South Dakota, marked by its vast prairies, rugged Badlands, and the legendary Mount Rushmore, is a state that has a unique fusion of history, tradition, and innovation. While many may know it because of its natural beauty and rich indigenous history, South Dakota also stands as a symbol of unwavering commitment to academics and professional development in various technical fields. Speech-language pathology is one of these fields and has been gaining significant attention in recent years. 

The field of Speech-language Pathology covers communication and swallowing disorders, with SLPs assessing, diagnosing, treating, and preventing these issues in individuals of all ages. As communication plays a fundamental role in every person’s life, the significance of this profession cannot be exaggerated. And in a close-knit state like South Dakota, where communities like to stay close to each other, ensuring that every citizen has the best means to converse effectively becomes a priority. 

Speech-language Therapy Programs in South Dakota

South Dakota has always been among the top states when it comes to educational endeavors. Its various schools, colleges, and universities have produced graduates who have significantly contributed to their respective professions. However, regarding technical fields like Speech-language Pathology, one can find a significant void here. The programs this state offers in SLP are there, but the opportunities for bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees are somewhat limited compared to other states. This shortage is not due to decreased demand or recognition of the field but more due to the result of geographical challenges, resource distribution, and the state’s focus on other professional areas.

While bachelor’s programs in SLP provide essential knowledge, a master’s and a doctorate in this field are significant for those who want to practice as licensed SLP experts. These programs are advanced and delve deeper into the complexities of speech and swallowing disorders, their treatments, methodologies, and research opportunities. Aspiring SLP professionals in South Dakota might not find many of these options in this state. 

South Dakota Bachelors in SLP and Speech Therapy 

University of South Dakota (USD)- Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders

USD is the only public institution in South Dakota offering an undergraduate major in communication sciences & disorders. It has a small student-to-faculty ratio, which allows students in their program to have access to faculty on a more intimate scale. Undergraduate students are involved with research, clinical observations and experiences, community engagement, and service learning.

A degree in communication sciences & disorders lays the groundwork for careers in speech-language pathology, audiology, special education, and other health fields. As a STEM (Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) discipline, communication sciences & disorders prepares graduates with skills needed for high-demand professions in the nation and region. 

As a communication sciences & disorders major at the University of South Dakota (USD), students learn to help people with a wide range of communication disorders, such as stuttering, hearing loss, or problems with swallowing or balance. They take their first steps to becoming a speech-language pathologist or audiologist who assists individuals of all ages with various communication disorders. This program will help you explore the science behind communication problems, as well as strategies and technologies for treatment. In this program, you can take courses such as Phonetics, Language Development, Speech Science, Hearing Science, and more.

For those who do not wish to continue to graduate school, the undergraduate program prepares them for a career in laboratory research, administration, or clinical assistant work. You can gain the knowledge and clinical experience in USD to go on to graduate school in speech-language pathology or audiology or pursue a career in laboratory research, administration, or clinical work as a communication sciences & disorders major at USD.  

Moreover, as a student of USD, you may be interested in joining USD’s National Student Speech Language Hearing Association, Student Academy of Audiology, and American Sign Language Club. Each gives you the opportunity to learn from guest speakers and attend social events. Clubs and organizations allow you to interact with professionals in the field and explore your interests. 

USD has clinics in Vermillion and Sioux Falls that allow you to observe clinic activities across the entire breadth and depth of speech, language, and hearing services from birth to elderly. These clinics include the USD Speech-Language and Hearing Clinic and the Sioux Falls Scottish Rite Children’s Clinic for Speech & Language Disorders. They allow students to observe all stages of a visit, from evaluation to treatment and consultation services.

Augustana University- Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Communication Disorders

Inspired by Lutheran scholarly tradition and the liberal arts, Augustana provides an education of enduring worth that challenges the intellect, fosters integrity, and integrates faith with learning and service in a diverse world. It is accredited as a four-year institution by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA). 

The pre-professional program in Communication Disorders from Augustana University anchors students with the knowledge and clinical experience needed to pursue graduate degrees in speech-language pathology or audiology. The curriculum follows guidelines established by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).

Practical, supervised clinical experiences with people who have communication disorders anchor the program. Students learn about normal aspects, nature, and development of speech, language, and hearing, as well as various conditions associated with these processes.

Students should fill in gaps with coursework required for the core curriculum and other majors/minors to take an average of 14 credit hours each fall and spring and 3-4 credit hours each Interim.  Total credit hours need to be 124 for degree completion.

South Dakota Masters in Speech-language Pathology (MSLP) Programs 

University of South Dakota (USD)- Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology

The speech-language pathology (SLP) graduate program from the University of South Dakota (USD) provides broad academic, clinical, and research experience to prepare you as a speech pathologist. Graduates may work in various research, education, and healthcare 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 practice, followed by two semesters of full-time, external internship placements. 

The Master of Arts (M.A.) in speech-language pathology is a two-year post-baccalaureate program consisting of four semesters of didactic coursework (including one summer) and clinical practicum, which is at least two semesters of external, full-time clinical placements. Full-time students typically complete this program in 6 semesters. It may take some students up to 8 semesters, depending on courses completed before graduate enrollment; part-time enrollment is possible and can be planned on a case-by-case basis.

Doctorate in Speech-language Pathology (SLPD) 

Here, the critical thing to notice is that speech-language pathology (SLP) and audiology are two distinguished yet interconnected fields that come under the umbrella term of communication sciences and disorders, and they both require doctoral degrees for advanced practice. Their focus and the clinical conditions they work on are very different from each other. SLP focuses on diagnosing and treating communication disorders, focusing on speech and language impairments across all age groups. Whereas audiologists primarily work with hearing and balance disorders (hearing loss and vestibular issues). This primary difference in focus molds the foundation of their practice and forms the specific skill sets needed. 

University of South Dakota- Doctorate in Audiology (AuD)

Whether you are just finishing your bachelor’s degree or a seasoned clinical professional, earning your doctorate in audiology offers cutting-edge clinical experiences through the USD Speech, Language, and Hearing Clinic. Gain the knowledge and skills in comprehensive behavioral and physiologic diagnostic and rehabilitative audiologic services. Learn to care for individuals aged infant through elderly in areas of audiology electrophysiology, central auditory processing disorders, cochlear implant services, fetal alcohol syndrome, autism spectrum disorders, and occupational hearing services.

The Doctor of Audiology (Au.D) residential graduate program is a four-year post-baccalaureate program consisting of three years of didactic coursework, on- and off-campus clinical rotations, and a fourth-year, full-time, external clinical placement. Students must also complete a research experience during their third year of study. The program is typically completed in 11 semesters for full-time students; part-time completion is possible and will be planned on a case-by-case basis.

Conclusion

South Dakota is a beautiful state that has given students many opportunities to excel in academia. When it comes to Speech-language Pathology, it does not offer many programs. The University of South Dakota is a public university in this state that offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees in this discipline. These programs are sought after by SLP aspirants throughout the United States. So, if you want to pursue your dreams of becoming an SLP expert in South Dakota, USD has you covered.

South Dakota Speech-Language Pathology Programs

Program	University Name	City	State	Accreditation
Doctorate in Audiology (AuD)	University of South Dakota	Vermillion	SD	ASHA
Master's in Speech-Language Pathology (MS)	University of South Dakota	Vermillion	SD	ASHA