Speech-Language Pathology
Learn how to help children and adults who have trouble communicating because of speech-related disorders. Prepare for careers in schools, private practice and hospitals.
Help Others Build Confidence
The graduate program in speech-language pathology (SLP) provides broad-based academic, clinical and research experience to prepare you as a speech pathologist. You may work in many different research, education and health care settings such as public hospitals, rehabilitation centers, community and mental health services, schools, kindergartens and specialist organizations.
Learn to treat speech, language, social communication, cognitive-communication and swallowing disorders in children and adults. The two-year, post baccalaureate program consists of coursework and on-site clinical practica, followed by two semesters of full-time, external internship placements.
Degrees & Offerings
Speech Language Pathology (M.A.)
Master'sThe Master of Arts (M.A.) in speech-language pathology is a two-year post-baccalaureate program consisting of four semester of didactic coursework (including one summer) and clinical practicum which is at a minimum two semesters of external, full-time clinical placements. The program is typically completed in 6 semesters for full-time students. It may take some students up to 8 semesters depending on courses completed prior to graduate enrollment; part-time enrollment is possible and will be planned on a case-by-case basis.
Program Details
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Department
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Start Your Application Today
This graduate program utilizes a specialized CAS online application to complete the admissions process. To learn more about this program's unique application process, requirements and program deadlines, visit Specialty Graduate Program Applications.
Additional requirements exist for international applicants. For more information, visit International Admission Requirements.
Known for Excellence
We value your experience, this program does not require the GRE test
Graduate Assistantship opportunities with reduced tuition rates and stipends are available.
Small faculty-student ratio assures you the one-on-one attention and mentorship you need to succeed.
Student Opportunities
We annually offer several graduate assistantships to students pursuing a Masters of Arts (M.A.) in Speech Language Pathology and the Doctor of Audiology (Au.D).
Graduate traineeships are also offered to graduate students in speech language pathology and audiology through the Leadership Education Excellence in Caring for Children with Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) Program. Audiology and speech language pathology students are selected as trainees for this program. Each trainee receives a stipend and tuition reduction for their participation. The program lasts one academic year. Students take part in classroom, clinical and research experiences focusing on interdisciplinary services for children with developmental disabilities and their families.
Scottish Rite Graduate Fellowships
These graduate fellowships are designed to provide support to USD students doing graduate work in speech-language pathology or audiology who are interested in practicing in South Dakota or vicinity following graduation (although this is not a requirement).
The Janet Bailin Fellowship is in the amount of $1,500. Applicants should have a 3.0 or better grade point average in DCOM courses and preferably in all courses taken and completed. To be eligible, a student must be fully admitted into the graduate school program. No work duties are required of holders of a graduate fellowship.
Scholarship Application Procedures
Scholarship opportunities and application deadlines are announced early in the spring semester for awarding at the spring department awards ceremony. The communication sciences & disorders faculty as a committee-of-the-whole will select the recipient of each scholarship.
USD is home to more than 170 student organizations, including several that are housed in the Department of Communication Sciences & Disorders. You may be interested in opportunities to make friends, develop new skills and explore your interests.
Graduate & Professional Student Association (GPSA)
Join your fellow graduate and professional students at USD. We aim to build a sense of community between graduate and professional students. Build your resume, network with others and gain experience and the unique opportunity to represent the interests of graduate students to the greater campus and community.
National Student Speech-Language and Hearing Association (NSSLHA)
The National Student Speech-Language and Hearing Association (NSSLHA) offers an opportunity to get to know faculty and other students by sponsoring social and educational events throughout the year. As a member you can take advantage of referral services, access to professional literature, networking opportunities with other professionals through sponsored activities and programs.
At USD, our graduate students are actively pursuing unique research and presenting at local, national and international conferences exploring innovative areas of interest to them. Additional research and grant opportunities include:
Research and Creative Scholarship Opportunities
Each semester students may apply for grants through the USD Graduate School, faculty and students pursue research in virtually all academic departments on campus.
IdeaFest
IdeaFest is an annual event celebrating student research, creative scholarship and academic engagement. Undergraduate and graduate students in all disciplines present their work in oral and poster presentations, live performances, readings, exhibits and displays.
At USD, our graduate students are actively pursuing unique research and presenting at local, national and international conferences exploring innovative areas of interest to them. Additional research and grant opportunities include:
Research and Creative Scholarship Opportunities
Each semester students may apply for grants through the USD Graduate School, faculty and students pursue research in virtually all academic departments on campus.
IdeaFest
IdeaFest is an annual event celebrating student research, creative scholarship and academic engagement. Undergraduate and graduate students in all disciplines present their work in oral and poster presentations, live performances, readings, exhibits and displays.
Faculty & Staff
Lindsey Jorgensen
Stacie Carlson
Elizabeth DeVelder
Coral Dirks
Jason Fornwald
Shelly Grinde
Jennifer Phelan
departments & facilities
Communication Sciences & Disorders
Gain knowledge of communication disorders and their treatment and take part in world-class clinical experiences, outreach activities and research in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders.
Opportunities to Make a Difference
USD Clinics
USD Speech, Language and Hearing Clinic
Scottish Rite Children's Clinic for Speech & Language Disorders
Jumpstart your Career
Surprisingly Affordable
Whether you’ve recently completed your undergraduate degree, or you want to kick your career up a notch, graduate school is the next logical step. The good news is there is funding for both online and on-campus students to get you through your program.Graduate Tuition & Costs
Learn more about tuition and fees for undergraduate students and see how your out-of-pocket costs at USD compare to those at other colleges and universities. Visit the Graduate Tuition & Costs Detailed page for program specific costs and fees.
Financial Aid
Navigating options for how to pay for college can be challenging, but you are not alone. The Office of Financial Aid will work with you and your family to explore how you can make your college education even more affordable.
Graduate Assistantships
USD offers opportunities for grad students to earn a reduced tuition rate in exchange for their teaching, research and service efforts to the university.
The Masters of Arts (M.A.) in Speech Language Pathology and the Doctor of Audiology (Au.D) residential educational programs at the University of South Dakota are accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 2200 Research Boulevard, #310, Rockville, MD 20850, 800-498-2071 or 301-296-5700.
