Admission and Application

Division of Communication Disorders

 

 Admission to the M.S. Degree Program in Speech-Language Pathology

*Note

We no longer require GRE scores for applications to the M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology Program

(Updated 6/12/2023 for the 2024 Application Cycle)

Admission Requirements

Admission to the master's program in speech-language pathology is made on a competitive basis.  For grades, test scores, completion rates, and employment rates for students accepted into and graduating from our M.S. program, see Graduate Student Outcome Data.  The required application components are listed below.  Applications from UW students receive additional consideration, but all complete applications are considered. See Admitted Students GPA Data. Please check the website in August of each year for current application instructions and information. 

The application process is conducted through Communication Sciences and Disorders Centralized Application (CSDCAS). Go to CSDCAS to apply. Do NOT apply through the University of Wyoming Admissions.  Detailed instructions for this process are outlined below under "Application Procedure".

We accept students into the MS program in the fall of each year. Minimum requirements for full admission to the master's program in speech-language pathology are the following:

1. Academic Transcripts

Official transcripts from all universities and colleges attended must be submitted through the centralized application system called CSDCAS. Transcripts must show progress toward completion of a bachelor's degree and coursework in communication disorders. An undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0 (4.0 scale) is required for full admission. Grades for the fall courses and enrollment in the spring courses prior to application should be present on the transcripts. An official transcript showing completion of the bachelor's degree will be required by the first semester of graduate study. ALL official transcripts must be received by CSDCAS by the deadline date of January 15th. To ensure items arrive on time, transcripts must be sent several weeks prior to this date.

     2. Communication Disorders Coursework

Official transcripts showing undergraduate coursework in communication disorders are required. See the Division website for the recommended and required coursework (Leveling Program). In our Division there are four prerequisite courses that address the following areas: phonetics, speech and language development, anatomy and physiology of speech and hearing, and audiology. These four courses or equivalent courses that cover the listed areas must be completed before beginning the graduate program. If the courses are not listed and the Division is not made aware that the course will be completed in semester of application, the application will not be considered for admission. A file review will be conducted upon admission into the program to determine other missing courses, which must then be completed during the graduate course of study. We strongly recommend having no more than two missing courses to complete during the master's program. Indicate Designated Institution (DI code) 0675 with CSDCAS so that we have access to your grades.

    3. Recommendation Letters

Three letters of recommendation must be submitted. We recommend at least one of these letters should be from professors/instructors from the institution where you completed your Communication Disorders coursework who are familiar with your academic performance and can address potential for success in graduate school. These letters are submitted through CSDCAS by the individuals who are recommending you to the graduate program. For more information about letters of recommendation, please see this document. The recommendation letters must be received by CSDCAS by the deadline date of January 15th. In order to ensure that they arrive on time, you should have these individuals send them several weeks prior to this date. 

    4. Personal Statement

Applicants must respond to the personal statement prompts listed in the CSDCAS application system. The responses provide information about qualifications and potential for success in the University of Wyoming graduate SLP program. Three responses should be written and one should be a video response. The video response will be submitted using a private youtube video you have created. It is your decision which prompt you choose to submit as a video response. For each of the three written prompts, the maximum number of characters and spaces is 1,500 (approximately 250 words per prompt). For the prompt you choose to submit as a video response, copy and paste a link to a private, unlisted youtube video. No additional written response will be considered for the video prompt. More information about creating an unlisted youtube video can be found here.

1. Students enter the program with a variety of work, volunteer, research, and life experiences. Describe your  experiences, focusing on the ways in which these experiences have prepared you for the MS- SLP program  at the University of Wyoming.
2. Our program requires ongoing collaboration with peers, faculty, clinical supervisors, clients, and their family members. Please describe specific experiences that have contributed to your communication skills and ability to work collaboratively with others.

3. Please review the University of Wyoming’s Division of Communication Disorders Statement of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). What experiences have shaped your views of DEI as a student and a community member? What future steps will you take as a student and clinician to continue learning how to best serve individuals from marginalized backgrounds as a speech-language pathologist?
4. Each student brings a set of unique experiences that shape who they are as an individual and a future professional. Tell us about any multicultural, diverse, or unique lived experiences that have shaped you as a person and influenced your goal of becoming a speech-language pathologist.

   5. Other Important Skills

Indicators of other important skills for SLPs may also be considered as part of the application to the graduate program.  Information about these skills may be gleaned from applicants’ reference letters, resumes, responses to personal statements, and/or interactions with faculty.

Communication Skills. SLPs need to communicate clearly and effectively with clients, families, and other professionals in spoken and written formats.

Interpersonal Skills. SLPs need to work collaboratively and effectively with a wide range of people.

Analytical Skills. SLPs need to critically read, analyze, interpret, and apply research to evidence-based clinical practice, thus requiring a foundation in research, critical thinking, and clinical application.

Skills with Cultural and Linguistic Diversity. SLPs need to work effectively with diverse and multilingual clients from a variety of backgrounds.

Potential for Professionalism. SLPs need to be organized, reliable, respectful, and able to grow from constructive feedback.

Potential for Leadership. SLPs need to advocate for their clients, especially at-risk and underserved communities.  This may involve advocating for their profession at the local, state, or national level.

   6. English Language Proficiency

All applicants, regardless of citizenship, who do not possess a bachelor's degree from a post-secondary institution where English is the principal language must satisfy the English language proficiency requirement. The University of Wyoming and MS SLP program accept several English proficiency exams, including the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam, Duolingo, or Cambridge English score report. Score requirements for English proficiency exams are: TOEFL (540 or 76 minimum for iBT), IELTS (6.5 minimum), Duolingo (110), and Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency (176 minimum). The MS SLP program does not accept other options for satisfying the English proficiency admissions requirement. Official scores must be received by CSDCAS by January 15th. 

Conditional Status

An applicant may be admitted conditionally if he or she does not meet the GPA requirements for full admission, and the Division determines that there are sufficient areas of strength for success in graduate school in comparison to other applicants. Conditions will be placed on admission, such as graduate grade point average, performance criteria, or completion of certain courses. Conditional students are not eligible for graduate assistantships.

Application Procedure

Applications to our master's program must be made outside the University, through an electronic, centralized application service: the Communication Sciences and Disorders Centralized Application Service for Clinical Education in Audiology and Speech Language Pathology (CSDCAS). Go to CSDCAS to apply. 

The new CSDCAS application will open to applicants usually in August of a given cycle. CSDCAS Customer Service is available Monday thru Friday from 9:00AM to 5:00PM EST: Phone – (617) 612-2030; E-Mail – csdcasinfo@csdcas.org.

The deadline for submission to CSDCAS is January 15th. The University of Wyoming has a deadline color designation of orange. This means that your application is e-submitted and all transcripts and recommendations letters have been received by CSDCAS and attached to the application. Documents must be sent several weeks prior to this date to ensure items arrive on time.

Applications submitted after this date will not be considered for admission. Applications must be verified by CSDCAS to be reviewed for competitive admission. The 2-4 week verification process does not commence until the application is submitted and all transcripts are received. If your application is not verified within 4 weeks of the application deadline, your application may not be given consideration.  Please plan accordingly. The final verified application must include fall course grades and spring course enrollment for students who are completing undergraduate communication disorders coursework. CSDCAS will add grade updates to applications in the verification process. We strongly advise that you order official transcripts in November (with fall grade transcripts sent again in December if applicable) to ensure that your application is verified in time for consideration for our program. 

Applicants will be notified of the division's decision on acceptance, alternate, or denial by mid-March. Applicants must respond to the offer by April 15. Alternates will be offered positions that become available after April 15.

International students submit to CSDCAS too. The same deadline applies, but applicants should start the process earlier because applicants must have transcripts translated and assessed for equivalency to the American university system program.

Requirements Following Offer of Admission

Applicants who accept an offer of admission from the Division but whose CSDCAS application file does not show conferral for their bachelor's must provide an official transcript with conferred degree directly to the Division prior to beginning the program.

For International applicants offered positions, the student must provide the university with additional information, including determining whether financial resources are sufficient for study here (see the International applicants part of the Graduate Student Resources material in the Admissions section of the University website).   

Criminal Background Check

Admission to the graduate program in speech-language pathology is contingent upon passing a criminal background check. Each student recommended for admission into the program will be required to obtain, pay for, and pass a criminal background check. These background checks are routinely required by schools, hospitals, and other agencies that participate in the clinical education of our students. The results of the background check determine admission to our program and the ability to continue or remain in the program.

Applicants must have the background check completed for the Division to approve the applicant in the university system. Begin procedure, conducted by Viewpoint Screening.