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Eligibility and Requirements

Interested in applying to KU's master's degree program in speech-language pathology? Here's what you need to know.

Undergraduate Degree

Applicants are required to provide evidence of a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited university or from a foreign university with substantially equivalent bachelor's, master's or doctoral degree requirements. It is expected that students will have obtained a broad general education to serve as a background prior to graduate study.

Ideally, students will have completed an undergraduate degree in speech pathology or a related field that will include the prerequisite coursework listed below.

Students with degrees in other fields

Individuals who have not completed undergraduate prerequisite coursework in communication sciences and disorders may apply and may be admitted if they select the exceptional status option on the application.

Although any student can apply for exceptional status, to be a competitive applicant, a student would need exceptional academic credentials and experiences. Additionally, students interested in the exceptional status should carefully consider their letters of recommendation to ensure that they are able to speak to their speech-language pathology work or related experience.
 
Students with exceptional status accepted to KU's master's degree program in speech-language pathology must complete all prerequisite courses found on the prerequisite page before beginning graduate coursework. They will pay graduate tuition rates for all coursework. As a result, applicants for exceptional status should expect an additional year of coursework added to their degree.
 
Alternatively, students can elect to complete the prerequisite course work before applying to the program. If students are interested in completing prerequisite course work at the University of Kansas, they will first apply as a non-degree seeking undergraduate student. This will allow them to pay undergraduate tuition for prerequisite course work and build experience related to speech-language pathology. Students electing this option will then apply to the program during their year of prerequisite coursework.


Clinical Prerequisites

Students are required to have completed 25 clock hours of directed clinical observation before beginning graduate clinical practicum. If observation hours are needed, those will be provided during the first semester of enrollment in the program.


Graduate Record Examination

The speech-language pathology program no longer requires GRE scores to be provided.


Individual Qualities

In addition to strong academic training and achievement, the program values diversity, leadership skills, clinical experience and interpersonal expertise. Speech-language pathologists need to work effectively with clients and other professionals and take a lead role in advocating for their clients and the discipline.

The admissions committee evaluates potential in this area through review of each student’s resume, personal statement and letters of reference. Please refer to the admissions overview.


Additional Requirements

Background Check
The Joint Commission requires all incoming students provide the school with a background check report. This one-time fee must be paid by the student directly to the company performing the background investigation.

Students will be asked to provide information and make the payment following official acceptance into the program. For more information, please see the School of Health Professions background check instructions.

A drug screening is required of all students participating in clinical settings. The drug screen will take place after the student has begun classes.

Technical Standards and Accommodations
Please read the program technical standards carefully. Signed verification will be required of students after they have been accepted. Reasonable accommodations will be made for any accepted student who has a documented disability and can meet program expectations. Applicants with documented disabilities can request reasonable accommodations if needed during the admissions process.

International Students
An applicant is considered an international student if they require a visa, or currently resides in the U.S. with non-immigrant status, or currently resides in the U.S. while applying for permanent residency. Additional requirements and documentation are required for international students to become eligible for KU programs. International students that identify as non-native English Speakers must demonstrate English language proficiency. Please visit the KU Office of International Student Services before applying.

More information may be found in the frequently asked questions and on the School of Health Professions page for international students.

The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression and genetic information in the University's programs and activities. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Director of the Office of Institutional Opportunity and AccessIOA@ku.edu, 1246 W. Campus Road, Room 153A, Lawrence, KS, 66045, (785) 864-6414, 711 TTY.

Discover how we compare to other programs.

View acceptance rates, student funding and other metrics about KU's Intercampus Program in Communicative Disorders through the American Speech-Language Hearing Association's EdFind.

Learn More

KU School of Health Professions