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The master of science in communication sciences and disorders program is designed to prepare students to function independently as speech-language pathologists within the field of communication disorders. The program in speech-language pathology at UW-Eau Claire is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and is approved by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. By the end of the graduate program, a student can meet requirements for: The Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology; Wisconsin licensure in speech-language pathology; and the Department of Public Instruction license in speech and language pathology.
Goals
The purpose of the MS degree is to help students develop knowledge and/or competencies in several areas:
• Normal speech, hearing, swallowing and language development and behavior.
• Nature, evaluation and management in various work settings of the disorders of speech, hearing, language and swallowing in children and adults.
• Investigative procedures in communication science and disorders.
Requirements
The student must complete a minimum of 54 credits of graduate course work in communication sciences and disorders prior to earning the MS degree in CSD. A thesis is optional in this program. Those who write a thesis must complete an oral comprehensive examination about the thesis. Students who do not write a thesis must pass a written comprehensive examination. Each student must complete two externships in the final
Participation in practicum experiences occurs during each enrollment term. These experiences are planned to serve the needs and interests of students and to allow students to meet credential requirements. Students obtain a diverse clinical experience through the Center for Communication Disorders on campus and its many affiliated off-campus practicum sites. Under the supervision of qualified university personnel and on-site supervisors at affiliated practicum sites, students have opportunities to encounter clients ranging in age from infancy to the geriatric population and exhibiting all types of communication disorders. The affiliated practicum sites represent a wide variety of types including hospitals, clinics, community agencies, nursing homes, private practices and schools. Faculty members teach academic courses and supervise clinical practicum experiences within their areas of expertise.
Apply early
The fact that a student has met the minimal criteria listed does not guarantee admission to the program. Enrollment in the graduate program is limited to a maximum number of students determined annually by the program faculty. In recent years, the number of students admitted annually has been 15 or 16. Applications for admission are reviewed only once per year in the spring. Students begin their graduate programs as full-time students during the fall semester following admission.
Students are encouraged to visit the program prior to reaching a decision about whether to apply to it. Visits should be scheduled through the graduate program coordinator. Ideally, students should visit when the university is in session, maximizing the opportunity to talk with department faculty and students as well as to observe a variety of events.
More advantages
• Our graduates pass the PRAXIS before graduation and obtain employment by or shortly after graduation.
• UW-Eau Claire has an excellent clinical facility with state-of-the-art technology on campus (the Center for Communication Disorders) and affiliation with many off-campus practicum sites where students gain experience working with clients.
Pre-requisites
Students wishing to pursue a MS degree in communication sciences and disorders must have a baccalaureate degree, preferably including a major in communication sciences and disorders. Completion of 30 semester credits in communication sciences and disorders course work prior to entering the graduate program is required. Students who do not have 30 CSD credits may apply as a second-degree seeking undergraduate student to complete those 30 credits. Students must have an overall grade-point average of 2.75 or better (or 2.90 in the second half of undergraduate course work) and a GPA of 3.0 or better in communication sciences and disorders course work. To be admitted to the program,
students also must have a grade of B or better in each graded practicum experience.
Application requirements
To apply to the MS in communication sciences and disorders program, submit the following documents prior to Feb. 1 to be considered for the next fall term:
• A complete application for graduate admission along with the application fee.
• Official transcripts from all postsecondary institutions previously attended.
The communication sciences and disorders program also requires its own departmental admissions application, three letters of recommendation and GRE scores sent directly to
them. All departmental application materials are on the departmental website to be filled out, printed, and mailed to the department before Feb. 1. Generally, application materials for a given year are available after September 1. Contact the CSD graduate coordinator with questions, for further information, or to arrange a visit.
Send materials to:
Graduate Admissions
UW-Eau Claire
Schofield Hall 112
Eau Claire WI 54702-4004
For information contact:
Dr. Marie Stadler, Coordinator
Human Sciences & Services 121
Phone: 715/836–4861
stadlema@uwec.edu
