Overview
When the ability to communicate is disrupted, every aspect of daily living is affected. As a Speech-Language Pathologist or Audiologist, your evaluation and treatment helps clients and their families to improve communication skills and cope with the difficulties of communication disorders. The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) BS Communication Sciences & Disorders Program provides the pre-professional foundation for graduate study in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology.
In Speech-Language Pathology, you’ll treat conditions, such as stuttering, delayed language development, aphasia, and voice and articulation problems.
In Audiology, you’ll treat hearing loss with hearing aids and assistive listening devices, and be involved in hearing loss prevention and hearing conservation.
Why choose us?
- US News and World Report ranks the College of Health Sciences Communication Sciences and Disorders Program within the top half of all nationally-ranked programs.
- You will get hands-on experience through our active student organization that connects with leaders and professionals in the field through educational and networking opportunities.
- You will have the opportunity to conduct pioneering research with program faculty.
Apply
To apply to the BS Communication Sciences & Disorders Program you must first apply to UWM. On your application for admission to UWM, 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.
Cost
Tuition
For the most up-to-date information, visit the UWM Enrollment & Financial Services website . Be sure you are viewing the Undergraduate Fee Schedule for the appropriate semester.
UWM offers the following Tuition Reduction Programs for out-of-state residents:
- Minnesota–Wisconsin Tuition Reciprocity agreement
(Minnesota residents) - Midwest Student Exchange Program
(Indiana, Illinois, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota and Ohio residents) - Milwaukee Advantage Program
(Illinois residents)
Mandatory/Segregated Fees
These funds are earmarked for the support of certain student services. See the Mandatory/Segregated Fees document for the appropriate semester on the UWM Enrollment & Financial Services website .
Additional Course Fees
There may be additional course fees (in addition to regular tuition) that could include differential tuition, distance education fees, or special course fees. To see if your courses have additional fees, go to web.uwm.edu/registrar/tools/fee .
Aid
UWM & CHS Scholarships
Complete the FAFSA then go to the UWM Panther Scholarship Portal . Sign in using your PAWS credentials and complete the General Application and the CHS application. You may save your work and return to the portal at a later time. Additional information can be found at uwm.edu/scholarships .
State & National Scholarships/Awards
- Wisconsin Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology Association Scholarships
- American Speech-Language-Hearing Foundation Scholarships
- Fastweb.com
UWM Emergency Grant
The UWM Emergency Grant is funded by several private contributions and is available to students when they have unforeseen circumstances that may negatively influence their academic success. You can be awarded up to $1,000 for non-academic expenses (e.g., car repairs, medical bills, rent, utilities, child care, food, etc.). Learn more at uwm.edu/emergencygrant .
Contact
Aggie Northrup, MS
Academic Advisor
414-229-2758 • witowski@uwm.edu
Barbara R. Pauloski, PhD, CCC-SLP
Program Coordinator
414-229-6719 • pauloski@uwm.edu
Mission & Goals
Mission & GoalsMission
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
- To provide students with an appropriate theoretical and scientific base in communication sciences and disorders.
- To provide students with an understanding of individual and cultural variability as they relate to communication development and disorders.
- To develop oral and written communication skills that students will need to function effectively as professionals in communication sciences and disorders.
- To encourage students to participate in a variety of research and scholarly activities.
- To provide students with an understanding of other academic disciplines as they relate to and enhance the professions of speech-language pathology and audiology.
- To encourage students to view education and professional growth as ongoing processes.
Admission to UWM
Admission to UWMNew 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.
Transfer Students
You can be guaranteed admission to UWM by participating in the Guaranteed Transfer Program . After fulfilling certain credit and grade point average requirements, you will transfer with the same rights and privileges as those who begin their education at UWM.
Go to uwm.edu/undergrad-admission/student-type/transfer for the most up-to-date information about the application process, including deadlines, sending transcripts and test scores, and more.
To see how your credits will transfer to UWM, go to Transfer Wisconsin . For transfer credit evaluation questions, contact the UWM Registrar’s Office at 414-229-3800 or uwm.edu/registrar/contact-us .
For admissions related questions contact the UWM Office of Undergraduate Admissions at 414-229-2222.
Transfer from UW Colleges
UWM General Education Requirements (GER)
UW Colleges Equivalent | UWM Equivalent | Required Credits |
---|---|---|
Arts | 3 | |
English: Must earn 'C' or better in ENG 102 | English 102 | X |
Foreign Language* | X | |
Humanities | 3 | |
Math: Must earn 'C' or better in MAT 110 | Math 105 | 3 |
Natural Sciences** | X | |
Social Sciences** | X |
*Can be satisfied with 2 years of a single foreign language in high school.
**Satisfied through coursework below.
Foundation Courses
UW College Equivalent | UWM Equivalent |
---|---|
BIO 280: Human Anatomy* AND BIO 281: Human Physiology* | BIO SCI 202 AND BIO SCI 203 |
ENG 210/BUS 210: Business Communication | ENGLISH 205 |
MAT 117: Elementary Statistics | MTHSTAT 215/KIN 270 |
PHY 141: College Physics I | PHYSICS 120/121 |
PSY 201: Intro to Psychology | PSYCH 101 |
ANT 100: Intro to Anthropology OR SOC 101: Intro to Sociology | ANTHRO 102 OR SOC 101 |
PSY 250: Child Psychology | PSYCH 260 |
EDUC 330: Educational Psychology | ED PSYCH 330 |
*The combination of BIO 280 (formerly PHS 235) and BIO 281 (formerly ZOO 234) at any UW College is equivalent to the combination of BIO SCI 202 (4 credits, GE:NS+) and BIO SCI 203 (4 credits, GE:NS+) at UWM. If you have credit for ONLY BIO 280 OR 281, those courses are NOT individually equivalent to BIO SCI 202 and/or 203.
Other Requirements for Admission into the Major
- A minimum cumulative UWM GPA of 2.750
- A minimum GPA of 3.00 in COMSDIS 220, 230, and 240, earned the first time
- Completion of 58 credits
- Completion of UWM’s GER for Oral and Written Communication – Part A competency
- Completion of UWM’s GER for Quantitative Literacy – Part A competency
- Completion of an application for admission to the major
- Endorsement by the Program Coordinator of your application
Transfer from Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC)
Admission into the COMDIS Major
MATC Equivalent | UWM Equivalent |
---|---|
ENG 202: English 2* | ENGLISH 102 |
MATH 200: Intermediate Algebra* | MATH 105 |
Courses Required for Admission that are NOT in the MATC Curriculum
UW-MILWAUKEE | Course Title |
---|---|
COMSDIS 220 | Anatomy & Physiology of Speech Language & Hearing Mechanisms |
COMSDIS 230 | Introduction to Phonetics |
COMSDIS 240 | Normal Speech and Language Development |
Suggested Courses in the MATC Curriculum that are NOT Required for Admission
MATC Equivalent | UWM Equivalent |
---|---|
NATSCI 201: Anatomy and Physiology I | BIO SCI 202 |
NATSCI 202: Anatomy and Physiology II | BIO SCI 203 |
SOCSCI 206: Intro to Cultural Anthropology | ANTHRO 102 |
ENG 198: Speech OR SPEECH 203: Interpersonal Communication | COMMUN 101 |
MATH 260: Basic Statistics | MTHSTAT 215** |
NATSCI 169: Energy in Nature, Tech & Soc OR NATSCI 262: Energy-Nature, Technology, Society | PHYSICS 107 |
SOCSCI 134: Human Growth & Development OR SOCSCI 188: Developmental Psychology OR SOCSCI 237: Child Psychology OR SOCSCI 238: Life-Span Psychology | PSYCH 260 |
IT 109: Computer Information Systems OR ITSUP 101: Computer Information Systems Fundamentals | BUS ADM 230* |
* Will serve as a substitute for HS 224 in the COMSDIS curriculum
** Will serve as a substitute for KIN 270 in the COMSDIS curriculum
*** Will serve as a substitute for HCA 203 in the COMSDIS curriculum
Other Requirements for Admission into the Major
- A minimum cumulative UWM GPA of 2.750
- A minimum GPA of 3.00 in COMSDIS 220, 230, and 240, earned the first time
- Completion of 58 credits
- Completion of UWM’s GER for Oral and Written Communication – Part A competency
- Completion of UWM’s GER for Quantitative Literacy – Part A competency
- Completion of an application for admission to the major
- Endorsement by the Program Coordinator of your application
Recommended Course Plan
If you are interested in obtaining a BS Communication Sciences & Disorders from UWM, the following recommendations have been established to help you plan your MATC coursework.
Semester I
MATC Equivalent | UWM Equivalent |
---|---|
ENG 202: English Composition II | ENGLISH 102 |
NATSCI 201: Anatomy and Physiology I | BIO SCI 202 |
SOCSCI 231: General Psychology | PSYCH 101 |
MATH 200: Intermediate Algebra | MATH 105 |
Total Credits: 13 |
Semester II
MATC Equivalent | UWM Equivalent |
---|---|
NATSCI 202: Anatomy and Physiology II | BIO SCI 203 |
ENG 198: Speech OR SPEECH 203: Interpersonal Communication | COMMUN 101 |
SOCSCI 206: General Anthropology | ANTHRO 102 |
IT 109: Computer Information Systems OR ITSUP 101: Computer Information Systems Fundamentals | BUS ADM 230* |
Elective* | GER ELECTIVE* |
Total Credits: 13-16 |
* You may take a 3 credit course in Humanities, Fine Arts, Natural Science, or Social Science that will satisfy the Ethnic Studies/Cultural Diversity and/or the Interdisciplinary Studies requirement.
Admission to Major
Admission to MajorThe BS Communication Sciences & Disorders Program provides the pre-professional foundation for graduate study.
A career as a speech-language pathologist requires a master’s degree. The UWM MS Communication Sciences & Disorders Program 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.
The following courses are prerequisites for admission to the major:
- A minimum cumulative UWM GPA of 2.750
- A minimum GPA of 3.00 in COMSDIS 220, 230, and 240, earned the first time
- Completion of 58 credits
- Completion of UWM’s GER for Oral and Written Communication – Part A competency
- Completion of UWM’s GER for Quantitative Literacy – Part A competency
- Completion of an application (PDF) for admission to the major
- Endorsement by the Program Coordinator of your application
You 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
- If you who are refused admission to the major you may appeal the decision by writing to the department chairperson and enumerating the reasons you believe your 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 your appeal for admission to the major.
- You are notified in writing of the faculty’s decision concerning the appeal.
Advising
AdvisingTo schedule an advising appointment, call 414-229-2758 or visit Northwest Quadrant Building B, Room 6425.
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 your advisor to review your final year of study and discuss opportunities for graduate study.
I’m a new student. How do I start?
You are assigned an academic advisor upon admission to UWM. New Student Orientation (NSO) helps those who are new to campus to learn and understand the enrollment process and enroll in classes for their first semester at UWM.
Who is my advisor?
Aggie Northrup, MS
414-229-2758 • witowski@uwm.edu
You can also contact your advisor in your student center in PAWS .
When should I meet with my advisor?
You are encouraged to meet with your advisor at least once per semester to ensure timely progress to graduation.
- Enrolling for spring semester?
Schedule an appointment with your advisor in October or November. - Enrolling for fall semester?
Schedule an appointment with your advisor in March or April.
You are also welcome to schedule an appointment with your advisor at any time to discuss academic challenges, career opportunities, or any other questions.
How can my advisor help me?
The College of Health Sciences boasts professional academic advisors who understand the challenges of balancing academics, work, family, and the social aspects of college life. Advisors partner with you to:
- Explore your academic and career interests
- Plan the sequence of your courses
- Prepare for course enrollment
- Access tutoring and other academic support
- Identify opportunities for campus involvement
- Connect you to campus resources
- Plan for graduation
Curriculum
Curriculum120 credits are required for the Communication Sciences & Disorders Major.
Download the curriculum (PDF)
General Education Requirements (GERs)
Electives should be used to meet general education requirements .
COURSE | GER | Credits |
---|---|---|
English: Must earn "C" or better in ENGLISH 102 Prerequisite: placement test | OWCA | 3 |
Math: Must earn "C" or better in Math 105 or 108 Prerequisite: placement test | QLA | 3 |
Foreign Language Satisfied with 2 years of a single language in high school | FL | 0 |
Natural Science Satisfied through CSD program required courses | GERN | 0 |
Social Science Satisfied through CSD program required courses | GERS | 0 |
Cultural Diversity Satisfied through CSD program required courses | GERC | 3 |
Arts Select course from the approved GER Arts list | GERA | 3 |
Humanities Select course from the approved GER Humanities list | GERH | 6 |
Total Credits: | 18 |
Freshman Year: 1st Semester
Course | Credits |
---|---|
BIO SCI 202: Anatomy & Physiology I | 4 |
COMSDIS 210: Survey of Communicative Disorders | 3 |
HS 222: Language of Medicine | 3 |
CHS 100: New Student Seminar in Health Professions | 1 |
Elective | 2 |
Total Credits: | 13 |
Freshman Year: 2nd Semester
Course | Credits |
---|---|
ANTHRO 102: Intro to Anthro: Culture and Society (or SOC 101) | 3 |
PSYCH 101: Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
BIOSCI 203: Anatomy & Physiology II | 4 |
Electives | 4 |
Total Credits: | 14 |
Sophomore Year: 1st Semester
Course | Credits |
---|---|
ENGLISH 205: Business Writing OR ENGLISH 207: Health Sciences Writing | 3 |
COMSDIS 230: Introduction to Phonetics* | 4 |
COMSDIS 250: Interprofessional Communication in the Health Sciences | 3 |
PHYS 120: General Physics I (Non-Calculus Treatment) | 4 |
HS 102: Healthcare Delivery in the US | 3 |
Total Credits: | 17 |
Sophomore Year: 2nd Semester
Course | Credits |
---|---|
PSYCH 260: Child Psychology | 3 |
COMSDIS 220: Anatomy and Physiology of Speech Language and Hearing Mechanisms* | 4 |
COMSDIS 240: Normal Speech and Language Development* | 3 |
COMSDIS 245: Client Diversity in Health Sciences | 3 |
ED POL 375: Cultural Foundations of Education | 3 |
Total Credits: | 16 |
Junior Year: 1st Semester
Course | Credits |
---|---|
COMSDIS 350: Clinical Process I: Articulation & Phonology Disorders** | 3 |
COMSDIS 380: Bases of Hearing Science** | 3 |
LING 350: Introduction to Linguistics | 3 |
KIN 270: Statistics in the Health Professions | 3 |
Electives | 3 |
Total Credits: | 15 |
Junior Year: 2nd Semester
Course | Credits |
---|---|
COMSDIS 351: Clinical Processes II: Child Language Disorders** | 3 |
COMSDIS 450: Bases of Fluency and Voice Disorders** | 3 |
HCA 203: Human Life Cycle | 3 |
ED PSYCH 330: Introduction to Learning and Development | 3 |
HIST 263: North American Indian History Since 1887 OR AIS 203 OR ACT 31 Workshop | 3 |
Total Credits: | 15 |
Senior Year: 1st Semester
Course | Credits |
---|---|
COMSDIS 460: Survey of Adult Neurogenic Language and Speech Disorders** | 3 |
COMSDIS 470: Introduction to Audiology** | 3 |
EXCEDUC 600: Survey of Exceptional Education OR EXCEDUC 300: The Exceptional Individual | 3 |
Electives | 6 |
Total Credits: | 15 |
Senior Year: 2nd Semester
Course | Credits |
---|---|
COMSDIS 480: Speech Science** | 3 |
COMSDIS 490: Aural Rehabilitation** | 3 |
COMSDIS 520: Counseling in Communication Sciences & Disorders** | 3 |
COMSDIS 661: The Role of the SLP in Literacy** OR CURRINS 537** | 2 |
Electives | 4 |
Total Credits: | 15 |
*Course may not be repeated and must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75.
**Course is generally taught only once per year, during the semester listed.
COMSDIS 220, 230, 240 may not be repeated and students must earn a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 in these classes for admission to the major.
By completing the following courses included in this curriculum, you have met a subset of the requirements toward Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction for School Certification in Speech-Language Pathology: ED POL 375 (or ED POL 500 or ED POL 530), ED PSY 330, COMSDIS 661 (or CURRINS 343), EXCEDUC 300 (or EXCEDUC 600), and HIST 263 (or AIS 203, or Act 31 – 1 Day Workshop).
Get Involved
Get InvolvedNational 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. You 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
UWM Office of Undergraduate Research
The UWM Office of Undergraduate Research is a centralized location for undergraduates seeking on-campus research opportunities and faculty seeking enthusiastic, motivated undergraduate students with whom to collaborate.
Volunteer Service
The UWM Center for Community-Based Learning, Leadership, and Research provides the campus with different opportunities to volunteer throughout the city and beyond. There are opportunities to make a real difference by working to improve the environment, mentoring local kids, stocking shelves at a food pantry, serving breakfast to Milwaukee’s homeless community, engaging in an alternative spring break, and helping older adults. Learn more at uwm.edu/community/students .
Graduation
GraduationThe following requirements must be met to graduate:
- Complete the required 120 credits
- Satisfactory completion of the required courses in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, those required outside of the department
- Complete all of UWM General Education Requirements
- Have a cumulative UWM GPA of 2.5
- Completion of the last 30 credits in residence at UWM
If you are planning to continue your education at the graduate level you should note that the UWM MS Communication Sciences & Disorders Program requires a minimum 3.0 overall GPA for admission with full graduate standing. Admission to graduate programs is highly competitive. A 3.0 GPA does not guarantee admission. To be competitive with other Graduate School applicants, it is recommended that you maintain an overall GPA greater than 3.5.
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, you 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.
Employment Outlook
Employment OutlookEarnings
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics , the median annual wage for speech-language pathologists was $79,120 in May 2019. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $49,840, and the top 10 percent more than $121,260.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics , the median annual wage for audiologists was $77,600 in May 2019. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $54,010, and the top 10 percent earned more than $120,750.
ASHA’s SLP Health Care 2019 Survey (PDF) reported a mean annual salary of $81,560 (n=630) for speech-language pathologists employed in medical and nursing-related facilities.
ASHA’s SLP Schools Survey 2020 (PDF) reported a median 9-10 month salary of $66,000, and a median 11-12 month salary of $80,000 for speech-language pathologists employed in school-based settings.
Expected Growth
Employment of speech-language pathologists is projected to grow 25 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations.
Employment of audiologists is projected to grow 13 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. However, because it is a small occupation, the fast growth will result in only about 1,800 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 .
Professional Organizations
Professional OrganizationsVisit these websites for current information and other resources regarding our profession.
Faculty & Staff
Faculty & Staff- Emily Belter, MS, CCC-SL
Clinical Assistant Professor, Medical Externship Coordinator - Tricia Chirillo, MS, CCC-A
Clinical Associate Professor - Adam Follmer, MS, CCC-SLP
Clinical Assistant Professor - Bev Gehring
University Services Associate 2 - Marylou Gelfer, PhD, CCC-SLP
Professor Emerita - John J. Heilmann, PhD, CCC-SLP
Associate Professor - Dawn Marie Hennes, MS, CCC-SLP
Clinical Associate Professor - Sabine Heuer, PhD, CCC-SLP
Associate Professor - Joyce M. King-McIver, PhD, CCC-SLP
Clinical Associate Professor, Speech/Language Clinic Coordinator - Shelley Lund, PhD, CCC/SLP
Associate Professor, Graduate Program Coordinator - Bethanne N. Mazurczak, MS/CCC-SLP, C-NDT
Clinical Assistant Professor - Kathryn Morgan
Medical Program Associate - Barbara R. Pauloski, PhD, CCC-SLP
Associate Professor, Undergraduate Program Coordinator - Paula Rhyner, PhD, CCC-SLP, BCS-CL, ASHA Fellow
Professor Emerita - Stacy Ryan, Au D, CCC-A, FAAA
Senior Clinical Audiologist - Carol H. Seery, PhD, CCC-SLP
Associate Professor, Chair - Kathy Wangerin, MA, CCC-SLP
Clinical Associate Professor Emerita - Patricia Willis, MST, CCC-SLP
Clinical Associate Professor Emerita - Jing Yang, PhD
Associate Professor - Susan Yorio, MS, CCC-SLP
Clinical Associate Professor Emerita