Because graduate slots exceed the number of interested, and often qualified, students, many students will not get into graduate school. At this point, the student has several options, a) apply elsewhere, b) re-apply after taking actions to improve components of the application, and c) consider a related field.
It is wise to apply broadly. Look at the ASHA graduate program database and identify schools that better match your academic profile. You may want to apply to 1-2 lower acceptance rate schools, 1-2 higher acceptance rate schools, and 1-2 in the middle. If you have particular interests within the field, look for schools that have faculty specializing in those areas.
Most graduate programs look at a combination of grades, letters of recommendation, graduate record exam (GRE) scores, and student letters of intent when making their decisions about graduate school admission. Below are some tips for improving each component.
Examples of behaviors indicative of the desired skills are as follows: a) expressing yourself well in writing and speaking, b) using empathy and understanding of others, c) respecting differences of ideas, beliefs and backgrounds, d) functioning well independently and in groups, e) working hard and being reliable, f) using critical thinking and problem solving, creative thinking, g) be honest and ethical. Find additional information on a career in audiology or speech language pathology here.
Yes, you should consider applying to the combined program. This program is only available to our KSU undergraduates (i.e., current students and Kent State graduates within 12 months of the application deadline). During the fall of your senior year you may apply for admission to the graduate program. If accepted, you are then admitted "early" to the Master's program and will begin graduate school during the spring semester of your senior year. Nine semester hours of the spring semester will "double count" toward completing your undergraduate degree and you
Prior to beginning a clinical graduate program in speech-language pathology, students will need to observe 25 clock hours in speech-language pathology. Other than those required in major coursework, observation hours are not required of students seeking a graduate degree in audiology. Find information about completing the clinical observation hours. You need to complete all observation hours BEFORE you can begin your clinical experience in graduate school for speech-language pathology.
Yes! Both professions have a high degree of job satisfaction. Salaries are good, the job market is excellent because the fields are in high demand, and there is a lot of satisfaction from helping others. There is excellent information for students on the website for the American Speech Language Hearing Association.
Find additional information on a career in audiology or speech language pathology.
Prior to beginning a graduate degree in speech-language pathology, students must observe a minimum of 25 clock hours of clinical practice to meet the requirement of the American Speech Language Hearing Association. Students entering graduate school in Audiology are not required to complete observation hours above and beyond those required within coursework.
It depends on what sort of courses you find difficult. A few students find that the science-oriented coursework in the major may be a little more challenging, e.g., theories, anatomy and physiology and neurology, etc. Expectations for good performance in courses is high and at the graduate level, a C is unacceptable work. Each graduate course in the major has competencies that must be met, usually at 80% or better, and if not met, remediation work must be done by the student.
The minimum degrees to practice are the M.A. for speech language pathology, and the AuD for audiology. The MA program takes around 6 semesters if all coursework and clinical experience is passed successfully on first try. The typical student takes six semesters to complete all requirements and graduate with the M.A. in speech pathology. The AuD takes around twelve semesters.
