Communication Disorders & Sciences:
Admission Requirements

Audiology (AuD)

At the time of application, individuals should have completed, or be in the process of completing, the baccalaureate degree at accredited institutions. The baccalaureate degree must be completed before commencing work at Rush University. Students entering the program must have transcript credit for at least one college level math course, at least one course in the behavioral/social sciences, at least one course in the biological sciences, at least one course in the physical sciences, and statistics. Although not required, the following coursework is strongly recommended: advanced college-level math (algebra, trigonometry, or calculus), research methods, child psychology, physics, and computer literacy. Applicants should check the program application for additional information about prerequisites.

Admission is granted for the fall quarter of each year. The application file includes a completed application with essays, application fee, three letters of recommendation from individuals acquainted with the applicant's academic or professional background, official transcripts from all universities attended, official scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), and a resume. Applicants whose native language is not English and who have not obtained a college degree from a U.S. institution, must submit official scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).

The generally applied minimum standards for acceptance into the Au.D. program are a 3.0 undergraduate GPA overall (on a 4.0 scale) or a 3.5 GPA in major courses. Scores on the GRE should be 1000 or higher (verbal plus quantitative). Favorable letters of recommendationare also necessary. The Admissions Committee in the department reviews all applications and makes all admissions decisions.

Speech-Language Pathology (MS)

At the time of application, individuals should have completed, or be in the process of completing, the baccalaureate degree at accredited institutions. The baccalaureate degree must be completed before commencing work at Rush University. Students entering the program must have successfully completed coursework in introduction to audiology, phonetics and normal articulatory production, normal language development, speech and hearing science, speech and hearing anatomy and physiology, and statistics. In addition, entering students must have transcript credit for at least one course in each of the following areas: biological sciences, physical sciences, social/behavioral and mathematics. Applicants should check the program application for additional information about prerequisites.

Admission is granted for the fall quarter of each year. The application file includes a completed application with essay, application fee, three letters of recommendation from individuals acquainted with the applicant's academic or professional background, official transcripts from all universities attended and official scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Applicants whose native language is not English and who have not obtained a college degree from a U.S. institution, must submit official scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).

The generally applied minimum standards for acceptance into the program are a 3.0 undergraduate grade point average (GPA) overall (on a 4.0 scale) and a 3.5 in major courses in speech-language pathology or a 3.5 in the prerequisite course content as listed in the application. Scores on the GRE should be at the 50th percentile or higher. The Admissions Committee in the department reviews all applications and makes all admissions decisions.

Technical Standards

1. Observation

• The student must participate actively in all demonstrations and laboratory exercises in the academic and clinical curricula.
• The student must assess and comprehend the condition of all patients assigned to him or her for examination, diagnosis and treatment.
• Such observation and information acquisition usually requires the functional use of visual, auditory and somatic sensation.

2. Communication

• The student must be able to communicate effectively and sensitively with patients in order to elicit information, describe changes in mood, activity and posture, and assess non-verbal communications.
• The student must be able to effectively and efficiently transmit information to patients, fellow students, faculty, staff family, and other professionals.
• Required communication skills include speaking, reading and writing, as well as the observation skills described above.

3. Motor

• The student must have sufficient motor function to elicit information from patients.
• Students must be capable of performing basic diagnostic tests, possess all skills necessary to carry out diagnostic procedures, and execute the movements reasonably required to provide care to patients.

4. Intellectual-Conceptual, Integrative and Quantitative Abilities

• The student must be able to measure, calculate reason, analyze and synthesize, and apply the critical thinking skills required of a health care professional.
• The student must have the capacity to problem-solve in a timely fashion.

5. Behavioral and Social Attributes

• The student must be able to fully utilize his/her intellectual abilities and exercise good judgment. Prompt completion of all responsibilities attendant to the diagnosis and care of patients is required Students must be capable of developing mature, sensitive and effective relationships with patients and others.
• Students must be capable of developing mature, sensitive and effective relationships with patients and others.
• Students must also be able to tolerate taxing workloads, function effectively under stress, adapt to changing environments, display flexibility, and learn to function in the face of uncertainties inherent in the clinical problems of many patients.
• Compassion, integrity, concern for others, commitment and motivation are personal qualities which each student should possess.
• The student must show respect for individuals with disabilities and for persons with different age, ethnic background, race, religion, and/or sexual orientation.