Standard 4.1 Admission Criteria

Admission Requirements

The program is designed for students seeking admission to an entry-level graduate program in speech-language pathology. Prospective graduate applicants with a degree or equivalent coursework in speech pathology and audiology or with degrees in other disciplines/areas of study may apply to the MS-SLP program. 

Please note that simply meeting the criteria listed below is not a guarantee of admission.  As is the case with most graduate programs in speech-language pathology, admission is highly competitive.

  • Comply with the regular Admission Requirements of the College of Graduate Studies and Research, which include completion of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution 
  • Complete all prerequisites before the start of the program with no grade lower than a B-:
    • Anatomy and Physiology of Communication Mechanisms
    • Phonetics
    • Articulation Development and Treatment
    • Speech and Hearing Science
    • Child Language Development
    • Statistics
    • One course each in biological sciences, physical sciences (Physics or Chemistry), and social sciences
    • Introductory level of Audiology
    • Aural Rehabilitation

(Students who have not begun the required prerequisites may apply for conditional admission. Students may complete a one-year sequence of courses. After successful completion of the coursework, students will be admitted to the graduate program. Completing the prerequisite courses with a grade of 3.0 or higher indicates successful completion.)

Application Requirements
Complete the NMU Graduate School application along with:
  • Official transcripts from all previously attended post-secondary institutions received and verified prior to January 15 
  • Test of English Proficiency (TOEFL). For applicants whose native language is not English, submission of a TOEFL score which meets or exceeds the minimum passing scores by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association - Ad Hoc Committee on English Language Proficiency, is required.

Complete the application through the Communication Sciences and Disorders Centralized Application Service (CSDCAS).  You will also need to supply:

  • Three letters of recommendation from individuals who can comment on academic, clinical, and professional experiences of the applicant and preparation for graduate study.
  • A statement of intent which describes the applicant’s prior coursework, reason for pursuing this degree, professional objectives, and why NMU is a good fit for his or her experience and future profession. 
Application Timeline
Applications, including all requirements, are due January 15.  Applications received after January 15 may be considered on a space-available basis.  Students are admitted for the summer semester.  All steps must be completed and admission requirements met for your applicaiton to be reviewed by the school. 
  • Program Interviews - These will be scheduled with each applicant and will take place during February each year.
  • Program Selection Decision - Students will be notified of admission or non-admission to the MS-SLP program between March and August of each year.
  • Program Commitment by Student - Students will be required to either accept or decline admission into the MS-SLP program by April 15 unless they are on a waiting list for the program.
  • Students begin the MS-SLP program - Students who have been admitted and have accepted their offer to begin the MS-SLP program, will begin the program in the second summer session of each year.
After Admission to the Program
Once admitted into the MS-SLP program, enrollment is contingent on the student’s successful completion of the following, at the student’s expense:
  • A criminal background and fingerprint check.
  • Proof of a negative drug screen, vaccinations, and TB test in accordance with affiliate policies. 
  • Proof of current certification in CPR/AED at the healthcare provider level.  Refresher courses will be offered as needed. 
  • Proof of current health insurance to meet off-campus internship requirements.  

Supporting Documentation can be reviewed by following the links provided below.

Northern Michigan University Graduate Catalog

MS-SLP Graduate Program Level Materials


      Last modified: Tuesday, December 17, 2024, 12:08 PM