Students pursuing a career in speech-language pathology (SLP) or audiology need to know that the entry-level into the practice of either profession is a graduate degree (a master's degree in the case of speech-language pathology; a doctorate degree in the case of audiology).  Applicants for graduate study in SLP must complete a prescribed curriculum of foundational information prior to initiating the graduate degree.  The coursework included in the SLP emphasis at GVSU will fulfill the prerequisite requirements of most SLP graduate programs and prepare students for graduate study.  Although not always required for graduate study in audiology, many programs prefer that their applicants have some or all of the courses included in the CSD major.  The curriculum also provides an excellent background for students who will pursue graduate study in related disciplines.

Students who wish to matriculate in GVSU’s prescribed CSD curriculum as part of their baccalaureate degree must declare and complete the requirements the CSD curriculum. Students admitted to the the CSD major will be admitted to either the 4-semester (traditional track) sequence of courses or 2-semester* (fast-track) sequence of courses.

Below you will find suggested timelines for undergraduates wishing to complete the CSD/SLP coursework at GVSU as well as some links to useful websites and documents.

CSD Undergraduate Academic Advising

The CSD Department provides academic advising related to the CSD major. As an "admitted" CSD major, all students are assigned a CSD academic advisor. All academic advisors are faculty within the CSD Department. 

Non-admitted students should set up academic advising through the College of Health Profession's Student Services Office. Senior CHP advisors are available to provide academic advising. 

Current Undergraduate CSD Major Paths:

Traditional Path - 4 semesters

The 4-semester sequence is completed across two academic school years, and students enroll in 1-5 courses each fall and winter semester. Students complete coursework following a prescribed sequence of courses.  This option is ideal for students classified as sophomores or juniors when they begin the course sequence.

Fast-track Path - 2 semesters

The 2-semester sequence is completed in one academic year, and students enroll in 4-5 courses both fall and winter semesters.  Students complete coursework following a prescribed sequence of courses.  This option is ideal for students classified as seniors who have completed all requirements for graduation except for the CSD/SLP courses.*

Student-Initiated Combined Degree Program

This program allows students to complete a specific number of graduate-level credits (up to 12 credit hours) while enrolled as an undergraduate student toward a graduate degree. The SICD program is possible for SLP and AUD graduate programs. All SICD students must: 1) be at least 108 credits by end of graduation year, 2) have all university and other non-CSD major requirements satisfied, and 3) be accepted into graduate program of choice at GVSU. For more information, visit: https://www.gvsu.edu/gs/student-initiated-combined-degree-program-90.htm

Useful Links:

Important Documents:


Page last modified March 22, 2023
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