Wisconsin Speech Pathology Degrees

Wisconsin Speech-Language Pathology Degree Programs

If you are considering your Master's in speech-language pathology, Wisconsin has numerous programs for you to consider.

Wisconsin is currently home to 7 accredited Master's level speech-language pathology programs, and 1 Doctorate. Concordia University, Marquette University, UW-Eau Claire, UW-Madison, UW-Milwaukee, UW-River Falls, UW Stevens Point, and UW-Whitewater all offer a Master's in speech-language pathology degree.

Online SLP degree options in Wisconsin

The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire offers a 3-year, part-time, online SLP program that follows the same curriculum as its full-time, on-campus counterpart. Students enrolled in this program take longer to complete their degree but enjoy more flexibility in their schedule while receiving the same quality of education. A short residency is expected during each summer semester to obtain the necessary clinical experience.

Popular locations in Wisconsin with SLP degrees

Most of the universities in Wisconsin offering a Masters of speech pathology program are public institutions within the University of Wisconsin system while Concordia and Marquette are both private universities, giving prospective students even more options to consider for their graduate degree. Each type of university offers its own set of pros and cons to consider.

UW-Madison in Madison, Concordia University in Mequon, and UW-Eau Claire in Eau Claire are among the more popular locations for obtaining a Master's of speech-language pathology degree in Wisconsin.

Click for more online speech therapy programs that are currently taking applications for 2023.

Are there online SLP programs in Wisconsin?

Yes, there are online SLP programs at the graduate level at campuses in Wisconsin. See the below list.

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List of Speech Pathology Programs in Wisconsin

There are 8 CAA-ASHA accredited speech language pathology programs in Wisconsin: 7 SLP Masters and 1 Doctorate.

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CAA ASHA Accredited Wisconsin SLP Programs

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) is the premier programmatic accrediting board for Speech Pathology programs. Below is a list of ASHA accredited speech pathology and audiology programs in Wisconsin.

List of the Best Speech-Language Pathology Programs in Wisconsin

Marquette University

Master's in Speech-Language Pathology (MS)

Milwaukee

CAA-ASHA

University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire

Master's in Speech-Language Pathology (MS)

Eau Claire

CAA-ASHA

University of Wisconsin, Madison

Master's in Speech-Language Pathology (MS)

Madison

CAA-ASHA

University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee

Master's in Speech-Language Pathology (MS)

Milwaukee

CAA-ASHA

University of Wisconsin, River Falls

Master's in Speech-Language Pathology (MS, MSEd)

River Falls

CAA-ASHA

University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point

Master's in Speech-Language Pathology (MS)

Stevens Point

CAA-ASHA

University of Wisconsin, Whitewater

Master's in Speech-Language Pathology (MS)

Whitewater

CAA-ASHA

Wisconsin AuD Consortium: University of Wisconsin-Madison & University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point

Doctorate in Audiology (AuD)

Madison

CAA-ASHA

In Depth Review of the Top Wisconsin SLP Programs

University of Wisconsin-Madison Master’s in Speech Language Pathology Program

The M.S. Program at UW-Wisconsin has 2 tracks for prospective students to choose from. The Speech-Language Pathology track is a two-year degree that prepares students for clinical work. This degree meets the requirements for ASHA certification, a SLP license in the state of Wisconsin, and teacher certification (for SLPs in the school setting). The Normal Aspects of Speech, Language and Hearing is the non-clinical track that is typically done as a first step towards a Ph.D.

Clinical Practicum

Clinical practicum experiences are individualized based on student interest and availability. Supervised clinical experience will take place at various and diverse practicum sites, such as the UW speech and hearing clinic, local hospitals and clinics, or in public school districts. A minimum of 100 clinic hours are required to qualify for placement at a school site or medical clinic.

Coursework

The SLP program at UW-Madison offers a rigorous 5-semesters of coursework and practicum experiences. For the clinical track, a minimum of 40 credits are required. Most coursework completed will be to satisfy the core class requirements, with some elective courses offered as well. Students do have some flexibility to tailor their coursework towards their area of interest, such as medical or school-based speech pathology. All students must complete a Capstone class (clinical track) or Thesis (non-clinical track) in order to graduate from the program.

Admissions

Students of all backgrounds are accepted into the MS-SLP program and there are no prerequisite courses required for admission. However, certain background coursework will need to be completed, which may lengthen the time it takes to obtain a graduate degree. All potential students must meet the Graduate School admission requirements. GRE scores have been permanently removed as an application requirements. To apply to the graduate school, students must have a minimum GPA of 3.0, 3 letters of recommendation, a personal statement, CV/Resume, transcripts, and a supplemental application.

Concordia University Master’s in Speech Language Pathology Program

Concordia University offers a 2-year, full-time program designed to prepare students to become competent, respectful, and culturally sensitive speech-language pathologists who provide quality care to a wide range of individuals. The program at CUW offers access to on-campus and off-campus clinical opportunities to help prepare students to succeed in their chosen field.

Clinical Practicum

Students enrolled at COW will have the opportunity to gain clinical experience at their on-campus speech, language, communication, swallowing, hearing clinic. Students will also gain clinical experience in off-campus community settings, which can vary based on availability and student interest. Additionally, students will engage in service learning opportunities, providing service to the local public schools as well as other institutions.

Coursework

57 credits are required in order to graduate from the program. Upon graduation from the program individuals will be eligible to apply for licensure to practice speech-language pathology in the state of Wisconsin.

Admissions

Entrance requirements for the program are as follows: A Bachelor’s degree in CSD (or equivalent with necessary prerequisite coursework), 3.0 GPA or higher, documented ASHA observation hours, reliable transportation, and the ability to perform the essential functions of an SLP. Applicants should apply through the online CSDCAS service, which requires official transcripts, a personal essay, resume, and 3 letters of recommendation.

University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Master’s in Speech Language Pathology Program

UW-Eau Claire offers 2 program options to complete their Master’s degree program. The first option is the traditional, 2-year, residential program and the second is their 3-year online program. Both programs offer the same rigorous course of study consisting of 54 credit hours.

Clinical Practicum

Students in this program have the opportunity to gain clinical experience at the University’s Center for Communication Disorders. Students can also expect to gain clinical experience through a variety of the University’s affiliate sites, such as hospitals, schools, clinics, and community agencies. Students can expect to gain clinical experience working with individuals with a wide range of disorders across the lifespan.

Coursework

40 credits are required to complete the full-time, residential program. Courses may include: Aphasia and related disorders, Language assessment, Counseling in communication disorders, Motor speech disorders, pediatric dysphagia, and Birth to 21 methods in communication.

Admissions and Licensure

Admission to either of UW-Eau Claire’s programs is highly competitive. The average undergraduate GPA of students admitted to the residential program in 2020 was 3.94, while the average GPA of students admitted to the online program was 3.88. To apply to the program, interested students should submit an application through the CSDCAS system, which includes official transcripts, 3 letters of recommendation, and a personal essay. An application to the graduate school is also required.

The M.S. program at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire meets the licensure requirements in all 50 states.

SLP Licensure in Wisconsin

SLP licenses in Wisconsin are issues through the State of Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services. Before beginning a post-graduate clinical fellowship, SLPs in Wisconsin must apply for a temporary license that lasts 18 months. At the completion of a clinical fellowship, Wisconsin SLPs may apply for a permanent license to practice speech-language pathology. State licenses must be renewed annual to continue employment as an SLP.

Career Options

Speech Language Pathologists have several career options in Wisconsin, including schools, private practices, inpatient or outpatient hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, or early intervention.

SLPs have opportunities to work at large, reputable hospitals such as the University of Wisconsin Hospital in Madison or Froedtert Hospital and the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee. Some SLP’s provide services Wisconsin’s early intervention program for children birth-3 years old, often traveling to their patient’s homes or child-care facilities. In many settings throughout the state, SLPs have the option of full-time or part-time work so they can find a schedule that fits their personal needs.