Online Bachelor’s in Communication Sciences and Disorders
Open doors by unlocking your potential.
The undergraduate major of communication sciences and disorders provides students with foundational knowledge required for graduate study in speech-language pathology and audiology, or careers in allied health, human services, or education. Speech-language pathologists are specialists in typical and atypical human communication and swallowing. Audiologists are specialists in typical and atypical hearing and balance. Speech-language pathologists and audiologists provide service to individuals across the lifespan in educational, medical, and related settings. Professionals in this field serve as advocates for diversity, language access, and quality of life. A graduate degree is required for practice as a state-licensed and American Speech–Language–Hearing Association (ASHA) certified speech language pathologist or audiologist.
Why UW-Whitewater Online?
- Asynchronous program lets you learn day or night
- Attend part-time or full-time
- Affordable tuition
- Guided application process for speech language pathology or audiology graduate programs
Fully Online
No requirements to come to campus
Flexible
Complete courses asynchronously and part time
Specialized
Enhance your career and expand your knowledge
Online Bachelor’s in Communication Sciences and Disorders
The Online Bachelor’s in Communication Sciences and Disorders (BA/BS) degree requires 38 credits in the major and an additional 31-33 credits in psychology, education, biology, writing, physics, and statistics.
Students typically begin coursework in the summer or fall semester. A four-year plan supports students who want to complete their entire degree at UWW. A two-year plan supports students with an associate degree. View the course plans for more details. For a comprehensive overview of the program structure and required courses, please refer to the Undergraduate Catalog.
There are several application paths an online bachelor's student might take including as transfer, reentry, freshman, or second-degree seeking applicants. You may even be an international applicant.
If you aren’t sure which application path to follow or need help completing the UW-System E-Application, complete the Request Information form and a program representative will get in touch with you.
Transfer applicants
Transfer applicants are students that have attended another college or university (including having earned an associate degree) but have never attended UW-Whitewater. You will find detailed application and transfer information at University Admissions.
Reentry applicants
Reentry applicants are students that have previously attended UW-Whitewater. Application information can be found at University Admissions.
Freshman applicants
Freshman applicants are students that have never attended a college or university. If you have never attended a college or university, regardless of age, you would be considered a freshman applicant. You can find application information for freshman applicants at University Admissions.
Second-Degree seeking applicants
Students who choose to earn a second degree in the form of a bachelor’s degree in communication sciences and disorders require a minimum of 38 credits. To complete your degree, you would only need to fulfill the College of Letters and Sciences BA or BS requirements and the requirements for the major you choose. The second degree may be completed in two semesters with a summer class or by requesting an overload (more than 18 credits). You can apply to UW-Whitewater’s online bachelor's program as a special student with full credentials.
Unofficial Transcript Review
Transfer, Reentry, and Second-Degree Seeking students, can request an unofficial transcript review. An unofficial review will give you an idea of which of your credits might transfer and how those transfer credits might apply to the online bachelor's program. To request a review, complete a request more information form and a program adviser will get in touch with you.
The online bachelor's program at UW-Whitewater is a superior value, with tuition starting at $425 USD per credit for the 2025-26 academic year. This tuition rate applies to Wisconsin residents, out-of-state and international students who have declared an online bachelor's major. Non-major classes are charged at the standard resident/non-resident level. Visit the Tuition and Fees webpage for complete information.
Course materials
Textbook rental is included in the cost of tuition for many courses through the University Bookstore's Textbook Rental program.
Financial aid
Students completing a degree program may be eligible for financial aid in the form of grants, loans, scholarships, or employment. All of these make up a “Financial Aid Package” and may be offered singly or in various combinations. Since funds are limited, priority for aid is based on financial need and how promptly applications are filed. To find out, or if you have other financial aid questions, contact the financial aid staff person assigned to you or try uwwfao@uww.edu or 262-472-1130.
UW-Whitewater offers multiple pathways in communication sciences and disorders, from early college credit opportunities and post-baccalaureate study to comprehensive graduate education leading to professional licensure and certification.
High school students can explore the field of speech language pathology and audiology at UW-Whitewater as a part of the early college credit program. COMDIS 270 Introduction to Human Communication and Disorders provides an overview of communicative disorders across the lifespan and is offered online during the summer and fall terms.
We also offer an online postbaccalaureate certificate, designed specifically for students who have earned a bachelor’s degree in any discipline other than communication sciences and disorders.
The department provides a comprehensive academic and clinical education program for graduate students including on-campus and off-site clinical experiences that culminate in the requisite Master's degree for practice as a state licensed and ASHA certified speech-language pathologist.
