South Dakota’s Speech Pathology Masters Program

Want to guarantee your career success with University of South Dakota’s Speech Pathology Masters Program? USD’s speech pathology program boasts an impressive statistic – all graduates find employment within their first year after graduation.

This complete two-year, post-baccalaureate program gives you specialized training to treat various disorders. You’ll learn to handle speech, language, social communication, cognitive-communication, and swallowing disorders in both children and adults. USD is South Dakota’s only public university with an undergraduate major in communication sciences and disorders. The program provides a direct path to get your South Dakota SLP license through American Speech-Language-Hearing Association’s accreditation.

Program Structure and Duration

The University of South Dakota Speech Pathology Masters Program offers a well-laid-out curriculum that brings together theory and hands-on clinical experience. Let’s take a closer look at the program’s structure, length, and options to help you decide if it lines up with what you want to achieve.

Program Structure of USD Speech Pathology

USD’s Master of Arts (M.A.) in Speech-Language Pathology takes an all-encompassing approach. The program merges academic coursework, clinical practice, and research experience. Students become skilled speech pathologists who can handle many types of communication disorders.

The program has two main parts:

1. Didactic Coursework: Four semesters of academic study, including one summer term. You’ll learn both basic and specialized speech pathology knowledge.
2. Clinical Practicum: You’ll get hands-on experience that includes at least two semesters of external, full-time clinical placements.

You’ll learn to treat various communication disorders and develop critical thinking skills needed for evidence-based practice. USD stands out by mixing clinical experiences with classroom learning. This approach lets you apply what you learn in ground settings.

The program will give you everything you need to meet ASHA’s Certificate of Clinical Competence requirements. This certification is essential to get your South Dakota SLP license.

Length and Format of the Program

USD’s Speech Pathology Masters Program is a two-year post-baccalaureate program. The time it takes to finish depends on your educational background.

Full-time students usually need:

• 5 to 6 semesters to graduate
• Some might need up to 8 semesters based on their previous coursework

Your credit requirements depend on:

• Your undergraduate coursework (up to 18 possible credits)
• Clinical practicum hours needed for ASHA requirements
• Total credits range from 52-77 hours

The Communication Sciences and Disorders faculty will test your knowledge with a comprehensive exam in your final semester. This exam shows you’re ready to work as a qualified speech-language pathologist.

You must complete 375 clinical clock hours with clients and 25 observation hours in Speech-language Pathology’s Scope of Practice to get certified. These practical experiences are the substance of USD’s speech therapy education. You’ll graduate with both knowledge and skills.

Full-time vs Part-time Options

The program welcomes both full-time and part-time students. This flexibility makes quality education available to students with different life situations.

If you’re thinking about studying part-time:

• The program works with your schedule
• Program administrators will help plan your timeline
• You’ll need the same credits, just spread over more time

The part-time option takes longer than two years to finish. But it helps you balance school with your other commitments.

Think about these factors when choosing between full-time and part-time study:

• Your work schedule
• Family needs
• Money matters
• How fast you want to learn

All students get the same high-quality education and must meet similar academic and clinical requirements to graduate and get certified, whatever path they choose.

USD’s flexible enrollment options show its steadfast dedication to making quality speech pathology education available to different types of students while keeping high professional standards.

Core Curriculum and Coursework

The University of South Dakota Speech Pathology Masters Program has a challenging curriculum that will make you excel in speech-language pathology. You’ll learn both theory and hands-on skills that will help you work with different communication disorders.

Key Courses in the USD SLP Program

USD’s curriculum splits into two main parts: core Communication Sciences and Disorders coursework and specialized Speech-Language Pathology coursework.

Communication Sciences and Disorders Core (11-20 credit hours) builds the groundwork of your graduate education. These courses include:

• Professional Issues in Communication Disorders (two sequential courses)
• Advanced Communication Science
• Central Auditory Processing Disorders
• Theories and Methods of Graduate Study and Research

You might skip some courses if you took them as an undergraduate student:

• Aural Rehabilitation
• Disorders of Phonology and Articulation
• Language Disorders of Children

Speech-Language Pathology Coursework makes up most of your program (41-57 credit hours). These specialized courses help you develop clinical expertise in communication disorders of all types:

• Neuromotor Speech Disorders
• Acquired Disorders of Language and Cognition
• Diagnostics in Speech and Language Disorders
• Dysphagia (swallowing disorders)
• Fluency Disorders
• Craniofacial Anomalies

The program puts a strong focus on evidence-based practice through courses like “Theories and Methods of Graduate Study and Research.” This helps you understand and use research effectively.

Your total credit hours depend on your undergraduate background. You can transfer up to 18 credits from your undergraduate work, so your program could range from 52-77 total credit hours.

Elective Options and Specializations

While USD’s Speech Pathology Masters Program has a complete core curriculum, you can customize your education through clinical placements.

Your studies will include:

1. Clinical practicum experience (2-3 credit hours required)
2. Fieldwork in Communication Disorders (2-3 credit hours required)
3. Internship in Communication Disorders (18-24 credit hours required)

These hands-on experiences let you apply what you learn in class. To name just one example, some students work with children while others focus on adults with neurological disorders.

Rather than formal electives, USD customizes learning through:

• Different internship locations based on what interests you
• Clinical rotations in specialty settings
• One-on-one mentoring with faculty

You’ll need at least two semesters of external, full-time clinical placements. These placements work like specializations and let you build expertise in specific clinical settings.

Speech Therapy Schooling Requirements

Getting your South Dakota SLP license through USD means meeting several requirements that match ASHA standards.

Clinical Experience Requirements:

• Complete a minimum of 375 clinical clock hours with clients
• Do 25 hours watching professionals in Speech-language Pathology

Academic Requirements:

• Finish all required coursework
• Pass a comprehensive exam set by Communication Sciences and Disorders faculty

ASHA certification requires these vital subjects in your master’s program:

• Language acquisition
• Phonetics
• Anatomy and physiology of speech mechanism
• Various disorders related to speech and language

The Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of ASHA has accredited USD’s program. This accreditation means:

• Your education hits national standards
• You can get licensed in South Dakota
• Employers nationwide will recognize your degree

Before getting your South Dakota SLP license, you must:

1. Finish the master’s degree program
2. Pass the Praxis exam
3. Complete a clinical fellowship

USD’s program makes this process smoother by including all coursework and clinical experiences you’ll need.

As South Dakota’s only CAA-accredited program, USD is the best choice for students who want to practice in the state or across the country.

Clinical Practicum and Internships

Clinical training is essential to the University of South Dakota Speech Pathology Masters Program. It connects classroom theory with professional practice. This detailed practicum helps you graduate with knowledge and practical skills you need to succeed right away.

On-Campus Clinical Experience

Your clinical experience starts at USD’s speech and hearing clinics. These facilities serve as training grounds where you’ll help patients while expert supervisors guide you.

1. USD Speech, Language and Hearing Clinic (Vermillion) – Provides detailed speech, language, and hearing diagnostic evaluation and treatment services to people of all ages.
2. Scottish Rite Children’s Clinic (Sioux Falls) – Specializes in clinical services for children with communication needs.

These campus clinics give you a chance to watch and take part in activities that cover all speech, language, and hearing services—from helping infants to caring for elderly patients. You’ll build essential skills in assessment, treatment planning, and therapy.

The program also features a unique Speech Camp where you can practice your growing skills in a supportive setting. These different clinical environments help you work with various populations and communication disorders before moving to external placements.

External Internship Placements

After you complete your campus clinical work, you’ll move on to external internships—a vital part of USD’s Speech Pathology Masters Program.

The program needs:

• At least two semesters of external, full-time clinical placements
• These usually happen in your final two semesters

External placements put you in real healthcare and educational settings. These full-time positions need more independence and decision-making skills than campus work, preparing you for actual practice.

Some graduate students can join the Leadership Education Excellence in Caring for Children with Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) Program. This special program includes:

• Extra stipend and lower tuition
• One year of focused training
• Classroom, clinical, and research work
• Help for children with developmental disabilities and their families

These external experiences help you meet American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) requirements for your South Dakota SLP license. Like other approved programs, you must work at multiple sites to get certified.

Supervision and Mentorship

Expert professionals guide you throughout your clinical training at USD. Licensed and certified speech-language pathologists supervise all clinical services.

Your professional growth depends on supervision that changes as you advance:

• Pre-Professional Stage: Your original campus practicum includes frequent, direct supervision to build basic clinical skills.
• Clinical Internship Stage: External placements feature more consultative supervision, letting you work more independently while ensuring quality care.

USD’s supervision and mentoring serves many purposes:

• Meets professional standards
• Shares knowledge and values
• Helps solve complex cases
• Evaluates your performance
• Promotes ongoing growth

Mentoring helps guide your career growth, builds professional skills, and connects you with colleagues, families, and other professionals. This relationship goes beyond technical skills to shape your professional identity and clinical judgment.

USD’s approach to clinical training creates a smooth path from supported campus experiences to independent external work. This step-by-step education ensures you’re ready for the challenges of professional speech-language pathology practice. You’ll be well-prepared to get your South Dakota SLP license and start your career confidently.

Admissions Requirements and Process

The USD Speech Pathology Masters Program has specific academic requirements and a clear application process. This guide will help you prepare a strong application and boost your chances of acceptance into this respected program.

Academic Prerequisites

You’ll need to meet certain educational requirements to join USD’s Speech Pathology Masters Program. The program runs as a two-year post-baccalaureate course of study. A bachelor’s degree is required before you start the program.

Students who succeed in getting admitted usually have:

• A bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders or a related field
• A bachelor’s degree in another subject with completed prerequisite courses

The program builds on basic knowledge, so proper undergraduate preparation is vital. In spite of that, prerequisite requirements might change based on your academic background.

The program will customize your educational path based on your previous studies. You might skip certain graduate requirements if you’ve already taken similar courses, which could reduce your total credit hours.

The program will give a path for all graduate students to meet the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) Certificate of Clinical Competence requirements by graduation. So, these requirements might not apply to international students based on their career goals and where they plan to work.

Application Timeline and Materials

USD’s Speech Pathology Masters Program has two admission cycles each year – fall and spring. This setup gives you flexibility if you miss one deadline or want to start your studies at a different time.

You must submit your application through the Communication Sciences and Disorders Centralized Application Service (CSDCAS) online portal. This system makes it easy to submit all your materials in one place.

Here’s what you’ll need for your application:

• A completed CSDCAS application
• Official transcripts showing your undergraduate degree
• Extra program-specific materials listed in the graduate catalog

The GRE test is no longer required. This change makes the application process more available and puts more focus on your academic achievements and experience instead of test scores.

You’ll also need to pay a separate Graduate School application fee, which isn’t part of the CSDCAS application. Make sure you meet all deadlines – applications move forward only after all materials arrive and fees clear.

After acceptance, you’ll start your path to becoming a certified speech-language pathologist. The program ends with a complete examination in your final semester.

International Student Requirements

International students who want to join USD’s Speech Pathology Masters Program must meet extra requirements beyond what domestic applicants need.

The first step is to check if you’re an international applicant. You count as an international student if you’re not a US citizen or permanent resident. US citizens who studied in other countries still count as domestic applicants.

International students should know:

• Your visa status must allow you to study at USD
• Submit all application materials through CSDCAS, just like domestic applicants
• Your undergraduate transcripts must be in English or include translations

The program might waive certain ASHA certification requirements for international students. This helps students who plan to work in countries with different certification rules than the US.

USD’s International Admissions office can help guide international applicants through the process.

The USD Speech Pathology Masters Program’s admission process is complete yet straightforward. It aims to find qualified students who will excel in this challenging field and eventually get their South Dakota SLP license.

Accreditation and Certification

Your journey to get professional credentials starts well before you graduate from the University of South Dakota Speech Pathology Masters Program. The program’s accreditation status, certification requirements, and exam procedures are the foundations for your future career as a licensed speech-language pathologist.

ASHA Accreditation Details

The University of South Dakota offers a Master’s Degree of Arts (M.A.) in Speech-Language Pathology through its residential education program. The Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association has accredited this program. This recognition shows that the program meets national standards for academic and clinical education.

ASHA is the national professional, scientific, and credentialing association for audiologists, speech-language pathologists, and related professionals. Its CAA accreditation will give you:

• A degree that employers and licensing boards recognize nationwide
• An education that meets professional standards
• Eligibility for the Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP)

USD is the only CAA-accredited program in South Dakota. This makes it the best choice for students who want to practice in the state.

Path to South Dakota SLP License

After completing your master’s degree at USD, you’ll need to take a few more steps to get your South Dakota SLP license. You must first pass the Praxis Examination in Speech-Language Pathology (5331) with a score of at least 162 on a 100-200 scale. ASHA commissions this national exam, and the Educational Testing Service (ETS) administers it.

You’ll then need to complete a supervised clinical fellowship. This fellowship lasts at least nine months under a licensed SLP’s guidance. This experience helps you polish your clinical skills as you move toward independent practice.

The South Dakota Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology handles the licensure process once you pass the exam and finish your fellowship. You’ll need to:

• Submit a signed and notarized application
• Pay required fees ($100 application fee plus $150 licensure fee)
• Provide official USD transcripts
• Verify your supervised post-graduate experience

You can submit proof of ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP) instead of separate documentation for education and fellowship if you choose to get this optional certification first.

Comprehensive Exam and Certification

Your USD program prepares you for two significant exams. All graduate students must pass a comprehensive examination in their final semester. The Communication Sciences and Disorders faculty creates this exam to get a full picture of your readiness for professional practice.

The Praxis examination tests your knowledge in three main areas:

• Foundations and Professional Practice
• Screening, Assessment, Evaluation, and Diagnosis
• Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation of Treatment

The current Praxis has 132 multiple-choice questions with a 150-minute time limit. Both ASHA certification and state licensure require this exam, though some states may have different passing scores.

To keep your certification active, you need ongoing professional development. This means completing 30 professional development hours during each three-year certification period. The period starts January 1 of the year after your original certification.

The University of South Dakota Speech Pathology Masters Program gets you ready for these certification milestones. This helps you move smoothly from being a graduate student to becoming a certified speech-language pathologist with your South Dakota SLP license.

Funding, Scholarships, and Assistantships

Your choice of speech pathology master’s degree depends on how you plan to finance your education. The University of South Dakota makes getting your professional credentials more affordable through assistantships, specialized programs, and competitive tuition rates.

Graduate Assistantship Opportunities

USD’s graduate assistantships give you two great benefits – professional experience and financial support. You’ll receive a monthly stipend and reduced tuition rates as a graduate assistant. These positions need 10 hours of weekly work and come in several types:

• Teaching Assistants – Support instruction, team-teach, or provide academic-related activities
• Research Assistants – Conduct experiments, perform simulations, or assist faculty with research
• Clinical Assistants – Work in clinical settings with responsibilities like scheduling and patient preparation
• Administration Assistants – Perform administrative duties for department heads or other administrators

You need to meet these requirements to qualify:

• Be a regularly admitted graduate student in good standing
• Maintain a 3.0 GPA throughout your assistantship
• Register for at least nine credit hours during fall/spring semesters
• Pass a criminal background check

The reduced rates are a big deal as it means that you’ll pay $241.80 per credit for residents and $276.80 for non-residents instead of standard rates of $406.30 and $729.30 respectively.

LEND Program and Fellowships

USD offers specialized funding opportunities for speech pathology students beyond regular assistantships. Selected students can join the Leadership Education Excellence in Caring for Children with Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) Program to get both a stipend and tuition reduction.

This year-long program includes:

• Classroom instruction focused on developmental disabilities
• Clinical experiences with children and families
• Research opportunities in interdisciplinary settings

Graduate fellowships are available without work requirements. Here are your options:

• Scottish Rite Graduate Fellowships – Perfect if you plan to practice in South Dakota after graduation
• Janet Bailin Fellowship – You can get $1,500 with a 3.0+ GPA in Communication Disorders courses

The department announces scholarships early in spring semester and presents awards at the spring ceremony.

Tuition and Cost Overview

USD’s competitive tuition rates vary based on your residency, program delivery, and assistantship status. Here are the 2025 graduate student rates per credit hour:

Students from neighboring states with undergraduate degrees from South Dakota Board of Regents institutions can qualify for resident tuition rates through the SDAdvantage program.

Speech pathology masters programs at USD typically need 52-77 credit hours. These funding opportunities can save you much more compared to the national average for graduate tuition and fees of $18,416 per year.

You should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This might qualify you for federal loans with lower, fixed-interest rates compared to private options.

Career Outcomes and Alumni Success

USD Speech Pathology Masters Program graduates step into a booming job market with amazing growth potential. The speech-language pathology field shows an impressive 18% growth projection between 2023-2033, which is nowhere near average occupation rates.

Employment Rates After Graduation

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics paints a bright future with roughly 33,300 new SLP positions expected in the next decade. This quick expansion comes from better awareness of communication disorders and our aging population’s need for speech therapy services. Each year through 2033, about 13,700 new positions should open up.

Types of Work Settings for Graduates

Your South Dakota SLP license opens doors to several career paths:

• Educational institutions (employing over 50% of all SLPs)
• Healthcare settings (employing approximately 39% of professionals)
• Private practices
• Government agencies
• Corporate environments
• Nonprofit organizations

New graduates can find immediate opportunities in South Dakota’s rural areas where there’s a shortage of practitioners.

Alumni Testimonials and Stories

SLP graduates consistently share their career satisfaction. A professional shared, “The program has given me the tools to make this a long-term career choice”. Another graduate added, “I’m confident that I can step into the medical arena and know how I can contribute”. The field values bilingual practitioners especially, since they make up just 7% of Hispanic SLPs despite rising demand for culturally responsive services.

Choose Your Master’s Today

The University of South Dakota’s Speech Pathology Masters Program can transform your professional experience. The numbers speak for themselves – every graduate finds employment within a year. This success shows the program’s quality and how much qualified SLPs are needed across the country. The program strikes the right balance between academic rigor and hands-on clinical practice. Students learn to handle communication disorders confidently for patients of all ages.

USD has the only CAA-accredited program in South Dakota. Graduates automatically qualify for state licensure. Students gain practical skills through on-campus clinics and external internships under expert guidance. The program also helps with finances through graduate assistantships, fellowships, and competitive tuition rates.

You can choose between full-time and part-time study options based on your undergraduate background. Experienced faculty members mentor you throughout your studies. Clinical placements ensure you meet all ASHA certification requirements quickly.

The career outlook is bright with an 18% field growth expected through 2033 – nowhere near average job growth rates. USD gives you the credentials and clinical skills you need to succeed in educational settings, healthcare facilities, or private practice.

A degree from USD’s Speech Pathology Masters Program opens doors to a rewarding career. You’ll help others overcome their communication challenges while putting your expertise to work. The combination of academic excellence, clinical experience, and professional certification requirements sets you up for immediate success in this growing field.