How To Apply

Step-by-Step Admissions Process Guide

Welcome to the official admissions guide for the Online 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.

Notice Regarding Application Submission

The university is closed from December 24, 2026 – January 3, 2027. Therefore, it is highly recommended that you submit your application prior to December 23, 2026. There will be no support available for applicants between December 24 – January 3, 2027. We will not accept applications after the January 8th, 2027 deadline. January 8th, 2027 is the final deadline.

The Fall 2026 MS SLP Application Cycle is now CLOSED

Details about the Fall 2027 MS SLP Application cycle will be posted in October 2026.

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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 Online 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. You must complete all three (3) steps below

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- Step 3A: Complete Your Cal State Apply Application
  
  Apply to CSU San Marcos using the Cal State Apply application link below.
  
  Cal State Apply Application
  
  Questions? Email Cal State Apply support at support@myliaison.com or call (857) 304-2087, Mon–Fri, 9am–8pm EST or contact el@csusm.edu.
- Step 3B: Complete Your Department Application Through CSDCAS
  The CSDCAS application available through the link below.
  
  CSDCAS Application
  - Please note that there is a fee for CSDCAS. CSDCAS charges $150 for the first program you apply to and $60 for each additional program. See CSDCAS Application Fees and Fee Waivers for more information.
  For this application you will need to complete:
  - Written Response: Volunteer, Community Service, and/or Leadership Experience
  - Video Response: Prompt about Artificial Intelligence
  - Writing Response: Reflection Question
  - Language Survey
  - Course Repeat Rationale
  - Three (3) Evaluations with Letters of Recommendation
  Questions? Email CSDCAS support at csdcasinfo@csdcas.org or call (617) 612-2030, Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm EST.
  
  Preferred Modality Selection
  
  You may apply to one modality (residential OR online). However, on the application, you may indicate if you would like to be considered for the alternate option should you not be admitted to your first choice.
After submitting your Cal State Apply application and Department application (through CSDCAS) regularly check your CSDCAS submission to ensure your application is verified (this can take up to two business days). Once we have received both required applications, we will review your applications to determine if you meet the admission requirements.

If you have met all the admission requirements, your application will be sent to the Admissions Committee for review.

Important Application Notes

Applicants to the MS SLP program are required to apply through both CSDCAS and Cal State San Marcos (CSUSM). For the initial application review, you only need to submit your official transcripts through CSDCAS.

CSUSM will use the CSDCAS-verified transcripts to determine whether your application is complete and eligible to move forward for faculty review. You do not need to submit a second set of transcripts directly to CSUSM during the initial application process.

If you are offered admission to the program, you will then be required to submit your official transcripts directly to CSUSM by the deadline specified with your admission offer.

Please do not send official transcripts to CSUSM unless you receive an offer of admission and are instructed to do so.

Please do not submit official transcripts to the University, you MUST submit your official transcripts through CSDCAS for your application to be verified. If your CSDCAS application is not verified by January 8th, 2027, your application will not be processed for the Fall 2027 admissions cycle.

We strongly recommend completing your CSDCAS application before December 23, 2026, to allow time for verification. Submitting your application early helps ensure that your application is verified by January 8th, 2027, allowing it to move forward to the next step in the admissions process
Step Four: Interview Day

Residential candidates may be invited to an on-campus interview day as part of the application process. This in-person interview is mandatory.

Online candidates may be invited to an online interview day as part of the application process. This online interview is mandatory.

Interviews are 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 please monitor your email for updates. The interview date will be published in early November. No alternative date will be offered.
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 15th, 2027.
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 2027 Admissions Timeline

Fall 2027 Admissions Timeline*
Admission Event	Date
Application Opens	October 1, 2026
Application Deadline	January 8, 2027
Interview Notifications	February 2027/March 2027
Interview Day (Invitation Only/Mandatory)	February 2027/March 2027
Admissions Notifications	March 2027
Welcome Mixer (Invitation Only/Optional)	March 2027
Intent to Enroll Deadline	April 15, 2027
Online Orientation	TBD
Bootcamp/Orientation	TBD
Fall Semester Starts	August 30, 2027

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