Frequently Asked Questions

Application

• How do I know that my application was properly received?
  You will receive a confirmation email within 48 hours upon successful submission of your application. If you don't receive a confirmation email, login to your CSU Apply account and ensure the status of your application is "Posted." Any other status indicates your application has not been successfully submitted to the university. 
• Do I need to submit all official 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.  
• 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.  
• How do I confirm that my 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, please email us at el@csusm.edu for additional assistance. 

• 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. 

Admission Decisions & Process

• How are admission decisions made?
  Applicants are reviewed for minimum admission requirements. If an applicant is eligible and there is space in the program, they will be admitted. If an applicant is eligible and there is a waitlist, they will be added to the waitlist. If an applicant is not eligible, they will be denied.  
• Will I receive feedback on my application?
  No, we do not provide feedback to applicants.  
• I’ve been waitlisted, what are my options?

  Applicants on the waitlist will remain on the waitlist until a spot becomes available. If you are offered a spot off the waitlist you will be notified via email.  

  The waitlist remains active until the start of the term. If applicants are still on the waitlist once a term starts, then they will be offered a spot in the next available term.  

• I’ve been waitlisted, can I find out where I am on the waitlist?
  All students will work directly with Extended Learning Student Services for these matters. Please see our Advising contact information on our Department Contact Us page. 

Student Experience

• Are the courses synchronous or asynchronous?
  The courses are fully online and synchronous. This means you will have live, mandatory, weekly chat sessions for each course in the program. Synchronous meeting times are typically scheduled on weekday evenings.  
• Is the SLP Prep program considered a SLPA program?
  The CSUSM SLP Prep program is not approved as a SLPA program. Our program is not designed to provide the clinical hours necessary to apply for SLPA licensure. 
• Will the SLP Prep Cohort program satisfy the ASHA Standards?
  Some of the courses within the prep program will satisfy BOTH the prerequisite course requirement and the ASHA standards requirement. Please refer to the MS SLP Program Admissions requirements for more details.  
• Do I earn a certificate for the SLP Prep program as a cohort or a non-cohort student?

  In order to earn the Certificate of Specialized Study in Speech-Language Pathology, students must have an average GPA of B (3.0) or higher for the 33 units completed and must have earned at least a B- (2.7) in each of the courses. If these requirements are met, students in the cohort will receive a University Speech-Language Pathology Preparation Certificate of Completion on their official transcript. 

  You can complete the SLP Prep courses as a non-cohort student, but a certificate designation is not provided with this option. 

• If I earn the SLP Prep Certificate, will I be given preferential consideration in the review process for the MS SLP program at CSUSM?
  No, all applicants to the CSUSM MS SLP Program will be given the same consideration in the review process regardless of the certificate designation on the transcript. The certificate designation on the transcript allows for an expedited transcript review as it verifies that all foundational coursework has been completed.  

Cost & Financial Aid

• How do I request Financial Aid?
  Please go to the Financial Aid and Scholarships section within the Student Services tab for more details. You can visit the Financial Aid and Scholarship office or call (760) 750-4850 with any questions. At the time of your application, we advise that you complete your FAFSA application. 
• 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.