Degree Programs
The Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders (CS&D) at Syracuse University is dedicated to comprehensive quality training of professionals in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology. Degree programs in these areas have been offered at Syracuse University since 1948. Although solidly based on almost four decades of training experience, the CS&D programs today are new, innovative, and dynamic.
The Master's of Science (MS) program in Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) and the Doctor of Audiology (AuD) program at Syracuse University are accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and are dedicated to comprehensive quality training of professionals in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology. Degree programs in these areas have been offered at Syracuse University since 1948. Although solidly based on almost five decades of training experience, the CSD programs today are new, innovative and dynamic.
Syracuse University also offers the Bachelor of Science degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders, preparing students for the professional training they will receive in Speech-Language Pathology or Audiology graduate programs. In addition, PhD degree programs are offered in Speech-Language Pathology or Audiology for students pursuing careers in research and teaching. This variety of programs contributes to the richness of our coursework, clinical experiences, and research opportunities.
Did You Know.....
78% of our Audiology doctoral students over the last four years completed their program on time?
96% of our Speech-Language Pathology students completed their master's program on time over the last three years?
100% of our Audiology doctoral students passed the Praxis exam in the past four years?
98% of our Speech-Language Pathology students passed the Praxis exam on the first attempt over the last three years?
100% of our Audiology graduates over the past 4 years are employed in the audiology profession?
100% of our Speech-Language Pathology graduates employed in the speech-language pathology profession for the last three years?
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the average number of students who apply and the percent accepted?
Each year we receive 85-100 applicants for SLP and 30-40 apply to the Audiology doctoral program. The number of admission offers is based on the qualifications of the applicant pool. In recent years, approximately 60-70% of students are offered admission to the SLP program and approximately 50% of applicants to the Audiology doctoral program have been offered admission.
Are GREs required for admission, and what is the average GRE score for admitted students?
Yes they are required. Over the last four years, the average combined (verbal and quantitative) GRE score was 1007 for SLP applicants and 1091 for AUD applicants.
Is there a minimum GPA for the graduate programs?
Generally, a student has to have earned at least a 3.0 GPA for their bachelor’s degree to be considered for the graduate programs. The admissions committee does consider the GPA in CSD courses as well. The average GPA for admitted applicants over the last four years was 3.6 for AuD and 3.48 for SLP.
Can I apply to begin the grad program in the spring or summer?
No. Due to the sequencing of the courses and clinic, we only admit new students in the fall.
Can I enter the program part-time?
No. See below regarding enrollment in courses as a non-matriculated student. Once you are matriculated into the program, it is a full time commitment.
How do I apply for funding such as assistantships, scholarships or grants?
The CSD department awards grad assistantships and tuition scholarships. All awards are on the basis of merit. There is no separate application. All students submitting an application for admission are considered. The Office of Financial Aid can provide you with information about loans and work study opportunities. 315-443-1519 EMAIL-finmail@syr.edu.
What are the prerequisite classes to enter the Master’s SLP program if I don’t have a Communication Sciences bachelor’s degree?
There aren’t prerequisite courses to enter our Master’s program. However, the degree program for our students without a background takes two extra semesters (seven total) to complete. The first two semesters include background coursework and clinical observation.
Do I need a background in CSD to be admitted to the Master’s program or the Audiology Doctoral program?
No, many of our students enter our program with degrees in other areas. Students who enter the SLP Master’s program without a CSD background will complete additional coursework during the first year of their program. Students who enter the AUD program without a CSD background do not have to have any prerequisite coursework besides a bachelor’s degree.
What general liberal arts/sciences coursework must I take in order to complete the graduate programs and qualify for certification through ASHA?
The following courses are generally taken at the undergraduate level. However, if you complete your bachelor’s degree without coursework in these areas, you may take these courses while completing the graduate program, or possibly in the summer before you enter the program. The course requirements include a physical science, biological science, college level math, and social/behavioral science.
These general course requirements cannot be met by courses taken within a CSD department. (e.g. Hearing Science course taught in CSD cannot count toward the physical science requirement.) Also, courses will be reviewed with your advisor to determine if they meet the ASHA requirement. If you have any questions regarding the suitability of a course, please contact us. Transcript credit in the form of coursework, AP, or CLEP credit may be accepted to meet these requirements.
Can I take the graduate courses if I am not enrolled in the graduate program?
Students can take graduate level coursework in our department as a non-matriculated graduate student through the SU Continuing Education Department, (University College). If students are admitted to our graduate program, up to 12 credits of non-matriculated coursework may be counted towards the graduate degree. Graduate coursework from other institutions will be reviewed for possible transfer credit on an individual basis. Completion of non-matriculated coursework does not imply admission into the graduate program, and you would still have to apply to the graduate program and be admitted.
Do you offer courses on-line?
No.