Master's in Speech-Language Pathology FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

• How do I apply?
• Do I have to have an undergraduate degree in Communication Sciences Disorders?
• How many students submit applications each fall and how many are accepted?  
• What is the average GPA of admitted students?  
• What are the average GRE scores of admitted students?   
• What's the most important part of the application?  
• How much will the master's program cost?   
• Do you offer financial assistance?  
• Do you offer graduate assistantships?  
• Do you offer graduate housing?  
• Do you give tours or interview prospective students?  
• How long is your program?
• Can I attend part-time?
• What are a typical week and semester like?
• Can I work while in the program? 
• Will I need a car?  
• What is the deadline for admission?  
• How can I check the status of my application?  
• When will I be notified of my acceptance into the program?
• What does it mean if I am selected for an interview? What if I am not?

Have another question? Please submit it to graduate@loyola.edu.

How do I apply?

Loyola participates in the Communication Sciences and Disorders central application service and only accepts the CSDCAS application. You must submit the CSDCAS application itself by Monday, February 26, 2024. To be considered for admission, all additional materials must be submitted to CSDCAS by Friday, March 1, 2024 (note: verification may take longer).

 Do I have to have an undergraduate degree in Communication Sciences Disorders?

For prospective students without a degree in CSD or a related field, you will be required to complete prerequisite coursework prior to applying to the master's program. Please note that all prerequisite courses must be completed prior to enrolling in the master's program. Loyola does not offer these prerequisite courses, but we accept most courses from online and in-person institutions. Use the prerequisite worksheet to see if courses align with Loyola's. If you have a question about coursework, please contact Dr. Donna Pitts, dpitts1@loyola.edu, Graduate Program Director. 

How many students submit applications each fall and how many are accepted?

Approximately 230 applications were reviewed in 2023, which yielded a class of 40 (Class of 2025).

What is the average GPA of admitted students?

For the most recently enrolled class, the average GPA in the major (classes taken for the CSD or SP degree) was 3.51 and the average overall GPA was 3.46.

What are the average GRE scores of admitted students?

The Speech-Language Pathology program does not review GRE scores as a part of our application process. We request applicants not to send GRE score reports to CSDCAS or to Loyola University Maryland. Submitted scores will not be reviewed.

What's the most important part of the application?

As a Jesuit university, we value the whole person and, therefore, review your application as a complete package. We look at your GPA in the major (classes taken for your CSD or SP degree) and your overall GPA most closely. Then, we take into account your personal essay, letters of recommendation, and any additional experience that you have. The essay is your chance to explain why you are a good candidate for our graduate program.

How much will the master's program cost?

Visit the financial aid website for information about graduate tuition. Students in the master's program are charged a flat rate for each of their two years; the summer semester is included in this fee. The amount listed under your anticipated graduation date (2026) is the amount that you can expect to pay each year. To determine the total for the 2 years, multiply the amount listed by two. You will also be responsible for paying for textbooks each semester, minimal clinical supply costs (e.g. laminating paper), and a software technology fee of approximately $200. 

Do you offer financial assistance?

Yes. While limited, the department does offer a number of merit-based scholarships to top performing applicants. Merit-based scholarships are awarded at the time of admission; no separate application process is required. Graduate students also qualify for financial aid and graduate assistantships (more information below). Learn more about university-wide financial aid or watch this video specific to financial aid for SLP.

Do you offer graduate assistantships?

Yes, the department offers graduate assistantships to first-year students. Currently, assistantships are offered at 50 hours per semester at $15.26 per hour. Learn more about graduate assistantships. Please submit all required paperwork to the Graduate Program Director directly, first preference is given to those received by the application deadline, but applications may still be submitted afterward to be placed on a waitlist.

Do you offer graduate housing?

Loyola doesn't offer graduate housing, but there are plenty of housing opportunities available in Baltimore and the surrounding areas. Loyola's Graduate Student Services page also lists information about housing. Additionally, once you confirm your acceptance into the graduate program, you will be invited to join a Facebook group specifically for your class year and can network and find roommates. 

Do you give tours or interview prospective students?

While tours may be available on an as-needed basis, we hope that you will join us for one of our in-person or virtual information sessions as they are a great opportunity to learn more about the program, meet the program director, and talk with current students. Please register online. You may also watch a virtual tour of the Loyola Clinical Center-Belvedere.

How long is your program?

The program is a two-year, five-semester, full-time cohort program. Students are expected to be available Monday-Friday during the day for the fall and spring of the first year, the summer between the two years, and then fall and spring of the second year. Classes are held on Mondays at Loyola Clinical Centers-Belvedere Square and clinical internships and externships are held Tuesday through Friday.

Can I attend part-time?

Loyola’s program is full time; there is not a part-time option. Clinic operations and academic classes require students to be available every weekday, from approximately 8am-7pm. 

What are a typical week and semester like?

The weeks are busy and rewarding, as students develop their theoretical knowledge and clinical skills to be well positioned for their Clinical Fellowship Year (CFY) following program completion.  

For the first year, in the fall and spring semesters, students are in academic classes in person all day on Mondays, typically from 9am-6pm, and in their clinical internships Tuesdays through Fridays, anytime between 8am-7pm. (This aligns with clinic operations and client needs.) The summer term runs from May through July, with students attending academic courses again on Mondays, typically 9am-4:30pm, and in clinical internships or externships Tuesdays through Fridays, between 8am-7pm. Students have well-deserved breaks approximately mid-December to mid-January and again in the month of August.
 
For the second year, in the fall and spring semesters, students again are in academic classes all day on Mondays, typically 9am-6pm. Students’ clinical externship schedules are Tuesdays through Fridays, with specific schedules determined by the sites and their SLP preceptors and typically requiring availability 8am-6pm. 

Can I work while in the program?  

As noted above, financial assistance is available, and the department offers graduate assistantships to first-year students. Additionally, some students may supplement this through occasional work; however, the SLP graduate program is full time, and students should plan their outside employment accordingly. All students must be available during the times outlined in the typical semester and week and be prepared to meet class and clinic obligations through evening and weekend hours. The Department recommends that a student's employment not exceed ten to fifteen hours per week. Students who have been accepted into the graduate program are strongly encouraged to consider this recommendation in determining whether they can afford the cost of the program. 

Will I need a car?

Yes. During the first year of the program (fall, spring, summer), you will be required to attend classes one day a week and have clinical internship experiences at the Loyola Clinical Centers-Belvedere as well as in local schools/community settings. During the second year, students will again take classes one day a week and spend the remainder of the week at off-campus externship locations, typically within the Baltimore Metropolitan region. It is highly recommended that students have a car during the program to drive between sites, as public transportation in needed areas may be extremely limited.

What is the deadline for admission?

Your CSDCAS application must be submitted by Monday, February 26, 2024 and all supplemental materials must be received by CSDCAS by Friday, March 1, 2024. There are a limited number of openings in the master's program and admission is selective. Applications which do not meet these deadlines will not be considered. The program begins in the fall, with no spring offers of admission. Learn more about the admission process.

How can I check the status of my application?

Students are able to check the CSDCAS website for information on application status.  

When will I be notified of my acceptance into the program?

Notifications of admission decisions are sent via email, typically in late March. Accepted students must notify Loyola of their decision by April 15.

What does it mean if I am selected for an interview? What if I am not?

The admission committee may determine that further clarification is required to fully evaluate a prospective student's application. Under this circumstance, a student may be invited to a required, invitation-only, virtual interview. If you do not receive an invitation to an interview no further action is required to be considered for admission. Neither an invitation to an interview nor no invitation is to be interpreted as a favorable or unfavorable indicator of admission.