Communication Sciences and Disorders

Master of Science Degree

The Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders prepares students for professional careers in speech-language pathology. Graduates work in public schools, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, universities and private practice. 

Who Should Enroll

• Students who are preparing for employment in a clinical fellowship
• Experienced clinical employees who want to receive their master's degree

Program Features

This is a full-time program which takes two years (five consecutive semesters beginning with fall term) to complete. Students are eligible for the certificate of clinical competency from American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) after completion of the clinical fellowship and with passing grades on the Praxis™ Series examination. Required clinical experience is available through the UWRF Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic, public schools, hospitals, rehabilitation agencies, and long-term care facilities.

Admission Requirements

Requirements for admission include:

• A completed application;
• A baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution; and
• A major in Communication Sciences and Disorders or demonstration of prerequisite coursework taken, as described here.

Required Prerequisites

• Language Development
• Anatomy/Physiology of the Speech System and Auditory System
• Phonetics
• Speech Science (including the physics of sound and acoustic characteristics of speech)
• Audiology (including hearing measurement and hearing disorders)
• Aural Rehabilitation

Preferred Prerequisites:

• Articulation/Phonological Disorders
• Fluency Disorders
• Child Language Disorders
• Voice and Resonance Disorders

Application Process

Fall Application Cycle Begins July 17, 2023

1. Apply for graduate school at UW-River Falls by using the online application at https://apply.wisconsin.edu/ and pay the processing fee before January 1. Do not submit any additional application materials directly to UWRF or the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders.
2. Complete an application and submit the following application materials through the Communication Science and Disorders Centralized Application Services (CSDCAS) by January 1.

• Three letters of recommendation from CSD professors/instructors and/or clinical supervisors. Additional letters may also be submitted. It is highly recommended two of the three letters of recommendations come from CSD faculty.
• A personal statement that includes: Brief personal background information; your motivation for pursuing a career in speech-language pathology; reasons why you would be a "good fit" for our program; and any other pertinent information you feel is important for us to know.
• ALL college and/or university transcripts, including any high school courses taken for college credit.  Transcripts MUST be sent directly to CSDCAS either electonically or by mail.
  •  Electronic transcripts can be sent to CSDCAS through Credentials Solutions, Parchment or the National Student Clearinghouse.  Please choose Application Service and then in the dropdown menu, choose CSDCAS as the recipient.  Do not enter an email address for CSDCAS, it will populate automatically when you choose CSDCAS.
  • Transcripts can be mailed to the following address:
    • CSDCAS Verification Department
      PO Box 9113
      Watertown, MA 02471

Be sure to order transcripts EARLY to ensure they are delivered to CSDCAS on time. Transcripts ordered after the 1/1 deadline will not be accepted and will result in your application ineligible for review. You will need to request a new transcript after January 1 if you have completed courses fall semester or are taking courses spring semester.

Accreditation

The Master of Science (M.S.) education program in speech-language pathology (residential) at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls 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.

https://caa.asha.org/

Application Timeframe

The application process for Fall will begin July 17, 2023. All application materials, with the exception of the UW-System online application for graduate school, will be submitted through the CSDCAS website. All application materials are due January 1 and only completed applications will be reviewed.

Contact CSDCAS customer service with any questions or concerns by calling 617-612-2030 or sending an email to csdcasinfo@csdcas.org.