General Overview

We offer two programs that lead to a doctoral degree. One is the PhD program; the other is the MS/PhD program. In either of these programs your focus at the doctoral level can be on Speech-Language Pathology or Normal Aspects of Speech, Language and Hearing. When you begin graduate study in the department, you will meet with your program advisor, who is the faculty member that has agreed to serve as your sponsor/mentor for the duration of your graduate program. With this person, you will outline your course of study. Your program advisor may or may not also serve as your dissertation advisor. While many students retain the same program advisor through completion of their doctoral degree, it is possible to change your advisor by mutual agreement.

Overview of PhD Program

To enter the PhD program, you must hold a Master's degree. Because your doctoral program will be tailored to the interests and backgrounds, you will outline your individualized study plan, for both your major within the department and your minor outside the department, when you meet with your program advisor at the beginning of graduate study in the department. This study plan may be altered at any time during the doctoral program with consent of the student's program advisor and must be completed prior to taking the comprehensive preliminary examination. The doctoral comprehensive preliminary examination, includes both a written and an oral examination; the purpose of the preliminary examination is to assist the faculty in determining whether a student has sufficient knowledge of pertinent facts, theories, and methods to (1) undertake effective research in an area of communicative disorders, and (2) engage in other forms of scholarship expected of persons who hold the doctoral degree.

Although there are no specific course requirements for the major in the department, the study plan needs to be comprehensive in scope and be tailored to meet the student's research and academic needs. However, there are some core requirements in the department; these are designed to assure that you have a foundation for undertaking effective research and pursuing other forms of scholarship in your area of specialization. These core requirements include grant writing (3 credits), research methodology (3 credits), proseminars in- and out-side the department (4 credits) and teaching methods (1 credit or audit).

Specific courses for the minor outside the department, must be negotiated with the participating department(s). There are two options for the minor(s). Option A requires a minimum of 10 credits in a single department/major field of study, and approval from the minor department and the student's program advisor. Option B requires a  minimum of 10 credits in one or more departments, can include coursework in the major department, and requires approval of the student's program advisor and the chairperson of the major department.

A first year project, in collaboration with the student's program advisor, is required; the completed project is then presented at one of the weekly meetings of the Department's Proseminar during the fall semester of the second year of doctoral study. In addition, if you did not complete a Master's thesis or an equivalent research project, you may need to do a research project that is equivalent to a Master's thesis during your first year of doctoral study. This in-lieu-of thesis project is directed by a faculty member or a committee of three faculty members, at the discretion of the student or the student's program advisor and culminates in a paper detailing the project and results.  If approved by the student's program advisor, the first year project may satisfy the requirement for the in-lieu-of thesis project.

Overview of MS/PhD Program

The MS/PhD program is designed for students who wish to pursue both the PhD degree and professional training/clinical certification in speech-language pathology (obtained via the Master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology). The clinical component of the program meets the requirements for the ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence, a license to practice as a speech-language pathologist in the state of Wisconsin and teacher certification in the state of Wisconsin from the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI).

A first year project, in collaboration with the student's program advisor, is required; the completed project is then presented at one of the weekly meetings of the Department's Proseminar during the fall semester of the second year of graduate study. A Master's thesis is also required; the first year project could serve as the basis for the Master's thesis. The Master's thesis, which would meet the requirement of the first year doctoral project, must be completed by the end of the third year of graduate study.

To enter the MS/PhD program you will need to apply and be accepted to the Master's program. When you meet with your program advisor at the beginning of graduate study in the department, you will develop a study plan for your first two years of study. Typically, you will be taking the same courses as students in the Master's program; however, so that you can be involved in research from the beginning of your program, your course sequence will be slightly modified so that both your course and clinic load are somewhat lighter, relative to the standard master's program. When you have completed your Master's degree, you will meet with your program advisor to outline your individualized study plan for your doctoral program.

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Graduate School Application for the PhD Program   

Please read the instructions for the online Graduate School Application carefully. Following the instructions will expedite processing your application. You must submit your application to the Graduate School Admissions Office by March 15th for fall admission (January 7th if you wish to be considered for a fellowship) and by August 15th for spring admission. Because the Graduate School will not accept paper applications, you must apply online. In addition, you must immediately mail the Graduate School a $45.00 USD non-refundable application fee, payable either by personal check or money order, drawn on a U.S. bank, and made out to University of Wisconsin-Madison. Be sure to write your birth date on your check, so that the check can be matched to your online application. The Department of Communicative Disorders cannot make a recommendation for admission until your application fee has been received by the Graduate School.

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Department Application for the PhD Program

The Department of Communicative Disorders requires electronic submission of the following as part of the online application process to the Graduate School:

(1) a letter describing your purposes for graduate study in communicative disorders

(2) three letters of recommendation, two of which should come from faculty members who have knowledge of your academic performance. The third letter of recommendation can come from a clinical supervisor, employer, or another individual who has knowledge of your academic potential and likelihood for success in graduate school.

(3) the results of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). It is your responsibility to make sure that the test scores are sent to UW-Madison; use the institution code 1846 when requesting that the test scores from ETS. The code for the department is 0620 for Speech and Language. Test scores must be received by the February 1 (January 7th, to be considered for a fellowship) deadline for your application to be considered.

In addition, you will need to send the following directly to the Department of Communicative Disorders

(1) Two complete sets of official transcripts from each school you attended (course work from one institution, listed as transfer credits on a transcript, does not serve as the official transcript for those credits).  One set of transcripts will remain in the Department of Communicative Disorders; we will send the second set to the Graduate School if you are admitted to the doctoral program.

After you have submitted a completed application form online to the Graduate School by February 1 (January 7th, to be considered for a fellowship), the Department of Communicative Disorders will download your application directly from the Graduate School.  We will notify you by mail when your application is complete. If you have not heard from us by two weeks prior to the application deadline, contact the Student Status Examiner in the Department of Communicative Disorders to learn what items are still missing from your application. Some useful lists to help you when completing your application can be found at: (Application Checklist), (Helpful Hints for applying to Graduate School) 

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International Student Application for the PhD Program

If your native language is not English, or your undergraduate instruction was not in English, you must do the following:

(1) provide official scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB), or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).  If you are admitted to the Graduate School and your TOEFL (paper-based) test score is below 580; TOEFL computer-based test (CBT) score is below 237; TOEFL internet score (TOEFL-iBT) is below 92, MELAB score is below 82, or IELTS score is below 7, you must take an English assessment test upon arrival. Depending on your score, you may need to register for any recommended English as a Second Language (ESL) course(s) in the first semester you are enrolled. 

(2) provide evidence of financial support for the period of study; you can find information regarding finances at http://info.gradsch.wisc.edu/admin/admissions/financialinfo.html.

(3) send your international academic records, in the original language accompanied by an official English translation, directly to the Department of Communicative Disorders. These documents must contain the official seal/stamp and official signatures of the issuing institution. You must also send a set of descriptions of the courses list on the transcripts and/or certificates.

Specific questions about any of the described requirements should be directed to:

Office of International Students and Faculty
115 Science Hall
Madison, Wisconsin 53706
USA

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Financial Assistance

The department is committed to providing financial assistance to students in the PhD Program and makes every effort possible to provide financial assistance to students in the MS/PhD Program. Specific questions regarding funding should be directed to the Department of Communicative Disorders Financial Aids Chair or the Student Status Examiner.

Several sources of financial assistance are available. These include:

Assistance through the University of Wisconsin - Madison

(1) Graduate Fellowships

Fellows are selected on the basis of academic excellence.  Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are required, as well as transcripts and letters of recommendation.  Fellowships are typically awarded to students who place in the upper 2-4% of all graduate students on this campus. Because of the difficulty inherent in reviewing academic records from countries in which a language other than English is spoken, foreign students (except from English speaking countries like the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, etc.) are usually not considered for Graduate School Fellowships until after they have successfully completed two semesters of study on a U.S. campus. 

Graduate Fellowships are given to incoming students only. Fellows are required to be full time students. Because fellowships are intended to encourage maximum progress toward a graduate degree, fellows in their first year of graduate study may not hold a job or other remunerative appointment simultaneously with their fellowship.  Current policy permits remission of out-of-state tuition for non-residents, but all fellows must pay in-state tuition. Most students supported by a fellowship for their first year will need to find assistance for subsequent years from other sources.

(2) Vilas Fellowships

Fifty Vilas Fellowships for the entire campus are awarded each year. These fellowships are for an academic year and provide a stipend of $600 plus remission of out-of-state tuition.  Students are eligible for nomination only if they have a bachelor's or master's degree from the University of Wisconsin - Madison. Vilas Fellows are selected from departmental nominations sent to the Fellowships Office. Awards are typically made to students who place in the upper 2-4% of all graduate students on this campus. Vilas Fellows are required to be full time students.

(3) Advanced Opportunity Fellowships

The Advanced Opportunity Fellowship (OAF) is available for minority/disadvantaged graduate students.  Recipients are selected from departmental nominations sent to the Fellowships Office. To be eligible, a nominee must be: (a) a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident, (b) admitted or enrolled in a graduate department at any level of graduate study, and (c) be a member of a traditionally under-represented minority or be an educationally disadvantaged person.

Preference is given to nominees who meet the following selection criteria: (a) membership in one of the following under-represented minority groups: African American (Black); North American Indian, or Alaskan native; Mexican-American/Chicano; Puerto Rican; or Southeast Asian (Cambodian/Hmong, Laotian, Vietnamese), (b) Wisconsin residency, (c) enrolled in an area of study that represents an under-represented discipline, and (d) educationally disadvantaged (i.e., have not had opportunity for access to primary, secondary, and college education that provides adequate preparation for graduate study and have not had the expectation and encouragement to pursue graduate education as a viable option). There is no specified experience or work requirement. AOF awards recipients are responsible for in-state tuition and are required to be full time students.

(4) E. B. Fred Fellowships

These fellowships are awarded for only one semester; they are designed for individuals who are pursuing doctoral study after at least a five-year interruption in their education, as these individuals are at a disadvantage in the competition for other forms of financial assistance. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are required. While students may apply directly for this fellowship, rather than being nominated by their department, some statement of endorsement or intent to admit the student will be requested from the department.  Because foreign students are required to complete two semester of scholarship level work at an American university before they are eligible for consideration for graduate fellowships, most foreign students will not qualify for an E.B Fred fellowship.

 

Employment within the Department of Communicative Disorders on Research Grants

(1) Project Assistantships (PA)

Project Assistants are hired by faculty and staff who have research grants. Procedures to select a Project Assistant (PA) include personal interviews to determine the candidate's background and skills relative to the needs of the project. Criteria may include job-related experiences, areas of professional interest, interpersonal skills, transportation availability and scheduling requisites, as well as current and projected academic plans.  Appointments are generally on an annual basis, with an expectation of 20 hours of work per week.  A PA is expected to be enrolled as a full-time graduate student.  Appointment to a 50% PA position includes tuition remission. A fringe benefits package is also available. The University and Graduate School have specific policies governing PA appointments.  

(2) Research Assistants

Research Assistants are hired, typically for 10 hours of work per week, to assist faculty on their research projects.The hourly wage is dependent on the kinds of skills that are required and the student's experience.

Other Employment within the Department of Communicative Disorders

(1) Readers and graders for undergraduate courses, as needed, are recruited by faculty who teach courses that have high enrollments or require intensive and timely student feedback. While availably of these positions is not predictable semester to semester, students who are interested should inform the graduate advisor of their desire to be considered for such a position. Decisions are based on academic and clinical performance.

Additional Funding Opportunities

(1) There are bulletin boards in various locations in the Department of Communicative Disorders that contain information on financial assistance, job opportunities, etc., as they become available. 

(2) Wisconsin Speech-Language-Hearing Association (WSHA) Foundation Scholarships

WSHA scholarships are awarded each year to second year master's students or doctoral students, following a competition among applicants throughout the state of Wisconsin. Student scholarships include:

  • Stanley Ewanowski Scholastic Award
  • Friends of WSHA Foundation Scholarship
  • Judith H. and David J. Ward Scholarship
  • Gladys McKinley Scholarship
  • Nancy McKinley Scholarship
  • Jack Kile Scholarship
  • Risa Mari Otto Scholarship
  • Judy Kulpa Scholarship

In addition there is one research grant

  • Vicki Lord Larson & James R. Larson Research Grant

Information regarding specific criteria as well as how and when to apply for a scholarship or research grant can be found under WSHA Foundation at the WSHA website  www.wisha.org.
 

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FAQs about the UW-Madison Communicative Disorders MS/PhD program 

What is the MS/PhD program? answer
Why would I want all of these degrees? answer
How long does it take? answer
What about my clinical practicum? answer
What will I be doing differently than other MS students during my first two years in the program? answer
What about my CFY? answer
Is funding available for MS/PhD students? answer
How do I get into the MS/PhD program? answer
When do I decide on my minor and the committee for my qualifying examinations? answer
Whom should I talk to if I have additional questions? answer

What is the MS/PhD program?

The MS/PhD program is a combined clinical MS and PhD program.  At the end of this program, you will have your MS degree, a PhD degree, and be eligible for ASHA certification.

Why would I want all of these degrees?

You need your MS and ASHA certification for clinical work.  With a PhD, you can teach at a university, conduct research, be the director of a clinic, and have many more options for employment.  There is a shortage of people with the PhD  in our field.

How long does it take?

It will typically take 5 to 6 years.  You will finish the MS program at about the same time as your MS classmates (it may take a semester longer),  and then you will have 3 to 4 more years to finish your PhD.  It may save you some time over doing a MS and then a PhD, but more importantly – it gives you flexibility with respect to planning clinic, research, and coursework.

What about my clinical practicum?

You will still do clinical practicum along with your MS classmates.  You may be scheduled for slightly less clinical practicum so that you also have time to get involved in research.  Insofar as it is practical, we will try to assign you to some clinic in your area of research interest.

What will I be doing differently than other MS students during my first two years in the program?

You will be assigned to a program advisor in your area of research interest.  You will complete a first year research project, which can be the basis for your MS thesis.  We want to get you involved in research right away, as well as in clinical work.

What about my CFY?

CFYs will be arranged on an individual basis.  Some students in combined MS/PhD programs have taken 9 months off to do a full-time CFY, while other students have done a part-time CFY (12 to 20 hours/week) while they continue  coursework.

Is funding available for MS/PhD students?

MS/PhD students are very attractive to faculty with research grants, to be hired as Project Assistants  because they will be around for a while.  Once you have finished your MS degree, you are also eligible to compete for funding on the Commmunicative Disorders Training Grant.

How do I get into the MS/PhD program?

You need to apply for this program.  If you are applying for admission to the graduate program, you can indicate your intentions to do a combined MS/PhD.  If you  have already been admitted as an MS student, then you need to write a letter to the admissions committee and ask to be admitted to the MS/PhD program.  All MS/PhD students will be reviewed by the faculty after their third semester in the program to evaluate their ability to continue for the PhD.

When do I decide on my minor and the committee for my qualifying examinations?

You will decide on a minor and a committee for your PhD qualifying exams when you become a PhD student.  For your MS thesis, you will have a committee of 3 people (2 faculty members from the department and 1 from outside of the department).

Whom should I talk to if I have additional questions?

Please email Professor Jan Edwards at jedwards2@wisc.edu.

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Student Status Examiner

Carol Brandl - email
Phone: (608) 262-6464
Fax #: (608) 262-6466

Program Advisor

You will be assigned an advisor when you start the program.

Financial Aid Chair

See your program advisor.

 

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