About the Program Is California State University, Northridge (CSUN) accredited by ASHA? Yes. When will the program begin? Cohort 9:  Students begin coursework in April, 2008, with a two-week computer orientation class.  Regular curriculum courses start in May. Do I need an undergraduate degree to qualify? Yes. Must the degree be in Communication Disorders and Sciences? No, but qualifying prerequisite coursework must be completed. Will I need a computer? Yes.  Click for Hardware and Software requirements.
What prerequisite coursework is needed? Thirty units in CD. Please refer to Prerequisites for students with a bachelors’s degree in another field. Is prerequisite coursework offered online? No. Will I have to have clinical hours? Yes. Will I have to attend any classes at CSU, Northridge? No. Will this program accommodate a job? Yes. How long will it take? 36 months. How do I find out about the program? This website should answer many of your questions. For additional information, you can fill out an Information Request Form or e-mail Elaine Saler: elaine.saler@csun.edu.
Is admission to the program competitive? Yes. Is this program available nationwide? Yes. Is the program available if I were to move to another country? No international studies will be permitted without written approval from the Department prior to the application process. A change to international studies will also not be approved after a student’s acceptance to the program. Will I be able to access CSUN student services? Yes. Will I get the same degree as CSUN students who attend classes on campus? Yes. You will earn a Masters of Science degree in Communication Disorders & Sciences from CSUN.

What do I need to become a student in the Distance Learning Program?

• Students must satisfy university graduate school admission requirements.
• Students must have 30 hours as a post-baccalaureate student or a bachelor's degree in Communication Disorders. (with 30 hours of specified pre-requisite coursework).
• Students must be able to meet practica requirements in at a clinical site.
• Students must satisfy admissions requirements, including review of transcripts, successful completion of the GRE or MAT, letters of reference, and a statement of intent.
• Students must have a late-model PC and Internet connection (click here for computer requirements), a television, VCR and fax capability.

Is it possible to transfer graduate courses already completed?
No. All course work for the graduate degree must be completed as a member of the "DL COHORT" (DL stands for Distance Learning).

Is it possible to transfer clinical practica already completed?
Yes. The first 75 clock hours of your practica may be transferred from prior work at Cal State Northridge or another CAA approved university under the supervision of a CCC/SLP.

Is it possible to switch courses between the residential and Distance Learning graduate programs in speech-language pathology at Cal State Northridge?
No. Students are admitted either to the residential or to the Distance Learning program and may not enroll in coursework outside the program of admission in the department.

May I apply to both the Distance Learning and residential programs?
Yes. However, you will need to complete two separate application forms since these programs are administered separately and have differing dates for applications, enrollment, fee payment, and course calendars.

Do I have to pay 2 fees to the graduate school if I do apply to both programs?
No.

Who should I ask to write letters of recommendation?
You will want to ask one person who knows how well you do in academic classes. You will want another person who can attest to your clinical work (your employer or a clinic supervisor). Avoid friends and family and parents of children who you have worked with.

Can I transfer graduate hours that I completed at another university?
No. This is a lockstep program. You begin together, take all the courses together and end together.

How do I know if this program would be "right" for me?
Past experience has told us that this program requires a student to be HIGHLY motivated and HIGHLY organized.

Will I be eligible for Financial Aid?
Yes, if you meet the criteria. You will be a matriculated student. You may want to look at the CSUN financial aid page for information.

What can I do to prepare to apply?
1. You can study for the GRE. The scores are good for 5 years.
2. You can ask people to write letters of reference.
3. You can get your clinic hours signed by your university.

What subtests of the GRE are considered in the application process?
Verbal and Quantitative

What score is required on the GRE?
The university catalog indicates that a student must achieve place in the 50th percentile or better on either the Verbal or the Quantitative subtests of the GRE. Cohort 1's average combined Verbal and Quantitative GRE score was 967.

Is the GRE offered frequently?
Go to the GRE web page for more information. The GRE is given in Sylvan Learning Centers in your area usually more than once a month. You will receive an UNOFFICIAL score when you leave.

Can I take the GRE again?
Yes.

Should I study for the GRE?
YES!! You may wish to buy software to "practice" the GRE on your computer. You can buy preparation books through the GRE testing service or at any bookstore. You may also wish to take a review course.

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