Graduate Application Process

Graduate Application Process: MS in Speech-Language Pathology

The Masters of Speech-Language Pathology is a CAA accredited on-campus program at Fort Hays State University (FHSU) located in western Kansas between Kansas City and Denver. Students in the program experience a comprehensive academic and clinical education experience preparing him/her for work across the lifespan as well as in educational and medical settings. 

Admissions Overview

Applicants to the graduate program should submit all materials by February 1st for initial review. It is the responsibility of the applicant to make sure that CSDCAS has all official information required by the deadline (February 1st). Selected applicants will be asked to participate in a phone interview with a member of the selection committee. Information gathered during the interview is then added to the application packet for final review. Applicants will be notified as to the status of his/her application by mid-March at the latest.

You may contact  Dr. Karmen Porter for more information regarding required coursework or review the prerequisite coursework required for application into graduate school.

Phase One: Submit Application Materials

Admission to the Fort Hays State University graduate program in speech-language pathology is administered through the Communication Science and Disorders Centralized Application Service (CSDCAS). To initiate your application, complete the following steps:

1. Go to CSDCAS to register
   • The following materials will be submitted through the CSDCAS application.
     
     • Official GRE scores - The committee evaluates the overall GRE score as well as the individual subtest scores with the expectation of a 146 in Verbal, 146 in Quantitative, and 3.0 on the analytical writing. 
     • Fall 2022 Applications: We are recommending the GRE, but we are making it optional due to ability to take exam because of COVID-19. 
       • GRE scores should be sent to CSDCAS using code 7711
     • Three letters of recommendation - These letters should be written by individuals who can address your readiness to complete graduate level coursework. The letters should fit the following criteria:
       • MINIMUM OF 2 LETTERS FROM ACADEMIC FACULTY MEMBERS (individuals with whom you took an academic course, preferably within the field of CSD, or an academic advisor. 
       • 3rd letter can be from either academic faculty, or from an SLP who has directly supervised you.  
       • If you want to include additional recommendations from other individuals you may do so. They should be in addition to the required three. 
       • **Letters of reference need to be submitted via CSDCAS.  They do not need to be re-submitted when filling out FHSU’s graduate school application.  It is appropriate to leave the reference section blank when filling out the FHSU graduate school application.
     • Submit responses to all Questions under the "Questions" Tab.
     • Resume
       • Submit Resume under the "Documents" Tab
   • An official transcript will need to be sent to CSDCAS.
     • You may submit an official transcript during the fall semester for course verification to begin, however, after completion of fall courses, please submit a final fall transcript to ensure a more complete verification process. The official fall transcript should be to CSDCAS in time for courses to be verified by February 1st. 
     • **The committee evaluates both the overall GPA and the SLP GPA. It is expected that the overall GPA will be at least 3.2 or higher and the SLP GPA be 3.5 or higher. 
2. The applicant will also need to complete steps one and two of the application instructions for admission into FHSU Graduate School. These steps include:
   1. Complete and submit an online application.  There is no need to submit resume, personal statement, transcript, or letters of reference to the FHSU application site. These documents will be added later via CSDCAS. Unfortunately, your application will continue to be considered “incomplete” until that process has occurred. Please do not worry. As long as you have paid your FHSU fee and your CSDCAS application is complete, we will be reviewing your application.   
   2. Pay $40.00 to the graduate school ($50 international fee).
      • The CSDCAS system provides the graduate school with all other information needed.
      • Note: An official transcript (i.e. proof of graduation) will need to be sent to the graduate school once you have been admitted into the graduate program.

Phase Two: Review and Interviews

Following a review of applications by the departmental committee, interviews will be conducted via electronic media for selected applicants. Information from the interview will be added to the packet. All packet information will be utilized when making acceptance decisions.


CSDCAS Information

• CSDCAS Application Help Center
• CSDCAS Application Customer Service Desk
  • Customer Service is available Monday thru Friday from 9:00AM to 5:00PM Eastern Time
  • Phone: (617) 612-2030 Email:  csdcasinfo@csdcas.org
• CSDCAS Address
  • All official transcripts MUST be sent to CSDCAS at the address below:
    CSDCAS Verification Department
    PO Box 9113
    Watertown, MA 02471