Admissions

Admissions requirements for the MS-SLP program

  • Applicants must complete a bachelor鈥檚 degree from a regionally accredited college or university. 
  • Applicants must complete all prerequisite coursework listed below. 91社区 undergraduate students are strongly encouraged to complete the Speech and Hearing Science minor to prepare for the MS-SLP program.
  • Applicants must achieve a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 during their undergraduate degree.

Prerequisite coursework

  • Required prerequisite coursework

    Prerequisite courses equivalent to the following 91社区 courses are required for the MS-SLP program:

    • Science and statistics requirements:
      • One social science course (psychology, sociology, or anthropology)
      • One biological science course (hman or animal biology; BIOL 105 or BIOL 113 are recommended)
      • One physical sicence course (must be in introductory chemistry or physics)
      • One statistics course (MATH 147, MATH 148, or PSYC 243 are recommended)
    • SLP requirements:
      • SLP 408: Anatomy and Physiology of Speech, Language, and Hearing
      • SLP 414:  Introduction to Communication Disorders
      • SLP 418: Clinical Phonetics
      • SLP 409: Speech and Hearing Science
      • SLP 415: Normal and Abnormal Speech and Language Development
      • SLP 420: Audiology and Aural Rehabilitation
      • SLP 435: Clinical Method
  • Recommended prerequisite coursework
    • The following course is recommended for applicants to the MS-SLP program: 
      • One lifespan development course (PSYC 220 or HDEV 200 are recommended) 

Required application materials

  • Undergraduate transcripts: Applicants can initially submit an unofficial transcript, but an official transcript is required following graduation from the undergraduate institution. Official transcripts from all. undergradaute institutions attended are required.
  • R茅sum茅: Applicants must submit a one-page r茅sum茅 that highlights their academic readiness through prior experiences related to work, research, and service.
  • Short-response questions: Applicants must respond to three written short-response questions. The Division of SLP鈥檚 Recruitment and Admissions Committee is most interested in demonstration of genuine self-reflection and thoughtfulness, rather than surface-level responses. Applicants are encouraged to use these questions to meaningfully share their experiences and perspectives, and how those experiences have drawn them toward a future career in SLP. Note that the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to craft responses is not allowed. Detection of AI use will disqualify these responses from further evaluation.
    1. Describe circumstances that have previously impacted your grades/how you've prepared for graduate school. (300-word maximum)
    2. Describe a memorable client interaction (e.g., observation, direct contact) that deepened your interest in the field of SLP. (300-word maximum)
    3. Why do you think the MS-SLP program at 91社区 is a good fit for you? (300-word maximum)
  • Letters of recommendation: Three letters of recommendation from individuals who can attest to the applicant鈥檚 readiness for graduate studies are required. At least two letters should be from faculty who taught the applicant during undergraduate studies.  
  • Undergraduate observation hours (optional): Applicants may submit documentation of having completed 25 guided observation hours of skilled services provided by a licensed SLP who holds the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech and Language Pathology (CCC-SLP). If observation hours are not complete at the time of applicatin, they may be completed prior to enrollment.
  • GRE scores (optional): Submission of GRE scores is not required.
  • Additional requirements for international applicants: Please refer to 91社区's requirements for international applicants to graduate programs webpage.

Application deadlines

This program uses a rolling application deadline, which means you can apply anytime. However, applications completed by May 1 will receive priority review.

How to apply

  • Applicants to the MS-SLP program must apply online to 91社区. 
  • In addition, the applicant should email all documents (.pdf format) to slp@binghamton.edu. 

Application review and decision process

  • Faculty members of the Division of SLP's Recruitment and Admissions Committee will review all applicants to determine if an offer of admission will be extended. 
  • Consideration of most applicants will be completed before final official transcripts are available. 
  • Successful applicants are offered regular admission contingent on meeting all prerequisites, including minimum GPA upon completion of undergraduate coursework. 
  • All admissions requirements must be met before students can register for fall semester classes.

Holistic review

The Division of SLP acknowledges that candidates can demonstrate their potential for success in various ways beyond traditional measures of academic achievement. Therefore, we use a holistic review process.

We thoroughly review all aspects of the application materials to assess whether the applicant possesses the qualities that contribute to successful degree completion. This process helps us determine whether the applicant has the necessary academic qualifications for admission and the skills and experiences required to conduct research and complete the degree.

The holistic review process ensures that no single factor determines whether a student is accepted or excluded from admission. One of its main principles is to acknowledge that an applicant's strengths could compensate for a weakness in another area. By carefully considering an applicant's strengths, achievements, and potential contributions to the academic environment of the MS-SLP program, the 91社区 Speech, Language, and Hearing Clinic and the community, faculty identify the students most likely to succeed in a rigorous graduate program.