Prepare for your career as a speech-language pathologist with a master’s degree in communication sciences and disorders from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.

Here, you’ll learn from accomplished professors, who have real-world experience and are enthusiastic to share their knowledge with you. Through coursework and professional experience, you'll become an expert in speech, hearing, and language development and behavior. You'll also learn how to evaluate and diagnose various communication disorders.  

A critical component of the program is providing students with clinical experience. Offered through our Center for Communication Disorders and more than 90 off-campus affiliated sites, this opportunity allows you to work with real clients ranging in age and type of communication disorder.

Our renowned graduate program offers two options and is designed to work with you no matter where you are in your journey. The on-campus residency program holds classes at UWEC, providing face-to-face instruction, and can be completed in two years. Or, if you’re looking to take courses part time, our online program is set up so you can graduate in three years.  Our online graduate program requires a short residency each summer while the rest of your clinic work can be done in your home community. If you have decided to pursue a career as a speech-language pathologist and have previously completed your bachelor's degree in another area, we also offer post-baccalaureate courses. 

No matter your path, you'll feel motivated and supported on your journey to completing your degree and becoming a speech-language pathologist. 

Accreditation information

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.

Licensure information

The United States Department of Education requires institutions to disclose information for programs leading to professional certification or licensure about whether each program meets state educational requirements for initial licensure or certification.  

NC-SARA (National Council for Authorization Reciprocity Agreements) has a similar policy for online programs. 

The requirements of this program meet licensure in the following states: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming

The requirements of this program do not meet licensure in the following states: None

It has not been determined whether the requirements of this program meet licensure in the following states: None

By the end of the communication sciences and disorders graduate program, you will meet requirements for the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology; licensure in speech-language pathology; and the Department of Public Instruction license in speech and language pathology. These qualifications will allow you to work as a speech-language pathologist for a variety of employers.

Where are communication sciences and disorders alumni now?

• Speech-language pathologist, Chippewa Falls School District, Wisconsin
• Speech therapist, Hallmark Rehabilitation, California
• Speech-language pathologist, St. Paul Public Schools, Minnesota
• Associate lecturer, UW-Eau Claire, Wisconsin
• Speech-language pathologist, HCR ManorCare, Connecticut
• Speech-language pathologist, Mesquite ISD, Texas

Our accredited graduate program provides a comprehensive curriculum designed to give you the knowledge and skills necessary to work as a speech-language pathologist. Courses and externships will prepare you to work with clients of a variety of ages and communication disorders. Whether you are a part of the residential or online program, you will receive the same high-quality education taught by the same faculty.

What classes do master of communication sciences and disorders students take?

Your classes may cover topics like: 

• Acquired cognitive-communicative disorders 
• Child/adolescent language intervention 
• Aphasia and related disorders 
• Dysphagia 
• Rehabilitation methods in communication disorders 
• Counseling in communication disorders 
• Organic voice and speech disorders 

Learn more about the communication sciences and disorders residential master's degree in the UWEC course catalog. 

Learn more about the communication sciences and disorders online master's degree in the UWEC course catalog.

Visit our graduate admissions page to see the application process, deadlines, and required materials.

Learn more about the master's in communication sciences and disorders online program and residential program admission requirements and application process. 

Please feel free to send any questions regarding the online program to CSDOnlineGraduateCoordinator@uwec.edu. Any questions regarding the residential program can be sent to CSDGraduateCoordinator@uwec.edu.

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