On-Campus M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology Admissions
Beginning for students enrolling Fall 2026, Baylor University's Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders is transitioning to a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology to better align with the professional goals and outcomes of our graduates. This transition relates only to the name of the program and will not impact any programmatic or curricular components. During the transition process, you may see both names used interchangeably in different communications. Please note that the two names are referring to the same program. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Robbins_Grad@baylor.edu.
The Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology degree is one of the oldest and most distinguished Baylor University graduate programs with a rich tradition that spans over 50 years. With approximately 100 active graduate students enrolled, Baylor's SLP program is recognized in Texas and nationally for its excellence as a graduate training program.
Admissions Requirements
To be considered for admission to Baylor’s residential Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program, all applicants must:
- Have completed a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
- Have completed college-level coursework in the four areas (D or better with 3 credit hours minimum in each) required by ASHA:
- Statistics (can be math statistics, psychology statistics, business statistics, etc.)
- Biological science (biology, human anatomy, microbiology, etc.)
- Physics or chemistry (must be chemistry or physics, not a physical science course)
- Social or behavioral science (psychology, sociology, anthropology, public health, etc.)
- Have completed Baylor's additional prerequisite requirements:
- Clinical Audiology (3 credit hours)
- Aural Rehabilitation (3 credit hours)
Application Requirements
To be considered for admission to Baylor’s residential Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program, all applicants must submit the following materials:
- Online Application
- Transcripts (from every college and university attended)
- Three letters of recommendation
- Personal Statement
- Resume
Application Deadlines
The Baylor residential speech-language pathology graduate program accepts new students in the Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters. Applications should be completed by the following deadlines:
| Entry Term | Application Deadline |
|---|---|
| Fall | January 15 |
| Spring | October 15 |
| Summer | January 15 |
Non-CSD Undergraduate Majors
Prospective students who did not earn a primary, four-year degree majoring in Communication Sciences and Disorders are eligible to apply for Fall admission only. A student without a CSD undergraduate degree will be admitted as a Leveling Graduate Student. These students will take two semesters of “leveling courses” in Baylor’s Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders before beginning the full graduate curriculum.
Early Admission for Baylor CSD Undergraduates
Baylor University undergraduate students majoring in Communication Sciences and Disorders with aspirations of attending Baylor’s residential speech-language pathology graduate program have an opportunity to apply for Provisional Acceptance to the master’s degree program if they meet and maintain specific requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
The graduate program accepts new students in the Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters. Completion of the application process should be completed by the following deadlines:
- Fall Applications: January 15
- Summer Applications: January 15
- Spring Applications: October 15
Yes! Many people do not realize (until it is too late) that it takes time to get your materials turned in. All materials (application, transcripts from every college or university you have attended, three letters of recommendation, personal statement, and resume) must be received by the deadline to be fully considered. Often, transcripts and reference letters take considerable time to be sent, so it is best to request these materials at least four to six weeks in advance. It is NOT necessary to send everything at the same time to the Graduate School. The Graduate School will merge your materials as they arrive.
Yes! You will be considered a Leveling Graduate Student, which is a student who has been accepted to Baylor's CSD graduate program, but who does not have an undergraduate degree in CSD. In order to prepare you to be successful in the graduate level courses, you will take two semesters of "leveling courses" in Baylor's CSD Department, in the Fall and Spring semesters. You will be considered a Graduate Student with Leveling Status. Although the courses you will be taking during these two semesters are undergraduate courses, you will have much higher expectations than the other students in the courses. Once you have completed the required leveling courses, you will follow all policies, rules, and course restrictions related to all full graduate students. Please see the Graduate Leveling page for additional information.
Please note: If you did not earn your primary, four-year degree majoring in CSD, you can only apply for Fall admission. We cannot accept Graduate Student with Leveling Status applications for Summer or Spring semesters.
Yes! To be considered for our program, all applicants must submit the following materials:
- Online Application
- Transcripts (from every college or university attended)
- Three letters of recommendation
- Personal Statement
- Resume
Yes! Both the overall grade point average and the major grade point average play an important part in the admission process and reflect on the ability to succeed as a graduate student. If for some reason you feel your overall GPA does not reflect your abilities, you may wish to include a letter explaining why (such as a late change in major).
No, program slots are filled with the applicants that show the greatest potential to succeed as graduate students.
Yes! When determining the potential to succeed as a graduate student, we review and consider the entire application and all materials you submit. You can include additional information in the online application, or you can submit the materials to the Graduate School in the form of a letter or resume.
No, the GRE requirement has been waived and is not required.
You are required to complete the Spring scholarship application and submit it by the due date. All residential CSD majors are considered for scholarship funds. The scholarships are provided by the CSD Department based on merit and need. A FAFSA must be completed to be considered.
Applications are submitted online through the Baylor University Graduate School GoGrad application, which may be accessed here. Several admissions-related resources are also available on the Baylor Graduate School website. Keep in mind that it is important to request all required materials as early as possible (e.g., three reference letters and transcripts).
All application materials (e.g., transcripts, reference letters, personal statement, resume) should be submitted to the Graduate Admissions Office via the GoGrad online application or by mail: One Bear Place #97264, Waco, TX 76798-7264. Please do not send any application materials directly to the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders.
No, unofficial documents are all that is required for application purposes.
When you complete the online application for the graduate program, there will be a place to enter your recommenders' email addresses. The recommenders will be sent a link to the recommendation form.
Please contact the Graduate Admissions Office at GraduateAdmissions@baylor.edu or 254-710-3588 to have the link resent.
Please contact the Graduate Admissions Office at GraduateAdmissions@baylor.edu or 254-710-3588.
Most applicants submit sample treatment plans or research papers for their writing sample. Please note that the writing sample is optional.
Please contact the Graduate Admissions Office at GraduateAdmissions@baylor.edu or 254-710-3588.
Please contact the Graduate Admissions Office at GraduateAdmissions@baylor.edu or 254-710-3588 with questions/issues regarding the online GoGrad application (including application materials, computer issues, etc.).
For questions related specifically to the Communication Sciences and Disorders graduate program, you may find a list of contacts here.
You will receive an email from the Graduate School that will state: "An admission decision has been made regarding your application for the *** term to the MS in Communication Sciences and Disorders program. Log in to your GoGrad account for more information."