An applicant whose native language is not English must present an IELTS score of 6.5 or alternatively, a TOEFL score of at least 80 on the TOELF ibt.
To be assured consideration for admission, prospective students must submit all required application materials through the Communication Sciences and Disorders Centralized Application Service (CSDCAS) and the Graduate School portals. After a review of the applications, qualified candidates may be invited to an interview. NIU university honors students admitted via the freshman guaranteed admission program should check with the SLP program regarding entry requirements.

Admission to the master's degree program is typically for full-time study. An applicant for admission to the program is generally expected to meet or exceed the following requirements.

A minimum 3.00 GPA (on a 4.00 scale) in all undergraduate work.

Three letters of recommendation from professors, employers, or supervisors providing supportive
evidence of an applicant's professional qualifications.

A statement describing the applicant's qualifications, goals, and career aspirations
as they relate to the speech-language pathology program at NIU.

Documentation of 25 hours of supervised observation of speech-language pathology services.