Graduate Programs/Courses

All graduate degree programs require a minimum of 30 credits of graduate course work (500 level and higher) in the area of specialization, with at least 50% of the minimum number of credits required in the degree program earned in 700 level courses or higher. Most degree programs also require a culminating experience. The culminating experience can be an examination, thesis, project, internship, portfolio, or a combination of the above. Programs without a culminating experience may require additional coursework. See information under the specific program for the requirement(s) for that program.

UW-Eau Claire Graduate Degrees

  • Master of Arts
    • History
  • Master of Business Administration
  • Master of Education—Professional Development
  • Master of Public Health
  • Master of Science
    • Athletic Training
    • Communication Sciences and Disorders (Speech-Language Pathology)
    • Data Science (Mathematics)
    • Exercise Physiology
  • Master of Science in Education
    • School Psychology
  • Master of Science in Nursing
  • Specialist in Education
    • School Psychology
  • Doctor of Nursing Practice

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

The DNP degree is for individuals pursuing education in advanced practice nursing. It is a clinical doctorate designed to prepare nurses to assume leadership roles in the areas of advanced clinical practice (nurse practitioner or clinical nurse specialist) or nursing administration/nurse executive. Courses address topics such as organizational and systems leadership, influencing health policy, evidence-based practice and research utilization, information systems and patient care technology, interprofessional collaboration, improving patient and population health outcomes and effecting change, and evaluating health outcomes. Both the MSN-to-DNP (post master’s) and BSN-to-DNP (post-baccalaureate) options are available at UW-Eau Claire.

Master of Arts (MA)

The Master of Arts degree serves persons who already have substantial preparation in the discipline in which they seek a graduate degree, and who wish to extend their knowledge and skills in their area of specialization for self-improvement, professional roles, or further graduate study.

Master of Business Administration (MBA)

The purpose of the College of Business MBA program is to guide students in becoming effective leaders who possess broad, practical understanding of the business world and the dynamic, global environment in which it operates. The program is designed to develop each individual’s ability to recognize the needs of customers, employees, stockholders, and other organizational stakeholders; secure competitive advantage through emphasis on quality, technology, and innovation; communicate effectively and interact with members of a diverse, global work force and business environment; apply a variety of decision-making tools and techniques to dynamic business situations; and manage an organization in a socially responsible and ethical manner.

The program is designed to meet the needs of individuals currently in the work force who wish to pursue an MBA on a part-time basis while continuing their full-time employment. See the MBA Program section of this catalog for further information and specific degree requirements.

Master of Education-Professional Development (MEPD)

The Master of Education-Professional Development degree provides for the enhancement of professional competencies in education for experienced, certified educators.  It is designed for individualized continuing education to assist educators in the development of competencies that relate specifically to their job needs and to their professional growth.  To be admitted to a MEPD program an applicant must have a minimum of two years teaching experience or equivalent.

Master of Public Health (MPH)

The Master of Public Health (MPH) program prepares the next generation of leaders to solve public health challenges, locally and globally, and to improve the health and well-being of diverse populations and communities.  The applied, competency-based program develops skills needed for careers in a variety of health-related fields, governmental agencies, non-profit organizations, and industry.

The MPH is a professional practice degree designed for students from any academic or professional background who share our vision: Healthy people.  Healthy populations. Healthy planet.

Master of Science (MS)

The Master of Science degree is awarded to students who have demonstrated mastery of a specific field of study or area of professional practice. Students may enter such programs with substantial preparation in the discipline in which they seek a higher degree or it may be a new area of study for an individual, depending upon the requirements of the program.

Master of Science in Education (MSE)

The Master of Science in Education degree is designed to develop capabilities in special professional roles in the field of education. The MSE in School Psychology is earned at the completion of the first year of the three-year Specialist in Education degree.

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

The Master of Science in Nursing degree is designed to prepare nurses with a population focus in Adult-Gerontologic Health Nursing or Family Health Nursing to assume leadership roles in advanced professional nursing. The core curriculum is designed to develop and increase students’ competencies in theory analysis and evaluation, concept clarification and development, research, and refined skills in clinical inquiry, ethics, leadership, and analysis of contemporary issues. Building on the core curriculum, students apply new knowledge and skills in the clinical setting.

The program provides functional role preparation as a nurse educator or nurse administrator/leadership and management. Required nursing courses focus on the functional dimensions of the role, its theory and expectations, and strategies for implementation.

Specialist in Education Degree (Ed.S.)

The Specialist in Education degree is offered in School Psychology. This three-year program includes two years of full-time on-campus study, and a one-year, full-time internship. After successful completion of the first year of the program (31 credits of study and a passing grade on a comprehensive examination), students are awarded the Master of Science in Education degree. The Ed.S. degree requires an additional 37 graduate credits beyond the MSE degree. By earning this degree, students meet all of the requirements for certification by the State of Wisconsin as a School Psychologist and become eligible for National Certification in School Psychology.

Credit-Bearing Graduate Certificate Programs

Graduate certificates may be earned by graduate degree seeking or non-degree seeking students. Guidelines and standards are identical for both groups. Graduate certificate programs require no fewer than 12 credits, and all credits required for the graduate certificate program must be graduate-level credits (500-level and above). No fewer than six credits must be taken at the 700 level.  At least 50 percent of the credits applied to the graduate certificate program requirements must be taken through UW-Eau Claire. Departments or colleges proposing graduate certificate programs have the right to specify

  1. admission requirements for entry into a certificate program, and
  2. minimum GPA requirements for course and certificate completion. 

Additional details on the minimum standards, procedures, and process for approving new credit-bearing graduate certificates may be found on the Graduate Studies website.