Graduate

How to Apply

Follow the same application process for the Residential and Suncoast Tracks. The deadline for submission of application materials for the Speech-Language Pathology program is January 15.

Effective September 24, 2015, students holding a Baccalaureate Degree must apply through both the CSDCAS applications portal and the Online Graduate Application.

Applications are submitted electronically, via the Communication Sciences and Disorders Centralized Application Service (CSDCAS) and via the Online Graduate Application. Both applications must be submitted. Letters of recommendation, personal essay, resume and official transcripts should be submitted through CSDCAS. These items do not need to be resubmitted to the Online Graduate Application. During the application process, only an unofficial transcript should be uploaded to the Online Graduate Application. 

Applicants must include the following items as part of their online application:

1. Personal Essay:

Please follow the instructions in CSDCAS (Communication Sciences and Disorders Centralized Application Service).

If applying to the Suncoast Consortium Track, please include why you are working in or will be working in a public school* and your areas of interest within the school system. Include your plan for continuing your career in the public-school system in the future.  

2. Three letters of recommendation:

  • These should be written by former professors who can comment on your academic achievement, critical thinking and personal interaction skills, and likelihood to succeed in graduate school.

  • If you have been out of school for several years, it is acceptable for one of the letters to be written by an employer.

  • Letters of recommendation are requested through CSDCAS. Those you are requesting a letter from will receive an email from CSDCAS and will submit their recommendation online.

  • Email requests for recommendation letters will not be sent until the application is submitted in CSDCAS (after paying the registration fee). 

*Note regarding the Suncoast Consortium: Some school districts require a student to apply and be admitted to the Suncoast Master’s program prior to hiring. In these cases, students may apply for the Suncoast Master’s program pending official hire. The applicant’s employment with their school district must begin prior to beginning coursework in the fall. In this instance, the applicant may use a letter of support from a former professor/employer in lieu of the school district Speech and Language Coordinator at the time of application. However, upon acceptance and prior to beginning coursework, the school district Speech and Language Coordinator must write a letter stating that the district will provide a mentor to support the applicant during all practica scheduled to occur in the public school system (a total of 4 practica). 

3. An official copy of your transcript: 

  • Official transcripts should be sent to CSDCAS (Institutional Code- 7009). Follow instructions on the CSDCAS portal.

  • Official electronic transcripts for all coursework including your Baccalaureate Degree will need to be mailed/submitted to USF once admitted. Official transcripts should be submitted to the Graduate Admissions Office. For more information on how to submit official transcripts, see this link.

4. A resume that summarizes your academic and work history should be submitted through CSDCAS.

Before submitting both online applications, please review our Admission Requirements to determine if you meet or exceed our minimum qualifications. Please note that the average GPA for admitted applicants is typically higher than our minimum requirements.

Please email any questions regarding the admissions process to slpgradadmissions@usf.edu. 

5. GRE scores are not required with your application. You may, however, submit your GRE scores through CSDCAS.