(Code 623-802)

The program leading to the degree in Speech-Language Pathology 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 speech-language pathology. 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 speech, language, and hearing science 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 speech, language, and hearing science 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 SLP is offered in two modalities:  Residential and online.  Both require successful completion of at least 54 SLP 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 Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences 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
SLHS 648	Aphasia and Related Disorders	3
SLHS 706	Language Assessment	3
SLHS 710	Clinical Methods in Speech-Language Pathology	3
SLHS 715	Research in Speech-Language Pathology	2
SLHS 721	Seminar: Childhood Apraxia of Speech	1
SLHS 725	Counseling in Speech-Language Pathology	2
SLHS 726	Organic Voice and Speech Disorders	3
SLHS 729	Augmentative and Assistive Communication	3
SLHS 731	Seminar: Child/Adolescent Language Intervention	3
SLHS 737	Dysphagia	3
SLHS 748	Motor Speech Disorders	3
SLHS 749	Birth to 21 Methods in Speech-Language Pathology	4
SLHS 752	Developmental Stuttering and Other Fluency Disorders	3
SLHS 754	Acquired Cognitive-Communicative Disorders	3
SLHS 774	Pediatric Dysphagia	1
Clinical Practicum
Select four credits of Clinical Practicum:		4
SLHS 769	Graduate Clinical Practicum
SLHS 770	Clinical Practicum in Speech-Language Pathology II
SLHS 771	Clinical Practicum in Speech-Language Pathology III
Externships
Two externships (ten credits combined), which may be located in schools and/or rehabilitation settings:		10
SLHS 780	Externship in Speech-Language Pathology -Educational Settings
SLHS 781	Externship in Speech-Language Pathology ---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: