How to Apply

For The Graduate Program:

Applicants must apply to both the graduate program using CSDCAS, and to the university using Cal State Apply.  See instructions below for each process. 

  • You may choose to apply to the program first, and if you are recommended for admission, to then apply to the university.  Note that you will not be able to receive information on available financial aid without having been admitted to the university.  

Apply to the program via CSDCAS between October 1, 2023 and January 15, 2024  

Note that there are two CSDCAS applications, one for the traditional two-year graduate program, and one for our extended graduate program (if your background is not in communication disorders). To apply to the two-year graduate program you must plan to complete your undergraduate degree or the equivalent  in communication disorders prior to beginning the program. If you have not completed the equivalent at the time you apply, you will be required to provide a list of the classes you plan to take in spring and/or summer, as applicable. 

Required application materials for CSDCAS include 

  • Transcripts from all institutions you have previously attended. 
    • Information on how to submit transcripts to CSDCAS is at Sending Official Transcripts to CSDCAS
    • International transcripts must be translated / evaluated. A list of agencies that perform such evaluations is available HERE. 
    • To accommodate applicants who have completed all other parts of the application by January 15th and are waiting for their current institution to release Fall 2023 transcripts, the program will allow transcripts to arrive by February 1st. 
    • Official transcripts MUST be received by CSDCAS by February 1st for your application to be processed
  • A statement of purpose (or, personal statement/essay). The statement is normally one to two pages long. Please use 1-inch margins and 1.5 spacing; you may select your preferred font no smaller than 11 point.  In your statement please respond to all aspects of both of the following prompts.
    • The statement typically discusses why you are choosing this career path, what experiences or personal characteristics you have that would lead you to be a strong graduate student and effective speech-language pathologist, and why you have chosen to apply to Cal State East Bay’s program. It will also give you the opportunity to address any potential concerns about other areas of your application.
  • A Pre-recorded video response. In 3 minutes or less, introduce yourself and then discuss a time that you had to make a difficult decision. You may choose to address how you approached the decision, what you learned from the experience, and/or whether you would make the same decision again. Upload the video to YouTube as an unlisted video, and include the link in your application (please do not make it "private" as the reviewers will not be able to view it).
  • A CV / resume. The resume is normally one to two pages, and should include applicable educational, work and/or volunteer experiences.  
  • Letters of Recommendation (three letters).  CSDCAS uses the term “evaluations” for this part of the application process. Letters should be current. It is preferred that letters come from academic sources, but other sources, such as professional letters and letters from volunteer supervisors, are also acceptable. If your degree was granted more than 3 years prior to your application, you may submit all letters from non-academic sources. The recommending individual should be able to comment on your potential to be a successful graduate student. 
  • Note that the GRE/CBEST scores are not required for the 2023-2024 application cycle.

Strong applications will demonstrate many of the following characteristics: a high GPA and other evidence of academic rigor, evidence of exposure to this field or related professional fields, a robust work ethic, experience interacting with culturally and linguistically diverse populations, including languages spoken, strong writing skills and an ability to work well with others. Strong letters of recommendation come from individuals who have taught the applicant or supervised the applicant in professional settings, and can speak to the qualities that will help the applicant succeed in graduate school.

Apply to the University via Cal State Apply between October 1, 2023 and June 1, 2024

Minimum requirements to apply to Cal State East Bay as a graduate student are at the prospective graduate student information website.

Required application materials include:

  • Transcripts from all institutions you have previously attended.
    • Do not send transcripts until after you have completed your Cal State Apply application.
    • Please refer to How To Submit Documents. 
    • If you applied to Cal State East Bay in the past, please contact the university at gradadmission@csueastbay.edu to find out if you need to resubmit transcripts. 
      • Please include your NetID or the last four digits of your social security number, and the last term you applied for.
  • For the Supporting Information section in Cal State Apply, you do not need to submit any Experiences if you are only applying to Cal State East Bay. 

 For The Undergraduate Program:

Undergraduates do not need to apply to the Speech Pathology and Audiology major, which course sequence begins Fall Semester.   We encourage you to read through our FAQ, and email slhs@csueastbay.edu with any follow-up questions you may have.