(Code 622-807)

The program leading to the degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders is designed to prepare the student to function independently as a speech-language pathologist. To accomplish that objective, it is necessary that the student develop knowledge and/or competencies in several areas:

1.     knowledge of the spectrum of communication and swallowing disorders within the context of normal development and behavior;

2.     knowledge of the nature, prevention, evaluation, and treatment of communication and swallowing disorders in children and adults in various professional practice settings;

3.     evidence-based practice.

Completion of a master’s degree is required prior to earning certification in speech-language pathology from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and prior to earning a license from the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction for employment in public schools or from the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services for employment in all other settings. Almost all employment in speech-language pathology requires the master’s degree; licensure requirements vary by state. The master’s degree program in speech-language pathology at this University is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and is approved by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. There is no program in audiology at UW-Eau Claire.

Practicum experiences are planned to serve the needs and interests of graduate students in communication sciences and disorders. Under the supervision of qualified University personnel and qualified on-site speech-language pathologists at affiliated practicum sites, students have the opportunity to work with clients ranging in age across the lifespan with all types of communication disorders. The affiliated practicum sites vary, including hospitals, clinics, community agencies, and schools.

To be considered for admission, an applicant must meet the following minimal criteria:

1. a baccalaureate degree, from a regionally accredited university;
2. a minimum of 30 earned semester credits in specific communication sciences and disorders coursework prior to matriculation into the graduate program;
3. a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 from each post-secondary degree earned, and a minimum GPA of 3.25 in communication sciences and disorders coursework;
4. a grade of B or above in any graded practicum experience; and
5. submission of all required application materials prior to the application deadline.

These application materials include: application to CSDCAS (all official transcripts, 3 letters of recommendation, and personal essay) and application to the university.

The fact that a student has met the minimal criteria listed above does not guarantee admission to the program. Enrollment in the graduate program is limited to a maximum number of students determined annually by the program faculty. In recent years, the number of students admitted annually has been 23. Applications for admission are reviewed only once per year for each program.

UW-Eau Claire's master’s program in CSD is offered in two modalities:  Residential and online.  Both require successful completion of at least 54 CSD graduate credits.

Part-time online MS program

Application materials for our part-time program are due November 1st every year and students begin the program in the summer. This program requires that each student complete the following academic courses online in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at the graduate level unless equivalent courses have been taken previously:

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
Fifty-four required semester credits, including:
Required Courses (Forty credits)		40
CSD 648	Aphasia and Related Disorders	3
CSD 706	Language Assessment	3
CSD 710	Clinical Methods in Communication Sciences and Disorders	3
CSD 715	Research in Communication Sciences and Disorders	2
CSD 721	Seminar: Childhood Apraxia of Speech	1
CSD 725	Counseling in Communication Disorders	2
CSD 726	Organic Voice and Speech Disorders	3
CSD 729	Augmentative and Assistive Communication	3
CSD 731	Seminar: Child/Adolescent Language Intervention	3
CSD 737	Dysphagia	3
CSD 748	Motor Speech Disorders	3
CSD 749	Birth to 21 Methods in Communication Disorders	4
CSD 752	Developmental Stuttering and Other Fluency Disorders	3
CSD 754	Acquired Cognitive-Communicative Disorders	3
CSD 774	Pediatric Dysphagia	1
Clinical Practicum
Select four credits of Clinical Practicum:		4
CSD 769	Graduate Clinical Practicum
CSD 770	Clinical Practicum in Communication Disorders II
CSD 771	Clinical Practicum in Communication Disorders III
Externships
Two externships (ten credits combined), which may be located in schools and/or rehabilitation settings:		10
CSD 780	Externship in Communication Disorders-Educational Settings
CSD 781	Externship in Communication Sciences and Disorders---Non-School Setting

Altogether there are 14 required clinical practicum credits in the graduate program, including externships and practicum enrollments. Practica and externships take place in the student’s geographical locale. Typical program duration encompasses three summer, three fall, two winterim, and three spring terms. Students are admitted to this part-time program as a cohort and are expected to complete it with their cohort. All students are required to come to campus one week each summer and must successfully complete an oral comprehensive examination prior to graduation.

Program Learning Outcomes

Students completing this program will be expected to meet the following learning outcomes: