Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I need a Bachelor’s degree in communication sciences and disorders (CSD) to apply to the Graduate Program?
You will need to complete a Bachelor’s degree before enrolling in the Graduate Program, but the degree does NOT need to be in CSD. Applications from all backgrounds are welcome. If you do not have a CSD degree, you will need to complete five prerequisite undergraduate courses. It would also be helpful to have undergraduate courses in physics (or chemistry), biology, and statistics (see further information below).
2. What background courses will I need for the Graduate Program?
The Graduate Program requires completion of 5 undergraduate courses: Audiology, Language Development, Speech Anatomy and Physiology, Phonetics, and Speech Science. At UMaine, the course numbers are CSD 301, 380, 383, 481, and 484. These courses may be completed before or during the first year of the Graduate Program. When included as part of the Graduate Program, the background coursework will typically extend the length of the program by one semester.
The Graduate Program and ASHA also require that students have background coursework in biological sciences, physical sciences, behavioral sciences and statistics. These courses cannot be related to communication sciences and disorders.
3. It there a “cut-off” for GPA and GRE scores to apply?
Applications are reviewed according to four criteria: GPA, GRE scores, personal statement, and letters of recommendation. Strengths in some areas may compensate for a weakness in another area. We do not apply a cut-off for GRE scores in the review process. Currently, only applicants with GPAs of 3.25 and above will be considered for admission.