Speech-Language Pathology

Speech-language pathologists help individuals overcome challenges related to communication, swallowing and cognitive function. They ae communication experts who assess, diagnose and treat a wide range of disorders while empowering people to connect effectively with the world around them.

The College of Charleston's pre-professional advising program is designed to guide you through the process  of preparing for admission to a graduate speech-language pathology program.

Contact Health Professions Advising

Pre-Speech-Language Pathology Advising Guide

While there is no "pre-speech-language pathology major" at the College of Charleston, the following guide and consultation with your advisor can help prepare you for your application and potential admission to a speech-language pathology (SLP) program.
  • Undergraduate Preparation/Prerequisites

    Each Speech-Language Pathology program establishes its own set of prerequisites. The following lists common prerequisite courses for admission into a speech-language pathology program. Make sure to check the programs you are most interested in applying to for complete undergraduate requirements.

    • Biology (3 semester hours)
    • Social/Behavioral Science (3 semester hours)
    • General Physics/Chemistry (3 semester hours)
    • Statistics (3 semester hours)
    Communication Sciences and Disorders Prerequisite Courses
    • Anatomy & Physiology of Speech and Hearing (3 semester hours)
    • Normal Language Development (3 semester hours)
    • Phonetics (3 semester hours)
    • Speech and Hearing Science (3 semester hours)

    Observation Requirements

    Most programs require an observation component with a speech-language pathologist. Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) requires at least 25 hours that need to be completed before entering the program. Always check the schools you are most interested in applying to for the most current requirements.

    View Catalog Course Descriptions
  • Graduate Record Exam (GRE)

    The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is a standardized examination that may be required by some speech-language pathology programs. The Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) MS in Speech-Language Pathology does not require the GRE.

    The test covers basic mathematics and reading comprehension skills and is designed measure your general academic ability including critical thinking, analytical reasoning, quantitative reasoning and communication skills.

    The GRE consists of five sections.

    • Analytical Writing (One section)
    • Verbal Reasoning (Two sections)
    • Quantitative Reasoning (Two sections)
    Learn More on the GRE
  • Timeline

    First Year

    • Declare your major and identify yourself as a pre-health student on the major declaration form.
    • Make an appointment/get to know your advisors. Discuss your academic game plan. Check in regularly to discuss your academic progress.
    • Begin taking your basic science courses.
    • Join a student organization

    Sophomore Year

    • Continue with your sequence of courses.
    • Stay involved in extracurricular activities (shadowing, service, volunteer). Consider leadership positions in these groups.
    • Visit your professors during office hours (You will need letters of recommendation).
    • Visit Health Professions Advising to begin assessing competitiveness.
    • Start observing/Shadowing.
    • Identify the programs to which you want to apply.

    Junior Year

    • Talk to Health Professions Advising Office about competitiveness.
    • Register for the GRE - if necessary (Fall). Don't miss the deadlines!
    • Study and take the GRE (Spring/Summer).
    • Begin work on you personal statement.
    • Identify three to four individuals to write letters of recommendation (Spring).
    • Complete and submit your application. Apply though the Communication Science and Disorders Centralized Application Service (CSDCAS).
    • Complete any applications directly to the programs to which you are applying (if necessary).
    • Continue observation and professional activities.

    Senior Year

    • Meet with your advisor.
    • Get a degree audit and apply for graduation.
    • Ensure your application materials are organized and submitted within the deadlines (earlier is always better).
    • Prepare for interviews (if applicable).
    • Interview and wait.
    • Explore opportunities for financial aid.
    • Send updated transcripts directly to the schools to which you applied (Spring).
    • Discuss alternative plans with your advisor if necessary.
    • Finish your degree requirements and graduate.