Mission

The mission of the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders is to engage in the generation, dissemination, integration, and application of knowledge specific to evaluation of and intervention for speech, language, and hearing impairments. Members of the department conduct research that contributes to the knowledge base of the field, and provide high-quality educational programs that (1) prepare undergraduate students with a broad foundation in communication sciences and disorders, (2) prepare graduate students in speech-language pathology for professional practice, and (3) prepare students to continue their professional growth beyond their formal education. The department also provides clinical services to the Milwaukee community for a variety of communication disorders.

Academic Goals

1. To provide students with an appropriate theoretical and scientific base in communication sciences and disorders.
2. To provide students with an understanding of individual and cultural variability as they relate to communication development and disorders.
3. To develop oral and written communication skills that students will need to function effectively as professionals in communication sciences and disorders.
4. To encourage students to participate in a variety of research and scholarly activities.
5. To provide students with an understanding of other academic disciplines as they relate to and enhance the professions of speech-language pathology and audiology.
6. To encourage students to view education and professional growth as ongoing processes.

New College Students

On your application for admission to UW-Milwaukee, select “Communication Sciences & Disorders” as your intended area of study. You will be classified as “Communication Sciences & Disorders-Intended” upon admission to the University.

After you have completed the prerequisite courses during your first two years of study, you will be eligible to apply for admission to the major and professional core courses.

Transfer Students

The Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders offers a Bachelor of Science degree which provides the pre-professional foundation for graduate study. The student who plans to become a professional speech-language pathologist or audiologist will receive preparation in human communication sciences and disorders as well as a broad educational experience in the liberal arts and sciences.

A career as a speech-language pathologist requires a master’s degree. The Department offers a graduate program that is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) in Speech-Language Pathology. The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction also has approved the undergraduate/graduate program in Communication Sciences and Disorders. A career as an audiologist requires a doctoral degree (AuD or Doctor of Audiology). In Wisconsin, an AuD consortial program is offered by UW-Madison and UW-Stevens Point.

To be accepted as a communication sciences and disorders major you must have:

1. A cumulative UWM GPA of 2.750 or better
2. A GPA of 3.00 or better in Communication Sciences and Disorders courses 220, 230, and 240, earned the first time
3. Completion of 58 credits
4. Completion of UWM’s General Education Requirement for Oral and Written Communication – Part A competency
5. Completion of UWM’s General Education Requirement for Quantitative Literacy – Part A competency
6. Completion of an application form for admission to the major
7. Endorsement by the Program Director of the student’s written application

Students will receive written notice of the admission decision. A meeting with your advisor to discuss the program of study is required immediately following admission to the major.

Appeal Procedures

• Students who are refused admission to the major may appeal the decision by writing to the department chairperson and enumerating the reasons they believe their case is exceptional and merits additional consideration.
• If possible, the appeal should be accompanied by written support from one or more of the faculty, and should include documentation of any extenuating circumstances cited in support of the appeal.
• A committee composed of the entire faculty of the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders will consider individual student appeals for admission to the major.
• Students are notified in writing of the faculty’s decision concerning the appeal.

You are also encouraged to meet with a Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders faculty member to discuss the requirements and challenges of a career as a speech-language pathologist or audiologist. Seniors should meet with their advisor to review their final year of study and discuss opportunities for graduate study.

Who is my advisor?

Aggie Northrup, MS
(414) 229-2758 • witowski@uwm.edu

You can also see the name of your advisor and contact them directly by accessing your student center in PAWS.

Health Care Track: Prior to Fall 2016

School Track: Prior to Fall 2016

Fall 2016 and after

National Student Speech Language Hearing Association (NSSLHA)

NSSLHA is the organization for undergraduate and graduate students interested in the study of normal and disordered human communication behavior. Students may join the UWM campus chapter and/or the national organization which is affiliated with the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).

Members of the national organization receive several journals and a reduction in dues the year they initially join ASHA. The campus chapter provides opportunities to network with other students, socialize, provide service through fundraising events and learn more about the professions of speech-language pathology and audiology.

Contact

Carol H. Seery, PhD, CCC-SLP, Faculty Advisor
Associate Professor
(414) 229-4291
cseery@uwm.edu

To graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication Sciences & Disorders, you must:

1. Complete the required 120 credits
2. Satisfactory completion of the required courses in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, those required outside of the department
3. Complete all of the University General Education Requirements
4. Have a cumulative UWM GPA of 2.5
5. Completion of the last 30 credits in residence at UWM

Proficiency Requirements

There are no proficiency requirements at the undergraduate level.

Certification Requirements for Professional Practice

Because a Master’s Degree is required for professional practice as a speech-language pathologist or audiologist, students are certified at the graduate level.

Use UWM’s Graduation website to review campus-wide graduation requirements, graduation application deadlines, applying for graduation, and ordering your cap and gown.

Earnings

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for speech-language pathologists was $76,610 in May 2017. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $48,830, and the top 10 percent more than $118,910.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for audiologists was $75,920 in May 2017. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $51,300, and the top 10 percent earned more than $111,150.

ASHA’s SLP Health Care Survey 2015 reported a mean annual salary of $78,653 (n=425) for speech-language pathologists employed in medical and nursing-related facilities.

ASHA’s SLP Schools Survey 2016 reported a median 9-10 month salary of $62,000, and a median 11-12 month salary of $70,154 for speech-language pathologists employed in school-based settings.

Expected Growth

Employment of speech-language pathologists is projected to grow 18 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations.

Employment of audiologists is projected to grow 21 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations. However, because it is a small occupation, the fast growth will result in only about 3,000 new jobs over the 10-year period.

Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Speech-Language Pathologists; Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Audiologists.

Visit these websites for current information and other resources regarding our profession.

• American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
• American Academy of Audiology
• Wisconsin Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Association
• National Student Speech Language Hearing Association