Pre-Communication Sciences
Prerequisite Courses
Audiology, Speech/Language Pathology and Speech, Language, Hearing Science Prerequisites
Prerequisites can vary on a school by school basis. Please check the prerequisites for schools to which you hope to apply through EdFind using the Program Finder page.
ASLHA’s EdFind includes grade point average (GPA) and Graduate Record Exam (GRE) score ranges for the most recently admitted students. Students may wish to review the number of applications received and the number of admissions offered in the ‘Application and Admission’ section of the Program Profile in EdFind to gauge competitiveness. Determining the percentage of students recruited from the institution’s undergraduate program and the percentage of students recruited from other institutions can be another indicator. The admissions profile may guide students in identifying academic programs that are a good fit with their academic performance and goals.
ASLHA states that graduate programs require:
- A minimum 3.00 GPA to be admitted
- In any given year, an admitted class of audiology or speech-language pathology students may have a much higher average GPA
- GRE scores
- An essay/personal statement,
- Letters of recommendation.
Audiology, Speech/Language Pathology and Speech, Language, Hearing Science Scientists
According to ASHA, “Hearing is one of our most vital senses, and Audiologists are experts in the non-medical management of the auditory and balance systems. They specialize in the study of normal and impaired hearing, prevention of hearing loss, identification and assessment of hearing and balance problems, rehabilitation of persons with hearing and balance disorders, dispensing hearing aids and hearing assistive technology systems, etc.”
Also, ASHA states that Speech/Language Pathologists work “with the full range of human communication” and “evaluate and diagnose speech, language, cognitive-communication and swallowing disorders. Treat speech, language, cognitive-communication and swallowing disorders in individuals of all ages, from infants to the elderly.”
Further ASHA describes the work of Speech, Language, and Hearing Scientists as “Providing the research on which clinicians base their methodology, speech, language and hearing scientists” and “Explore trends in communication sciences. Develop strategies for expanding the knowledge base in their field. Investigate the biological, physical, and physiological processes of communication. Explore the impact of psychological, social, and other factors on communication disorders. Develop evidence-based methods for diagnosing and treating individuals with speech, language and hearing problems. Collaborate with related professionals (such as engineers, physicians, dentists, educators) to develop a comprehensive approach to diagnosing and treating individuals with speech, voice, language and hearing problems.”
Employment Outlook and Earnings
The current Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Handbook for Audiologists is available online.
The current Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook for Speech Language Pathologists is also available online.
Communication Sciences and Disorders Centralized Application Service (CSDCAS)
Some institutions require a student to apply through the Council of Academic Programs in Communication Sciences and Disorders (CAPCSD) Centralized Application Service (CSDCAS).
Search EdFind to review the application deadlines for the academic programs of interest. Some conduct an annual application and admission protocol, while others offer rolling admission.
Graduate Programs
ASHA states, “The clinical doctorate is not an entry-level degree for speech-language pathology but rather an emerging optional career path degree and is currently offered at only a few institutions.
According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association there are seven Virginia institutions that offer accredited graduate programs in Audiology, Speech Language Pathology and Speech and Hearing Science.
Search EdFind to review the application deadlines for the academic programs of interest. Some conduct an annual application and admission protocol, while others offer rolling admission.
Some institutions require a student to apply through the Council of Academic Programs in Communication Sciences and Disorders (CAPCSD) Centralized Application Service (CSDCAS).
Hampton University
James Madison University
Longwood University
Old Dominion University
Radford University
University of Virginia
Additionally, according to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association there are several District of Columbia institutions that offer accredited graduate programs in Audiology, Speech Language Pathology and Speech and Hearing Science.
Gallaudet University
George Washington University
Howard University
University of the District of Columbia
