Georgia State CD Program Frequently Asked Questions

How long is your program?

• For individuals with an undergraduate major in CD, the program typically is completed in 7 semesters (including summers). For individuals without an undergraduate major, the program is typically completed in 9 semesters (including summers).

Is your program accredited?

• YES. The CD Program is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA), an organization that is affiliated with the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).

What semester does your program start?

• All accepted individuals begin the CD Program in the Fall of each year. To begin classes in the summer, it must be discussed with your advisor once you have been accepted into the CD Program. Summer admission is possible; however, it will not shorten the program length, just lighten the course load in some semesters.

How are applicants selected for admission into the CD Program?

• All applications that meet the minimum requirements established by the College of Education and are received by January 15th will be reviewed by the CD faculty. The best qualified applicants (highest GRE scores and undergraduate GPAs, most appropriate goal statements, strongest letters of recommendation, etc.) will be invited to campus for an interview. Our faculty believes that an interview is necessary in the application process; however, submission of an application does not guarantee an interview. Applicants who have been selected for the interview portion of the admission process will receive a phone call in January or February to schedule an interview date and time.

Do I need to take prerequisite courses prior to admission?

• No. Applicants do not need to take prerequisite courses before admission into the CD Program. All prerequisite courses are included in a student’s tentative program plan during advising if a student is missing courses. If individuals want to take prerequisite courses prior to admission, they may do so as a post-baccalaureate student in the Communication Department in the College of Arts & Sciences and take undergraduate level courses. Admission as a post-baccalaureate student does not increase the chances of being admitted into the CD Program at Georgia State.

Do I need to have an undergraduate degree in Communication Disorders to apply?

• No. An undergraduate degree in CD is not required to apply for the Master’s program. However, the program length for individuals without a degree in CD will be at least two semesters longer than programs for those with the undergraduate degree.

When is your application deadline?

• All applications must be complete and all materials submitted to the Office of Academic Assistance in the College of Education no later than January 15th. No applications received after this date will be considered for admission for the current year. Since a complete packet of materials is required by the College of Education (transcripts, letters of recommendation, etc. submitted at the same time), we encourage students to gather their materials early to avoid possible mailing delays. DO NOT wait until late December or early January to complete and submit your application packet.

What materials are required to be included in the application packet?

• The completed application form, two copies of sealed, official undergraduate transcripts, a minimum of two (2) letters of recommendation, and a 300-500 word writing sample about why you want a Master’s degree in CD.

What are the minimum requirements to enter the CD Program?

• The Georgia State University College of Education requires that an applicant have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.5 and minimum GRE score of 800 (400 on both Verbal and Quantitative sections) in order to be considered as a candidate for admission. However, simply meeting the minimum requirements does not insure you will be selected for admission.

What is the GPA and GRE score of a typical person accepted into the CD Program?

• The mean GPA of a student accepted into the CD Program is 3.5 and the mean GRE score is 1050. NOTE: Surpassing these criteria alone does not guarantee admission into the CD Program.

Is the GACE Exam required for admission into the CD Program?

• Yes. Applicants who score a minimum of 1030 on the GRE, a minimum of 1000 on the SAT, or a minimum of 43 on the ACT are exempt from the GACE. Applicants who do not meet one of these criteria must take and pass the GACE. Out-of-state applicants may substitute the PRAXIS I exam for the GACE.

How many students are typically admitted each year?

• The CD Program faculty limits the number of students admitted each year to maintain a high level of program quality in both academic instruction and clinical supervision. Each year, the goal is to have approximately 18-20 students enrolled as a cohort group.

Are there scholarships/graduate assistantships and financial assistance options available?

• Yes. Our program offers a limited number of graduate assistantships and these assistantships vary in terms of type of work, tuition payment, and stipend. Once you have been admitted into the program, we will send you a graduate assistantship application if requested. If an assistantship is not obtained from the CD program, there are other options available within Georgia State. Other departments within the College of Education and other colleges at Georgia State offer graduate assistantships for which you can apply by contacting those departments. Financial aid is also available through the Office of Financial Aid (http://www.gsu.edu/es/financial_aid.html)

When will my tentative program planning occur?

• Program planning (determining specific courses needed and when they will be taken) is done for each student after acceptance into the CD Program. We do not meet with individuals to review transcripts, etc. until after they are admitted into the program.

Does your program offer distance learning or on-line courses?

• At this time, the CD Program does not offer these academic options.

Can I maintain a part-time job while in the Master’s program?

• The ability to maintain a part-time job varies from student to student and here are some thoughts:
• Remember, once admitted to the program, you are a full-time student. The CD Program is intensive.
• Many students have graduate assistantships that offer a stipend which can assist with living expenses.
• For some students, it is possible to maintain a part-time job if needed, but it is not recommended.

Does your program offer a tour of the facilities on campus?

• If you would like a tour of the Georgia State University Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic, please contact the Clinic office at 404-651-3627 to schedule an appointment. For campus tours, please contact the Georgia State University Welcome Center at 404-651-3900.

Can I take only night classes?

• No. The CD classes are offered throughout the day and early evening. The time each Communication Disorders class is scheduled may vary from semester to semester and is only offered once per year. In addition, students must be available to participate in clinical experiences during the day.

How many semesters of on-campus clinical practicum are offered?

• Three semesters of on-campus clinical internships are required at Georgia State. Clinical experiences increase over time to include more responsibilities.

At what locations do students obtain off-campus internships and mini-internships?

• Students in the CD program are placed in off-campus internships at various locations throughout metro Atlanta. These locations include nationally recognized hospitals and medical centers, rehabilitation centers, private practices, and public and private schools.