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. Explore the communication sciences and disorders graduate program at UW-Eau Claire
CSD department recognized for innovative and collaborative teaching
Faculty and staff in UW-Eau Claire’s communication sciences and disorders department have been recognized for going above and beyond in education. The department was recently awarded the prestigious UW System Board of Regents Teaching Excellence Award, acknowledging their history in providing exceptional education and generating outstanding graduates.
Aspen Doud, who earned both her communication sciences and disorders bachelor’s and master’s degrees at UW-Eau Claire, said it’s apparent that CSD faculty and staff always have students’ success in mind.
“It is evident that through every aspect of the CSD department that the top priority of every faculty member is students and our learning,” Aspen said. “The program is constantly reflecting on itself to improve and develop with the research in the field.”
Why complete my master's in communication sciences and disorders at UW-Eau Claire?
Professional experience. Gain valuable clinical training in our highly equipped Center for Communication Disorders. This state-of-the-art facility includes 16 therapy rooms with direct observation facilities, an audiology suite, a speech science and voice lab and an assistive technology lab. Here you'll work directly with clients from the Chippewa Valley community, boosting your confidence and building skills that are sought after in the industry.
Connection to local employers. An annual Nursing and Health Care Professional Fair will further connect you to a variety of employers, including hospitals, clinics, community agencies and schools. This fair is specifically for those looking to enter the healthcare field. The event is an excellent opportunity to make connections and submit your resume for current and future job openings.
100% employed
or continuing education after graduation
2020-2021 Graduate Report
Quick facts
Communication sciences and disorders master's degree program details
- Residential program length: two years
- Online program length: three years
- Offered: in person, online
- Credits: 54
- Residential program cost: Standard tuition and fees apply
- Online program cost: $707 per credit for the first year (potential increase of 5% in following years)
- Students will earn a Master of Science (MS) degree.
Your classmates at a glance
Residential program
- Number of completed applications received in 2021: 149
- Average major (CSD courses) GPA of admitted students in 2021: 3.9
Online program
- Number of completed applications received in 2021: 156
- Average major (CSD courses) GPA of admitted students in 2021: 3.93
- Percentage of admitted students in 2021 with a non-CSD undergrad degree: 70%
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
What can I do with a master's in communication sciences and disorders degree from UWEC?
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
I can attest that my exposure to supervised, clinical practice as an undergraduate student prepared me to be a confident graduate student clinician, a confident speech-language pathology clinical fellow and a confident professional clinician in a school setting.
From ABC to SLP
You may recognize Cassie Randolph from season 23 of The Bachelor, but did you know she is also a Blugold? With dreams of becoming a speech-language pathologist, Cassie chose to pursue her degree at UWEC because of its well-known reputation, flexibility and online format — benefits that became even more helpful when she learned she was selected for the ABC reality show. After needing to take a brief break from classes to film, Cassie was met with unwavering support from faculty.
"That is one of the main things I love about this university — the professors care about you so much," she said. "They genuinely want you to succeed and they set up everything for you to succeed. So if something is really hard for you at the moment, they are going to work with you as much as they can, and as much as you will let them, so you can keep going through school at your own pace."
After finishing the show, Cassie was able to jump right back into her studies, all while pursuing internships and externships close to home. Cassie said it was an easy transition and one that has continued to allow her to do all the things she wants and hopes to do.
"To me, being a Blugold means that I can pursue all these dreams that I have in so many different parts of life. It means I can do multiple things at once and live life to the fullest."
Communication sciences and disorders master's degree curriculum
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's in 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.
Application information
To enroll in our Master's in Communication Science and Disorders program, please submit an application. You must also complete all other application steps through the Communication Sciences and Disorders Centralized Application Services (CSDCAS). You will need to include:
- Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended
- Personal essay
- Three letters of recommendation
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 . Any questions regarding the residential program can be sent to .
Department information
Communication Sciences and Disorders
Human Sciences and Services 112239 Water Street
Eau Claire, WI 54703 Visit the Communication Sciences and Disorders department website