Iowa is Midwestern U.S. state that offers many great speech-language pathology programs that are diversified and vibrant. Led by its two largest state institutions (University of Iowa and Iowa State University), there are a handful of speech-language pathology programs available to residents of the state.

While some students may opt to travel out of state to complete their graduate education, students who stay home will find that in-state tuition for SLP programs is reasonable, and the programs offered in the state of Iowa have strong reputations for being leaders in the field.

Speech Language Therapy Programs in Iowa

Iowa Speech-Language Pathology Programs are always ready to provide you with a beautiful pathway filled with learning, growth, and the chance to impact other people’s lives significantly. If you intend to begin a rewarding career as a speech-language pathologist or are seeking effective therapeutic services, the following institutions will help you convert your dreams into reality.

Iowa Bachelor in Speech-Language Pathology and Speech Therapy

University of Iowa – Bachelor of Arts in Speech and Hearing Science 

A Bachelor of Arts Degree in Speech and Hearing Science is like the first step toward a career where you help people with speech, hearing, and language issues. It’s not the final step, though. To become a certified professional in this field, you’ll need to go to graduate school and get a master’s degree in speech-language pathology or a clinical doctorate in audiology. Their undergraduate program is designed to give you a solid foundation for understanding how speech, hearing, and language work, both in healthy individuals and in those with communication problems. This knowledge will not only help you succeed in graduate school but also in your future job as a clinician or researcher. 

They have found that more than 90 percent of our BA graduates go on to graduate programs in communication sciences and disorders, either here at the University of Iowa or at other schools. Some graduates choose to pursue additional training in fields like law, medicine, or developmental psychology. They have around 300 students studying speech and hearing science at Iowa. Their Bachelor of Arts program focuses on teaching you about how speech, hearing, and language typically work. 

The courses you take will prepare you to apply for either a master’s degree in speech-language pathology or a clinical doctorate program in audiology (Au.D.). But remember, this undergraduate degree alone won’t qualify you to work as a professional in the field. If you’re interested in dipping your toes into this field without committing to a full major, they also offer a minor in Communication Sciences and Disorders. This minor will give you a basic understanding of speech, language, hearing, and communication. It can be a great starting point for further studies in healthcare or related scientific fields.

Iowa State University – Bachelor of Science in Speech Communication 

If you decide to major in speech communication, the English Department will be your home. Your speaking and writing skills will improve thanks to this major, which is very beneficial in daily life. You’ll learn how to communicate persuasively and convincingly, as well as how to talk clearly and listen intently. This program isn’t just for future communicators. It’s useful for everyone, whether you’re studying something else or just getting a general education. Plus, you can choose to make it your major or minor, and if you’re already a teacher, you can get an extra certification in speech communication.

When you graduate, you’ll be ready for all kinds of jobs in different fields, like business, government, nonprofits, and education. You’ll have skills like talking well, teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership. You may work in the fields of marketing, event planning, or human resources. Additionally, this curriculum will prepare you for further study in the humanities, law, or religion. You may learn how language can influence people’s opinions by studying speech communication. You’ll also improve your speaking skills and ability to evaluate the strength of arguments. Additionally, you’ll discover how to assess data and improve your interpersonal relationships.

University of Northern Iowa – Bachelor of Science in Speech-Language Pathology 

Start by enrolling in particular college classes if you’re interested in becoming a speech-language pathologist. In these classes, you will learn about various speech and language problems in both adults and children, as well as how the brain is involved. Additionally, you’ll have the ability to observe and practice some of the techniques used by speech-language pathologists in actual clinical settings. To become a speech-language pathologist, you’ll need to earn a master’s degree. But before you can do that, you first have to complete your bachelor’s degree, and this program is your first step toward that goal. Communication disorders with a pre-speech-language pathology concentration degree at college provides you with the groundwork necessary to begin your career as a speech-language pathologist. Once you’re certified, you can work in healthcare facilities, educational institutions, or even open your own private practice.

Iowa Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology (MSLP) Programs

The University of Iowa – Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology 

The Graduate College offers a Master of Arts (MA) in Speech-Language Pathology. The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences’ Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders oversees this program. With or without a thesis, you can complete this MA. In addition to the MA, this department also grants the clinical doctorate in audiology (AuD), the Ph.D. in speech and hearing science, and the combined PhD/AuD degree. To get into this program, you’ll need to meet the admission requirements set by the Graduate College and the specific requirements of the department. 

You can find the department’s requirements on their website or in the General Catalog. When you’re ready to apply, you should use the CSDCAS application system called Liaison. You’ll need to choose either “Master of Arts in Speech Pathology and Audiology” or “AuD in Speech Pathology and Audiology.” You’ll also have to send transcripts from all the schools you’ve attended to the CSDCAS Transcript Processing Center in Watertown, MA. You also need to pay the application fee with a credit card and fill out an online application on the Graduate College’s website. 

You must indicate your degree aims at this application as “Clinical Doctorate in Audiology (AuD)” or “Master of Arts in Speech Pathology and Audiology,” and you may choose afterward whether you wish to follow the thesis- or non-thesis-option. You should post unofficial transcripts at this time. You will be required to provide official transcripts if you are accepted into the program.

University of Northern Iowa – Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology 

The University of Northern Iowa Master of Arts program in Speech-Language Pathology is all about helping you become a skilled and certified professional in this field. What makes their program special is that we really focus on hands-on learning, staying up-to-date with the latest research, and having top-notch teachers who are experts in their field. During your time in their program, you’ll get to work with actual patients at the Roy Eblen Speech and Hearing Clinic and other places in the community. You’ll help people with speech, language, and hearing problems. 

As you progress through the program, you’ll spend three semesters gaining clinical experience. In your final semester, you’ll do two full-time internships where you’ll work closely with a certified speech-language pathologist anywhere in the country. You can also work one-on-one or in small groups with instructors and clients. Their department has many spaces equipped with the latest technology to support research, teaching, and clinical services. For example, the program has a voice lab and equipment for augmentative communication research. It’s all here to help you learn and excel in the field of speech-language pathology.

St Ambrose University – Master of Speech-Language Pathology

St. Ambrose University offers a transformative Master of Speech-Language Pathology (MSLP) program, empowering students to embark on fulfilling careers dedicated to enhancing communication and enriching lives. This program is designed to offer a transformative experience by blending academic rigor with hands-on clinical training. Over two years, you will gain comprehensive knowledge and skills in speech-language pathology, empowering you to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals with communication difficulties.

The MSLP program prepares graduates for diverse career pathways in educational and medical settings. Whether you aspire to work in schools, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, private clinics, or research institutions, this program equips you with the knowledge and skills to succeed.

The Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (MSLP) program at St. Ambrose University strongly emphasizes clinical experiences, which start as early as the first semester. The program allows students to pursue local and national internships, allowing them to tailor their clinical experiences to their interests. The program also offers extensive clinical supervision, ensuring students receive personalized mentorship from experienced faculty. Additionally, students benefit from interdisciplinary collaboration through the Interprofessional Healthcare Clinic, which promotes a holistic approach to patient care.

The Council on Academic Accreditation accredits St. Ambrose University’s MSLP program in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). The program’s mission is to develop exceptional SLPs dedicated to service, advocacy, and scholarship committed to lifelong learning and cultural competence.

You can visit the St. Ambrose University Website to learn more.

Doctorate in Speech-Language Pathology in Iowa 

The University of Iowa – Ph.D. in Speech and Hearing Science 

For those who wish to pursue a doctorate in philosophy (Ph.D.) in speech and hearing science and become accomplished researchers in the field of communication processes and associated disorders, the program is designed to offer flexible and thorough instruction. This program enables students to improve their talents in a collaborative and interdisciplinary atmosphere and is available to students from a variety of backgrounds. After completing this program, graduates have gone on to have successful careers in academia, business, and medicine. 

Many of them have attained notoriety in academic journals and organizations like the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, the Acoustical Society of America, and the National Institutes of Health. It usually takes four years to finish the Ph.D. degree, and a minimum of 72 graduate credits are needed. This curriculum is adaptable and accepts participants with a range of backgrounds in the scientific and social sciences. The program’s primary goal is to establish close relationships with renowned professors who direct productive research projects. These professors are leaders in their fields and have a history of receiving outside support for their studies. The program also gains from collaborations with several schools and departments at the University of Iowa, including those for psychology, music, engineering, and public health.

The University of Iowa’s program is tailored to its learning approach. Students join a cohort of Ph.D. students who share similar interests, allowing for a collaborative and supportive learning environment. While admission to the program is competitive, admitted students are guaranteed funding for up to four years, which covers tuition, a stipend, and benefits. This funding allows students to explore different research labs and shift their focus during their studies. Graduates of the Ph.D. program at Iowa have a solid background in research and frequently have publications to their credit in prestigious academic journals. Many also develop expertise in finding outside financing for their research and teaching. 

The demand for graduates is high for academic jobs at colleges and universities around the country, renowned postdoctoral fellowships, and research roles in the healthcare and industrial sectors. The Doctor of Philosophy/Doctor of Audiology (Ph.D./Au.D.) program offers students interested in audiology or hearing science the opportunity to seek clinical certification in addition to the Ph.D. This is appropriate for people interested in applied research who wish to work in academia. The combined program contains the clinical practicum experiences required for the Au.D. degree as well as further coursework (137 graduate credits). 

Both degrees typically take seven years to complete. Students must successfully meet all program requirements, including passing a final exam and completing a dissertation, in order to get the Ph.D. degree. This entails submitting an application for the degree, finishing or amending the study plan, and submitting the dissertation to the Graduate College together with the committee approval certificates.

Final Thoughts

Numerous educational pathways are available for individuals interested in pursuing a career in speech-language pathology (SLP) in Iowa. Both bachelor’s and master’s degree programs offer comprehensive training, certification, and licensure opportunities, preparing students to make significant contributions to the diverse communities in the state. From dynamic university campuses to inclusive community clinics, Iowa State provides a rich and varied landscape for aspiring speech-language pathologists and individuals seeking therapeutic services. For those desiring to have a fulfilling SLP career, Iowa’s educational institutions stand out as exemplary models of effective communication education. These programs reflect the dedication of professionals committed to unraveling the complexities of human interaction and empowering others to overcome communication obstacles.

Iowa Speech-Language Pathology Programs

Program	University Name	City	State	Accreditation
Master's in Speech-Language Pathology (MS)	St. Ambrose University	Davenport	IA	ASHA
Master's in Audiology (MS)	University of Northern Iowa	Cedar Falls	IA
Master's in Speech-Language Pathology (MS)	University of Northern Iowa	Cedar Falls	IA	ASHA
Doctorate in Audiology (AuD)	University of Iowa	Iowa City	IA	ASHA
Master's in Speech-Language Pathology (MS)	University of Iowa	Iowa City	IA	ASHA