Interviews for Graduate Admissions in Communication Sciences and Disorders: Methods From Two CSD Programs

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this tutorial is to introduce the interview as a complementary component to the holistic process for graduate admissions. To do so, procedural details of two master's degree programs in speech-language pathology are provided that successfully execute two different but effective interview methods for speech-language pathology admissions. Graduate applicant interview processes are used in order to assess the whole applicant at Pacific University's School of Communication Sciences & Disorders and the Woolfolk School of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Our Lady of the Lake University. Other health profession fields have established evidence that demonstrates the utility of graduate admissions interviews for holistic review. This evidence can be used by communication sciences and disorders programs to expand our awareness and knowledge, engage with the limitations, and problem solve solutions to implement and improve interview processes. Conclusions: Reviewing applicants beyond test scores, grades, and other traditional components is critical in order to select students who are the best match for any program. A holistic approach to admissions could involve the inclusion of interviews to collect information on the personal qualities of applicants and provide one way to measure noncognitive attributes. Interviews allow for assessment of communication skills, suitability for the program, and applicant strengths not evident in traditional measures. Whatever the chosen method, interviews may be a valuable tool in graduate admissions that can be used in conjunction with traditional test scores and grade point average to predict academic and clinic performance and encourage equitable and inclusive ways of learning about applicants.