Communication is one of the most important human attributes. Disorders (Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology) is the profession devoted to helping people overcome disabilities in speech, language, and/or hearing, and to increasing our knowledge of human communication processes. The University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire's Communication Disorders degree program offers a comprehensive major and a standard major, both of which incorporate a liberal arts and a sciences component. A master’s degree is required to complete the professional education prior to initial employment. UW – Eau Claire's master’s degree program is accredited in speech-language pathology by the Council on Academic Accreditation of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and is approved by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.

What will I learn from studying Communication Disorders?

Knowledge:

A Communication Disorders major’s coursework includes areas such as phonetics, normal communication and development, phonological disorders, and anatomy and physiology of speech and hearing. In addition to these areas, students also gain basic skills learned in general education classes.

Skills:

• Intellectual Aptitude
• Resourcefulness
• Perception
• Understanding
• Analytical skills

What are some of the interests and values related to Communication Disorders?

• Imagination
• Patience
• Sensitivity
• Teaching
• Communicating effectively

What are related student and professional organizations?

Student:

• National Student Speech, Language, and Hearing Association (NSSLHA)
• American Sign Language Association
• Best Buddies
• Student Support Services Advisory Board
  

Professional:

• American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
• Academy of Neurologic Communication Disorders and Sciences (ANCDS)
• Council of Academic Programs in Communication Sciences and Disorders

What career fields are related to a Communication Disorders Degree?

Potential Employers:

Communication Disorders majors work in a variety of fields. Generally, a master’s degree is necessary for working in any field of the communication disorders profession. Employers of communication disorders graduates include schools, hospitals, nursing care facilities, in research settings, or in a private practice.

Potential Job Titles:

• Speech Language Pathologist
• Audiologist
• Teacher
• Speech and Audio Therapist
• Speech and Hearing Clinicians
• Researcher
• Health Agency Director
• Instructional Coordinator

What are some entry-level jobs held by UW – Eau Claire Communication Disorders graduates?

• Continued Education, University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire, WI
• Community Living Assistant, Aurora Health Care, Eau Claire, WI
• Teacher’s Aide, Kenosha Unified School District, Kenosha, WI
• Continued Education, University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh, WI
• Continued Education, Minnesota State University – Mankato, MN

How can I learn more about Communication Disorders?

Department

• Contact someone in UW – Eau Claire’s Dept. of Communication Disorders
• Human Sciences & Services 113, 836-4186

Career Services:

• Meet with a career counselor
• Take interest inventories and self assessment tests
• Ask An Alum & Friends, a database of UW-Eau Claire Alumni & Friends available for informational interviewing

Career Discovery Center:

• Opportunities in Speech-Language Pathology Careers, Patricia Larkins Hicks
• Real People Working in the Helping Professions, Blythe Camenson
• Career Opportunities in Health Care, Shelly Field
• Your Career in Healthcare, Robert F. Wilson
• Careers for Kids at Heart & Others Who Adore Children, Marjorie Eberts & Margaret Gisler
• Career Opportunities in Special Education, Robert Connelly

Internet:

• National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders
• DMOZ site on Communication Disorders
• Speech pathology.com
• Speech-Language Pathology Websites
• Department of Applied Language Studies
• Graduate School Search
  

What are some opportunities for experiential learning in Communication Disorders?

Internship

Internships are a way to gain hands-on experience in a position that interests you as a potential career. To find an internship in Communication Disorders that suites your interests, visit Career Services (Schofield 230) and speak with a Career Associate about the many available internships.

Directed Studies or Independent Study Class

By participating in an Independent or Directed Studies course, students will be able to research an area that they find particularly interesting. Contact your advisor about enrolling in CSD 399, 495 or 499.

Experiential Opportunities

In some communication disorders classes, such as Clinical Procedures in Communication Disorders (CSD 370), students are able to obtain clinical observations hours.