Speech Pathology Admissions

About the Master of Science program

The Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology offers one degree program: the Master of Science (MS) in Speech and Hearing Science via two delivery modes: the traditional/on-campus mode and the distance education mode.  The department's mission for both modes (distance education and traditional) is to provide a strong educational environment that facilitates the acquisition of knowledge and skills, encourages intellectual curiosity, engenders awareness of issues in culturally diverse populations, and promotes responsible ethical behavior. 

Prerequisite Courses

Applicants who do not possess a bachelor’s degree in speech-language pathology or its equivalent, must have obtained at least fifteen (15) hours in speech-language pathology courses (Ex. SPTH, CSD, CDIS, ASP, etc.) from an accredited university. Applicants who have not obtained at least 15 hours in Speech-Language Pathology by the application deadline should not apply through CSDCAS. Instead, these applicants can apply to TSU as a Non-Degree Seeking student in order to take our prerequisite courses. 

The following courses are prerequisite courses* and must be completed with a letter grade of C or higher before beginning the MS SLP program at Tennessee State University.

  • SPTH 2500: Anatomy & Physiology of the Speech and Hearing Mechanism
  • SPTH 2600: Phonetics**
  • SPTH 2800: Introduction to Speech, Hearing and Language Disorders
  • SPTH 3300: Clinical Methods in Articulation Disorders
  • SPTH 3500: Language and Speech Development in Children

*Comparable prerequisite courses can be obtained from any accredited university

ASHA requirements:

Although the four courses mentioned below are NOT required for admission into Tennessee State University, it is required that applicants complete these courses prior to beginning their clinical fellowship year:

Applicants for certification must have demonstrated knowledge of statistics as well as the biological, physical, and social/behavioral sciences.

  1. Acceptable courses in biological sciences should emphasize a content area related to human or animal sciences (e.g., biology, human anatomy and physiology, neuroanatomy and neurophysiology, human genetics, veterinary science).
  2. Courses that meet the physical science requirement must be in physics or chemistry.
  3. Acceptable courses in social/behavioral sciences should include psychology, sociology, anthropology, or public health.
  4. A stand-alone course in statistics is required. Coursework in research methodology in the absence of basic statistics cannot be used to fulfill this requirement.

It is strongly encouraged to complete the ASHA-required basic science courses prior to completion of the graduate degree.

Application Instructions and Important Dates

The application process for the Tennessee State University (TSU)  MS program must be completed through the Communication Sciences and Disorders Centralized Application Service (CSDCAS).

  • CSDCAS applications for the Traditional Program are due on February 1 of each year.
    • Applicants for the Traditional Program will receive notification of their acceptance status in March
  • CSDCAS applications for the Distance Education Program are due on June 1 of each EVEN year. 
    • Applicants for the DE Program will receive notification of their acceptance status in July

CSDCAS  Application 

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Incomplete and unverified applications will not be reviewed. Completed application packets must have the following:

  • An official Bachelor's degree transcript and transcripts from EVERY accredited US college and/or university attended.
  •  A minimum of three letters of recommendation.
    • It is strongly recommended that letters of recommendation be from college-level instructors who have taught you in an academic or clinical class.
    • It is required that letters of recommendation be submitted via CSDCAS.
    • Please note that CSDCAS will ONLY accept electronic letters of recommendation.
    • University and work-related letters must be submitted on letterhead.
  • A personal essay on your intent and interest in Speech/Language Pathology
  • An application fee to CSDCAS
  • OPTIONAL APPLICATION MATERIALS
    • Standardized test scores are recommended but NOT required:
      • GRE:  send an official GRE Score submitted to CSDCAS.  (Designated Institutional Code: 4126). Request that your OFFICIAL scores are sent to CSDCAS prior to the deadline so that your application can be verified in a timely manner.
      • MAT:  upload a copy of Miller Analogies Test (MAT) score by submitting it under Documents:  Other; 
      • NOTE: The MAT will be discontinued on November 15, 2023

TUITION: For information about tuition and fees, visit the following website: https://www.tnstate.edu/bursar/Tuition_and_Fees.aspx

For more information about our Admissions process, contact Dr. Danielle Watson