Admission to the Program
As of Fall 2008, these changes will be effective for the Communication Disorders graduate program:
1. The name of the graduate program will be changed to Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology (leads to NCDPI Licensure). The new Major Code is 707A.
2. The major codes 489A and 493A will be deleted.
3. New graduate admissions criteria changes to the M.A. in Speech-Language Pathology: (1) Use cumulative undergraduate GPA. (2) Require only the GRE; we no longer accept the MAT. (3) Additional requirement for the program is a single-page letter of intent.
Admission to the Commuication Disorders Program is on a competitive basis. Students who wish to be admitted to this program must apply to the Cratis D. Williams Graduate School.
A complete application includes:
The CDP at Appalachian conducts admission reviews twice each year: once for admission in the Fall (application deadline February 1) and again for admission in the Spring (application deadline October 1). Thirty-four new students are admitted each year for Fall entry. Twenty-two spaces in the Fall are for students with sufficient coursework in speech-language pathology, and twelve are for out-of-field students. A smaller number (usually 10) with adequate speech-language pathology undergraduate coursework are admitted for January entry. This number varies depending on the number of December graduates.
Effective date Spring 2008
Basic Criteria for Consideration: Applicants must complete the necessary application process as required by the Graduate School and the Communication Disorders program.
Other Criteria for All Applicants: For students to be considered for admission, undergraduate and post baccalaureate transcripts should be included in the application. Students must present scores from the GRE, but no minimum score is required. In general, successful applicants have a minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 and a minimum GRE score (verbal + quantitative) of 900. A one-page letter of intent must be included with the application. In the letter, students must comment on (1) their undergraduate course of study and performance, (2) their goals and aspirations for graduate study in the communication disorders program, and (3) if applicable, their post baccalaureate study and performance. Note that admission is on a competitive basis. Therefore, not all students who meet these minimum requirements will be offered admission.
In-field versus Out-of-Field Status. Most students who possess an undergraduate degree in communication sciences and disorders or similar major (e.g., Speech Pathology or Audiology) qualify for in-field status. Students with majors in related disciplines (e.g., communication sciences) may have completed some (8-15 semester hours), but not all, of the coursework prerequisite to the graduate program. Such students may be admitted as an in-field student but will be expected to complete remaining prerequisites before beginning the graduate program. Students will be notified at the time of admission if prerequisite coursework is needed.
If you have additional questions about Appalachian's program in communication disorders, please don't hesitate to write or call. We also offer monthly tours (on the last Friday of each month except December) of the facility including an opportunity to talk with a faculty member and one or more student(s). The Communication Disorders Program faculty at Appalachian are constantly seeking qualified students to study and learn with us. If you are interested in a quality program where you can work with a great group of students and faculty, Appalachian is the place.
Learn more about assistantships and scholarships available to graduate students.
