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?
Will I have to drive between campuses?
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 slp@loyola.edu.
How do I apply?
Loyola participates in the Communication Sciences and Disorders central application service and only accepts the CSDCAS application. To be considered for admission, materials must be completed and submitted to CSDCAS by February 15 (note: verification may take longer).
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 266 applications were reviewed in 2022, which yielded a class of 52 (Class of 2024).
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 3.65 and the average overall GPA was 3.54.
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 encourage applicants not to send GRE score reports to CSDCAS or to Loyola University Maryland as they will not be considered in the review process.
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 personal essay, letters of recommendation, and GPA in the major (classes taken for your CSD or SP degree) most closely. Then, we take into account your overall GPA and any additional experience that you have. The essay is your chance to explain any issues in your academic record and to let us know 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 (e.g., Class of 2024) is the amount that you can expect to pay each year (i.e., multiply the amount listed by two for a total). You will also be responsible for paying for textbooks each semester, minimal clinical supply costs (e.g., laminating paper), and a software technology fee (approx. $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 100-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 February 15, 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 (apartments, rentals, etc.) 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 so that you can network and find roommates. We will also provide you with a list of housing locations that current students recommend. On-campus housing in the dorms is available to graduate students who work as a Graduate Residence Coordinator (GRC).
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, talk with current students, and tour the facility. Please register online. You may also watch a virtual tour of the Belvedere Clinical Center. There is also a virtual tour of the Graduate Campuses and Graduate Student Services available to all graduate students.
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 either the Timonium Graduate Center, Evergreen campus, or Loyola Clinical Centers-Belvedere Square and clinical internships/externships are held Tuesday through Friday.
Will I have to drive between campuses?
Yes. During the first year of the program (fall, spring, summer), you will be required to attend classes one day a week at one of the campuses and have clinical internship experiences at the Belvedere Loyola Clinical Center as well as in local schools/community settings. During the second year, students will again take classes one day a week at one of the campuses 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 the area is extremely limited.
What is the deadline for admission?
All completed applications and supplemental materials must be received by CSDCAS by February 15 in order to be considered. There are a limited number of openings in the master's program and admission is selective. No applications will be considered if received after the February 15 deadline. Admissions are only offered for the fall. 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?
The Department sends out acceptance notifications via email to all applicants by the end of March. Accepted students must notify Loyola of their decision no later than April 15.
The admission committee may determine that further clarification is required to fully evaluate a prospective student 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. An invitation to an interview is not to be interpreted as either a favorable or unfavorable indicator of admission.