Undergraduate Admission to the SPAUD Program
Students who wish to enter the professions of Speech-Language Pathology or Audiology may qualify for the degree of Bachelor of Arts in speech pathology and audiology and then apply to graduate programs in either area. Students who wish to become audiologists should apply to accredited graduate programs during the fall of their senior year. Students who wish to become speech-language pathologists should apply to Calvin's bachelor’s-to-master's (BA-MA) program before the second semester of their sophomore year. Admission into graduate programs in audiology or speech-language pathology is very competitive. Outlined below is the admission process for Calvin's BA-MA Speech Pathology and Audiology (SPAUD) Program.
Early Admission Process to the BA-MA Program
High school graduates interested in the SPAUD BA-MA program are eligible for early admission to the major at Calvin College. Students must meet the following criteria:
- A composite ACT of equal to or greater than 28 or an SAT critical reading plus math score of equal to or greater than 1260.
- A high school GPA of 3.8 or higher for US citizens.
- Average marks of 91% or higher from a Canadian high school.
- Students must specify a SPAUD major on their Calvin College application and submit their final Early Admission qualifying ACT or SAT on or before May 1 prior to their freshman year.
In order to maintain early admission status, an early admitted Calvin student must have:
- Earned at least an A- in each of the prerequisite SPAUD courses at Calvin (SPAUD 210, SPAUD 212, SPAUD 215, SPAUD 216).
- Earned a 3.3 GPA every semester at Calvin.
- Met the essential functions required to practice as a speech-language pathologist (see Essential Functions Requirements in the SPAUD student handbook, for more information).
- Successfully completed a criminal background check, fingerprint check, and drug screen.
Regular Admission to the BA-MA SPAUD Program
Application to the BA-MA SPAUD Program for regular admission of undergraduate students at Calvin normally occurs before the second semester of the sophomore year. Applications are due on January 15 for classes beginning the following September. Those who apply after the submission deadline will be considered on a space available basis only. Application forms are available in the SPAUD program office.
In order to apply to the SPAUD program, Calvin students must have:
- At least sophomore standing (greater than or equal to 27 hours) at the application due date.
- Completed at least three of the following four prerequisite courses at the application due date: SPAUD 210 SPAUD 212, SPAUD 215, SPAUD 216; and at least one of the following courses: BIOL 115. MATH 143, or a Physics or Chemistry course.
- A minimum overall cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.3 at the application due date.
- A minimum grade of B+ in each of the prerequisite courses at the application due date.
- Retake no more than one required SPAUD prerequisite course and may only retake one SPAUD course one time to earn at least a B+.
- Met the essential functions required to practice as a speech-language pathologist (see Essential Functions Requirements in the SPAUD student handbook, for more information).
Calvin undergraduate students should also take note of the following policies:
- Prerequisite SPAUD courses must have been completed within the last seven years.
- Preference will be given to applicants who have completed or will complete all prerequisite courses at Calvin.
- Applicants who submit applications after the due date will be considered on a space-available basis.
- After students apply, SPAUD prerequisite courses in progress must be completed with a minimum grade of B+ before the next academic year.
- Enrollment in the BA-MA major is also contingent upon successful completion of a criminal background check, fingerprint check, and drug screen.
It is important to note that completion of the SPAUD courses and achievement of the minimum criteria does not guarantee admission into the SPAUD BA-MA Program. Enrollment in SPAUD Program is limited and thus the admission process is selective.
Admission for Transfer Students to the BA-MA SPAUD Program
Undergraduate students who have transferred to Calvin from some other college or university will follow the regular admission process, if they have completed at least two semesters of full time academic work at Calvin by the time they apply for admission to the program. Transfer students can expect to be full-time at the undergraduate level for at least four semesters before beginning the master’s program.
Retention Requirements for all Undergraduate SPAUD Majors
Students must earn at least a 3.3 (B+) GPA every semester across all courses, and earn at least a B+ in every SPAUD course. If a student earns below a 3.3 in a speech pathology and audiology course or earns below a B+ in one course, the student will be placed on probation and must earn a 3.3 GPA the following semester or retake the deficient course to earn a B+. Students may earn below a 3.3 GPA only one time and retake one SPAUD course only one time during their tenure at Calvin College.
Students must also meet the essential functions required to practice as a speech-language pathologist, as outlined in the SPAUD Handbook.
Admission for Graduate Students
Prospective graduate applicants with a degree or equivalent coursework in speech pathology and audiology or with degrees in other disciplines/areas of study may apply to the graduate program only. Preference is given to Calvin undergraduate students in the bachelor's-to-master’s degree program; however, a limited number of seats may be available for post-baccalaureate students. Please note that simply meeting the criteria is not a guarantee of admission. As is the case with most graduate programs in speech pathology, admission is highly competitive. Admission to the Master’s program only is dependent on the criteria listed below.
- Graduation from a regionally accredited undergraduate college or university.
- A minimum overall GPA of at least a 3.3 and a minimum GPA of 3.3 (no exceptions).
- Three letters of recommendation from persons familiar with your academic and/or professional abilities.
- A personal statement that addresses reasons for pursuing an advanced degree in speech pathology, professional objectives, and why Calvin is a good fit for your graduate experience and your future profession.
- Successful completion (with at least a 3.3 GPA) of the undergraduate prerequisites or their equivalents. Descriptions of courses are located at http://www.calvin.edu/academic/cas/academics/speech-pathology/academics/.
Applicants who are admitted to the graduate program but have inadequate undergraduate preparation in speech pathology are expected to enroll in the undergraduate prerequisite courses first to prepare them for graduate study. All applicants must meet required undergraduate course prerequisites before enrolling in SPAUD graduate classes. See below for course listings.
- SPAUD 210: Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech Mechanism
- SPAUD 212: Speech and Hearing Science
- SPAUD 215: Introduction to Speech Pathology and Audiology
- SPAUD 216: Phonetics
- SPAUD 311: Child Language
- SPAUD 343: Neuroscience of Communication
- SPAUD 344: Evaluation Procedures in Audiology
- SPAUD 370: Introduction to Clinical Practicum
- Developmental Psychology (across the lifespan course)
- Physical Science course, preferably a Physics or Chemistry course
- English Grammar course
- Statistics Course
All applicants must also meet the retention requirements as listed in the Academic and Clinical Handbook.
How to Apply as a Post-Baccalaureate Student
Applicants must submit the following items online at CSDCAS (www.csdcas.org):
- Official transcripts from every college or university attended; if currently attending college, most recently completed semester grades must be included.
- Three letters of recommendation that address your potential for success in the graduate program.
- A personal statement that addresses:
- Why you decided on a career in speech-language pathology.
- Your future professional objectives.
- Why Calvin College, as a faith-based institution, is a good fit for your graduate education and your future profession.
All application materials (including official transcripts) are due no later than February 15 to www.csdcas.org for entry the following fall semester.
If accepted, applicants will be directed to the Admissions Office for application to the college. Limited financial aid may be available for post-baccalaureate students. Email finaid@calvin.edu or phone (616) 526-6134 for more information.
