Last Updated
April 16, 2025Written By
Benjamin Thompson, M.S., CCC‑SLPWisconsin presents an attractive environment for students who want to become speech pathologists. The state offers a strong job market with various positions available in schools and hospitals and clinics across Wisconsin. The salary range in this field matches the national average which exceeds $90,000 annually. The state offers an extensive selection of accredited SLP programs across its research institutions and smaller colleges which maintain excellent reputations for educational quality and career outcomes.
The state’s moderate cost of living and tight-knit professional network featuring active state associations and interstate licensure compact membership create special benefits for students who want academic and professional connections. Wisconsin stands as an ideal state for speech-language pathology degree pursuit because it offers strong career opportunities alongside quality academic programs and exclusive professional resources.
Looking for the best SLP programs in Wisconsin? peechpathology.org ranks top SLP degrees to help you choose the best one for you. Our list highlights programs known for quality, research, and clinical training. We focus on what matters to students and professionals in Wisconsin. Learn how we rank schools at speechpathology.org/rankings-methology.
Madison, WI - Public 4-Year - wisc.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Wisconsin-Madison's Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) program provides comprehensive training for clinical certification and research. Integrating clinical practice with research, students gain advanced academic skills while meeting licensure requirements. Graduates are eligible for ASHA certification, Wisconsin state licensure, and teacher certification, opening doors to diverse career paths.
Concentration: Speech-Language Pathology - Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Wisconsin-Madison's two-year Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (M.S.) program focuses on preparing clinical professionals. This rigorous program provides extensive supervised diagnostic and therapy experiences in various clinical settings. Students develop skills for working with children and adults and are prepared for Wisconsin clinical licensure and the option of teacher certification. The program is CAA-accredited.
Concentration: Normal Aspects of Speech, Language and Hearing - Campus Based - Visit Website
Focusing on Normal Aspects of Speech, Language, and Hearing, the University of Wisconsin-Madison's Master's in Communication Sciences and Disorders prepares students for clinical practice. This two-year program features supervised diagnostic and therapy experience with diverse patient populations. Graduates are prepared for ASHA certification, state licensure, and can pursue teacher certification. The program emphasizes robust clinical training in various settings.
Concentration: Speech, Language, or Hearing Disorders - Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Wisconsin-Madison's Ph.D. program in Speech, Language, or Hearing Disorders provides a mentor-based approach for students pursuing research careers. Students develop an individualized program focused on their chosen area within speech, language, or hearing disorders, collaborating closely with faculty. This program is ideal for those dedicated to research excellence in communication sciences and disorders.
Eau Claire, WI - Public 4-Year - uwec.edu
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire's Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders (MS-CSD) program offers a flexible path for aspiring speech-language pathologists. Students can choose between residential and online tracks, both providing extensive clinical experience at over 90 sites. The CAA-accredited curriculum emphasizes communication disorder evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment. UW-Eau Claire's program prepares graduates for licensure and professional certification, with a strong focus on practical skills and diverse client interaction. Graduates are prepared for licensure in over 50 states. The average admitted GPA is 3.9.
Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire offers a Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders (MS-CSD) with both two-year residential and three-year online options. Accredited by ASHA, the program emphasizes clinical training through hands-on experience at over 90 clinical sites. Students gain expertise in communication disorders, assessment, and professional practice. The program aims to equip graduates for licensure and successful careers in diverse healthcare and educational settings. With an average admitted GPA of 3.9, the program maintains high standards for its incoming cohorts. Graduates are prepared for licensure in over 50 states.
Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire's online Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders (MS-CSD) offers flexibility for aspiring speech-language pathologists. This accredited program provides rigorous clinical training through partnerships with over 90 clinical sites. Students gain hands-on experience working with diverse populations, preparing them for national licensure requirements. With an average admitted GPA of 3.9, the program attracts high-achieving students and facilitates licensure in over 50 states. The program offers both online and residential tracks.
La Crosse, WI - Private 4-year - viterbo.edu
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Viterbo University offers a hybrid Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program, meticulously designed to align with ASHA certification standards. This two-year, 58-credit curriculum blends rigorous academic coursework with hands-on clinical experiences across healthcare and educational environments. Students delve into the complexities of communication disorders, mastering assessment and intervention strategies. The program stands out for its emphasis on cultural competence, including insights into Deaf culture, and prepares graduates for Wisconsin State Licensure. With a focus on practical skills and professional development, it's an ideal choice for those aiming to excel in speech-language pathology. Requires GRE.
River Falls, WI - Public 4-Year - uwrf.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
UW-River Falls' Communication Sciences and Disorders undergraduate program provides comprehensive training in human communication processes, addressing critical national workforce needs. Students explore intricate biological, neurological, and linguistic foundations of communication disorders through a scientifically rigorous curriculum. The program prepares students for advanced graduate studies, positioning them for future speech-language pathology careers. Graduates develop critical skills in prevention, assessment, and intervention strategies across diverse healthcare environments including hospitals, schools, and rehabilitation centers. The curriculum offers extensive insights into communication challenges, creating pathways for meaningful professional development.
Concentration: Education - Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Wisconsin-River Falls' Communication Sciences and Disorders program, specifically focused on education, integrates scientific understanding with practical intervention strategies for communication and swallowing disorders. Students explore complex biological, neurological, and psychological dimensions of human communication, gaining comprehensive knowledge in prevention and assessment techniques. The program addresses national workforce shortages by preparing graduates for speech-language pathology careers across educational and healthcare settings. Emphasizing a holistic approach, students learn to support individuals with diverse communication challenges while developing skills essential for advanced professional opportunities.
Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Wisconsin-River Falls offers a comprehensive two-year Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders that transforms passionate students into skilled speech-language pathology professionals. Students develop advanced clinical expertise through a 54-credit curriculum emphasizing professional assessment and intervention techniques. The program provides robust clinical experiences across diverse healthcare settings, preparing graduates for ASHA certification. Students gain specialized knowledge in speech, language, and hearing disorders while cultivating empathetic patient care approaches. Comprehensive coursework integrates research opportunities, thesis options, and multiple clinical placement experiences to ensure graduates are well-equipped for dynamic careers in communication sciences.
Milwaukee, WI - Private 4-year - marquette.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Marquette University's Bachelor of Science in Speech Pathology and Audiology, located in Milwaukee, WI, is designed for students passionate about addressing communication, hearing, and swallowing disorders. This program stands out for its comprehensive curriculum that delves into both the biological and functional aspects of communication disorders, preparing students for advanced studies in speech-language pathology or audiology. With hands-on learning opportunities under the guidance of experienced professionals in Cramer Hall, students gain invaluable insights into normal and disordered communication processes. Ideal for future healthcare and education professionals, this program emphasizes practical experience and academic excellence. Requires ACT/SAT.
Whitewater, WI - Public 4-Year - uww.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater offers a standout Communication Sciences and Disorders program, designed to equip students with the skills needed for careers in speech-language pathology and audiology. This campus-based program boasts a 100% employment or graduate school placement rate within a year post-graduation, highlighting its effectiveness. Students benefit from practical experiences at the on-campus Communication Disorders clinic, engage in undergraduate research, and have access to international travel study options. With a curriculum covering human development and communication challenges, the program lays a strong foundation for further studies or immediate entry into healthcare and education sectors. Highlights include professional conference opportunities and preparation for diverse career paths. Requires ACT/SAT.
Milwaukee, WI - Public 4-Year - uwm.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee offers an MS in Communication Sciences and Disorders, a campus-based program tailored for aspiring speech-language pathologists. This program stands out for its commitment to preparing students for ASHA certification, emphasizing a curriculum rich in phonetics, anatomy, and language development. Ideal for those with a background in communication sciences or willing to undertake prerequisite courses, it provides a solid foundation for clinical practice. Highlights include a fall term start, a CSDCAS application process, and a January 15 deadline, catering to both domestic and international students. With a focus on clinical excellence, it requires specific undergraduate coursework for admission.
The first step for speech-language pathology beginners should be obtaining a bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders or a related field. Wisconsin’s undergraduate programs establish foundational knowledge in phonetics alongside linguistics and basic diagnosis of communication disorders. A bachelor’s degree provides foundational knowledge of the field but it does not grant enough qualifications for independent practice as an SLP.
A master’s degree in speech pathology functions as the professional credential which enables you to deliver independent SLP services in schools and hospitals and clinics. Wisconsin programs take two years to finish while students receive thorough clinical training and learn research methods. The admission process for master’s programs requires applicants to demonstrate communication science background and academic excellence and provide letters of recommendation and show their dedication to the field. Most Wisconsin universities have moved to no-GRE master’s degree programs.
A bachelor’s degree in Speech Pathology enables students to become Speech-Language Pathology Assistants (SLPAs) or transition into health and education positions. The master’s degree provides in-depth coursework and clinical experiences which are essential to become a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist who treats speech language and swallowing disorders. The master’s programs in Wisconsin deliver modern laboratory facilities and varied practicum sites together with excellent career advancement opportunities for students who want to become professional SLPs.
The doctoral education at Wisconsin consists mainly of PhD programs in Communication Sciences and Disorders which emphasize research and academic studies. The PhD path is most suitable for those who want to develop speech pathology science through academic and research activities. Students need to submit a master’s degree from a related field together with a research statement and identify a faculty mentor whose interests match theirs. The funding through assistantships helps with tuition costs but PhD students must dedicate themselves to multiple years of coursework and comprehensive exams and dissertation work.
The Doctorate of Speech-Language Pathology (SLPD) program targets practicing clinicians who seek advanced clinical skills instead of research-based education. The typical admission requirements for this program include an active SLP license and professional experience along with a master’s degree in speech-language pathology. Students pursuing the SLPD degree must complete their studies in two to three years following their master’s program through part-time or low-residency courses that enable them to continue their clinical practice. Students who want to earn an SLPD degree for advanced clinical practice will need to consider enrolling in out-of-state or online programs.
Speech pathologists in Wisconsin receive their licensure from the Hearing and Speech Examining Board which operates under the Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS). A full SLP license requires completion of an approved master’s degree program and passing the national Praxis Speech-Language Pathology exam. It also requires finishing 1,260 hours of supervised clinical fellowship work (usually spanning nine months full-time). The DSPS licensure application requires transcripts along with exam scores and evidence of the fellowship completion. The licensure issued after approval needs biennial renewal while requiring 20 hours of continuing education which must include two hours dedicated to ethics training.
A teaching license issued by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) is mandatory for SLPs who intend to work in public schools from PreK through 12. The state grants a one-year teaching license with conditions to new graduates and out-of-state professionals who lack school-based practicum completion so they can work in schools while completing any remaining educational requirements. After finishing a state-approved school SLP program or equivalent you qualify for a provisional educator license which leads to a permanent lifetime teaching license.
Speech-language pathology assistants in Wisconsin must follow specific guidelines since they typically work under a licensed school speech pathologist in educational settings. The direct supervision of a licensed speech-language pathologist remains mandatory for SLPA support personnel who work in educational settings because the licensed SLP ensures proper supervision standards and scope of practice compliance. Wisconsin provides a clear process for dedicated professionals who want to work or assist in speech pathology by following its established educational and clinical requirements as well as ongoing professional development standards.
Students who want to become speech-language pathologists must complete a four-year bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders before moving into a two-year master’s program. Some Wisconsin public institutions provide accelerated paths that students can take. Dedicated students can start graduate coursework during their senior year with the common “4+1” combined bachelor’s-to-master’s program. The accelerated program at Marquette University allows qualified students to earn their bachelor’s and master’s degrees within five years instead of the typical six years.
Students who want to reduce their bachelor’s duration should take summer classes and increase their semester credit hours or use community college and Advanced Placement exam credits. The specialized speech and hearing courses typically follow a specific sequence so students might need additional time to finish their studies.
Most master’s programs in speech pathology require students to complete many clinical practicum hours so completing the degree in less than two years is not typical. Students who need work-study flexibility can benefit from Wisconsin’s online and part-time programs which operate at specific UW campuses. Students who want to progress quickly should plan their academic work carefully while seeking accelerated bachelor’s-to-master’s SLP programs and maintaining strict dedication to clinical practice and coursework completion.
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
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| University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire |
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| University of Wisconsin-Madison |
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| Marquette University |
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The University of Wisconsin (UW) System represents the most budget-friendly educational path for students who live within the state borders. The range for annual in-state tuition fees at UW–Madison UW–Eau Claire and UW–Whitewater is between $8,000 and $10,000 for undergraduate studies thus making bachelor’s degree affordable. The UW System charges residents between $500 to $800 per graduate credit which results in estimated costs of $20,000 to $40,000 for two years of study.
The tuition rates at private institutions Marquette and Concordia reach above $1,000 per credit but students can use scholarships and assistantships to lower their expenses. Students who want to reduce their debt burden should start their education at a community college before moving to a UW campus. Students who pursue graduate studies typically obtain teaching or research assistantships which give them both financial support and tuition fee reduction.
Students who work in underserved areas or public school settings can reduce their educational costs through scholarships and federal loan forgiveness programs as well as state-specific incentives. Wisconsin residents who want to minimize their expenses should attend public universities in the state while using every available financial aid opportunity.
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
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| University of Wisconsin-Madison |
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| University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire |
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| University of Wisconsin-River Falls |
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Our mission is to empower future speech-language pathologists by providing the most accurate, up-to-date, and accessible information available. Our team is dedicated to guiding individuals through the journey of becoming an SLP—whether you’re just exploring the field or actively pursuing a degree. We specialize in delivering reliable insights on state-by-state availability, affordability, and the fastest paths to certification and licensure. Our goal is to help you make informed decisions based on real data, trusted resources, and the evolving needs of the profession. With a strong commitment to educational clarity and career transparency, we’re here to support and simplify your path toward a rewarding future in speech-language pathology.
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