Online Post-bac Certificate
UW-Whitewater’s online communication sciences and disorders certificate is designed specifically for students who have earned a bachelor’s degree in any discipline other than communication sciences and disorders, or ComDis.
Students who earn this 32-credit certificate are usually preparing to apply for a master’s degree program in speech-language pathology (SLP) or audiology. The post-bac certificate may also mean that professionals may be eligible for education incentives where they are currently employed.
Those who commonly pursue this educational path include paraprofessionals, teacher aides, early childhood care providers, certified nursing assistants, career changers, stay-at-home caregivers and others who wish to work with children in school or in medical settings. 100% of those who earn a Master of Science (M.S.) in speech-language pathology at UW-Whitewater are fully employed within a year of graduation.
This is an online, asynchronous program that can be completed either in one year of full-time study (a maximum of 18 credits a year) or two years of part-time study. Both courses of study begin in the fall semester.
View the full-time course plan for more details.
View the part-time course plan for more details.
For current tuition rates, visit the online certificate program page.
While the certificate program is not eligible for financial aid, students who choose to earn a second degree in the form of a bachelor’s degree in communication sciences and disorders, which requires 38 credits, may be eligible for financial aid.
This option involves two credits of experiential learning (internship, research, independent study). The degree can be completed in two semesters with a summer class or by requesting an overload (more than 18 credits) schedule.
For more information visit Financial Aid Process.
If you have a documented disability and intend to work in Wisconsin, Department of Workforce Development grants may be available. For more information, contact DVRFAO@dwd.wisconsin.gov.
The minimum requirements for admission to the program are:
- A completed undergraduate degree from an accredited college/university
- A minimum GPA of 2.0 in your undergraduate studies
Official transcripts confirming degree conferral and GPA are required.
To apply, visit the online certificate program page.
Here is the step-by-step process you can expect:
- Complete the Universities of Wisconsin Online Application as a transfer student and make sure to state that you have already earned a bachelor’s degree.
- Apply to the communication sciences and disorders major and state that you only want the post-bac certificate.
- Apply by July 1 for a fall start date. Applications received after July 1 will be considered on an individual basis.
- Contact comdis@uww.edu to meet with an advisor to confirm a post-bac course plan based on a review of your transcript and to gain permission to enroll in courses.
After you complete grad school, career paths for students who earn the communication sciences and disorders online post-baccalaureate certificate or a second bachelor’s degree in communication sciences and disorders include employment as a speech-language pathologist or audiologist or working with children in an educational setting such as a K-12 school.
Speech-language pathology consistently ranks in U.S. News and World Report’s top-10 list for most satisfying careers. Speech-language pathologists are consistently in demand and enjoy a median annual salary of $70K in Wisconsin.
Please contact the main office at 262-472-1301 or comdis@uww.edu, or our Graduate Program Coordinator Dr. Lynn Gilbertson at 262-472-5203 or gilbertl@uww.edu.