How to Apply

Application Instructions

Note: We are only requiring applicants to apply through Cal State Apply.

 The application period is now OPEN until February 1st. Please complete and submit all application materials through Cal State Apply only. 

  • To ensure full consideration, applications should be submitted and ALL program application materials should be received by February 1st (including letters of recommendation). University materials (including official transcripts) are due by July 1.

Students with a baccalaureate degree in any subject from an accredited college or university may apply. Note that there are two program "tracks" - one for the traditional two-year graduate program, and one for our extended graduate program (if your background is not in communication disorders). To qualify for the two-year program you must plan to complete your undergraduate degree or the equivalent, such as a post-bacc or leveling program, in communication disorders prior to beginning the program. Foundational coursework minimum requirements may include:

  • Anatomy and Physiology of Speech and Hearing
  • Phonetics/Phonological Disorders
  • Child Language Development/Disorders
  • Speech and Hearing Science
  • Neuroanatomy/Neurophysiology and Adult Neurocognitive Disorders
  • Audiology/Audiometry

We additionally strongly recommend, but do not require coursework in:

  • Clinical Methods and Diagnostics
  • Clinical Observation (25 hours)

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

Required Application Materials

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  • Upload the following documents to the "Documents" area:

    • A written personal statement. 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. 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 CV/Resume. The resume is normally one to two pages long and should include applicable educational, work, and/or volunteer experiences.
    • Unofficial transcripts from all institutions you have previously attended (e.g., community colleges/universities; do not include high school transcripts.) Non-English transcripts from international institutions must be translated. These should include grades from fall 2025 coursework, if applicable. 

  • Send official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended to the CSUEB Office of Admissions. The Office of Graduate Admissions reviews all graduate applications for CSU minimum graduate requirements.
    • 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.

  • Provide the following items in the "Questions" area:

    • The link to your pre-recorded video response. In 3 minutes or less, introduce yourself and the respond to one of the following prompts (make sure to indicate which prompt you are responding to). Upload the video to YouTube as an unlisted video, and include the link in your application (please do not make it *private* as the viewers will not be able to view it).
      1.      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.
      2.      Discuss a goal that you set for yourself. You may choose to address how you worked toward the goal, whether or not you achieved it, what you learned from the experience, and what, if anything, you would do differently.
    • A brief Supplemental Essay: Describe your philosophy or approach to communicating and working with individuals with varying cultural, linguistic, and life experiences. Share any relevant personal, academic, or professional experiences that have shaped your perspective. Responses to this prompt should be limited to 2-3 paragraphs. Responses to this prompt should be limited to 2-3 paragraphs.
    • GPA in Speech-Language and Hearing Sciences/Communication Disorders coursework- ONLY REQUIRED FOR REGULAR TWO YEAR PROGRAM APPLICANTS. This should include all courses with the major prefix, and post-baccalaureate courses, as applicable. 

  • The following are also required for the application:

    • Letters of Recommendation (three letters): 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. 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.
    • Note: GRE / CBEST scores are NOT required for the 2025-2026 application cycle. 
Department Application Review Policies

Strong applications will demonstrate many of the following characteristics: high GPA and other evidence of strong academic rigor, evidence of exposure to this field or related professional fields, a robust work ethic, experience working with culturally and linguistically diverse populations including languages spoken, strong writing skills, and an ability to work well with others. 

  • Incomplete applications will not be considered.
  • We regret that we are unable to accept students who have begun a graduate program elsewhere and wish to transfer to our program.
  • Applicants with an overall GPA lower than 3.0 may not receive a full review.
  • Any already completed ASHA CCC's related courses in biological sciences, statistics, social/behavioral sciences, and physical sciences will be considered as well as course content in human/cognitive development across the lifespan to meet SLP Credential standards requirements.

As part of the application process, applicants may be asked to participate in a live writing sample session on Zoom. Beginning in mid February through the beginning of March, please regularly check the email you used for your application for notification of interview scheduling. 

If you have questions about the application, please email slhs@csueastbay.edu

Note on mode of instruction

The California State University system has returned fully to on-campus instruction. For the 25-26 Academic Year, a hybrid Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program is being offered through Self-Support. Students who wish to attend classes online are encouraged to consider applying to this program.