Admissions
Undergraduate Admission
To be considered for admission to the speech pathology and audiology major, a student must:
- Schedule an appointment and be advised by the department undergraduate adviser.
- Complete at least 40 semester hours of general university coursework, as specified by the program, earning a minimum GPA of 2.75.
- Complete and submit an application for admission to the undergraduate major; due date is February 1 each year. Application is competitive.
Graduate Admission
All applicants seeking graduate admission to the Western Michigan University must complete the procedures outlined in the Online Graduate Application.
The Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology (SPPA) uses an online application process in which electronic applications must be submitted through the Communication Sciences and Disorders Centralized Application Service (CSDCAS). All applications must be submitted by February 1 in order to receive optimal consideration for admission to graduate study beginning the following fall.
Prospective graduate students (including those who have completed an undergraduate major or equivalent coursework in speech-language pathology/audiology OR individuals applying with degrees in other
disciplines/areas of study) will need to submit a personal statement,
three letters of recommendation, GRE scores, and official transcripts
from all previously attended graduate/undergraduate/graduate institutions. The typical applicant must apply electronically by completing the following steps:
- Complete the Online Graduate Application ($40 fee applies);
- Apply directly to the Communication Sciences & Disorders Centralized Application (CSDCAS) ($100.00 for the first program and $45.00 for each additional program).*
- Authorization for recommendations and references (Current WMU Students ONLY)
The Personal Statement submitted to CSDCAS should address:
- Reasons you have decided upon a career in speech-language pathology or audiology
- Any plans you have for advanced education, eventual professional objectives including job settings and disorder types of interest;
- Reasons you are applying to Western Michigan University;
- Any way in which your admission might further the department’s interest in promoting diversity of background and experience within the profession.
If you have questions about the online process, read the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section. If you still have questions, contact:
Graduate Records Secretary
Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology
1903 W. Michigan
Kalamazoo, MI 49008-5355
*For a list of speech-pathology and audiology graduate programs participating in the Communication Sciences & Disorders Centralized Application (CSDCAS) click here. CSDCAS Customer Service can be reached by telephone at (617) 612-2030 or by email at csdcasinfo@csdcas.org
The programs abide by Western Michigan University’s admission
procedures, published in the Graduate Catalog, with respect to
requirements for documentation of English proficiency and/or other
languages of service delivery. The department policy is aligned with
the university’s requirements for unrestricted enrollment, also
available through the Office of International Student Services,
http://international.wmich.edu/content/view/27/52/.
International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency
through a TOEFL paper based score (PBT) of 550 (213 CBT, 80 IBT).
Candidates who do not achieve this score through CELCIS must enroll
in additional English courses prior to application to the
department. In addition, the department offers post-admissions
support procedures and accommodations for international students who
are English language learners through its programs in the Van Riper
Language, Speech and Hearing Clinics. If a student would require
accommodation to assist in English speaking skills, an ESL program
is available in our clinic for university students.