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The University of Washington and SPHSC Department's admission policy provides for a selective admission process with the objective of attracting students who demonstrate the strongest prospects for high quality academic work. This admissions process shall assure that the University's educational opportunities shall be open to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, or veteran status. The process of admission shall be mindful of the need for diversity in the student body and for qualified individuals from all segments of the population.
Please note, that the undergraduate major in SPHSC has a capacity constrained admissions process based on the size of the SPHSC department. As such, prospective students should carefully read our eligibility and applications instructions.
Virtual Advising
Considering applying for the major? Get your specific questions answered by watching our virtual advising videos!
UW Students
Application Deadlines
SPHSC Department accepts current UW student major applications for Autumn quarter entry only. We do not accept applications for Winter or Spring quarter entry into the major.
|
Entry Date |
Application Opens |
Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|
|
Autumn Qtr 2025 |
February 2025 |
Third Monday of Spring Quarter - April 14, 2025 |
Application Form
To apply to the SPHSC major, please use our Online UW Student Application. This form will require you to create a unique account for the system separate from your UW NetID.
Transfer Students
Application Deadlines
The SPHSC Department accepts transfer student applications for Autumn quarter entry only. We do not accept applications for Winter or Spring quarter entry into the major.
Transfer Students must apply first to the UW Seattle Office of Admissions by February 15. UW Office of Admissions Application
|
Entry Date |
Application Opens |
Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|
|
Autumn 2025 |
February 2025 |
March 31st, 2025 |
Application Form
To apply to the SPHSC major as a transfer student, please use the Online SPHSC Transfer Student Application.
Application Instructions - UW & Transfer Students
All applicants are required to submit the following items by the established deadline. Please complete all of the required components.
- SPHSC application (all pages)
- Personal Statement
- College transcripts (photocopies and unofficial copies are acceptable)
Personal Statement Guidelines
Please attach a personal statement that speaks to your interest and commitment to the Speech and Hearing Sciences major and discipline. We want to know your reasons for wanting to pursue this major, including courses and/or personal experiences that have influenced your decision to apply. Please be sure to tell us about your college career to date, describing your performance, educational path, and choices.
We recognize that applicants may have special circumstances they also wish to convey. As applicable, please provide any other pertinent information you wish the Selection Committee to know when evaluating your application (e.g., leaves of absence, academic struggles, personal/family challenges, resume gaps, etc.)
Personal statements should be no more than 2 pages double spaced using a 10-12 point font and must be typed. The statement should be completed only by the applicant without outside writing assistance.
Please refer all application questions to shugadv@uw.edu
Admissions Committee Process
Admission to the major is capacity constrained. Meeting the criteria below guarantees consideration but not admission. The admissions committee evaluates each application by examining the strength of each component:
- Grade Point Average(s)
- Performance in the five out-of-department prerequisite courses
- Performance in any prior communication sciences and disorders or linguistics coursework, including any SPHSC Department courses
- Personal statement reflecting your interest and commitment to the field of speech, language, and hearing sciences
- Additional evidence of a commitment to becoming a Speech and Hearing Sciences major
Acceptance Notifications
UW student applicants will be notified via email as follows:
- Autumn quarter decisions will be communicated no later than the sixth week of Spring quarter
Transfer student applicants will be notified via email as follows:
- Autumn quarter decisions will be communicated in late April
Other Important Information
Double Degrees & Double Majors
If you are currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) major and you now want to major in Speech and Hearing Sciences, be aware that this is a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree. Thus, if admitted to the SPHSC major, you will be pursuing a double degree (B.A. /B.S.), which requires a mandatory 225 credits total. This requirement cannot be waived.
If you are currently pursuing another B.S. major, and you are admitted to the Speech and Hearing Sciences major, the combination is considered a double major, requiring a minimum of 180 credits.
If you are currently a SENIOR
If you are thinking about starting, adding or switching to this degree and you are a Senior (in credits), your program of study at the UW will be extended by 6 quarters. There is no way to “fast track” our major. It takes two years—even if you have nothing but SPHSC courses to complete— because we only offer courses once a year. We are a very small department and courses must be taken in a certain sequence with certain prerequisites.
If you are currently a JUNIOR
The major must be started in Autumn Quarter and late starting Juniors should anticipate a delayed graduation. The major takes 6 quarters to complete and there is no way to catch up.
If you are currently a SOPHOMORE or FRESHMAN
You cannot apply to the major. We suggest you review the “Undergraduate FAQ” for suggested courses and activities to pursue while preparing for the major. Sophomores should plan to apply during Spring quarter for an Autumn quarter start in the major.