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Eastern Illinois University

Communication Disorders & Sciences

The EIU CDS graduate program trains speech-language pathologists who are successful in the profession. Through case based teaching, mentored clinical experiences and full semester internships, students are well-prepared to pass national exams and excel in medical, educational, or private practice settings.

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Communication Disorders & Sciences

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Degree Level
Master of Science
Delivery
In Person
Time to Degree
6 Semesters
Credit Hours
58 Total, 58 in Major
Careers
Postsecondary, Pathologists, Audiologists
Communication Disorders & Sciences students at EIU

Why Study Communication Disorders & Sciences at EIU?

  • Case based teaching and clinically focused courses
  • Open door policy - faculty are accessible and ready to mentor
  • Full semester internships in second year of program
  • 100% Praxis pass rate and scores above state and national averages
"From the moment I stepped onto campus, every professor, staff member, and student I encountered treated me with such genuine warmth and respect, as if I were already a valued member of their community. Despite not having officially joined the EIU family, I immediately felt a deep sense of belonging. The atmosphere was one of comfort and inclusivity, where everyone seemed genuinely invested in my success and well-being."
Abbey McCord
Communication Disorders & Sciences | Class of 2025
Abbey McCord, Communication Disorders & Sciences at EIU

Hands-On Experience

  • On campus clinic and opportunities in local schools
  • Hands-on learning through simulations
  • Research experience/project within a clinical experience
  • Grand Rounds course prepares you for internships
Explore Courses
Hands-On Experience, Communication Disorders & Sciences students at EIU

What You'll Learn

The M.S. in Communication Disorders and Sciences prepares you for entry-level positions as a speech-language pathologist in medical, educational or private practice settings. It is a fit if you want to help people communicate and are ready for a competitive, clinically focused program.

View in Catalog
$61,989
Median Salary for These CareersMedian salaryThe median is the middle value: half of the people counted earn more and half earn less. It is an estimate for a typical graduate, not a promise of what you will earn. Pay varies by employer, location, experience and the specific job.

Career OutcomesCareer outcomesThese are example careers that graduates of this program often pursue, taken from the U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET occupation list. They are examples, not job guarantees, and many graduates work in other fields.Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

  • Health Specialties Teachers,…
  • Speech-Language Pathologists
  • Audiologists

Career Insights

Job Outlook ★ Bright Outlook Bright OutlookBright Outlook careers are ones with a promising future. They're expected to grow quickly, to have lots of job openings, or to be brand new and emerging. A career earns the label if it meets any one of these: projected growth of 5% or more, at least 75,000 projected openings, or New & Emerging status.
Grow Rapidly: Jobs in this career are expected to grow 5% or more over the next several years, based on Bureau of Labor Statistics projections.Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor
Grow Rapidly
Preparation Needed Extensive (5/5)Job Zone 5: Extensive preparationMost of these careers require graduate school, and many also call for more than five years of experience.Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor
Personality Fit SocialSocial interest typeYou like helping people. This work centers on supporting others by helping, teaching, advising or serving them.Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Financing Your Degree Under the 2026 Rules

Federal graduate lending changed on July 1, 2026 - Grad PLUS loans ended for new borrowers and new federal borrowing caps now apply to graduate students. Here's why the math still works at EIU:

Estimated total for this degree: ~$29,290 (tuition and fees)

  • ✓ That's only about 29% of the new $100,000 lifetime graduate borrowing limit - leaving room for whatever comes next in your career.
  • ✓ A typical full-time year here runs about $9,090 - well under the new $20,500 annual federal loan limit. Annual limits are reduced in proportion for part-time enrollment.
  • ✓ Working? If your employer offers it, they can provide up to $5,250 per year tax-free toward your education.

Estimates use 2026-2027 Illinois-resident tuition and fees and typical full-time enrollment. Your actual costs and aid depend on your program, enrollment, FAFSA, and prior borrowing. Students who borrowed for the same program before July 1, 2026 may have different limits.

Talk to EIU Financial Aid → Read about the 2026 federal aid changes
29% of lifetime limit

$29,290 total, just 29% of your $100,000 federal graduate borrowing limit

Connect With Us

Nichole Mulvey
Chair, Communication Disorders & Sciences
namulvey@eiu.edu
2213 Human Services
217-581-7448
Nichole Mulvey Message Nichole

Message Nichole

or email namulvey@eiu.edu directly
Angela Anthony
Program Contact
cds_grad@eiu.edu
Human Services Center 2203
217-581-1146
Angela Anthony Message Angela

Message Angela

or email cds_grad@eiu.edu directly
Billy Panther
Head of Panther Pride
Old Main
217-581-2223
Billy the Panther Message Billy

Message Billy

or email billy@eiu.edu directly

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