Admissions

Application Deadlines

BS in Communicative Disorders & Sciences

Visit the SJSU Admissions page for Freshman and Transfer student deadlines.

MS in Speech-Language Pathology

Residential:

  • January 15th, 2026 for Fall 2026 Admission

Online SPEAKS:

  • September 1st, 2025 for Spring 2026 Admission
  • January 15th, 2026 for Fall 2026 Admission

Admission Requirements

BS in Communicative Disorders & Sciences

The requirements to apply to SJSU and the California State University system vary depending on whether you're applying as a freshman or transfer. For more information, visit the SJSU Admissions Freshman CSU Eligibility Requirements webpage or Transfer CSU Eligibility Requirements webpage. Additionally, to apply to CDS:

  • Students begin the program with their cohort when they reach junior level standing
  • CDS applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.7; CDS students typically have at least a 3.0 GPA
  • CDS core curriculum is a two-year course of study, beginning in the Fall semester only
  • Students must have 60 or more units completed in order to take SJSU Studies courses and Writing in the Disciplines course (100w)

MS in Speech-Language Pathology

Academic Requirement

  • Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree with a minimum overall GPA of 3.0.

Test Requirements

  • English Language Proficiency (ELP): Applicants from countries where English is not the primary language, and who do not hold a degree from an institution where English is the primary language of instruction, must submit higher ELP scores. Please refer to the Graduate Program Test Requirements page for specific score criteria.
  • GRE: The GRE is not required for admission.

Program Pathways & Prerequisites

We offer three program formats tailored to different educational backgrounds:

  • 2-Year Residential MS-SLP:
    • For applicants who already hold a degree in Communication Disorders or have completed all prerequisite coursework by the program start date.
  • 3-Year Residential (Extended) MS-SLP
    • For applicants without a background in Communication Disorders (Out-of-Field Students); prerequisite coursework can typically be completed over two semesters.
  • 2-Year Online MS-SLP (SJSU SPEAKS)
    • Identical eligibility to the residential 2‑year program—designed for applicants who have already met the prerequisite requirements. Two application cycles available (Fall and Spring)

Steps to Apply

BS in Communicative Disorders & Sciences

To become a CDS major, you must apply to declare the major with the University by first meeting with an academic advisor in the Student Success Center.  Please make an appointment through Spartan Connect, and select "Change of Major/Minor" as the service reason.

Please visit our program page to learn more about the BS in Communicative Disorders & Sciences.

MS in Speech-Language Pathology

For both the residential and online SPEAKS program, a two-step application process is required. Both components must be completed by the deadline to be considered for admission:

  1. University Application: Cal State Apply
    1. Only one program choice may be submitted through Cal State Apply.
  2. Department Application: Communication Sciences and Disorders Centralized Application Service (CSDCAS)
    1. Applicants may indicate their preference and may apply to both programs. 

For more information about how to apply to the residential MS program, please read these instructions.

For more information about how to apply to the online SPEAKS program, please read these instructions.

To find more information about the MS in Speech-Language Pathology, please visit our program page for details.

Additional Admissions Resources