EIU Department of Communication Disorders and Sciences

Pathways to Graduate School at EIU: Direct and Early Admission Options

Direct Admit: High School Seniors/Transfer Students

High school seniors or transfers students (with at least 2.5 years remaining to complete B.S. degree) with strong academic skills are eligible to apply for direct admission to EIU's graduate program in speech-language pathology. Students who are accepted to the program have a GUARANTEED SPOT in the EIU grad program if they keep above a 3.5/4.0 major and cumulative GPA in undergraduate courses and meet the requirements for Essential Professional Functions in undergraduate coursework.

Qualifications for direct admission include being admitted to EIU with a declared major in Communication Disorders & Sciences, a cumulative high school GPA of 3.75+ on a 4.0 scale OR a cumulative GPA of 3.5-3.74 with an ACT of 26+/SAT 1230+ OR top 10% of your graduating class. Please see the direct admission brochure which explains the simple application process and timeline.

Early Admit: Current EIU CDS Majors

EIU CDS students who did not participate in the direct admission option can apply for early admission to EIU's graduate program when their 3000-level courses are completed in April of their junior year. EIU CDS students who meet the following criteria are encouraged to apply for acceptance into the CDS Early Admit Graduate Program:

• They have a 3.5 cumulative GPA and major GPA upon completion of 3000-level CDS courses.
• They have completed >60 hours of college credit by the end of the spring term.
• They have met the Essential Professional Functions in Undergraduate Coursework minimum requirements.
• They have submitted an application to the Graduate Admissions Committee by April 1 of their junior year consisting of written responses to a personal essay question and 3 short answer questions consistent the traditional application and a resume that includes extra-curricular, service, leadership, and employment experience.

Review of applications will take place during May by the Graduate Admissions Committee. Final grades, as well as Essential
Professional Functions, will be considered. Students will be notified of acceptance into the CDS Early Admit Program by June 1. 

"Fast Track" Accelerated B.S.+M.S. program 

Many talented CDS students have dual credit or AP credit when they graduate from high school. If a student has at least 15 college credits (which equates to at least 5 classes typically) when starting the program, then some CDS majors choose the 3-year undergraduate bachelor's degree study plan. With this plan, students can complete the first year of on-campus courses and clinical practicum for the graduate program by July of their 4th year, and leave the Charleston area for full-time internships in schools and hospitals during their 5th year. If students have been admitted to the graduate program through the Direct or Early Admission Programs, they are also eligible to take some graduate courses during their senior year. See sample study plan for this Fast Track Accelerated Option.