Frequently Asked Questions

1. What do I do if I have a bachelors degree in another field?

You must have completed the courses listed as prerequisites, or their equivalents, before entering the graduate program. These courses may be taken with approval of the Chair on a non-matriculated, or "Continuing Education" basis: you do not have to acquire a second Bachelor's Degree.

If you wish to take prerequisite courses, please contact the Department office at (845) 257-3620 or send an e-mail request to vayos@newpaltz.edu to participate in our prerequisite program. Classes are filled on a first-come, first served basis after completion of undergraduate and transfer registration. Your name will be placed on a waiting list and you will be advised on or before August 1 as to whether there is a place for you in the classes.

If you are notified that your request for registration can be accommodated, you will be asked to open a student record at Records & Registration.  Then you will meet an advisor in Communication Disorders who will provide you with permission to register for classes.

2. If I take these prerequisite courses at New Paltz, does that mean I will be accepted into the New Paltz graduate program?

No. These courses must be taken "on speculation." Your application to graduate school will be considered along with all other applicants. There is no particular advantage for graduate admissions at New Paltz in having completed undergraduate courses here.

3. How long will it take me to complete these courses?

The minimum duration of the prerequisite program at New Paltz is one year of full-time study. Courses may also be taken on a part-time basis.

4. When should I apply to the graduate program?

Graduate applications are reviewed each Spring for Fall admissions. All prerequisite courses must be either completed or in progress There are no Spring admissions. If you are still taking courses at the time you apply, the admissions committee will attempt to acquire midterm assessments for those courses, and will use those assessments in their decision making process.

5. Is the New Paltz Graduate Program accredited?

Yes, The Graduate Programs in Communication Disorders at New Paltz (Speech-Language Pathology, and Speech and Language Disabilities) are accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Both concentrations are also registered as licensure qualifying in the State of New York.

6. Is the program a difficult one?

Yes, both the undergraduate and graduate programs are rigorous, and graduate admissions throughout New York State are highly competitive.

7. What are my chances of success?

Based on January 2009 data:

Praxis pass rates:   96%
Graduation rates within the published timeframe (4 years): 94%
Employment rates: 90-100% of those seeking jobs in the field have a job at graduation.