Some speech-language pathology master’s programs never interview, some interview only when the committee wants to, and some require you to pass an interview to get in. Here is what CAPCSD and named SLP programs say about interviews, what they assess, and how to prepare.
From CAPCSD and programs’ own admissions pages2026-27 cycleChecked October 28, 2026
Practice with a mock interviewOne-on-one on Zoom with Julie Cunningham, MA, CCC-SLP.
Jump to:Do programs interview?Formats by programWhat they look forQuestions to practiceTiming and April 15How to prepareFAQ
Do SLP programs interview?
CAPCSD, the council of communication sciences and disorders programs, says “Interviews are a common component of the admissions process for audiology and speech-language pathology programs” (CAPCSD). Policies range widely:
- No interview: Pittsburgh says, “No. Interviews are not offered or required” (Pitt).
- Sometimes: Loyola University Maryland “may require invitation-only interviews for candidates as deemed necessary by the admission committee,” and says “Neither an invitation to an interview nor no invitation to interview is to be interpreted as a favorable or unfavorable indicator of admission” (Loyola Maryland).
- Required: Cal State Monterey Bay says, “Interviews are required in order to be admitted to the program” (CSUMB). Our Lady of the Lake says, “Students must pass the interview to be accepted into the program regardless of their accomplishments in other areas” (OLLU).
Where there is no interview, your statement carries more weight. See our SLP personal statement examples.
Interview formats by program
| Program | Format | What their page says |
|---|---|---|
| West Virginia University | In person or virtual | “Interview Day - February 1, 2027.” In person for on-campus applicants; virtual for the online program. Source |
| Pacific University (Oregon) | Individual, with a community partner | “School of CSD faculty members interview qualified applicants together with a community partner.” “Interviews are conducted in the month of February.” Source |
| Cal State Monterey Bay | Interview plus tasks | “Interview candidates will also engage in additional tasks (e.g., writing and collaborative tasks).” Source |
| MUSC | Faculty interview | “Applicants who score highly will be invited to interview with the program faculty.” Source |
CAPCSD notes that “Traditionally, interviews have been conducted either in person or through synchronous virtual platforms such as Zoom,” and that some programs now use recorded interviews, where applicants “respond to predetermined interview questions by recording video responses” (CAPCSD).
What SLP programs are looking for
“assessing communication skills, professionalism, enthusiasm, and the ability to think and respond in real time.”CAPCSD, July 2026
West Virginia lists the qualities it looks for: “A desire for lifelong learning,” “Critical thinking ability,” “Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills,” and “An openness to receiving constructive feedback” (WVU). Cal State Monterey Bay says its interview looks at “overall fit with the program,” “knowledge of the field of speech-language pathology,” and “interpersonal skills and professionalism” (CSUMB).
This is a communication profession, so how you speak in the interview is part of the evidence: clear, organized answers, a steady pace, and real listening.
Questions to practice
Neither CAPCSD nor the programs above publish interview questions. Based on what they say they assess, practice these out loud. They are my practice prompts, not questions any program has published:
- Why speech-language pathology?
- What setting do you want to work in, and why?
- Tell me about your observation hours. What surprised you?
- Describe a time you received critical feedback and what you did with it.
- Tell me about a time you worked with someone very different from you.
- What is an issue facing the field right now?
- Why our program?
Your interviewers may have your application in front of them, so reread your own CSDCAS personal statement before the interview. If you haven't submitted yet, see our CSDCAS personal statement examples, or work with Lauren Hammond, PhD, our personal statement editor.
Timing and the April 15 deadline
Several programs interview in February. West Virginia’s is February 1, 2027, Pacific’s are in February, and Our Lady of the Lake says “Decisions are typically announced in February by email immediately following school interviews” (OLLU).
CAPCSD’s national deadline protects you from early pressure: “Students are not required to confirm admission before April 15th,” and “Any institutional exceptions are clearly communicated to applicants.” But “an acceptance given or left in force after April 15th commits the student not to accept another offer” (CAPCSD). CAPCSD’s posted letter covers Fall 2026 admission; check each program’s offer for its deadline.
How to prepare
- Find out whether and how each program interviews. None, sometimes, or required; live or recorded.
- Prepare a two-minute “why SLP.” Build it from a specific client, observation, or experience.
- Prepare five or six stories: feedback you used, a team project, working with someone different from you, a challenge, and what you learned observing.
- Practice a writing or collaborative task if your program uses one, as Cal State Monterey Bay does.
- Practice speaking clearly under pressure. Slow down, organize each answer around one point, and stop when you’ve made it.
- Do a mock interview with feedback from someone who will be honest about pace, filler words, and clarity.
For virtual SLP interviews, see Zoom interview tips from Julie Cunningham, a licensed speech-language pathologist.
Practice with a real interviewer before the real one. My wife, Julie Cunningham, MA, CCC-SLP, is a licensed speech-language pathologist who runs mock interviews on Zoom for SLP graduate program applicants. She coaches every format: one-on-one, panel, MMI, and recorded video interviews such as Kira Talent. She works on how your answers come across: clear key words, pace, voice, filler words, organizing an answer so it has a point, staying steady when you're nervous, and how you look and sound on camera. She holds the same CCC-SLP certification you’re working toward. It's $250 an hour.
Frequently asked questions
Do SLP grad programs require interviews?
Some do and some don’t. Pittsburgh says interviews are not offered or required. Cal State Monterey Bay requires an interview for admission, and Loyola University Maryland interviews only when its committee decides it is necessary.
What do SLP grad school interviews assess?
CAPCSD says interviews aim at assessing communication skills, professionalism, enthusiasm, and the ability to think and respond in real time.
When are SLP grad school interviews?
Often in February. West Virginia’s interview day is February 1, 2027, and Pacific University interviews in February.
Are SLP interviews virtual?
Some are. West Virginia interviews online-program applicants virtually and on-campus applicants in person. CAPCSD notes that some programs now use recorded video interviews.
Does not getting an interview mean I was rejected?
Not always. Loyola University Maryland says neither an invitation to an interview nor no invitation is a favorable or unfavorable indicator of admission.
Do I have to accept an SLP offer before April 15?
Under CAPCSD’s national deadline, students are not required to confirm admission before April 15. An acceptance left in force after April 15 commits you not to accept another offer.
Related guides: PT school (DPT), OT school, Audiology (AuD), Athletic training (MSAT), and Orthotics and prosthetics. See all interview guides by program.
Every format and quotation on this page comes from CAPCSD or the program’s own admissions page, linked where it appears. Last checked October 28, 2026.