3 Top Speech Pathology Masters Programs in North Dakota
Want to get the best value and career prospects from Speech Pathology Masters Programs in North Dakota? A master’s degree could boost your earnings by $12,700 per year compared to having just an undergraduate degree.
North Dakota’s speech pathology universities stand out because they’re affordable and get great results. Students at Minot State University achieve a 97% Praxis pass rate, and all graduates land jobs. These speech pathology master’s programs also help students with strong financial support – the average student gets $13,500 yearly in financial aid. The job market looks bright too. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects speech-language pathologist jobs to grow 18% through 2033, with professionals earning a median salary of $95K annually.
This guide covers three top-rated programs in North Dakota that offer unique benefits while keeping high academic standards. You’ll find which program matches your career goals and learning style – from UND’s position as one of the Midwest’s best values to Minot State’s five-semester program format.
1. University of North Dakota (UND)
The University of North Dakota (UND) runs one of the region’s top speech pathology master’s programs. The program started in the late 1940s as part of the Department of Speech. Today, it offers a detailed educational experience with modern facilities in Columbia Hall.
Program structure and format
UND’s Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology has a well-laid-out curriculum that prepares you for professional excellence. Students spend five semesters in the program and can choose between thesis and non-thesis options. The thesis track needs 71 credits, while the non-thesis path requires 69 credits. This curriculum gives you both theory knowledge and hands-on skills for clinical practice.
The main coursework covers specialized areas like:
- Voice Disorders
- Augmentative and Alternative Communication
- Motor Speech Disorders
- Dysphagia
UND shows its dedication to creating skilled practitioners through the program’s design. You’ll get personal attention with a student-to-faculty ratio of 3:1. This close-knit setting helps build strong relationships with professors who bring their real-world experience to class.
Beyond regular classes, UND has special learning programs:
- Preschool Language and Literacy group
- SPEAK OUT!(R) Therapy group
- Toddler Language Circle
- Conversation group
The program features a six-week Summer Clinic that helps boost children’s speech and language skills. Students can apply what they learn right away under supervision.
Clinical practicum and externship
Clinical experience is the core of UND’s speech pathology program. Students get their clinical hours through CSD 584 (Advanced Clinical Practicum) and CSD 585 (Externship) courses. An online system called Calipso tracks clinical hours and evaluations to monitor your progress.
ASHA-certified instructors follow strict supervision guidelines to give you quality mentoring during training. Most students complete three semesters of CSD 584 clinical work at the Northern Prairie Community Clinic (NPCC). You might also work at other sites with clinical faculty supervision to see different practice settings.
Before starting externship placements (CSD 585), you must:
- Pass three semesters of CSD 584 with a “B” grade or higher
- Choose a fall externship location within 100 miles of campus (for in-person evening courses)
ASHA certification rules say you need 400 clinical clock hours with patients of all ages and conditions. Direct client contact should make up 375 of these hours. UND wants you to spend at least 25 hours each with children and adults for balanced experience.
You’ll need a background check before starting clinical work, which matches healthcare industry safety standards. Your clinical work will include evaluating, diagnosing, and treating various speech, language, and hearing disorders in ground settings.
2. Minot State University (MSU)
Minot State University ranks among the top institutions for future speech-language pathologists in North Dakota. Its track record shows excellence in education and student success. MSU runs one of the largest communication disorders programs in the Midwest, with tuition rates that won’t break the bank.
Program structure and format
The Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology at MSU needs 62-65 credit hours to graduate. Students can choose between two program formats:
The residential program runs for five full-time semesters back-to-back. This setup lets you finish your degree quickly while building clinical experience. Each semester brings new clinical practicum chances that conclude with an externship at your chosen approved site.
MSU also runs a part-time online program that takes eight consecutive semesters. Students start their clinical work in semester four, with two externships scheduled in the seventh and eighth semesters.
Both tracks require you to pass comprehensive examinations. You’ll need to clear oral and written comprehensive exams or defend a thesis. Before graduating, you must:
- Complete all courses with a 3.00 GPA or higher
- Log 400 hours of clinical practicum (including 25 observation hours)
- Finish one semester of clinical externship off-campus
- Score a ‘B’ or better in the externship
- Meet all Knowledge and Skills Assessment Standards for CFCC competency
- Take the national Praxis examination in speech-language pathology
MSU students shine on this significant exam, with a 97% Praxis pass rate. These numbers show how well the program prepares its students.
Your studies will help you master several practice areas:
- Speech sound disorders
- Voice disorders
- Language development issues
- Fluency challenges
- Cognitive and social communication
- Swallowing difficulties
- Hearing impacts
- Alternative communication
- Genetic or acquired syndromes
Research-minded students can work on independent and joint projects with faculty. Many present their findings at state and national conferences, which boosts their careers and MSU’s reputation.
Clinical practicum and externship
Clinical experience is the substance of MSU’s speech-language pathology program. Students get complete training through structured clinical practicum experiences every semester.
Campus students start their clinical work right away and continue through all five semesters. The program ends with an externship at an approved site you choose. This setup lets you use what you learn in ground settings under expert guidance.
Online students begin their clinical work in semester four. They finish with two externships in their final semesters. This schedule works well with part-time study while ensuring solid clinical training.
ASHA certification needs 400 clinical clock hours. These include:
- 25 observation hours
- 375 direct practicum hours, with at least 325 during graduate studies
ASHA-certified speech-language pathologists supervise all clinical work for both campus and online students. This guarantees your training meets professional standards.
MSU excels at placing students in externships across the United States and Canada. After finishing campus clinical requirements, you can pick your externship location based on your career goals. Many students land jobs at their externship sites after graduating, which explains the program’s perfect 100% post-graduation employment rate.
3. University of Mary
The University of Mary’s Speech-Language Pathology master’s program sits within the Saint Gianna School of Health Sciences. The program reflects Catholic, Christian, and Benedictine values at its core. This 2022 old accredited program has quickly become a standout among North Dakota’s speech pathology universities.
Structure and format
The University of Mary offers a residential Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program that gives you a complete preparation for professional practice. The program structure focuses on clinical excellence and evidence-based practice, though it can be adjusted based on each student’s assessment.
You’ll learn how to assess, diagnose, and treat speech, language, and swallowing disorders of all types. The program highlights:
- Professional oral and written communication skills
- Evidence-based treatment approaches
- Service across the lifespan
- Ethical practice rooted in Benedictine values
The University of Mary stands out from traditional programs with its innovative education paths. Students can earn their Bachelor’s in Communication Sciences & Disorders in just 2.6 years through their Year-Round Campus program. They can also complete both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Speech-Language Pathology in about four years.
The program started in 2018 when local healthcare facilities and school districts identified pressing regional needs. Starting with 13 students, it now has 33 students. Five full-time faculty members provide personalized instruction and mentorship.
Clinical practicum and externship
The on-campus pro bono clinic is the life-blood of the program and gives students a great way to get practical experience. Graduate students work under certified Speech-Language Pathologists to provide services.
The clinic helps uninsured or underinsured people of all ages, from infants to adults. Faculty members who are ASHA-certified and licensed by the North Dakota State Board of Examiners supervise students as they treat various conditions:
- Accent management
- Cognitive communication disorders
- Neurogenic conditions (Parkinson’s disease, dementia, stroke)
- Assistive technology implementation
- Autism-related communication needs
- Feeding and swallowing disorders
- Stuttering
- Language disorders
- Voice and resonance disorders
The SPEAK OUT!® program excels as a special clinical chance designed specifically for people with Parkinson’s disease. The clinic received prestigious SPEAK OUT!® & LOUD Crowd® Grants in 2019 and 2020, which helped them serve this group better.
Students also complete clinical rotations in a variety of settings like private practices, public schools, skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and rehabilitation centers. Students must log 400 clinical hours with exposure to various disorders and patient groups to get professional certification.
Choose Your SLP Program Today
The right speech pathology master’s program can shape your professional future. This piece highlights three exceptional North Dakota institutions that maintain high educational standards and deliver impressive outcomes.
The University of North Dakota shines with its rich history that goes back to the 1940s. The program spans five semesters and boasts a perfect Praxis exam pass rate for over ten years. On top of that, UND’s specialized therapy groups give students great hands-on experience before they enter the workforce.
Minot State University gives you amazing flexibility with both on-campus and distance learning options. MSU’s flat-rate tuition applies to all students, whatever their residency status. This makes it a great choice for out-of-state students. The program’s quality shows in its 97% Praxis pass rate and perfect post-graduation employment record.
University of Mary is relatively new but has quickly become a rising star with its values-based approach. Students can earn both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in about four years through accelerated pathways. This is a big deal as it means that you can start your career sooner.
These programs share some great features: Council on Academic Accreditation certification, extensive clinical practicum opportunities, and strong financial aid options. Their graduates step into a thriving job market with 18% projected growth through 2033 and median annual salaries around $95,000.
Your choice depends on what matters most to you – program duration, clinical opportunities, educational philosophy, or costs. Any North Dakota program you pick will prepare you well for a rewarding career helping others overcome communication challenges. These institutions offer excellent professional and financial returns as you begin your speech pathology journey.