The bachelors degree is a preprofessional degree and is not sufficient for practice as a speech-language pathologist or audiologist. At Eastern Illinois University, a bachelors degree in Communication Disorders & Sciences requires 120 semester hours of coursework and is typically completed in four years. Undergraduates begin treating clients in Eastern's Speech Clinic during their senior year. The masters degree is a professional entry degree. Easterns master's degree in communication disorders prepares students to practice speech-language pathology and requires 46 to 47 semester hours of advanced study. Typically, graduate students require 5 consecutive full-time semesters to complete the program. The usual program includes 3 semesters of advanced coursework and clinical practicum followed by two 14-week internships, one in the schools and one in a hospital or other medical setting.

*For additional information regarding specific courses, please visit CDS Courses.