Please note the following dates if you are applying for the 2025 cohort: 

• Mid-July 2024 (Date TBA) - Application Process Opens
• January 15, 2025 - Application Deadline
• September 2025 - New Residential Cohort Starts

More detailed information on the application process can be found in the accordions below. 

• This is a full-time residential program with students admitted as a cohort and beginning in fall semester.
• All coursework and clinical experiences are completed over a two-year period plus the intervening summer session.
• All students must maintain a 3.0 GPA and successfully complete a comprehensive examination prior to graduation. 
• Successful completion of our ASHA accredited, full-time residential graduate program culminates in a Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders.
• We also prepare students to meet requirements for ASHA certification, Wisconsin public school license, and Wisconsin state license.

More detailed information can be found by selecting the accordions below. 

• This is a full-time residential program
• All coursework and clinical experiences are completed over a two-year period plus the intervening summer session.
• Students earn a total of 54 graduate credits: 40 credits of coursework and 14 credits of clinical practicum.
• You must maintain an overall GPA of 3.0 to remain in good standing.
• All graduate students must successfully complete a comprehensive examination prior to graduation. 
• Students are admitted as a cohort and move through the program together.
• Each semester of the graduate program students enroll in clinical experiences, either in our state of the art Center for Communication Disorders or at one of our many off-campus practicum sites. 
• Some students may need to register for additional credits in order to meet ASHA and/or state credentialing standards. This additional coursework may include human or animal biology, chemistry or physics, psychology/human development, statistics, neurology, sign language, aural rehabilitation, guided clinical observation (during which you earn 25 observation hours), and assessment and treatment for: voice disorders, articulation/phonological disorders, and child & adolescent language disorders. Students with course deficiencies are welcome to apply to our graduate program, but must understand that additional coursework will be required before beginning the program and/or during the course of the program.
• For additional information refer to the current CSD Residential Graduate Program Handbook below.

The Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire knows that having a diversity of thought and voice elevates all voices. We believe diversity is essential to our work as an institution. We are committed to the deep and sustained work required to cultivate a culture where equity, diversity, and inclusivity are supported by a spectrum of diverse voices woven into the fabric of our program.  

We have listed the steps that our department is taking in an effort to deconstruct racism and embrace diversity. The full statement can be found on our program website. With regard to graduate admissions, we have made the following changes

• Our evaluation of applications is a holistic process that will consider experience, personal attributes, and key academic metrics.
• We do not accept standardized exam results (i.e., GRE scores) as part of the graduate application materials due to the racial, ethnic, and cultural biases inherent in such testing.

At UWEC, we value diversity and lifelong learning. We expect our graduate students to become excellent SLPs, collaborative leaders, and culturally humble citizens of the world.  

Minimum Criteria to be Considered for Admission

• Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited university.
• An overall undergraduate GPA of 2.75.
• A minimum GPA of 3.25 in CSD coursework.
• A grade of B or better in any graded CSD practicum experience.
• A minimum of 30 CSD semester credits or a bachelor's degree in CSD must be earned by the beginning of your graduate program (see post-baccalaureate sequence link below).
  • These credits must include college-level coursework in each of the following five areas:
    • Anatomy & Physiology of Speech & Hearing Mechanism
    • Speech & Hearing Science
    • Normal Communication/Language Development
    • Phonetics
    • Audiology
  • The 30 minimum credits must also include at least 3 of the following 6 courses or courses that are equivalent (note: overview or “survey” disorders courses, or courses designed exclusively for SLPA training are not accepted):
    
    • Speech-Sound Disorders
    • Child Language Disorders
    • Voice & Resonance Disorders
    • Aural Rehabilitation
    • Clinical Methods/Procedures (with 25 hours of guided observation)
    • Neurology of the Speech and Hearing Mechanism
  • Additional CSD coursework required for our graduate program:
    • Sign Language

Additional Information:

• The required courses total 38 credits. Although only 30 credits are required for admission to the graduate program, if not completed prior to entry into the graduate program, the remaining courses must be taken during the graduate program. The need to take any of the deficiency coursework during the grad program will result in the first year of the grad program feeling like full-time graduate studies.
• Appropriate disorders courses must cover content in both assessment and intervention. Determination of course equivalency is made by the department chairperson and graduate program coordinator. 
• We do not accept standardized exam results (i.e., GRE scores) as part of the graduate application materials due to the racial, ethnic, and cultural biases inherent in such testing.

Post-Baccalaureate Sequence

Essential Functions

Given the admissions philosophy of the UWEC program, the following information is provided to guide prospective candidates through the application process.

Important Information and Dates: 

• Application for the full-time residential graduate cohort opens Mid-July 2024 (Date TBA).
  NOTE: Do not use any application materials or instructions downloaded prior to this date.
• All application materials are due by 10:59 PM Central time on January 15, 2025.
• Applications that are incomplete after this date will not be reviewed. It is your responsibility to meet this deadline.
• Do not wait until the last minute to submit your application.
  You can submit your application up until 10:59 PM CST on January 15, 2025; however, ensure you allow for time to complete the required payment section. You must click Submit and complete the final payment information before the deadline to guarantee your submission is accepted. Please be aware that during busiest times you may experience page loading delays, and these may occur outside of customer service's hours of operation. CSDCAS cannot grant deadline extensions if you miss your deadline.

Application Instructions:

1. Complete a CSDCAS application at Communication Science and Disorders Centralized Application Services (CSDCAS): Communication Science and Disorders Centralized Application (CSDCAS) beginning Mid-July 2024 (Date TBA). The deadline for receipt of all materials is January 15, 2025, 10:59 PM CST.

   • Complete all steps in the CSDCAS application. This includes the four following components:
     • Personal Information: This is where you can highlight all aspects of your identity to help us better understand who you are.
     • Academic History: In addition to entering all completed coursework from your transcripts in your CSDCAS application, you must also list any planned or in-progress coursework.
     • Program Materials: This includes technology questions and a three-item extended writing prompt.
     • Supporting Information: This includes three letters of recommendation (“evaluators”) and allows you to highlight additional experiences and achievements. Please do NOT submit more than three letters of recommendation.
   • Submit your application as soon as you have completed your sections (no later than 10:59 PM Central time on January 15, 2025).
     • Note: Your letters of recommendation and transcripts can arrive after you click Submit and will be added to your application as they are received. 
   • If you experience issues with the CSDCAS application process, contact CSDCAS customer service with questions or problems: 617-612-2030 or CSDCASinfo@CSDCAS.org. 
     
     
2. Send ALL transcripts (dual credit, junior college, study abroad, any universities) to CSDCAS in early fall.
   • We recommended requesting transcripts prior to December 1, 2024 to allow colleges time to process your request.
   • Do not submit transcripts to UWEC. Transcripts should be submitted to: CSDCAS Verification Department, P.O. Box 9113, Watertown, MA 02471
     
     
3. Complete the University application and pay the $56 fee before January 15, 2025.
   • Do not mail any application materials to the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire or the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders. 

Application Checklist:

An additional tool to help you keep track of the application process is the Application Checklist. It is attached below for your reference. Use this checklist to make sure you have completed all of the steps in the application process. The checklist includes links to all of the websites and documents you need in order to complete your application.
Application Checklist Residential

Questions:
If you have any questions or concerns about the application process, please contact the Graduate Program Coordinator.

Application Evaluation Criteria - Our Holistic Review Promise

A faculty committee will evaluate your application holistically. We utilize all components of your CSDCAS application to better understand all of the following related to YOU:

• Academic skills
• Personal characteristics
• Service, leadership, and CSD related experiences
• Writing skills
• Strong and enduring community ties/connections
• United States military affiliation (self or partner)

That means we look at multiple parts of the application to designate a ranking for each of the following areas:

• Three letters of recommendation. You should choose letter writers who know you well and can speak to how your academic skills, any research experience, personal characteristics, and/or life experiences align you with being a strong match for a rigorous, online graduate program and (ultimately) becoming an SLP. These letter writers should be sure to highlight your exceptional personal characteristics and life, clinical, academic, community, and/or leadership experiences.
  • At least one letter of recommendation needs to be from a faculty member who knows you academically within communication sciences and disorders.
  • We will evaluate letters from individuals in other academic programs and letters from non-academic sources such as supervisors at your place of employment. 
  • Do not utilize letters of recommendation from relatives or close friends.
  • Only three letters will be reviewed—do not submit more than three.

• Your written response. You will be asked to address three specific prompts in one essay. We are looking for your responses related to the following (specific, more detailed writing prompts are within CSDCAS once the application period opens):
  • Why you are an excellent match for the UWEC, residential, full-time graduate program and (ultimately) for becoming an SLP.
  • Your understanding of and journey with cultural humility.
  • Your beginning knowledge and skills with a specific clinical application scenario in CSD.
    
    
•  Your CSD GPA.
  • You can review the published information on GPA averages for our recently admitted cohort in the Compare to the most recently admitted cohort section on this website. 
  • Your written response (described above) is a place where you can explain any discrepancies between your GPA values and your knowledge, skills, dispositions, and experiences that you believe make you an excellent match for our graduate program and for becoming an SLP.

• Number of completed applications received - 136
• Average overall GPA of admitted students - 3.7
• Average major (CSD courses) GPA of admitted students - 3.99

Financial Aid:

• The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire offers financial assistance to graduate students.
• The "Financial Aid Year" consists of terms Fall/Spring/Summer. If you are accepted to the program and plan to apply for financial assistance, you will need to have filed a FAFSA for the academic year you begin the program.
• Once you begin the graduate program, financial aid will apply to graduate-level classes only; costs for any remaining pre-requisite classes taken at the undergraduate level will not be included in your financial aid award. Contact the financial aid office to discuss options for financial aid in semesters when you must take additional undergraduate/pre-requisite coursework.
• Admitted students are advised to contact the Office of Financial Aid directly at finaid@uwec.edu (recommended), or call 715-836-3373, regarding potential adjustments for travel expenses and Winterim classes.
   

Graduate Scholarships:

• Applicants who have been invited into our graduate cohort and accept admission will be eligible to apply for several CSD scholarships that are available to our first-year graduate students. Additional CSD scholarships and Foundation Fellowships are also available for the second/third year of your program. More information about financial aid for graduate students is available on our Financial Opportunities for Graduate Students site: Financial Opportunities for Graduate Students.
• Opportunities include:
  • UWEC Graduate Student Foundation Fellowships
  • Graduate Assistantships
  • Advanced Opportunity Program (AOP) Grants
  • Tuition Remission or Reduced Tuition

The Master of Science (M.S.) education program in speech-language pathology residential and distance education at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 2200 Research Boulevard, #310, Rockville, MD 20850, 800-498-2071 or 301-296-5700, and is approved by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.

Wisconsin is a SARA state (State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement) and the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire is a SARA-approved institution.

"The State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement is an agreement among member states, districts and territories that establishes comparable national standards for interstate offering of postsecondary distance education courses and programs. It is intended to make it easier for students to take online courses offered by postsecondary institutions based in another state." http://nc-sara.org/

Important Notice to Students: If you are considering an online academic program that leads to a professional license, it is highly recommended you contact the appropriate licensing agency in the state where you plan to apply for your license before beginning your academic program. SARA does not provide reciprocity for state professional licensing requirements. Academic programs and individual graduates must meet standards set by that state's licensure requirements in order for a graduate to be eligible for a license.

The SARA provision for this requirement can be found on pg. 10 herein: http://nc-sara.org/content/faqs

The Communication Sciences & Disorders graduate program at UW‐Eau Claire prepares students for licensure in the state of Wisconsin. Students work collaboratively with the program director during their program to be certain they will complete ready for  licensure in all other states.

For applicants reapplying to our residential graduate program:

1. Submit a new University Application. You will not have to pay another application fee if you are re-applying within two years (four full semesters) of your initial application to our graduate program.
   
   
2. Complete an application at Communication Science and Disorders Centralized Application Services (CSDCAS): Communication Science and Disorders Centralized Application beginning July 17, 2023. Follow the instructions on the CSDCAS website for re-applicants. The deadline for receipt of all materials is January 15, 2024 at 10:59pm CST. It is your responsibility to meet the deadline requirements. Contact CSDCAS customer service with questions and problems: 617-612-2030 or CSDCASinfo@CSDCAS.org 
   
   
3. Follow instructions on the CSDCAS site for submission of three (3) letters of recommendation.
   At least one must come from individuals familiar with the applicant's academic or clinical performance. Previously submitted letters of recommendation will not be transferred to your new CSDCAS application.
   
   
4. Follow instructions on the CSDCAS site for submission of a personal essay. You will be asked to address specific prompts. Your previously submitted personal essay will not be transferred to your new CSDCAS application.
   
   
5. In addition to entering all completed coursework from your transcripts, we require that applicants list all planned and in-progress coursework so we can help you plan your graduate program.
   
   
6. Send all official transcripts to:  CSDCAS Verification Department | PO Box 9113 | Watertown, MA 02471. Your previously submitted official transcripts will not be transferred to your CSDCAS application.

Yes; international students can submit an application to our residential graduate program:

1. Complete the University application at University Application and pay the $56 fee before January 15, 2025.
   
   
2. The following materials will also be required as part of the application process:
   
   • Evidence of English proficiency.
     Evidence of English proficiency will be requested as part of your application. See the graduate admissions page to learn how to provide evidence of English proficiency.
   • Financial statement: If admitted to a graduate program, a completed financial verification form and copy of your passport will be required before immigration documents will be issued.
   • Records from the university where you received your bachelor's degree.
     If any graduate coursework was completed, these records are also required.
   • Transcripts: Transcripts must be in the original language with certified English translation showing courses taken and grades assigned each year. Official records should include all exam or test results and certificates, diplomas or degrees received. Photocopies of official foreign records are acceptable if they have been certified by an authorized university, government or public official after they are made.
     
     
3. Complete an application through the Communication Science and Disorders Centralized Application Services (CSDCAS) Communication Science and Disorders Centralized Application Services (CSDCAS) beginning mid-July 2024 (Date TBA). 
   The deadline for receipt of all materials is January 15, 2025. 
   Contact CSDCAS customer service with questions and problems: 617-612-2030 or CSDCASinfo@CSDCAS.org
   
   
4. Follow instructions on the CSDCAS site for submission of three (3) letters of recommendation.
   At least two must come from CSD Instructors or Clinical Supervisors. 
   
   
5. Follow instructions on the CSDCAS site for submitting your written response. 
   
   
6. In addition to entering all completed coursework from your transcripts, we require that applicants list all planned and in-progress coursework so we can help you plan your graduate program.
   
   
7. Send all official transcripts to: CSDCAS Verification Department | PO Box 9113 | Watertown, MA 02471 USA. 
   Follow the instructions for submitting your Canadian and foreign coursework evaluation to CSDCAS.
   We require that you submit a foreign coursework evaluation from one of the services listed on the CSDCAS website: Evaluation of French Canadian and Foreign Coursework.
   
   All application materials are due by January 15, 2025. Applications that are incomplete after this date will not be reviewed. It is your responsibility to meet the deadline requirements.

Prospective applicants are encouraged to visit our department and tour our Center for Communication Disorders. Email cdis51@uwec.edu to schedule a visit.

It is the policy of the UW-Eau Claire to maintain an academic and work environment free of discrimination, discriminatory harassment, and retaliation for all students and employees. This policy applies to all programs and activities, and employment practices and operations including the conduct of all students and employees arising out of their employment, educational or academic status, as well as to the conduct of all guests, visitors, vendors, contractors, subcontractors and others who do business with UW-Eau Claire.

Further information can be found by visiting the Policies site below:
https://www.uwec.edu/kb/article/policies-discrimination-harassment-and-retaliation-policy/