South Dakota Speech Pathology Degrees

Last updated October 9, 2023

Amy Yacoub, MS, CCC-SLP

Current SLP, MS in SLP, Columbia University in the City of New York

Speech-Language Pathology Masters programs are offered in the state of South Dakota. They are located in the cities of Vermillion and Sioux Falls. Students living in South Dakota who are interested in becoming a Speech-Language Pathologist have the ability to pursue a Master's in Speech Pathology degree through a university that offers this program, and to then apply for state licensure and a certificate of clinical competency (CCC-SLP) through the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA).

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Online speech pathology programs in South Dakota

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Nearby states that offer online SLP Master's degrees:

• To the west, consider Colorado speech pathology programs online. University of Northern Colorado in Greenley, Colorado offers an online Masters in Speech-Language Pathology (M.A.) Program. 63-75 credits are required to complete the program online.
• Consider a Wisconsin speech pathology degree program online. University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire, located in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, offers an online Master of Science (M.A.) degree in Speech-Language Pathology.

In Depth Review of the Top South Dakota SLP Programs

Augustana University Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Communication Disorders

The Communication Disorders program at Augustana University offers a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree for undergraduate students. The program follows guidelines established by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). The broad-based curriculum prepares students for a career track to become a Speech-Language Pathologist or Audiologist. Upon earning their degree, students may apply to a Master's level in Speech-Language Pathology. The program includes 34 credit hours of required courses.

Top SLP courses at Augustana:

• Introduction to Communication Disorders: This course is offered for 2 credit hours during the Fall semester of a student's first year. It focuses on the foundations of the clinical practice of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology. Th`e course reviews the nature of communication disorders, program models, and the role of the professional.
• Anatomy and Physiology of Speech Processes: This course studies the anatomy and physiology of the speech and hearing mechanisms. Students also learn the pathologies of these systems.
• Advanced Clinical Practicum: The Advanced Clinical Practicum is required for students completing a major in Communication Disorders, and is taken during the final semester of the program. Students obtain practical experience under the supervision of a certified Speech-Language Pathologist or Audiologist, in an educational or other setting. Prerequisites of the course include permission of the instructor and senior standing.

Path to Licensure

Upon graduation from the B.A. program in Communication Disorders, students may apply to enter a Masters degree level program in Speech-Language Pathology. Upon obtaining this Masters degree, students will have completed the academic and clinical requirements necessary for South Dakota State licensure in Speech-Language Pathology. Graduates that advance to completing a Masters degree program are also prepared to pursue the Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) in Speech Language Pathology from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).

Admissions Requirements include:

1. ACT Composite of 20 (SAT of 1030)
2. GPA (Grade Point Average) of 2.7 (on a 4.0 scale)
3. Evidence of a college preparatory program of study.
4. Students who have completed the General Education Development Exam (GED) are required to have a minimum score of 500 on each of the 5 tests. Students must submit results of the PSAT, ACT, or SAT exams.
5. Transfer students are accepted, and can refer to the school's website for admissions details.

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

The University of South Dakota offers a Master of Arts degree programs with the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders.

The Master's of Arts degree in Speech-Language Pathology (M.A.) is a post-baccalaureate program that consists of two years (4 semesters, including 1 summer semester) of didactic coursework. The program also includes a clinical practicum and a minimum of two semesters of full time clinical externships. The program is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of ASHA.

The graduate program in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of South Dakota prepares students to become Speech Pathologists through broad-based academic, clinical, and research preparation. Graduates may work in a variety of settings, including those centered around research, education, and health care. Graduates may work in locations such as schools, hospitals, and rehabilitation centers, with children or adults.

Top Courses for MSLP program at the University of South Dakota:

• Augmentative and Alternative Communication: This course focuses on the design, selection, and use of AAC (augmentation and alternate means of communication). Students learn about the populations for which AAC may be appropriate, and will be taught about the assessment and treatment of clients using AAC devices.
• Advanced Language Disorders: This course consists of 3 credit hours. The content includes information on specific diagnoses and conditions that result in unique language disorders. This includes Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), language based literacy disorders, and language disorders in adolescents. Students will learn evidence-based practices for assessment and treatment of a variety of language disorders.
• Craniofacial Anomalies: This course is offered for 3 credit hours. It is designed to provides students with a practical foundation of knowledge about craniofacial anomalies. This includes etiology, embryology, and genetics as these areas relate to craniofacial anomalies, such as cleft palate. Students will learn about the impact of craniofacial anomalies on speech, and best practices for assessment and intervention will be addressed.

Path to Licensure

Students enrolled in the M.A. program in Speech Pathology must follow state-specific licensure requirements for the state they live in or plan to practice as a Speech-Language Pathologist upon graduation.
Both students who are residents of South Dakota and non-South Dakota residents are eligible for national certification through ASHA (CCC-SLP) due to the program's Accreditation with ASHA.
If learning placements courses or online courses will be taken outside of South Dakota, students must reference USD's State Authorization website.

Admissions

Applicants to the MA in Speech Pathology degree program must submit a completed application, application fee, official transcripts, letters of recommendation, admission test scores, statement of purpose, and a resume/CV. Applicants should note that admission requirements vary by program and have different deadlines. To apply, refer to the University of South Dakota website.

List of Speech Pathology Programs in South Dakota

There are 2 CAA-ASHA accredited speech language pathology programs in South Dakota: 1 SLP Masters and 1 Doctorate.

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CAA ASHA Accredited South Dakota SLP Programs

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) is the premier programmatic accrediting board for Speech Pathology programs. Below is a list of ASHA accredited speech pathology and audiology programs in South Dakota.

List of the Best Speech-Language Pathology Programs in South Dakota

University of South Dakota

Doctorate in Audiology (AuD)

Vermillion

CAA-ASHA

University of South Dakota

Master's in Speech-Language Pathology (MA)

Vermillion

CAA-ASHA

SLP South Dakota Speech-Language Pathologist Licensure Overview

What SLP degree is required for licensure in South Dakota? Masters
What are the South Dakota SLP continuing education requirements? At least 20 contact hours for each 2-year renewal period.
South Dakota SLP licensing information at ASHA.org.

Individuals must be licensed by the state board as a Speech-Language Pathologist to practice in South Dakota. In order to be licensed in this state, the individual must meet the following requirements:

Possess a Master’s or Doctoral level degree in Speech-Language Pathology from an institution accredited by the Council on Professional Standards of the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) and approved by the U.S. Department of Education.

Complete supervised professional employment in Speech-Language Pathology under the direct supervision of a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist for a minimum of 30 hours a week for 9 months; or

Meet the standards for Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) by ASHA (or its equivalent as approved by the board).

Speech Language Pathologist Career Options in South Dakota

According to ASHA, there are over 500 Speech-Language Pathologists in the state of South Dakota. A high number of Speech Pathologists (60%) work in education facilities, such as a school An estimated 34% work in health care facilities, and 6% work in other facilities. Speech Language Pathologists have several career options in South Dakota. This includes:

• Schools
• Private Practices
• Hospitals (inpatient/acute care or outpatient)
• Nursing homes/Skilled nursing facilities
• Early Intervention

SLP’s have opportunities to work at a variety of settings. The population of South Dakota is estimated to be approximately 895,000. Speech Pathologists have the option to work for a public school in a larger city, like Sioux Falls, or other cities throughout South Dakota. An estimated 24.6% of the population in South Dakota is under 18 years. Speech Pathologists can work with those within this age population at a school setting. With an estimated 17.5% of the population in South Dakota being over 65 years old, Speech Pathologists can also work with this age population in settings such as nursing facilities and rehabilitation facilities.

Online Speech Pathology Programs

• Online Speech Pathology Degree
• Online CAA Accredited SLP Programs
• Online Masters of Speech Pathology
• Online SLP Masters with No GRE Required

Speech Pathology Programs

• Best CAA Accredited Online SLP Programs
• Online Speech Pathology Programs
• Online Masters of Speech Pathology
• Online MSLP with No GRE Required
• Audiology
• Speech Pathology
• Speech Therapy
• Speech Language Pathology (SLP)
• School Speech Therapy
• Bilingual Speech Pathology
• Speech Rehabilitation
• Autism Spectrum Disorders
• Communicative Sciences
• Hearing Sciences
• Occupational Therapy
• AAC Certification Augmentative and Alternative Communication
• CCC-SLP Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology

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