Communication Sciences and Disorders
Gain numerous, invaluable skills through experiential learning and working with expert faculty. The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire's communication sciences and disorders bachelor's degree will prepare you to reach your goals, whether that be graduate school in speech-language pathology or audiology, or entering the workforce as a speech-language pathology assistant (SLPA). Coursework in the major will provide a solid foundation in human communication, cognition, and swallowing, relevant to a variety of professionals in healthcare and educational settings.
Make a Difference
Learn how to diagnose, treat, and support individuals with communication, cognitive, and swallowing challenges. Through a comprehensive and diverse curriculum, you'll gain insight into how to evaluate and best assist individuals across a variety of ages and disorders. Provide hearing screenings to kindergarteners at local schools. Serve as a communication partner for an adult with aphasia. Research the best methods for helping children how to tell stories or share their ideas. Be an advocate for individuals recovering from traumatic brain injury.
Whether you're learning in-person or online, our expert faculty will teach you to think critically and creatively about communication and what it means to have authentic communication interactions. You'll have an opportunity to apply what you're learning to real clinical experiences, helping you make the connection between the classroom and the therapy room.
Second-Degree Seekers
For those who have already earned a bachelor’s degree and are transitioning to the field of CSD, there is a post-baccalaureate program that can be completed in-person or online.
Program Details
The Communication and Sciences Disorders department provides valuable clinical training experience while using some of the industry's latest technology. Our highly-equipped, on-campus clinic includes 16 therapy rooms with direct observation facilities, two group treatment spaces, an assistive technology lab, and mobile speech, voice, and audiology equipment. Here you’ll work directly with clients of the Chippewa Valley community, boosting your confidence and building skills that will benefit you in your future career.
The chance to explore teaching and positions within an academic setting is available to all communication sciences and disorders students, thanks to the department's innovative instructional internships program. This unique opportunity allows you to learn about course development and implementation; explore teaching, paraprofessional and classroom aid career paths; and build on your existing knowledge.
The annual Chippewa Valley Aphasia Camp connects you directly with members of the community who have aphasia, a communication disorder caused by brain damage. Working closely with Mayo Clinic Health System, you'll gain incredible insight through the learn-by-doing mentality of the camp while fostering impactful relationships. Many graduates have described this experience as being a highlight of their university career.
Blugold Stories
You'll be prepared for success after studying in UWEC's Communication Sciences and Disorders Department. Explore our programs — both undergraduate and graduate — as well as potential careers in the field.
Nothing has been more rewarding than conducting undergraduate research. Not only have I grown in data analysis and critical thinking, but I have found greater joy in asking questions to further challenge previous thoughts and ideas.
When I was looking at graduate programs for speech-language pathology, it became clear that I wouldn’t be able to top what I already had here. Nowhere else could beat the incredible faculty here. They care so much, not just about our education, but about their students as people. They are dedicated to our success and always go above and beyond to create opportunities for me to grow as a professional. It’s amazing.
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Where can the communication sciences and disorders program lead me after graduation?
The program prepares you for graduate school, as well as careers in healthcare, schools, or other professional settings. Graduates go on to pursue a rewarding career working in medical, educational, and other settings.
For those interested in becoming a speech-language pathologist, UW-Eau Claire offers a master's degree in communication sciences and disorders.
Example Careers
- Speech-language pathology assistant
- Rehabilitation aide
- Family advocate
- Special education paraprofessional
- Volunteer coordinator
- Medical equipment sales
Recent Graduates
Speech-Language Pathologist
Marshfield Medical Center
Wisconsin
Pediatric Audiologist
Children’s Hospital
Wisconsin
Special Education Assistant
Eau Claire Area School District
Wisconsin
All communication sciences and disorders students participate in integrated classroom and clinical experiences that develop their clinical competence. Taught by supportive, expert faculty, you'll find your niche and discover where you'll have the biggest impact helping others.
Here are a few courses in Communication Sciences and Disorders at UW-Eau Claire.
CSD 256
Anatomy and Physiology of Speech and Hearing
Anatomy and physiology of the speech mechanism (respiration, phonation, resonation, articulation) and of hearing, including the related neurology.
CSD 373
Basic Audiology
Introduction to audiology, including anatomy and physiology, pathologies of hearing, basic evaluation, differential evaluation, physiological procedures, nonorganic hearing loss, pediatric evaluation, hearing conservation, and rehabilitation. Emphasis upon pure tone thresholds, speech audiometry, and masking.
CSD 331
Child Language Disorders
Characteristics of language disorders in children from birth through adolescence as well as assessment and intervention strategies appropriate for that population.
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