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Traditional Entry to the Speech-Language Pathology Program

McDaniel's developing Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program will begin accepting applications in July 2026 for our first cohort to begin in May 2027. Traditional entry students will complete the program in 24 consecutive months.

Apply through CSDCAS Learn about the M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology

Eligibility

Traditional entry is designed for students who have completed a bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders or Speech-Language Pathology or who hold a bachelor's degree in another major and have completed the prerequisites for admission, to include the following:

  • Anatomy and Physiology (8 credits with lab)
  • Statistics
  • Phonetics
  • Speech and Communication Sciences
  • Anatomy and Physiology of Speech and Hearing Systems
  • Audiology
  • Speech and Language Development
  • One course each in biological sciences, physical sciences, and social science
  • Aural Rehabilitation is recommended but can be taken while enrolled in the master’s program at McDaniel

McDaniel alumni who are academically qualified are guaranteed an admission interview if the application is completed by the deadline. 

Please Note: Classes taken at the high school level are not eligible to meet this requirement, with the exception of advanced placement (AP) courses that appear for credit on your college/university transcript. Coursework in the areas of biological sciences, physical sciences, social/behavioral sciences, and statistics cannot be related to speech-language pathology, audiology, communication sciences, hearing sciences, or logopedia unless they fulfill a university or college general education requirement and are available to students who are not majoring in Communication Sciences and Disorders or Speech-Language Pathology.

Program Director

D'Jaris Coles-White

djaris.coles-white@mcdaniel.edu

Admission Requirements for Speech-Language Pathology

Admission Application

For the traditional post-bachelor's entry, applicants are required to submit their applications to CSDCAS by Nov. 15, 2026, for the program's May 2027 cohort start. Please refer to the CSDCAS application instructions for specific details about completing the application, required documents, and processing time. Due to the large number of applications and the limited number of seats available, applicants are encouraged to complete their CSDCAS application early in the cycle. The advantage of a centralized application service is that you can monitor the status of your applications online.

GPA

A minimum undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.00 (on a 4-point scale), and a minimum GPA of 3.00 for the last 60 credits of study is required for consideration for admission to the program. A GPA of 3.25 or higher is encouraged, as admission to this program is competitive.

Observation Hours

Applicants must include a minimum of 25 documented observation hours under supervision of an ASHA CCC-SLP certified practitioner.

Personal Statement/Essay

Submit a personal statement/essay according to instructions. Personal statements should be completed without the assistance of an AI tool, since the statement should provide information related to the individual’s personal and professional goals and aspirations.

Resume

Submit a resume indicating work, volunteer, life, and leadership experience.

Three Letters of Recommendation

Letters must be from a professor, advisor, or other professional contact. Letters from personal contacts will not be considered.

Personal Interview

After submitting your application, qualified candidates may be invited for a personal interview. Please note that this program is competitive, and not all qualified applicants are invited for an interview. McDaniel alumni and students currently enrolled at McDaniel nearing completion of the bachelor's degree who are academically qualified are guaranteed an admission interview if the application is completed by the deadline.

Deadlines and Important Dates

For Traditional Post-Bachelor’s Entry:

  • July 2026: CDSCAS Application Opens.
  • Nov. 15, 2026: Priority Application Deadline
  • Interviews will be held in August, September, October, and November 2026
  • Dec. 1, 2026: Admit Decisions (Summer Start)
  • Jan. 15, 2027: Deposit Deadline (Summer Start)
  • May 24, 2027: Summer Start (summer is a hybrid semester with on-campus residencies on the following dates: May 27-29 and Aug. 9-13 in 2027)

Traditional Program Design

Students with traditional entry to the master's program will complete it in six consecutive semesters or two years — four semesters of didactic coursework followed by two semesters of full-time externship.

Year 1

The first summer session for all students will be delivered in a hybrid format combining online learning with two short residency requirements (in May and August). The following fall, spring, and summer semesters will require weekly face-to-face participation on campus.

Year 2

The last two semesters (fall and spring) will require students to complete their clinical externships and visit campus just once in the final week of each semester, fall and spring, for 3-5 days. This model is designed to be flexible for students to complete their practicums in areas and specialties that align with their long-term goals. 

Program Director

D'Jaris Coles-White

djaris.coles-white@mcdaniel.edu

McDaniel College
2 College Hill
Westminster, MD, 21157
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