UW-Stevens Point to offer accelerated communication sciences and disorders graduate degree

Starting this fall, students studying communication sciences and disorders at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point will have the option to complete their undergraduate and graduate degrees in five years.

The accelerated 3+2 dual degree Bachelor and Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program will be the first and only program like it in the state, according to Sondra Reynolds, program coordinator and director of clinical services in speech-language pathology. Students will have three years of undergraduate courses and two years of graduate courses.

"This is an opportunity for high achieving students to save a year of undergraduate work as well as save money on applying to graduate school," said Reynolds. "They can reap the benefits of their hard work and guarantee a spot in our master's degree program."

Being accepted into UWSP's graduate program allows students to bypass the communication sciences and disorders graduate application system, CSDCAS, which costs $100 per application to each school. Students will complete their undergraduate program within the first semester of graduate school at UW-Stevens Point and complete the graduate degree in two years.

Students who want to take advantage of this 3+2 program will start working with UWSP advisers their sophomore year to declare their intent for graduate school and create the course pathway towards their graduate degree.

This is the second 3+2 dual degree program at UWSP, the other being a five-year path to a Master of Science in Athletic Training through an accelerated undergraduate degree in health science and wellness.

"This is a good option for students whose high school may not have had a lot of AP or college credit opportunities," said Kennedy Neuzil, Algoma, who will graduate from the undergraduate program this May. "If they are motivated, they can still complete the program in three years. If I had known about this program, I would not have taken college courses in high school when I maybe wasn't ready for that level of work. Money is also a factor, and this is a way to save money and time."

The communication sciences and disorders program has been in place at UW-Stevens Point since 1962. Alumni work in schools, clinics, hospitals and rehabilitation facilities.

"Our longevity bodes well for students," said Reynolds. "We have produced a lot of quality professionals over the years. Now we are excited to offer our students something new."