Communication Sciences & Disorders

Admission & Graduation Requirements

Admission Requirements to Professional Program: Communication Sciences & Disorders
The following requirements must be met before beginning the professional course (junior and senior level courses) of study:

1. A cumulative GPA of 2.5 or better in at least the first 58 credits taken.
2. A GPA of 2.75 or better in communication sciences and disorders courses 220, 230 and 240, earned the first time.
3. English and math competency.
4. Completion of an application form for admission to the major. Applications are available in the Student Affairs Office, Enderis Hall 810.
5. Endorsement by the faculty of the student's written application. Students will receive written notice of 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, 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. 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 may be required to undergo a background check. Academic Advising. Advising for all undergraduate students is provided by the Student Affairs Office, Enderis 810, and students are strongly encouraged to confer with that advisor at least once each semester. Students 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.

Graduation Requirements
To earn your B.S. Communication Sciences and Disorders, you must:
1. Satisfactorily complete 128 credits.
2. Satisfactorily complete the required courses in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, those required outside the department, and the specific courses and/or experiences required by either the School Track or Health Care Track.
3. Satisfactorily complete the University General Education Requirements.
4. Earn a cumulative 2.5 GPA or better in all credits earned at UWM. Because a master's degree is required for professional practice as a speech-language pathologist or audiologist, it is recommended that students maintain a GPA of 3.5 or better to be competitive with other Graduate School applicants.
5. Complete 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.

Professional Certification