Admissions

We receive approximately 600 MA applications each admissions cycle, but have space for 40-45 students. Thus, the admissions process is very competitive.

Undergraduate Degree and Prerequisite Courses

Applicants must meet the requirements of this program which include an acceptable baccalaureate degree or equivalent from a regionally accredited institution and be in good standing in the last institution attended.

All applicants must demonstrate completion of the necessary prerequisites prior to the beginning of the Fall semester of entry
Please use the form below as a guide to determine if you have met the various requirements we typically expect of those entering our graduate program:
- Prerequisite Coursework Checklist for Individuals With Other Backgrounds (pdf, updated 5/11/2021)
Lower-division prerequisite courses may be taken anywhere, including at a community college.
For the upper-division requirements, SLHS offers prerequisite courses online for the M.A. program as part of the SDSU Global Campus SLP Essentials program. In addition, coursework from any ASHA-accredited institution (including those taken entirely online) will count towards the prerequisites for any that you have not already fulfilled, as long as the relevant content is covered.

Grade Point Average

A GPA of at least 3.20 on a 4.0 scale in the last 60 semester (or 90 quarter) credits of upper division and/or graduate courses . Please note that average of admitted students is usually much higher – around 3.8 Because of the high GPA of admitted students, we do not admit students conditionally.

Additional Factors and Requirements

Note that we do consider other factors in addition to GPA in reviewing applicants for admission. Please refer to our specific application guidelines on the MA Application page.
Applicants for admission to any SDSU MA program must also meet the general requirements for classified graduate standing to San Diego State University, as outlined in the current SDSU Catalog.
Resources and Requirements for Prospective International Applicants (See Below)
Admitted students must pass a background check prior to beginning the program. Background screenings may include checking state and federal criminal records and sex offender registries. If your background screening shows that you have a criminal record or are listed as a sex offender, you may not be able to secure clinical placements. This background check would be conducted after students accept an offer of admission and before they begin the program. The state of California may deny licensure for individuals who have been found guilty of committing acts which are contrary to public health and safety.

If you are an international student, you will want to refer to the SDSU International Student Center for additional information.

SDSU Office of Admissions

The SDSU Office of Admissions site has detailed information pertinent to international students, and it is an important first contact for those students interested in attending San Diego State University.

English Language Proficiency

As part of the requirements of any clinical program within the School of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences, students will participate in clinical practicum in a variety of on- and off-campus placements. Proficiency in both oral and written English language skills is expected, and a lack of proficiency can negatively impact the ability to successfully complete these requirements.

A passing score on the TOEFL exam is not necessarily proficient enough for working in an English-speaking clinical setting. Therefore, program advisors may recommend options for improving oral and written skills for those who need it.

Working in the United States

It should also be noted that successful completion of the graduate program does not guarantee the right to work in the United States. Work visas, which are different from student visas, are required in order to be legally employed in the United States. Please note that work visas are generally more difficult to obtain than other types of visas. More information about all types of visas is available from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

If I do not have an undergraduate degree in Speech, Language, & Hearing Sciences or Communication Sciences/Disorders, can I apply to the MA program?

If your undergraduate degree is in another discipline, you must complete the prerequisites before beginning our MA program. We will accept a Speech-Language post-baccalaureate degree from any accredited university. Course prerequisites may be completed through our Speech-Language Pathology Essentials online course offerings or at another institution. A Google search of Speech Language post-baccalaureate programs will guide you to schools that offer this program.

When are the CSDCAS departmental supplemental graduate applications accepted?

We only accept applications for Fall admissions (no Spring enrollment).

Applications can be submitted October 1st – January 12th.

STUDENTS APPLYING TO THIS DEPARTMENT MUST ADHERE TO OUR JANUARY 12th DEADLINE.

What is the tuition for Graduate School?

Tuition and student fees are posted on the SDSU Cashier’s Office site.

Do I need to complete the Statement of Purpose on the Cal State Apply application?

No, as you will be submitting an Essay to the department via your CSDCAS supplemental application, you do not need to complete the Statement of Purpose on the Cal State Apply application. Simply write “Essay submitted directly to department” in this section.

Do I need to choose a credential program when submitting my Cal State Apply application?

No, you do not need to choose a credential program. Students earn their SLP credential as part of the masters program and all credential paperwork is completed near the end of the program.

When can I begin submitting transcripts to Graduate Admissions?

Do not submit transcripts to Graduate Admissions prior to submitting the Cal State Apply on-line application. Upon receipt, SDSU will e-mail you a Student Red ID # in 10-15 business days. Receiving this Red ID indicates that an electronic file has now been created for you so transcripts received can be matched to you. If you attended SDSU before, you will use the same Red ID number, so you can begin submitting transcripts as soon as your application is submitted.

Do I have to submit transcripts from every school I attended?

Students who received their undergraduate degree from SDSU do not need to submit an SDSU transcript as Graduate Admissions can access those transcripts electronically. If you attended any other universities or junior colleges and those grades appear on your SDSU transcript, then you do not need to submit transcripts for those schools. All other students must submit transcripts from all schools attended. If you participated in a study abroad program and those courses and grades appear on your main transcript, you do not need to submit the study abroad transcript. If the courses and grades do not appear on your main transcript, you do need to submit the study abroad transcript. Please see our admissions instructions for transcripts in a language other than English. All transcripts, including SDSU, must be submitted to CSDCAS.

Do I have to wait for my final grades before submitting transcripts?

No, you do not need to wait for final transcripts for classes in progress at the time you apply. If admitted to SDSU, those will be requested at a later date.

Can I submit letters of recommendation from employers rather than former professors?

Yes, but letters of recommendation from employers do not carry the same weight with the admissions committee as letters from former professors as the letters are used to gauge academic performance, not job performance.

Can I track the progress of my application on-line?

Yes, at the same time you receive your Red ID you will receive instructions on setting up your my.sdsu account. Graduate Admissions will also e-mail bi-weekly reminders to students with incomplete applications. You can check the status of your Cal State Apply application and transcripts through WebPortal. You can track the status of your online supplemental department application through your CSDCAS account.

What happens if I neglect to submit either the Cal State Apply application or the department online application?

Your file will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed.

When will I hear if I have been accepted into the program?

Admission decisions will be made and you will be notified via email in late February or early March.

Questions?

If you have any additional questions, don’t hesitate to contact the Graduate Admissions Coordinator at [email protected].

Contact Us

SDSU Speech Language and Hearing

5245 Campanile Drive
San Diego, CA 92182-1518

619-594-7746
[email protected]

Master of Arts (M.A.)