How long is the program?
The program is designed to take two years to complete. In addition to the four academic semesters, you will be required to complete a clinical placement in the summer between the two academic years. After you have received your Master's degree and passed the national Praxis examination, you will then need to complete your Clinical Fellowship Year (CFY), which is a nine-month full-time placement, in order to receive your Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).
What about financial aid and the tuition costs for the program?
To obtain current information for financial aid, tuition, and fees, refer to the Student Financial Services website. If you have questions about whether you are an in-state or out-of-state resident, refer to the Registrar's Residency Policy.
How many applicants are there annually? What is the average class size?
The number of applicants for the CSD graduate program varies each year, but the target class size is approximately 18 students.
When is the application deadline?
The application deadline is January 15 for the Communication Sciences and Disorders Centralized Application Service (CSDCAS) and the UVM Graduate Application. Applications submitted prior to the January 15 deadline will be reviewed and receive an admissions decision within six weeks. Please note: the University will be closed from Dec. 24 - Jan. 1. We will have email/voicemail away messages stating the UVM closure for winter break and will return all emails/phone calls upon our return beginning on January 2.
What are the minimum GRE scores? May I retake my GREs?
Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are not required. If you have taken the GRE's and elect to submit your scores, please use GRE Code 3920. The program prefers a minimum score of 144 Quantitative (500 on previous version), 150 Verbal (500 on previous version), and 4.0 Writing. Applicants may retake the GRE and the highest score in each section will be counted.
Do I need to have all of the prerequisite courses completed prior to applying?
All prerequisite courses or equivalents must be completed prior to the program start date. You may have no more than two prerequisite courses remaining for the spring and summer semesters when you apply. If you have any concerns regarding whether a course meets one of the requirements, you may send a copy of the syllabus or catalog description to cnhsgrad@uvm.edu. UVM Continuing Education offers all of the prerequisites through the Communication Sciences and Disorders Pre-Masters Track.
What is the minimum GPA that I need to be considered for admission to the program? May I retake courses to obtain a better grade?
Applications with GPAs of 3.0 and higher will be reviewed; the average GPA of students accepted into the program is 3.5. Applicants are welcome to retake classes to obtain a better grade if they would like to do so.
Are observation hours required?
According to ASHA guidelines, applicants must complete and accurately document 25 observation hours prior to the graduate program start date. Hours should be documented using the form below:
Is an interview required for admission?
There is no interview requirement for the program.
Where should I send my application materials?
Official transcripts, GRE scores, and three letters of recommendation should be submitted through the CSDCAS common application site. The UVM Supplemental Graduate Application must also be completed online. You may use the same personal statement for the CSDCAS application and the UVM application.
How can I find out if CSDCAS has received my transcripts (or any other materials)?
The status of your application can be checked online. To view the real-time progress of your application, login to CSDCAS and go to the STATUS section. If you are having any difficulties with CSDCAS, contact their customer service line at (617) 612-2030 or csdcasinfo@csdcas.org. UVM will notify you when applications have been received.
When will I learn whether I have been admitted to the program?
If completed application is verified through CSDCAS by January 15 deadline, applicants will receive a decision by February 8, 2021. If completed application is verified through CSDCAS after January 15 (application must be submitted by Jan. 15 deadline), applicants will receive a decision on a rolling basis.