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How to Apply

Ready to apply? Find out everything you need to know about the application process.

Note: this program admits students to start every other year, on years ending in an even number (2024, 2026, 2028, etc.). The application is not available to submit in odd-numbered years.

Applicants to this program will use the KU Medical Center online application portal at the link below on this page. It will be helpful to have the following information ready before you begin the online application:

  1. ASHA Certification: Have an electronic copy of your current ASHA membership indicating a Certificate of Clinical Competence.

  2. Personal statements: Submit responses to the following questions, each no more than 500 words in length. Consider writing out your answers prior to starting the online application and save them in a file so you can enter each when completing the application.
    • What are your professional plans and goals pursuant to the attainment of the Speech-Language Pathology (SLPD) doctoral degree?
    • Describe your focus of study and indicate potential SLPD mentors.
    • Please describe your leadership experience.
    • Please describe your research experience.
  1. Curriculum vitae or résumé: Provide a one- or two-page PDF document of employment and academic history including professional leadership contributions and volunteer activities.

  2. English language proficiency: All applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate English language proficiency.   For more on English language requirements, including minimum test scores, please see the KU Medical Center Office of International Programs. Test scores must be original forms sent directly from the administering agency to KU Medical Center. Photocopies will not be accepted. Use ETS school code 6895. 

  3. References: A reference provides a professional recommendation on your behalf. It is preferred that college instructors provide these recommendations, but past supervisors during employment or volunteer positions are also acceptable. The recommendations may not be obtained from family members, friends, etc.

    Applicants will enter the names and contact information (including email addresses) of three individuals into the online application. The system will then prompt each person to submit a reference letter and the graduate letter of recommendation form.

  4. Transcripts: Please provide a copy of an official transcript including the school's seal from every institution from which a degree has been received. In addition, ALL prerequisite courses, even if acquired apart from the degree, must be documented on official transcripts. It is appropriate for copies of transcripts to have "copy" watermarks, so do not be alarmed. Note: printing a page from a website does not meet this requirement. We do not accept student advising reports or any transcript with the words "unofficial transcript" in the header. Request an official transcript from your registrar's office, take a photo and upload directly into your application. All transcripts must be uploaded by the student with their online application for the application to be considered complete. Transcripts provided to KU in any other way may not be considered part of the application.

    International Transcripts must be evaluated by World Education Services or Educational Credential Evaluators. The evaluation must include course-by-course evaluation, grade evaluation and indicate the degree earned in U.S. terms (bachelor's degree, master's degree, doctorate, etc.). An official copy of the evaluation is required.

    Note: Scores from the Graduate Record Exam are not required for application to this program. However, applicants may submit GRE scores if the applicant believes it will enhance the application.

    The program does not provide provisional nor conditional admission status.

  5. Statement in determination of residency
    Address questions regarding residency to the KU Office of the Registrar at 785-864-4422.

    Accepted students deciding to enter the program will need to request an official transcript during orientation to provide official verification of successful completion of the graduate degree.

  6. Identify a mentor: Applicants should have a solid direction for their concentration area(s) when completing the application. The selected area(s) must be a good match to the faculty and resources available in the program. Potential applicants should investigate by reviewing bios for KU Lawrence campus and KU Medical Center faculty. Laboratory websites are also good sources of information.

    Without a good match between the applicant’s interests and the faculty member, even a well-qualified applicant will be denied admission into the program. Searching for materials published by faculty (Google Scholar, PubMed, CINAHL, etc.) is recommended.

    Prior to submitting an application, applicants should contact faculty members directly when a potential match has been identified.

Once you have collected the necessary information, you are ready to complete the online application. The priority application deadline is December 10 for fall semester admission. Applications received after this date may be reviewed if space remains in the next class. 

Apply Online

Note: please select KU Medical Center campus location in the online application.

apply ONLINE now

Partial or incomplete applications may not be reviewed.

Please submit your completed application and pay the application fee. The application fee is paid when you click SUBMIT from the online application. Applicants can pay by Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express or by electronic check. U.S. banks only. Application fees are non-refundable. Electronic checks will be held for approximately six business days while the check clears.

Contact our program for additional assistance.

Angela Carrasco, M.A.
Administrative Officer
acarrasco@kumc.edu

913-588-5935 (711 TTY)

KU School of Health Professions