Admission Requirements
Applicants should follow the admissions process described in the graduate catalog. The Department of Communication Disorders at Marshall University is participating in the central application system known as CSDCAS. Applicants will apply online using the CSDCAS application. To learn more about the CSDCAS application process, visit https://csdcas.liaisoncas.org.
Completed applications along with all supporting materials must be received by the January 15 deadline to receive priority consideration for admission the following fall. Official transcripts must be received by CSDCAS by January 15. In addition, applicants must also meet the requirements below:
- An undergraduate degree (or pending degree) in Communication Disorders from a regionally accredited institution is required. Students with deficits in undergraduate coursework, or those wishing public school certification, may need to complete additional requirements. Applicants must submit their most recent transcript, including grades for the fall semester that precedes the application deadline. If a student will be taking Communication Disorders coursework after the date in which the transcript was submitted, provide this information, including course title(s), in your personal statement. Students admitted to the graduate program will be required to submit final transcripts following completion of the undergraduate degree.
- An Overall and Communication Disorders Grade Point Average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is required for full-time admission. A student may be admitted for provisional enrollment with an overall
or Communication Disorders GPA between 2.5 – 3.0 when the applicant possesses a degree and shows academic promise but does not meet the criteria for full admission. Refer to the Graduate College for further explanation of “provisional enrollment.” - All students must submit a personal statement or letter of intent.
- All students must submit three letters of recommendation from individuals who can comment on the applicant’s academic and/or clinical performance and potential. At least one letter must be from one of the applicant’s classroom instructors in communication disorders.
- All completed applications which are “verified” via CSDCAS are reviewed on an ongoing basis in the spring semester each year. Generally, more students apply than can be accepted; therefore, the selection process is competitive.
- Qualified applicants will be invited to participate in a formal interview with faculty during the spring semester.
Note: Applicants who are accepted to the graduate program will receive further instructions from the Communication Disorders Graduate Program Director regarding formal application to the graduate program. All admissions are term specific.
International applicants will be required to submit an official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score in addition to the other requirements described for consideration. The minimum TOEFL scores to be considered for admission must be a Total Score of 105 with the minimum section requirement of “Speaking” of 26 and an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 7.5 with a at least 7.5 on the speaking and listening segment. TOEFL requirement is waived for applicants who hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university in the United States.
International applicants who hold a bachelor’s degree from a college or university outside of the United States will have to complete their credential evaluation [WES International Credential Advantage Package (ICAP)] from the World Education Services (WES) to verify that their education is equivalent to the US undergraduate education and have the report sent to CSDCAS. For additional information, follow the instructions on the website of Marshall University Graduate College.
The Marshall University Department of Communication Disorders and the Speech and Hearing Center do not discriminate based on any category prohibited by law including, but not limited to age, citizenship, disability, ethnicity, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, and veteran status.
Student Admission Data
| Average | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Verbal GRE | N/A | N/A | N/A | 145.8 | 148 |
| Quant. GRE | N/A | N/A | N/A | 145.2 | 143.7 |
| Analytic Writing | N/A | N/A | N/A | 3.8 | 3.8 |
| GPA (overall) | 3.6 | 3.7 | 3.7 | 3.7 | 3.5 |
| GPA (CD)* | 3.6 | 3.6 | 3.7 | 3.6 | 3.5 |
* Students with a degree in other fields are encouraged to apply to the program. The CD GPA may not be applicable for this student.
| 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Applications | 60 | 87 | 144 | 95 | 109 |
| Admitted | 49 | 61 | 70 | 63 | 60 |
| Class Size | 24 | 34 | 34 | 28 | 32 |
Prerequisite Courses for Prospective Students
Students with undergraduate degrees in a field other than communication disorders will be required to take foundational courses. Application to the graduate program will vary depending on individual student needs. The program plan is developed in consultation with a designated department advisor.
Courses typically required prior to admission: CD 228, 229, 239, 241, 427, 460 and 470. If admitted, additional foundational courses may be required within the graduate plan of study.
Questions related to graduate admission in speech-language pathology may be directed to Pam Holland (Chair of the Department) holland@marshall.edu