Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to many common questions about the Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (M.S.S.L.P.) degree program can be found on the following webpages:

Requirements for Applying

How many students are in the program?
We typically seat 50 students each year.

Do you have spring admission?
No, we only admit students for the fall semester.

What is the average GPA of accepted students?
The average GPA score is 3.6. Please know that the GPA is not the only determining factor for admission; the admissions committee looks at the overall application when making decisions.

Is the GRE required?
Beginning with the 2021-2022 (Fall 2022) admissions cycle, the GRE is not required. Scores previously sent will not be used in reviewing an application.

Is there a minimum GPA score?
The minimum GPA score is 3.2.

In the case that I do not have a 3.2, will my application still be considered along with all of the other applicants?
If your GPA is under 3.2, please be aware that applicants whose GPAs are higher will be considered first. The admissions committee bases its decisions upon all required admission materials, including GRE scores, personal essay and recommendations.

The posted minimum grade for the SLP Pre-Professional classes is “B”. Will I be considered if I have a grade lower?
Applicants are strongly encouraged to retake SLP pre-professional courses that are below a “B”. Applicants who meet this minimum will be considered first.

Do I have to complete the admission prerequisites before I apply for the program?
You can apply to the program and be in the process of completing the prerequisites. If the admissions committee accepts you for admission, it will be on a conditional basis contingent upon completing the missing application requirements, which must be completed by the beginning of the first semester. Please note that missing a majority of the courses can have an effect on the competitiveness of your application.

Can I take the pre-professional or ASHA prerequisite courses while taking the M.S.S.L.P. graduate courses?
No. You must complete the pre-professional and ASHA prerequisite coursework before beginning the M.S.S.L.P. graduate program.

Can I submit my school’s clinical observation form or do I have to use Seton Hall’s?
We can accept other documentation of clinical hours provided that the forms contain the exact information we require. In particular, make sure the forms include the ASHA number of the Speech-Language Pathologist that you observed.

Where should I mail my transcripts?
All mail should be sent to:
Graduate Admissions
Seton Hall University
400 South Orange Ave.
South Orange, NJ 07079

Does Seton Hall accept electronic transcripts?
Yes. If your school needs an email address, please use shugrad@shu.edu.

Admissions Decision

When will I find out an admissions decision?
The admissions committee will review applications beginning after the deadline on January 15. Notifications will be made beginning April 1. All decisions are communicated electronically. Those students offered admission will also receive a call by the Dean.

If I am accepted, what do I need to do?
If you are offered admission, you will be required to make a $500 nonrefundable tuition deposit to confirm your seat in the class.

What if I’m waitlisted?
If you are offered a position on our waitlist, please respond that you wish to be considered should seats open. We keep our waitlist open until the first day of class in late August so it is possible candidates can be notified any time before that date.

If I’m waitlisted, can I do anything else?
There’s nothing else you need to submit, but sending updated transcripts for any courses you complete is recommended.

What if I am not accepted?
Please understand that admission is extremely competitive. If you are still interested in Seton Hall, you are certainly welcome to reapply for future admission cycles. We are happy to offer feedback on applications, as well, and requests can be made to shms@shu.edu.

Curriculum

How long is the program?
The program is 65 credits over five semesters. The program starts in the Fall and it includes a full summer (Fall, Spring, Summer, Fall 2, Spring 2). The program follows a cohort model.

Is it possible to do the Master’s online or part-time?
No. Due to the nature of the coursework and clinical education, all M.S.S.L.P. students must enroll full-time and the in-person program is offered on our South Orange, NJ, campus.

Can I work while enrolled in the program?
The M.S.S.L.P. program is a rigorous, full-time program that requires time for clinical experiences and offsite education and research. Despite the rigorous demands of the program, some of our students choose to work part-time.

Does Seton Hall have a clinic on campus?
Seton Hall does not have a clinic on campus. Our unique clinical model provides students with a range of experiential training opportunities, skills training in-class, and a host of observations before students start clinical practicums. Students will have three clinical practicums in different clinical settings. Students are well prepared in this model and consider it advantageous as they learn the processes and protocols of the profession in a variety of settings from day one. These sites often recruit students for positions if they become available.

Do I have to find my own clinical placements?
No. Students work with the Directors of Clinical Education who makes the placements. Typically, we try to rotate all students through school, long-term care/special school, and hospital/sub-acute facilities. When making placements, we try to be mindful of distance, but students should be prepared to travel as much as an hour to clinical placements. Majority of our placements are in New Jersey with some placements in Pennsylvania and New York.

Do I have to take a comprehensive exam at the end of the program?
No. Instead, the program requires that student build a professional portfolio during the program in consultation with their respective academic advisors.

Are there course electives in the program?
There are no electives in the program as the curriculum is cohort based. The only exception is the Research Sequence. Students can enroll in a Research Project Sequence or a Research Methods II course.

Do I have to complete a Master’s Thesis?
No. Instead, students can enroll in either of the following options: a) Research Project Sequence: Students typically work with a faculty member on his/her research project OR, b) Research Methods II course: students complete an evidence based practice project.

With the M.S.S.L.P. degree from Seton Hall University, can I practice in other states?
Yes, you can practice in other states. However, each state has its own set of licensing requirements for Speech-Language Pathologists. You are strongly encouraged to review these requirements by visiting the appropriate state licensing board.

Financial Aid and Housing

How much is tuition?
The program is housed in the School of Health and Medical Sciences and it is 65 credits. Please visit https://www.shu.edu/bursar/tuition-and-fees.cfm#gradtuition for the most current tuition rates.

Are there scholarships or other funding opportunities?
Scholarships are limited and opportunities to apply will be communicated to students. There are a very limited number of graduate assistant positions available. If you are shortlisted for a graduate assistantship position, a notification for additional information will be mailed out to you. Most students finance their education through loans and out-of-pocket payments. While graduate aid is very limited, all students are encouraged to file the FAFSA to be eligible for any consideration.

Is graduate housing available?
A limited supply of graduate housing exists on-campus. Please contact Housing and Residence Life for more information at shuhousing@shu.edu. Many students elect to live off-campus in South Orange where many housing options exist for students.