GVSU's 60-credit M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology Track 1 is a full-time, four-semester pathway for bachelor's-degree holders who complete its prerequisites. Applicants apply through CSDCAS and must complete Casper. Coursework is based in Grand Rapids, with community-based clinical training and a final internship.
- Program
- Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology Track 1
- Credential
- MS
- Location
- Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States
- Casper
- Required
- Next deadline
- December 1, 2026 (Track 1 early-decision application and materials deadline)
- Length
- 16 months (60 credits)
Casper Requirement for Grand Valley State University Speech-Language Pathology Track 1
Grand Valley State University Speech-Language Pathology Track 1 requires Casper for the 2026-2027 cycle.
- Languages
- English
- Applicant ID to enter
- CSDCAS Number
- Other Acuity assessments
- Snapshot (not required)
Check available Casper test dates in your Acuity Insights account at takecasper.com.
Casper is required for Track 1 applicants. Snapshot is not required. Check Acuity Insights for GVSU's bookable sittings and distribution details.
Casper format
Casper is an online, open-response situational judgment test run by Acuity Insights. The current format has 11 scenarios (4 video-response and 7 typed-response) with 2 questions each and takes about 65 to 85 minutes, including optional breaks. Typed-response scenarios allow 3.5 minutes to answer both questions.
Practice with Bright Doctor's Casper Question Bank, featuring 100+ scenarios and 300+ expert responses.
Grand Valley State University Speech-Language Pathology Track 1 Application Deadlines 2026-2027
- Apply through
- CSDCAS
- Applications open
- July 15, 2026
- Application fee
- $150 for the first CSDCAS program; $60 for each additional program. GVSU also lists a $30 nonrefundable application fee, waived for applicants who previously applied to GVSU.
| What | When |
|---|---|
| Track 1 early-decision application and materials deadline | December 1, 2026upcoming |
| Track 1 regular-decision application and materials deadline | January 15, 2027upcoming |
Apply through CSDCAS. Choose early decision only if GVSU is the school you plan to attend if offered admission. Applicants not offered early admission automatically enter regular consideration. Submit required materials in time for CSDCAS verification and complete GVSU's supplemental form after verification.
Eligibility Requirements for Grand Valley State University Speech-Language Pathology Track 1
- Degree / credits
Bachelor's degree with Track 1 prerequisite coursework; a speech-language pathology major is not required.
- Language proficiency
Applicants whose native language is not English must provide a qualifying TOEFL, IELTS, MET, PTE Academic or Duolingo score before the admission deadline.
Admission pathways
- Track 1: Accelerated path for applicants with a bachelor's degree in speech-language pathology or equivalent prerequisites; targets students with a dedicated undergraduate background in the field, distinguishing it from Track 2.
Track 1 requires credits in every prerequisite course area and at least 25 prerequisite credit hours.
Selection Factors Grand Valley State University Considers
Prerequisites
| Course | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Anatomy and Physiology | 3 credits Minimum credits; grade C or better |
| Language Development | 3 credits Minimum credits; grade C or better |
| Phonetics | 3 credits Minimum credits; grade C or better |
| Hearing Science | 1.5 credits Minimum credits; grade C or better |
| Speech Science | 1.5 credits Minimum credits; grade C or better |
| Basic Audiology | 3 credits Minimum credits; grade C or better |
| Neurological Foundations of Communication Disorders | 3 credits Minimum credits; grade C or better |
| Aural Rehabilitation | 3 credits Minimum credits; grade C or better |
| One course in a disorders area | 2 credits Minimum credits; grade C or better |
| Statistics | required |
| Biological Sciences | required |
| Physical Sciences (physics or chemistry) | required |
| Psychological or Social Sciences | required |
GPA
- Minimum
- 3.0
- Competitive
- Competitive applicants hold strong undergraduate records in prerequisites.
GVSU describes 3.0 as its minimum competitive GPA.
Admissions tests
- GRE (not required): The GRE is not required.
- English proficiency (required for some applicants): For applicants whose native language is not English: TOEFL 80, IELTS 6.5, MET 52, PTE Academic 53 or Duolingo 105. Scores must reach GVSU before the admission deadline; exceptions can be requested but are not usually granted.
Experience and volunteer hours
GVSU's published admission requirements do not specify prerequisite observation, internship or student-clinician hours.
Supplementary application
Submit official transcripts, three electronic recommendations, a résumé, an Attributes Essay, an Accelerated Program Essay and a signed Core Function Document through CSDCAS. After CSDCAS verification, follow GVSU's emailed instructions to submit its SLP Supplemental Form.
How applicants are ranked
Track 1 offers early and regular decision. Applicants not offered admission through early decision are automatically considered in regular decision. GVSU requires eligible applicants to complete the application, prerequisites and Casper; invited applicants must attend an interview.
Interview Format at Grand Valley State University
Applicants invited to interview must attend.
- Who is invited
- Applicants invited by the program
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Start Practicing FreeCurriculum at Grand Valley State University Speech-Language Pathology Track 1
- Program length
- 16 months (60 credits)
- Structure
Full-time over four consecutive semesters without breaks, starting late August and ending December of the following year.
- Campuses
- Health Campus
The 60-credit Track 1 combines coursework with community-based clinical practica. The first clinical semester is faculty-led; subsequent semesters use community preceptors, and the fourth semester is a full-time internship. An optional thesis adds a semester.
Campus and facilities
The program is based on GVSU's Health Campus in Grand Rapids. Clinical practica occur at off-site community locations; placements during later semesters may be available farther from campus.
Tuition and Funding at Grand Valley State University
- Speech-Language Pathology M.S. tuition per credit hour: $940
GVSU publishes a program-specific per-credit rate; check its tuition schedule for applicable fees.
What Applicants Are Saying
Students report strong preparation for clinical roles, with supervisors noting exceptional performance from GVSU graduates. Matriculated students describe a focused environment skewed toward female enrollment (one male in about 100 for the SLP track), fostering tight-knit cohorts. Many highlight the program's rigor and support.
Shared by applicants and students on forums and communities. It is anecdotal, not official program information.
How to Prepare Your Grand Valley State University Speech-Language Pathology Track 1 Application
- Check every Track 1 prerequisite and its minimum credit and grade requirement.
- Request transcripts and three recommendations early enough for CSDCAS verification.
- Prepare the Attributes and Accelerated Program essays and signed Core Function Document.
- Complete the GVSU supplemental form after receiving its post-verification email.
- Book Casper using GVSU's current information in Acuity Insights.
- Prepare for an interview if invited.
Frequently Asked Questions About Grand Valley State University Speech-Language Pathology Track 1
Does GVSU SLP Track 1 require Casper?
Yes. GVSU requires Casper for this admissions cycle; Snapshot is not required.
What is the GPA requirement for GVSU MS SLP Track 1?
GVSU lists a 3.0 minimum competitive GPA.
How long is GVSU Speech-Language Pathology Track 1?
Track 1 is a 60-credit, full-time program spanning four consecutive semesters, normally 16 months; an optional thesis adds a semester.
Does GVSU SLP Track 1 require GRE?
No. The GRE is not required.
What are the Casper test dates for GVSU SLP?
Select GVSU in Acuity Insights' test-date search for available sittings, fees and distribution details.
Is an interview required for GVSU MS SLP Track 1?
Yes. Applicants invited by GVSU must attend an interview; the program does not specify its format or dates.
Can international students apply to GVSU SLP Track 1?
Applicants whose native language is not English must meet GVSU's published English-test minimum and have scores received before the admission deadline.
What clinical experience is needed for GVSU SLP Track 1?
GVSU does not list a prerequisite clinical-hour requirement. Track 1 includes supervised practica and a final internship.
Sources
- GVSU Application Information
- GVSU Program Information
- 2026-2027 GVSU M.S. Program Requirements
- GVSU Tuition & Fees 26-27
- CSDCAS Application Cycle Dates
- CSDCAS Application Fees and Fee Waivers
- Acuity Insights Test Date & School Information
Last updated: September 26, 2026