GVSU's M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology Track Two serves bachelor's degree holders who have not completed communication sciences and disorders prerequisites. Based on the Health Campus in downtown Grand Rapids, the six-semester pathway begins with two semesters of leveling courses before professional coursework and community clinical training. Apply through CSDCAS; Casper, a minimum 3.0 GPA, foundational science and statistics coursework, essays, and other application materials are required.
- Program
- Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology Track 2
- Credential
- MS
- Location
- Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States
- Casper
- Required
- Next deadline
- April 15, 2027 (Track Two priority application deadline)
- Length
- Six semesters: two semesters of leveling coursework followed by four semesters of professional coursework and clinical training.
Casper Requirement for Grand Valley State University Speech-Language Pathology Track 2
Grand Valley State University Speech-Language Pathology Track 2 requires Casper for the 2026-2027 cycle.
- Test to book
- United States Casper 2
- 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.
Complete Casper for the current admissions cycle. Snapshot is not required. Casper includes video and typed responses; select GVSU as a score recipient when reserving the appropriate test.
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 2 Application Deadlines 2026-2027
- Apply through
- CSDCAS
- Applications open
- July 14
| What | When |
|---|---|
| Track Two priority application deadline | April 15, 2027upcoming |
| Track Two final application deadline, CSDCAS verified | June 15, 2027upcoming |
Submit the application, transcripts, three electronic recommendations, resume, both required essays, and signed Core Function Document through CSDCAS. The application must be verified by the deadline. Submit GVSU's separate SLP Supplemental Form after receiving instructions following verification.
Eligibility Requirements for Grand Valley State University Speech-Language Pathology Track 2
- Degree / credits
Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in a field other than communication sciences and disorders (CSD); applicants have not completed the prerequisite coursework in speech-language pathology.
- Language proficiency
Applicants whose native language is not English must submit TOEFL, IELTS, MET, PTE Academic, or Duolingo scores meeting GVSU's published minimum before the admission deadline.
Admission pathways
- Track 2: Pathway for applicants with bachelor's degrees in fields outside CSD; foundational training is integrated within the graduate program.
Track Two includes the communication sciences and disorders leveling coursework in its first two semesters. Contact the SLP admissions coordinator through the program's admissions page with questions about prior coursework.
Other requirements
- Signed Core Function Document: Attach the completed, signed document in the Documents section of CSDCAS.
- GVSU SLP Supplemental Form: Submit after CSDCAS verification using instructions emailed by GVSU.
- Health compliance after acceptance: GVSU sends health-compliance requirements after a student commits and before the program begins.
Selection Factors Grand Valley State University Considers
Prerequisites
| Course | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Statistics | One course |
| Biological sciences | One course |
| Physical sciences | One physics or chemistry course |
| Psychological or social sciences | Coursework in either area |
GPA
- Minimum
- 3.0
- Competitive
- Competitive applicants maintain strong undergraduate records from accredited institutions.
GVSU describes a 3.0 GPA as the minimum for a competitive application.
Admissions tests
- GRE (not required): The GRE is not required.
- English proficiency (required for some applicants): If your 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
Not required.
GVSU does not list a minimum number of observation, volunteer, internship, or work hours for Track Two admission. Applicants submit a resume.
Supplementary application
CSDCAS requires official transcripts, three electronic recommendations, a resume, an Attributes Essay, an Accelerated Program Essay, and a signed Core Function Document. After CSDCAS verification, GVSU emails instructions for its separate SLP Supplemental Form.
How applicants are ranked
Track Two priority applications are considered first. Later complete applications are reviewed as space permits, with a response generally expected two to four weeks after submission. Eligible applicants may be invited to interview; GVSU does not publish a numerical ranking formula.
Interview Format at Grand Valley State University
Attend an interview if invited; GVSU has not specified its format.
- Who is invited
- Applicants invited by the program.
Practice under timed, realistic conditions with Bright Doctor's AI Interview Simulator.
Prepare for Casper and Your Interview
Access Bright Doctor's Casper Question Bank with 100+ scenarios and 300+ expert-crafted responses, AI Interview Simulator with realistic practice conditions, and personalized mentorship from current medical students, all on one web-based platform.
Start Practicing FreeCurriculum at Grand Valley State University Speech-Language Pathology Track 2
- Program length
- Six semesters: two semesters of leveling coursework followed by four semesters of professional coursework and clinical training.
- Structure
The first two semesters contain leveling courses and no clinical practicum. The final four combine coursework with community-based practica, ending in a full-time unpaid internship.
- Campuses
- Grand Rapids Health Campus
Prepares students to identify and treat speech, language, and swallowing disorders. Core elements include speech science, dysphagia coursework, and hands-on clinical training serving multiple clients.
Campus and facilities
The program is based at Raleigh J. Finkelstein Hall on GVSU's Health Campus in downtown Grand Rapids. Clinical practica take place at community sites.
Tuition and Funding at Grand Valley State University
- Speech-Language Pathology M.S. graduate tuition, 2026-2027 academic year: $940 per credit hour
GVSU publishes one graduate program rate regardless of residency. This published rate covers the 2026-2027 academic year; rates may change.
What Applicants Are Saying
Matriculated students report that prior exposure, like serving two clients in an undergraduate clinic or working as an SLP intern for one semester, bolsters applications. Students report that detailing hands-on roles, such as two semesters as a student clinician serving multiple clients, differentiates applications in holistic review. Matriculated students describe strong preparation in speech science, dysphagia, and clinical training, with alumni supervising GVSU graduates noting their clinical competence in private practice settings. Students report positive reflections on clinical rotations and peer support during the extended six-semester timeline.
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 2 Application
- Check Track Two eligibility and complete the required statistics, biological science, physical science, and psychological or social science coursework.
- Prepare transcripts, three recommendations, a resume, both essays, and the signed Core Function Document for CSDCAS verification.
- Reserve the current-cycle Casper test and select GVSU for score distribution.
- Practise both video and typed Casper responses under timed conditions.
- Prepare to discuss your interest in speech-language pathology if invited to interview.
- After CSDCAS verification, follow GVSU's emailed instructions to submit the separate SLP Supplemental Form.
Frequently Asked Questions About Grand Valley State University Speech-Language Pathology Track 2
Does GVSU MS Speech-Language Pathology Track 2 require Casper?
Yes. GVSU requires Casper for the 2026-2027 admissions cycle. Snapshot is not required.
What is the GPA requirement for GVSU SLP Track 2 admissions?
GVSU lists a minimum competitive GPA of 3.0.
How long is the GVSU MS Speech-Language Pathology Track 2 program?
Six semesters: two semesters of leveling coursework, then four semesters including clinical training.
Does GVSU SLP Track 2 require GRE or other tests?
The GRE is not required. Casper is required; applicants whose native language is not English must meet an accepted English-test minimum.
What clinical experience do GVSU SLP Track 2 applicants need?
GVSU does not list minimum observation, volunteer, or work hours for admission. Clinical practica are part of the program after enrollment.
Where do I apply for GVSU MS Speech-Language Pathology Track 2?
Apply through CSDCAS. After verification, follow GVSU's email instructions for its separate SLP Supplemental Form.
Is GVSU SLP Track 2 for non-CSD majors?
Yes. Track Two is designed for bachelor's degree holders without the CSD prerequisites; its first two semesters provide leveling coursework.
What is the Casper format for GVSU SLP admissions?
The current-cycle Casper has video-response and typed-response scenarios and takes approximately 65-85 minutes.
Sources
- GVSU SLP Application Information
- GVSU CHP Program Application Deadlines
- GVSU SLP Program Information
- GVSU Speech-Language Pathology M.S.
- GVSU Tuition & Fees 26-27
- GVSU M.S. Speech-Language Pathology Program Requirements
Last updated: September 26, 2026