How To Apply

Step-by-Step Admissions Process Guide

Welcome to the official admissions guide for the Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (MS SLP) program at California State University San Marcos (CSUSM). This comprehensive guide will walk you through the application process, ensuring that you are well-prepared to apply to this highly competitive program. 

• Step One: Review FAQs and Attend an Information Session

  We highly recommend that you attend one of our information sessions. These sessions provide valuable insights into the MS SLP program, including curriculum details, clinical experiences, and application information.

  Most of the questions regarding your application, admission to the program, and what to expect if admitted, can also be found on the MS SLP FAQ website. Please review the FAQ website for more information.

• Step Two: Review Course Equivalencies

  Ensure that you have successfully completed all the MS SLP Prerequisite and ASHA requirements. If you are unsure if you have taken, or will take, a course which will satisfy any of the prerequisites or ASHA requirements, please visit the MS SLP Prerequisite and ASHA webpage for guidance. 

  Important Notice Regarding Prerequisite Courses

  Due to the overwhelming number of students interested in this program, we are unable to review or confirm if one, or more, of the courses you have taken, or plan to take, will satisfy any of the MS SLP prerequisites. 
  
  Applicants are encouraged to utilize our MS SLP Prerequisite and ASHA webpage to help identify potential course equivalencies.
• Step Three: Submit Your Application and Required Documents

  Once you have confirmed your eligibility and completed the necessary prerequisites, you can begin the application process.

  • Step 1: Complete your Cal State Apply application.
  • Step 2: Review the Supplemental Application Instructions and submit Supplemental Application Form.
  • Step 3: SUBMIT OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS TO CSUSM*

  After submitting your Cal State Apply application, supplemental application, and official transcripts, regularly check your email for updates and any additional information regarding your application status. Once we have received all required documents, we will review your application to determine if you meet the admission requirements.  
  
  If you have met all the admission requirements, your application will be sent to faculty for review.

  If you submitted official transcripts or standardized test scores to the University prior to submitting your application, you MUST email el@csusm.edu. Your email must include your first and last name and campus student ID as well as detail the specific documents sent to the University prior to submitting your application. Failure to provide this information will delay the processing of your application.   

• Step Four: Interview Day

  Candidates may be invited to an on-campus interview day as part of the application process. This in-person, mandatory interview is an opportunity to ensure this program is a good match for the student and vice versa. 

  Please refer to the admissions timeline below for information about interview notifications and the interview date. Interview notifications will be communicated via email, so continue to monitor your email for updates. 

• Step Five: Await Admissions Decision
  Admissions decisions will be communicated via email, so continue to monitor your email for updates. Students admitted to the program will be invited to the optional Welcome Mixer to learn more about the program and ask questions to inform their admission decision. 
• Step Six: Submit Intent to Enroll
  Admitted students need to accept/decline their offer by the intent to enroll deadline of  April 15, 2026.  
• Step Seven: Obtain Certificate of Clearance (Accepted MS SLP Applicants ONLY)

  Applicants accepted to the Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology will also be required to obtain, and submit documentation of, an Official Certificate of Clearance from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC).

  Submission details and deadlines will be provided if offered admission. Obtaining a Certificate of Clearance can take a significant amount of time. Please plan to start the process of obtaining your Certificate of Clearance early. No exceptions will be made to this deadline.

Fall 2026 Admissions Timeline

*Dates are subject to change. Please check regularly for updates.