Communicative Disorders Program Department of Special Education

Image: Photos of SF State students and scenes from around campus

Welcome, Prospective Students!

Informational meetings for prospective graduate students are offered throughout the year. The meeting dates for Spring 2012 are:


A good way to start learning about our program is by visiting our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) section, where you can find information about how to apply to the Communicative Disorders (CD) Program, applying to the program if you have an undergraduate degree outside of CD, and more.


» Download the CD Information Sheet for Prospective Students (pdf / doc)

» Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) by Prospective Students

» Information about the Master's Degree in CD

» Information about the Bachelor's Degree in CD


Speech-Language Pathology Rated an Excellent Career

Speech-language pathology was ranked among the top 25 best careers by U.S. News and World Report.

Speech-Language Pathologists work with the full range of human communication and its disorders. They evaluate and diagnose speech, language, cognitive-communication and swallowing disorders. They treat speech, language, cognitive-communication and swallowing disorders in individuals of all ages, from infants to the elderly. Speech-Language Pathologists may teaching in college and university programs; manage agencies, clinics, organizations, or private clinics; engage in research about human communication; supervise and direct public school or clinical programs; or develop new methods and products to evaluate and treat speech-language disorders. Speech-language pathologists often work collaboratively with teachers, physicians, audiologists, psychologists, social workers, rehabilitation counselors and others. Corporate speech-language pathologists also work with employees to improve communication with their customers. (Information retrieved from www.asha.org/careers/professions/slp.htm, 8/20/09)

» Read the Occupational Outlook Handbook profile of speech-language pathology

» Visit the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association


New for Fall 2011 Applicants: Writing Proficiency Requirements

Applicants will be required to submit evidence of one of the following as a part of their application for admission to our M.S. in Communicative Disorders:

  • score of at least 4.0/6.0 on the GRE Analytical Writing Test or GMAT Analytic Writing Assessment;
  • score of at least 4.5/6.0 on the essay test of the paper-based [PBT] TOEFL (a minimum score of 24/30 on the Writing section of the Internet-based test [iBT] TOEFL);
  • score of at least 6.5/9.0 on the IELTS writing test, or a concordant score on the Pearson Test of English;
  • a passing status score of at least 220 on the CSET Writing Skills Test;
Applicants who do not meet one of these requirements will be denied admission.


Declaring CD as Your Undergraduate Major

Declaring a major is a milestone in a student's academic career. The CD Program is a challenging major. Students who are happy and successful in the CD major are those whose skills, talents, and disposition are a good fit for the Communication Sciences and Disorders field. Before declaring CD as your major, we require that you consider the following to see if CD is right for you:

  1. You should complete the following prerequisite college-level courses for the undergraduate CD major: 1) a course in biological science, 2) a course in physical science, 3) a course in statistics (or any math class until Fall 2014 bulletin), 4) a course in social science, and 5) an introductory linguistics course (at SFSU, this requirement can be fulfilled by ENG 420).
  2. Download the Undergraduate CD Major Guide and put your initial next to each of the specified activities as you complete it. You must bring this form to meet with a CD advisor to declare the major.
  3. Download and carefully read the Essential Functions Guide that describes the essential characteristics necessary for success in the SLP field

If you believe CD is a good fit for you or if you wish to learn more about the CD major, make an appointment with a CD advisor by calling 415.338.1001. Please bring the Undergraduate CD Major Guide that you have completed and signed to the meeting.

Undergraduate students who are entering the program from another major are required to complete a "Change of Major" form, obtained from the Special Education Office. They should make an appointment with an undergraduate adviser in CD to complete the card, have the adviser sign it, and return it to Enrollment Services in ADM 153.

You May Also Find the Following Links Helpful:

The Most Frequently Asked Questions about the SFSU CD Program
Descriptions of the Undergraduate Program in CD
Descriptions of the Graduate Program in CD
SFSU NSSLHA’s Guide to Applying to Grad School
Information about SFSU for Prospective Students
Applying to SFSU
Applying to the Communicative Disorders Program
Taking the CBEST

SF State Home