Our graduate program leads to a Master of Science degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders with an emphasis in speech-language pathology. The program is designed to prepare students to provide clinical services for children and adults with communication disorders and their families in a variety of settings. Graduates of our program are eligible for the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, for professional registration or licensure, and for those who choose to complete the requirements, a license from the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.

A new master's degree curriculum has been approved and will take effect in Fall 2008. The new program requires successful completion of at least 54 credits in Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD): 49 required credits in courses and practica and 5 elective credits from a designated list of electives. In addition, a course in each of the following areas is needed by graduation, if not taken as an undergraduate: phonological disorders; voice disorders; fluency disorders; aural rehabilitation; neurology; sign language; and AT/AAC. Courses numbered below 500 are not graduate level and cannot be counted among the required credits. Undergraduate course numbers for double-numbered courses are shown in parentheses below.

Required Courses: 49 credits required of all students unless taken previously

• CSD 648 (448): Aphasia and Related Disorders (2)
• CSD 706: Language Assessment (3)
• CSD 715: Research in CSD (2)
• CSD 716: Instrumentation in CSD (1)
• CSD 725: Counseling in Communication Sciences and Disorders (2)
• CSD 726: Organic Voice & Speech Disorders (2)
• CSD 727: Augmentative and Alternative Communication (2)
• CSD 730: Seminar: Language Theories (2)
• CSD 737: Dysphagia (2)
• CSD 748: Motor Speech Disorders (3)
• CSD 754: Acquired Cognitive Communication Disorders (3)
• CSD 774: Pediatric Dysphagia (1)
• CSD 769: Graduate Clinical Practicum (2 registrations, 1 credit each) (2)
• CSD 770: Clinical Practicum in Communication Disorders (2 registrations, 2 credits each) (4)
• CSD 780: Externship in CDIS: Educational Settings (0, 6, or 12)
• CSD 781: Externship in CDIS: Rehabilitation Settings (0, 6, or 12)
• CSD 749: School Methods (3) [required before school externship]
• CSD 750: Rehab Methods (2) [required before non-school externship]

Selected Electives: 4 credits required

• CSD 673 (473): Applications in Audiology (2)
• CSD 731: Seminar: Child/Adolescent Lang Intervention (2)
• CSD 746: Seminar: Language Disorders (2) [even years]
• CSD 747: Seminar: Speech Disorders (2) [odd years]
• CSD 799: Thesis (6)

Other Electives:

• CSD 501 (301): ASL I (3)
• CSD 521 (321): Aural Rehabilitation (3)
• CSD 526 (326): Voice and Resonance Disorders (3)
• CSD 552 (352): Fluency Disorders (3)
• CSD 558 (358): Phonological Disorders (3)
• CSD 578 (378): Sign Language (3)
• CSD 611 (411): Facilitating Communication in Preschool (2)
• CSD 640 (440): Neurological Aspects (2)
• CSD 685 (485): Diverse Populations (2)

Is a Thesis Required?

Students may elect either a thesis or non-thesis option. A student who elects the thesis option works with a faculty mentor to design and complete an original research project. Students electing the non-thesis option complete the written comprehensive examination.

How Long Does it Take?

The typical graduate program encompasses two academic years and the intervening summer session.

How can I Apply?

Application packets are available from the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders starting in September. Also, application materials are available on this web site, Graduate Application Materials. Do be sure to use up-to-date materials created for applicants this year. The application deadline is February 1st each year. To get an application packet mailed to you, you may e-mail us at stadlema@uwec.edu, or call the department at 715-836-4186, or write us at:

Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders
University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire
Eau Claire, WI 54702-4004

We are proud to announce our "pass rate" on the national Praxis II examination is 98% on first attempt and 100% prior to graduation. Compared to the national average of less than 75%, we have much to be proud of. We also are very proud to announce that our completion rate for the graduate program is 100% and our employment rate also is 100%.  Many of our graduates are employed before they walk across the stage at graduation.

Additional information about the program is available from the Graduate Office Communication Sciences and Disorders Program Fact Sheet.