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Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences
slhs@umn.edu
612-624-7586
slhs@umn.edu
612-624-7586
Applying
How to Apply
Complete the Graduate School Application
- This application is completed online via Apply Yourself (www.grad.umn.edu)
- Pay the $75 Graduate School application fee.
- Upload a Statement of Purpose (this will be the same as the one included with the departmental application).
- Request Letters of Recommendation
- Three letters of recommendation are required (four maximum). You may either choose to have your letters sent electronically via the Apply Yourself online application system, or you may choose to send the letters by mail (If you choose to have the letters sent by mail, please have them sent directly to our department, and not The Graduate School).
- Submit Transcript
- Request official or unofficial* transcripts from each college or university you have attended including all undergraduate and any subsequent graduate coursework to be sent to the Graduate School at the address listed below.
The Graduate School
University of Minnesota
309 Johnston Hall
101 Pleasant St SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455
- Request official or unofficial* transcripts from each college or university you have attended including all undergraduate and any subsequent graduate coursework to be sent to the Graduate School at the address listed below.
Complete the Departmental Application Form
- Complete the Department Application Form (PDF) located within this document.
- Include a Statement of Purpose
- Submit Copies of Transcripts
- Copies or request unofficial* transcripts from each college or university you have attended including all undergraduate and any subsequent graduate coursework to be sent to the Department of Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences at the address listed below.
- Take the GRE exam and request scores be sent directly to the Department of Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences:
Department of Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences
Admissions Committee
115 Shevlin Hall
164 Pillsbury Dr SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455 - Institution Code: 6874
- Department Code for Audiology: 0602
- Department Code for Speech-Language Pathology: 0620
*Official transcripts are defined as transcripts that are sent directly from your previous institution to The Graduate School SHOWING THE AWARD OF THE DEGREE. If your transcript does not show the award, sending an unofficial transcript (one that is printed off the web) will be acceptable. Once your degree is posted, an official transcript should be sent to The Graduate School.
Meet the Deadline
Application materials for the M.A. and Au.D. programs must arrive by the deadline of January 1. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. We cannot guarantee that late applications will be considered.
Ph.D. admissions are continuous and considered year-round. The department’s ability to recruit the best Ph.D. applicants is based on our ability to make admissions and funding decision as early as possible. Competition for admission and funding is high. Failure to meet the January 1st deadline by Ph.D. applicants may put at risk our ability to provide funding to you during your first year if you are admitted.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT: The University of Minnesota is committed to the policy that all persons shall have equal access to its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, or sexual orientation.
Commonly Asked Questions
What is the minimum GRE score required for admission?
There is no required minimum score to be admitted into the program. The GRE score is one of several metrics used in reviewing an application. Our admissions committee reviews each applicant's academic record, letters of recommendation, the personal statement, and any other information that will establish the candidate's potential to be an excellent graduate student.
Is there a minimum grade point average?
The Graduate School recommends that students have a 3.0 overall undergraduate GPA (on a 4-point scale). GPA is an important indicator of academic achievement and transcripts are reviewed carefully, but like the GRE scores, it is only one indicator. If there are compelling reasons to look beyond grade point average and there are other indicators to predict academic success, we will consider those when reviewing an applicant's credentials.
How long will it take me to complete the M.A. in Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences?
Students with undergraduate degrees in communication disorders or speech and hearing sciences are expected to complete the M.A. program in two years. Students with no undergraduate background in the field typically complete the degree in approximately three years.
How long will it take me to complete the Doctor of Audiology degree?
Students with undergraduate degrees in communication disorders or speech and hearing sciences are expected to complete the Audiology program in four years. Students with no undergraduate background in the field typically complete the degree in approximately five.
How long will it take me to complete the Ph.D. degree?
Students with a background in the discipline generally complete their degree requirements in three to four years. Students with no previous background generally complete their degree in four or more years, depending upon their area of interest.
Do I need to attend this program full time?
Yes, the department expects that all students engage in graduate study on a full-time basis. Students typically register for 12-14 credits per semester. In addition, most students register full-time for at least one summer term.
How many new students are admitted each year?
On an average year, we admit 25 new MA students and 8-10 Au.D. students. We restrict the number of graduate students we admit because we want students to have the opportunity to work closely with the faculty. We also have a limited number of places where we can offer students excellent supervised clinical practice.
Do I need an undergraduate degree or background in the discipline to be accepted to this program?
No, however most students in the M.A. or Au.D. programs have a background in speech and hearing sciences or communication disorders. We do accept some outstanding students who come from a variety of other disciplines such as Spanish, music, law, theater, English, education, social work, and many others.
Many students entering the Ph.D. program have a bachelor's degree or master's degree in Communication Disorders, Speech-Language Pathology, Audiology, or Speech-Language-Hearing Science. However, students with baccalaureate or master's degrees in other areas are also eligible to enter the Ph.D. program.
I took some courses in the speech and hearing sciences as an undergraduate. Will they count toward my degree?
No, only courses that were taken as a graduate student can count toward your degree. However, if you have taken courses with similar content, your advisor will help you determine whether a particular course complete at another university covered the content of a comparable core course. You will not need to repeat content already covered at another institution.
What courses must I "make up" if I don't have an undergraduate degree in Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences?
Students who enter the M.A. or Au.D. programs without a background in the field may take courses along with undergraduates, but will be fulfilling graduate requirements while doing so. However, it will take approximately three years to complete the M.A. degree and you may not be ready for clinical practicum until your second year.
Can I get a Ph.D. degree after I complete the M.A. degree?
Some of our students decide during their M.A. studies to pursue further graduate study and obtain a Ph.D. degree. These students can request a change in their graduate program and the faculty will review their request. If you are seriously considering doctoral study immediately after you complete the M.A. degree, please consult with the Director of Graduate Studies about the possibilities for applying to the Ph.D. program.
Can I get an M.A. degree while completing the Ph.D. degree?
Students can enter the Ph.D. program directly and pursue clinical certification in either Speech-Language Pathology by completing the master's degree as part of their doctoral program. The M.A. degree must be obtained because the M.A. programs are accredited by ASHA and provide the mechanism for obtaining clinical certification. Potential doctoral students who wish to pursue clinical certification should discuss this path with the Director of Graduate Studies.
What resources are available for me if I have a disability that I believe will affect my performance in this program?
Please consult with the Director of Graduate Studies at your first opportunity. The University has complete services available through Disability Services.
May I take courses before I am admitted to the program?
Yes, you may take courses through the College of Continuing Education without being formally admitted into a graduate program. You may transfer some credits into a graduate program if the courses appear on a graduate transcript. Students sometimes take courses from the core curriculum to demonstrate their ability before applying to the program.
Can I reapply if I am not admitted to the program?
Yes, the Graduate School will retain the application file for three years. You will need to complete a new Graduate School online application and pay the application processing fee. You may re-write your personal statement and solicit new or additional letters of recommendation to the department. You will need to submit a current transcript if you have taken additional coursework in the interim.
