Graduate Programs Admissions Information

Students are admitted beginning in the fall semester. The CSD graduate program is designed for full-time students and does not admit part-time or nondegree students.

The primary qualification for admission is evidence of a strong potential for academic, clinical, and research growth. Such evidence is obtained from official transcripts, letters of recommendation, GRE scores, and a personal statement of academic, research, and vocational interests.

Applying to the Master of Science (M.S.) Program

The deadline for applications for Fall admission is February 1.

Penn State is proud to participate in the CSDCAS application system for master's applicants.

Master of Science (M.S.) Application Instructions

Applying to the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Program

Applications for Fall admission must be received by December 15 for applicants to receive consideration for all funding opportunities. Applications received later than December 15 will be reviewed, but funding may not be available. Prospective students are strongly encouraged to communicate with a faculty member or the Professor-in-Charge of the Graduate Program before applying. 

Doctoral applicants apply directly to the Graduate School at Penn State.

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Application Instructions

Evaluation of Applicants

The Graduate Program in Communication Sciences and Disorders maintains an Admissions Committee composed of graduate faculty. The Committee convenes to review recommendations and make decisions on admission during early- to mid-February.

Selection criteria are based on the applicant's overall record using four criteria:

1. Overall cumulative grade point average and cumulative average of course work obtained within the major
2. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores
3. The personal statement
4. Letters of recommendation

Additionally, applicants are expected to maintain a grade-point average of at least 3.0 at the completion of the baccalaureate degree. Applicants accepted into the master's degree program will be notified as soon as possible. However, it is expected that the admissions committee will meet several times to review applications. It is possible that some applicants will be notified of their admission status as late as the end of April or early May.

After acceptance, applicants will be required to submit an official final transcript indicating successful completion of the baccalaureate degree to the Penn State Graduate School.

Note: Please do not submit information with your application that cannot be used in the admission decision process, e.g., Individual Education Plans (IEPs), medical records, statements from physicians or psychologists, or legal documents. These documents will not be considered as part of your application and will be destroyed.