Application Information for Graduate Programs in CSD
Thank you for your interest in our program. We are hosting three events for prospective graduate students for our 2024 cohorts; register here for these events.
We offer strong academic and clinical experiences at the graduate level. Our enthusiastic, student-centered faculty care about your success.
We invite you to take a virtual tour of our department and clinic.
Requirements for Admission
- A 3.0 GPA (on the last 60 hours of coursework)
- Complete the Communication Sciences and Disorders Centralized Application Service (CSDCAS) application
- Note: This application opens each year on August 1.
- Request that official transcripts from all institutions attended be sent to CSDCAS
- Complete all required sections in CSDCAS, including
- Responding to all ISU specific questions/prompts
- Requesting 3 professional letters of recommendation
- After you submit your CSDCAS application, create your Illinois State University (ILSTU) account in order to complete your application to our program.
- You will receive an email with the steps to create your account about 24 hours after you submit your CSDCAS application.
International applicants: Request that official evaluations of transcripts from all foreign institutions be sent to CSDCAS as follows:
- Use the World Education Services (WES) link in the Academic History section of the application to order your official WES evaluation OR
- Use the "Download Evaluation Request Form" in the Academic History section of the application to request an evaluation from an evaluation service other than WES.
- Applicants to the Illinois State University who are not native English speakers may take either the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to document minimal standards for admission outlined in the Illinois State University English Proficiency policy.
Proficiency in English
Following admission to a graduate program in the CSD Department, all students complete a speech-language and hearing screening to determine if they possess the verbal and auditory skills necessary to support learning in the classroom and the ability to provide professional speech-language pathology or audiology services in the English language. If it is determined that an individual student’s English proficiency impairs his or her ability to learn, and/or provide successful diagnostic and therapeutic services to clients, the Clinic Director and the Directors of Clinical Experiences will work with the English Language Institute to identify remediations and accommodations to support the student in his/her attempt to succeed in the program.
SLP Applicants
Characteristics of a Successful Applicant
A successful applicant is one with a diverse set of skills, experiences, and perspectives. Therefore, our holistic review process values a balance between the academic strengths, participation in unique experiences, and the presence of personal and professional attributes in each applicant.
Coursework requirements for those without a degree in CSD:
Applicants who do not hold a Bachelor's Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorder will ONLY be considered for admission if transcripts reflect a minimum of 15 hours of graded CSD coursework from a four-year institution. These hours should be completed from the following list of prerequisite information.
- Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech and Hearing Mechanism (CSD 155)
- Language Development/Disorders (CSD 175/275/321)
- Neurobasis (CSD 210)
- Phonetics (CSD 215)
- Speech & Hearing Science (CSD 248/249)
- Audiology (CSD 350)
- Aural Rehabilitation (CSD 351)
All admitted students will need to complete content in the following areas before or during the MS program:
- Statistics (ASHA requirement)
- Biology (ASHA requirement)
- Chemistry or Physics (ASHA requirement)
- Developmental Psychology/Child Growth and Development (IL ISBE requirement)
- Exceptional Learner (Introduction to Special Education) (IL ISBE requirement)
AUD Applicants
Characteristics of a Successful Applicant
Stong applicants have a diverse set of skills, experiences, and perspectives across the following skill areas: academic ability and preparation, communication skills, interpersonal skills, analytic/research skills, professionalism, leadership, and cultural and linguistic diversity.
Interview Process:
Selected applicants will be invited to participate in an online interview through Zoom. Applicants should expect a personal interview with ISU faculty members and clinical educators. In February, selected applicants will receive further information about scheduling an internview.
Coursework requirements for those without a degree in CSD:
While not required, it is recommended that students complete course content covering the following areas prior to beginning the AuD program in the fall term.
- CSD 249 Hearing Science
- CSD 350 Audiology
- CSD 351 Aural Rehabilitation
Application Deadlines
- Application deadline is January 15th (10:59PM CST)
- Applications must be completed and verified by this date/time.
- This means applicants should have submitted the CSDCAS application and sent all transcripts to CSDCAS at least two weeks prior to this date to ensure adequate time for verification to occur.