the Praxis pass rates?
Please review the Student Achievement Data for more information about program completion rates and Praxis pass rates.
- After I graduate from the MS SLP program at CSUSM, can I work in any state within
the U.S.?
- The SLP Program and University Credentialing office will provide information to you during your last semester to assist you in 1) applying for Clinical First Year (CFY) status that leads to your national Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC), 2) temporary SLP state licensure, and 3) preliminary credentialing for the state of California. For more details about other state requirements, please view the State by State list for SLP licensure.
- For a credential to work in a school setting outside of California, the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) offers links to educational organizations in other states. Please note that employers may have different licensure and credentialing requirements for applicants.
Cost & Financial Aid
- How do I request Financial Aid?
- What is the cost of the program?
Please review the Program Costs page for current tuition and fee rates.
- Is the program eligible for financial aid?
Yes. Anyone seeking financial aid must submit a FAFSA or Renewal FAFSA between January 1 and March 2 for the following academic year to receive priority consideration for funds. FAFSA Applications are accepted after March 2; however, funding options may be limited. Applications are available in the CSUSM Financial Aid and Scholarship Office and other colleges or local high schools. Be aware that in order to apply for any type of financial aid, all males between the ages of 18 and 26 are required to register with the Selective Service. CSUSM’s Title IV School Code is 030113. Please visit CSUSM Financial Aid for more information.
- Can I use my veterans benefits to pay for this program?
- Please visit the Extended Learning Military & Veterans Services website about the eligible funding options. You can also visit the campus Epstein Family Veterans Center or reach out directly by phone: (760)750-4827 or email: veterans@csusm.edu.
- Unfortunately, these Extended Learning programs, certificates, or courses are not eligible for the Cal Vet Fee Waiver.
University Links
- College of Education, Health and Human Services
- California State University System
- CSUSM Chapter-National Student Speech-Language and Hearing Association (NSSLHA)
- Extended Learning