There is no formal major for student preparing to become a Speech-Language Pathologist. Professional programs are interested in broadly educated students who have developed excellent writing and speaking skills, possess analytic and synthetic thinking ability, and can demonstrate an understanding of the basic sciences. Understanding of the social aspects of rehabilitation medicine is just as important as understanding the science. Your major will not determine your success in applying to professional school. Your interests should determine your choice of major. Majoring in an area that you enjoy is more likely to lead to academic success than pursuing a field for which you have little enthusiasm.

Admission prerequisites for a master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology/Communication Sciences and Disorders:

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university (almost any major), a minimum GPA of 3.0
Undergraduate courses in the following: Human Anatomy 3 SH
Human Physiology 3 SH
(A College of Charleston student must successfully complete BIO 111 & 112 and the associated labs to enroll in any upper level biology courses, such as, anatomy and physiology
Physical Science 3 SH (Chemistry or Physics)

Volunteer Service

Students are urged to do volunteer service in their intended Allied Health field. This is especially true for those interested in the Rehabilitation Sciences, but may also apply to other areas. You may volunteer only a few (e.g. 3) hours per week, but you must be dependable and your activities should extend over a significant period of time. The experience component of your applicant profile is increasingly important for some programs, so you should make the most of this opportunity. Also, you should ensure that someone familiar with your performance can serve as a reference.

Applying to an Allied Health Program

STANDARDIZED TEST SCORES are weighted heavily in the determination of your acceptance into most programs at MUSC. MUSC uses the highest score from a single sitting in the ranking process, so that you may take it more than once (after sufficient time has lapsed) without penalty if necessary.

Master’s programs typically require the Graduate Record Exam (GRE)-General Test. The GRE-General Test covers Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning. For more information on the GRE, see their web site: http://www.GRE.org

Packets for the GRE are available in the Office of Career Services or the Graduate Program office. The GRE General Test is offered in a computerized form. The computer-based tests can be scheduled year-round, subject to site availability, and must be taken in time for the scores to reach the admissions office by the application deadline. Make your appointment well in advance to take the computer-version test since the slots fill up rapidly, especially during the busiest months of November through January. Be sure to use test prep materials designed specifically for the computer test if you are taking the computer-based test. Test prep assistance is available from the Center for Student Learning (which administers the GRE), test prep books and computer programs, as well as commercial prep courses. Remember that the best preparation of all is to develop your skills throughout your academic career, but preparation for the style of testing can be beneficial.

APPLICATION FORMS are available from the admissions office of the school to which you are applying. Most schools offer an online application process, but if that's not available, contact the school's admissions office to There may be several options: applying on-line, downloading the form from their web site, requesting that a paper application be sent either by telephoning, visiting in person, or an e-mail request. Each school will provide information on their process. You should apply during summer or early fall for the following academic year. The telephone for MUSC’s Office of Enrollment Services is 843.792.3281 The MUSC application requires you to assemble all of your materials and submit them as a packet; you should allow ample time to complete this important process and also submit it as early as possible. Deadlines may be shifted to an earlier date than in prior years or as listed in this publication. Some programs have "rolling admissions" where they accept the application at any time, but you are still urged to submit early.

You should BE SURE YOUR APPLICATION FILE IS COMPLETE by the deadline. Materials occasionally go astray. Allow plenty of time for transcripts, letters of reference, etc., to be sent or submitted to you. Use a full and correct address for all correspondence. Put your identification number on all items. Specify clearly for which program you are applying. Keep a copy of what you send. After sufficient time has passed that your file should be complete, check to be sure it is. If not, track down the missing items [i.e. check with your references for letters of reference, the registrar for transcripts, etc.] and follow up until your file is complete. If the items were sent, it is possible the receiving office has filed them incorrectly. If all your efforts fail or if you receive no notification of the action taken on your application, see your advisor. MUSC is now using "self-completing" applications, which require you to send much of the material with your application. Be sure to allow at least two weeks (preferably longer) for your references to be written (but don't hesitate to remind your referee you are waiting for it).

Some applications require an ESSAY as a very important part of your packet. Keep a journal of your volunteer and/or relevant work experience. Start preparing early by jotting down points you might like to make in your essay---as they occur to you. Referring to your journal will be much easier than staring at a blank piece of paper waiting for inspiration!!! Examples include: your unique qualities that make you well suited to your chosen profession, work or volunteer experiences, how you reached your decision, people or incidents which influenced your choice, why you want to enter this field (besides the fact that you "want to help people"), special interests or aptitudes, and other ideas which may be appropriate for your essay. Record daily your impressions, emotions, personal reactions, etc., and not just a list of what you did. Then when it is time to write, you can select your strongest points and organize them into an essay which will make the admissions committee take notice. If the essay is part of the interview process (as it is for some programs) instead of part of the application packet, this exercise may still be valuable in preparing for the interview.

NOTE: Other institutions may have different policies from MUSC; you should learn what they are well in advance so you have time to meet the requirements.

It is important to know your timetable and plan accordingly.