Admissions

Ready to apply to our Master of Speech-Language Pathology program?

As you prepare your graduate application to Austin Peay State University’s Master of Speech-Language Pathology program, the faculty are happy to answer specific questions you have.

First read the following:

• General information
• MSLP requirements
• Interest Days
• Other considerations

You may also find helpful information on our Frequently Asked Questions Page .

If you still have questions or want to talk contact us at mslp-info@apsu.edu .

General Information

The application for the APSU MSLP program for Fall 2025 will open October 1, 2024. Faculty will begin reviewing applicants February 15, 2025. The MSLP program is a competitive program and has a limited number of spaces for incoming graduate students. Applicants who meet the February 15, 2025 priority review date and meet the requirements have a greater probability of being admitted. In order to be considered in the February 15, 2025 priority review pool of candidates, all application materials must be completed prior to 11:59 PM CST on February 15, 2025. Applicants will be reviewed until May 2, 2025 or until all spaces are filled, whichever comes first. 

To be eligible for consideration for admission to the APSU MSLP program, all applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university in communication sciences and disorders OR be in the process of completing foundational coursework in communication sciences and disorders leading to a bachelor’s degree that will be awarded prior to matriculation. 

If an applicant has a bachelor’s degree in a different professional area, they must complete required preparatory coursework in the fall and spring. These required courses do not have to be completed at the time of application but must be completed prior to matriculation. Thus, an applicant for fall 2025 may start their application for the MSLP program while completing the fall-spring sequence.  

Admission to the MSLP Program occurs once per year. Students progress through the program with a cohort. The cohort model emphasizes collaboration and community as a basis for professional development. Each cohort is comprised of 20 students.

Admission is competitive; meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. Admission decisions are not subject to appeal. Applications from one year are not held over to another year. Students accepted into the APSU MSLP program may not defer their start date.

How to Apply to the MSLP Program

1. Start your application online at APSU College of Graduate Studies . You will be asked to create an account log in and PIN. Start the graduate application before sending other materials required by the Graduate School and MSLP program.
2. Pay the application fee: $45.00 domestic and $55.00 international application fee. Note: The application fee is waived for military affiliated applicants.
3. Have your official transcripts from all colleges/universities sent to APSU. Your institutions should send transcripts directly to: gradadmissions@apsu.edu
4. Provide verification of lawful presence in the United States (i.e., submit a license or other approved document).
5. Submit the names and contact information of two recommenders (individuals who will provide recommendation letters on your behalf).
   1. Navigate to the “Additional Information” tab. Fill out the required fields in the MSLP Recommendation form.
   2. You need to provide two references. Ensure you select “MSLP Recommender” for each.
      1. Recommendations from faculty members are strongly encouraged. However, you may also choose a professional work supervisor or colleague who can evaluate your potential for success in the graduate program. At least one recommender must hold a master’s or higher degree. Recommendations from family, friends, or other students are not appropriate and will not be reviewed.
   3. Once you add your recommenders, an email will be automatically sent to them with instructions on how to complete the recommendation form.
      1. Recommenders will be able to access the form through the link provided in the email. They can complete the form and, if they wish, attach a letter of recommendation or provide additional information about your application. The recommendation form prompts the recommender to address your ability to complete an academically rigorous graduate program in speech-language pathology, responsiveness to feedback, ability to meet professional standards of conduct, and any other strengths or concerns.
   4. After the recommender submits the form, two confirmation emails will be sent: one to the recommender and one to you. You can track the status of your recommendations in SLATE to ensure they are completed on time.

For additional resources and instructions, refer to the APSU Graduate School Page. On this page, you will find the admissions information for graduate school and the MSLP program.

Interested in APSU MSLP Program?

Join us for a virtual open house to learn more about our graduate programs and ask questions about the application. Register here and we will send you the zoom link for the Monday, October 28, 2024 event:  https://forms.gle/Hg97nhiTUpFEagan8

Other Considerations

Applicants are encouraged to monitor their application to ensure all required materials have been received. The MSLP Admissions Committee are not responsible for notifying the applicant of missing materials.

Students accepted into the program must provide all transcripts prior to entering the program to document completion of all prerequisite courses with acceptable grades (C or better).

The APSU MSLP program is aligned with the position of the American Speech-Language Hearing Association that students who are non-native English speakers or use different dialects can effectively provide speech and language services to individuals with communication disorders. Students who are not native speakers of English will be required to demonstrate competence in written and spoken English. This can be done by submitting a satisfactory score on the GRE as well as the TOEFL or IELTS, taken within one year of the date of application to the APSU MSLP program. The proposed MSLP will require a minimum score of 114 on the internet-based TOEFL (ibT) with no band less than 22 on Reading and Listening, 26 on Speaking, and 24 on Writing. An overall score of 8 will be required on the IELTS with no band less than 7.0. The TOEFL or IELTS scores must be submitted with the application to be considered for review.

Professional communication skills and dispositions during the admissions process, and any and all communications and interactions with the faculty before and during admission, are considered part of the admission process and may be considered during admission deliberations. Admission may be denied to applicants who communicate or act in a manner that may be considered inappropriate or unprofessional regardless of academic standing.