Communication Sciences and Disorders MS at University of Wisconsin Madison

The department offers graduate programs leading to the M.S. and Ph.D. in communication sciences and disorders. An additional program in the department leads to the Au.D. in audiology. The graduate program provides the opportunity for study in the areas of audiology, speechlanguage pathology, hearing science, language science, and speech science. The purpose of the graduate program is to prepare clinicians, researchers, and teachers who possess a solid foundation in both the theoretical and applied aspects of the discipline of communication sciences and disorders.

The M.S. program has two tracks. The Speech-Language Pathology track¹ is a two-year professional program designed to prepare students for clinical work. It is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation of the American SpeechLanguageHearing Association. At the master's level, supervised diagnostic and therapy experiences with children and adults are provided in a variety of on- and off-campus clinical settings. This program meets the academic and clinical-practicum requirements for clinical certification set by the American SpeechLanguageHearing Association (ASHA). Opportunities are also available for pursing a nonclinical program at the master's level.

The Normal Aspects of Speech, Language, and Hearing track¹ is a non-clinical degree. Most students complete this degree as a first step toward a Ph.D.

1. (Foundations of Practice) Possess foundational knowledge about basic human communication and swallowing processes.
2. (Foundations of Practice) Identify sources and assemble evidence pertaining to questions or challenges in communication sciences and disorders.
3. (Foundations of Practice) Articulate and critique the theories, research methods, and approaches in speech-language pathology.
4. (Foundations of Practice) Integrate research principles into evidence-based clinical practice.
5. (Foundations of Practice) Apply research findings in the provision of patient care.
6. (Foundations of Practice) Communicate complex ideas in a clear and understandable manner.
7. (Prevention, Identification and Assessment) Conduct screening and prevention procedures.
8. (Prevention, Identification and Assessment) Perform chart review and collect case history from patient interviews and/or relevant others.
9. (Prevention, Identification and Assessment) Select appropriate evaluation instruments/procedures.
10. (Prevention, Identification and Assessment) Administer and score diagnostic tests correctly.
11. (Prevention, Identification and Assessment) Adapt evaluation procedures to meet patient needs.
12. (Prevention, Identification and Assessment) Possess knowledge of etiologies and characteristics for each communication and swallowing disorder.
13. (Prevention, Identification and Assessment) Interpret and formulate diagnosis from test results, history, and other behavioral observations.
14. (Prevention, Identification and Assessment) Make appropriate recommendations for intervention.
15. (Prevention, Identification and Assessment) Complete administrative functions and documentation necessary to support evaluation.
16. (Prevention, Identification and Assessment) Make appropriate recommendations for patient referrals.
17. (Intervention) Develop appropriate treatment plans with measurable and achievable goals.
18. (Intervention) Collaborate with clients/patients and relevant others in the planning process.
19. (Intervention) Implement treatment plans.
20. (Intervention) Select and use appropriate materials/instrumentation.
21. (Intervention) Sequence tasks to meet objectives.
22. (Intervention) Provide appropriate introduction/explanation of tasks.
23. (Intervention) Measure and evaluate patients' performance and progress.
24. (Intervention) Use appropriate models, prompts, or cues.
25. (Intervention) Adapt treatment session to meet individual patient needs.
26. (Intervention) Complete administrative functions and documentation necessary to support treatment.
27. (Intervention) Identify and refer patients for services as appropriate.
28. (Professional Conduct) Recognize and apply principles of ethical and professional conduct.
29. (Professional Conduct) Apply skills for life-long learning.
30. (Professional Conduct) Apply intercultural knowledge and competence in their practice.
31. (Professional Conduct) Demonstrate teamwork and problem solving.
32. (Professional Conduct) Possess knowledge of contemporary professional issues and advocacy.
33. (Professional Conduct) Communicate effectively, recognizing the needs, values, preferred mode of communication, and cultural/linguistic background of the patient, family, caregiver, and relevant others.
34. (Professional Conduct) Provide counseling and supportive guidance regarding communication and swallowing disorders to patients, family, caregivers, and relevant others.