The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire announced on Apr. 7 that its speech-language pathology graduate program remains ranked among the top 100 in the nation, based on peer assessments from a national survey.
This ranking highlights the university’s ongoing commitment to academic quality and preparation of graduates for careers in speech-language pathology. The recognition is part of broader efforts by UW-Eau Claire to contribute to Wisconsin’s culture, economy, and intellectual growth through various collaborations, according to the official website.
Dr. Carmen Manning, dean of the College of Health and Human Sciences, said, “We have a long tradition at UW-Eau Claire of educating high-quality speech-language pathologists to serve local schools and clinics. Our faculty take pride in utilizing proven principles and practices to produce strong clinicians year after year.” Students can pursue their master’s degree either through two years of face-to-face instruction or three years online with a short summer residency. Faculty emphasize hands-on learning paired with rigorous coursework.
Dr. Abby Hemmerich, professor and chair of UW-Eau Claire’s speech, language, and hearing sciences department, said that innovative teaching methods are key: “One of the reasons our students are so strong clinically is directly tied to the instruction they receive. Faculty are implementing innovative pedagogy and providing practice with clinical skills across all academic courses, in addition to the clinical practica students complete.” Hemmerich added that students use flipped classrooms, collaborative learning techniques, case studies and competency-based assessments as part of their training.
Graduate students also engage in research opportunities and present at national conferences while providing hundreds of hours each semester in outpatient therapy services for up to 120 community members. They conduct hearing screenings at regional kindergartens each year as well. “We’re providing community services and community resources that are really needed in our region,” Hemmerich said. Nearly all graduates secure employment soon after completing their degrees.
The university has garnered national acclaim for its quality, affordability, student success rates and sustainability practices according to its official website (source). The campus features a Science and Health Sciences Building shared with Mayo Clinic Health System (source), reflecting partnerships such as those with Mayo Clinic Health System and Marshfield Clinic aimed at advancing health sciences initiatives (source). Additionally, UW-Eau Claire supports one of the Midwest’s most active marching bands (source) while emphasizing critical-thinking abilities alongside career-focused opportunities designed to prepare students for future contributions within their communities (source).
The university encourages prospective students interested in its nationally recognized program or broader offerings to learn more about current rankings or visit its official website.
