Introduction
One of the select goals and
responsibilities of the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point is to provide
undergraduate and graduate programs in Communicative Disorders. The graduate
programs (Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology) are accredited by the
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.
During the first two years, the student is provided with an overview
of the field, clinic observations, and an introduction to normal
communication processes. At the junior level, the student studies disorders
and intervention programs. As a senior, the student experiences management
of cases.
Why Study Communicative
Disorders at UW-Stevens Point?
Program strengths include a diversified
faculty and staff who are committed to the highest quality of teaching and
supervision. Unique components of the program include a state-of-the-art
augmentative communication lab, a speech and hearing science lab, a
comprehensive hearing aid dispensing program, clinical observation rooms,
and practicum experience. The School provides an intensive and personal
academic advising program. Students have been accepted in graduate schools
throughout the country.
High School Preparation
High school students should focus on
courses in biology, physics, chemistry, psychology, mathematics, and
communication. Volunteer work with all ages is encouraged, as is shadowing
speech-language pathologists and audiologists.
Department Features
The School of Communicative Disorders
(SCD) has eleven full-time staff members with one half-time member who is
also employed by the Stevens Point Area School District. Seven faculty
members hold doctoral degrees. All members hold the Certificate of Clinical
Competency from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association in either
speech-language pathology or audiology. Staff members have expertise in all
areas of communicative disorders. The physical facilities and equipment
available for teaching, clinic, and research activities rank with the finest
in the Midwest.
Employment Opportunities
The master's degree is required for
employment as a speech language pathologist. A doctoral degree is required
for employment as an audiologist. Graduates are employed in school systems,
birth-to-three programs, hospitals, medical/rehabilitation centers, private
practice, and universities.
Sample Program of Study
for the Communicative Disorders Major:
|
Freshman Year
|
|
First Semester |
Credits |
Second Semester |
Credits |
| Eng
101-Freshman English |
3 |
Eng
102-Freshman English |
3 |
| Biol
101-Gen Biology or Biol 160-Intro to Animal Biology |
5 |
Physics
115-Acoustics |
4 |
| Psyc
110-Gen Psychology |
3 |
ComD
160-Phonetics |
3 |
| ComD
108-Intro to Comm Disorders |
3 |
Math
100-College Algebra
|
3 |
| Wellness |
2 |
Comm
101-Fund of Oral Communication |
2 |
| Total |
16 |
Total |
15 |
Sophomore Year |
| Hist 211-US
to 1877
|
3 |
Hist 212-US
since 1877 |
3 |
| Psyc
260-Intro to Dev Psych or HD 265-Hum Growth & Development: A
Life-Span Approach |
3 |
Political
Science 201- American Governments for Teachers |
3 |
| ComD
266-Normal Language Development |
3 |
ComD
264-Anatomy & Physiology of Speech & Language
|
3 |
| ComD
267-Normal Development Lab
|
1 |
Chem 100
(or 101)- Apprec. of Chemistry |
3 |
| Social
Science |
3 |
Humanities
|
3 |
| Humanities |
3 |
Aerobic
Activity
|
1 |
| Total |
16 |
Total |
16 |
To enroll in upper division (300-400)
pre-professional courses the student must complete the lower division
coursework with a GPA of 3.0 and have an overall GPA of 2.75.
The student will study various types of
disorders and treatment measures during the junior year. As a senior,
the student has more responsibility in the management of clinical cases.
The student will also need to decide if they wish to seek Wisconsin
Department of Public Instruction (DPI) certification. A DPI license
would allow the graduate to work in a public school setting. If the
education option is sought, additional educational courses will be
required.
