Admission requirements

In addition to the University requirements for admission to graduate programs, candidates for the Master’s degree program in speech-language pathology must have a background of undergraduate courses in speech and hearing sciences and related disciplines. The following courses (or their equivalents) are required prerequisites:

These prerequisites can be met by completing a Bachelor’s degree in Speech and Hearing Sciences at Portland State University or elsewhere. Individuals with bachelor’s degrees in other disciplines may complete pre-requisite courses by enrolling in the Department as a post-baccalaureate student.

All students applying for admission to the master’s degree program should also have successfully completed one or more courses in each of the following areas: statistics (a stand alone Statistics course), biological science, physical sciences (Physics or Chemistry), and social/behavioral sciences (see current ASHA Certification Standards).

Students may apply for admission to the master’s degree program while in the process of completing their Bachelor’s degree or post-baccalaureate coursework. Completion of the prerequisite courses does not guarantee admission into the program.

Application procedure

Candidates applying for admission to the graduate program in Speech and Hearing Sciences must submit application packets to both the Department and the PSU Admissions Office, as outlined in Master of Arts and Master of Science (M.A. and M.S.). All applicants should review the required essential functions to practice as a speech-language pathologist (see www.pdx.edu/sphr/essential-functions ). Specific requirements of the Department include:

1. Three letters of reference completed by individuals closely acquainted with the applicant’s academic or employment background. We recommend at least two letters address academic abilities and potential to succeed in the graduate program.
2. Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.
3. Official scores of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).
4. A written narrative (Personal Statement) outlining the candidate’s academic background and professional goals.

Detailed information regarding the application process can be obtained from the Web site: www.pdx.edu/sphr.

Departmental conditional status

All students are admitted to the program with conditional status. To be granted regular status and to be retained in the graduate program, students must complete 12 letter-graded graduate credit hours of coursework in speech and hearing sciences with a minimum GPA of 3.00 and attain at least a B- in each of two clinical practicum experiences with no academic, clinical, or professionalism remediation plans in place.

Cohorts

The Department will admit graduate students in two cohorts each Fall.