Last Updated
April 15, 2025Written By
Daniel Ortiz, M.A., CCC‑SLPWhen looking for SLP programs in South Dakota, the University of South Dakota (USD) stands out as the predominant public university. It provides a Master of Arts (M.A.) in Speech-Language Pathology, a two-year post-baccalaureate program that includes four semesters of didactic coursework and at least two semesters of external, full time clinical placements. This program is accredited by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), and thus guarantees that graduates are sufficiently prepared to meet the clinical practice requirements of the state and many areas in the United States.
For those looking for online courses, as there are not many online speech pathology programs provided by the universities in South Dakota, students can search for the accredited online SLP master’s degree programs offered by other universities in the United States. There are many such programs available at universities like Emerson College or Arizona State University and they are easily accessible to the residents of South Dakota as well as to those who cannot attend classes physically.
The speech pathologist job outlook is also good with the expectation of a 18% growth in SLP jobs between 2023 and 2033 according to BLS Occupational Outlook. The salary for SLPs in South Dakota is $72,830 annually (BLS OES Data). Although this salary is a little lower than the national median salary of $89,290, it is a fair salary for speech-language pathologists in an area with low cost of living and high need for SLPs in schools and hospitals.
Find your future in speech-language pathology by exploring the best degrees in South Dakota available. Our team at speechpathology.org highlights top-ranked speech pathology programs in South Dakota to help you start or advance your career. Programs are evaluated for academic strength, research, and clinical excellence. Learn more about our process at speechpathology.org/rankings-methology.
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The University of South Dakota offers a Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology, a program designed for those aiming to excel in the field of communication disorders. With a strong emphasis on clinical skills and research, this program prepares students for certification by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). It includes extensive clinical practicum experiences in various settings, ensuring graduates are well-equipped for diverse career paths in hospitals, schools, and private practices. The curriculum is tailored to meet the professional standards required for licensure, offering a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application. Highlights include national accreditation, ASHA certification preparation, and a focus on comprehensive communication disorders training.
In South Dakota there is no direct bachelor’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology. Instead, USD offers a bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders which are the first step toward becoming a speech pathologist, an audiologist or a special education teacher. This program is STEM‐designated, which means it is preparing graduates to fill many of the growing number of jobs in the region. Standard admissions generally require high school transcripts and SAT or ACT scores.
It is necessary to get a master’s degree in speech pathology to become a licensed speech language pathologist (SLP). The master’s degree training includes specific coursework in assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of communication disorders. The master’s degree at USD is a professional degree that allows one to practice as an SLP, work in schools, hospitals or in private practice and earn more than someone with a bachelor’s degree. The master of SLP admits Bachelor degree holders especially in communication sciences and disorders, with a minimum GPA and may require GRE scores. Other requirements may include letters of recommendation and clinical observation hours, but specific numbers vary by program.
A Bachelors degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders can lead to working as a speech language pathology assistant or in special education or as a way to prepare for graduate school. The master’s degree however, allows graduates to practice as licensed SLPs, without further qualifications, and thus to work in public schools, rehabilitation centers and in private practice.
At present, South Dakota does not provide PhD or Doctor of Speech-Language Pathology (SLPD) programs. A PhD is research focused and is suitable for those planning to work in academic or research positions, while an SLPD concentrates on the highest level of clinical practice and prepares the graduate for leadership roles in clinical practice. Since there are no such programs in the state, students interested in speech pathology doctoral studies may have to turn to options in the neighboring states of Minnesota or Nebraska or even explore ASHA accredited online SLP programs.
For instance, the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire provides online doctoral programs that are potentially available to South Dakotans. The expense of tuition for such programs varies, Doctoral programs at other universities can be anywhere between $30,000 and $60,000 based on the university and residency. Career earnings for PhD holders can exceed $100,000 annually in academic or research positions, while SLPD graduates may receive similar earnings in advanced clinical positions, depending on the region and practice experience.
In South Dakota, a license is needed to practice as a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) and it is issued by the South Dakota Department of Health. This guarantees that professionals meet the state’s requirements for competence and ethical practice.
This process to get a South Dakota SLP License includes attending a master’s or doctoral degree program from an institution accredited by the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) and the U.S. Department of Education. Next the applicant must finish a clinical practicum supervised by a certified SLP. Moreover, applicants must pass the national Praxis exam, but this requirement may be waived for individuals who are ASHA certified and have no history of disciplinary actions. The application and licensure fees are $250, and the license has to be renewed every two years. For those in training, a provisional license is available for up to 24 months, and may be renewed once if the student is working under the supervision of a licensed speech pathologist.
Besides a South Dakota SLP License, many SLPs choose to obtain ASHA certification, which is the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP). This is a nationally recognized credential that demonstrates adherence to high professional standards and can increase career opportunities. To obtain the CCC-SLP, individuals must have an ASHA accredited graduate degree, pass the Praxis exam, and have a clinical fellowship supervised by a certified SLP. This certification must be renewed with professional development to practice to current skill and knowledge. As the ASHA requirements are very similar to state licensure requirements, many SLPs find it worthwhile to get the CCC-SLP certification. The CCC-SLP can aid in licensure reciprocity across states and provide entry to better professional positions.
Speech-Language Pathology Assistants (SLPAs) must have an associate or bachelor’s degree in speech pathology or communication disorders and a 100-hour clinical practicum supervised by a licensed speech-language pathologist, with the licensure fees being $200. ASHA also offers a certification for Speech-Language Pathology Assistants (SLPAs) called the Certified Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (C-SLPA). Similar to the state requirements, those individuals looking to get a C-SLPA need an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in communication sciences and disorders. They must complete supervised clinical hours, and pass an exam on topics like speech development and intervention techniques. Certified SLPAs must follow ASHA’s code of ethics and pursue ongoing education to maintain their status.
The fastest SLP program in South Dakota is a master’s degree at USD that is completed in two years; or six semesters for full time students, but some have taken up to eight semesters. Most speech pathology master’s programs have this as the standard time to complete clinical and academic training. Online speech-language pathology programs from other states can provide accelerated tracks, which could do the master’s in as few as 20 months.
Students can also speed up the time it takes to become a licensed SLP by trying to shorten the time it takes to get their bachelor’s degree. Typically bachelor’s degrees are 4 year programs, but it can be possible to shorten that if the student takes summer classes, AP or concurrent enrollment classes during high school, or takes some extra credits during the semesters. By doing this the Bachelors degree may take 3 or 3.5 years instead of 4.
In regards to affordable Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) programs in South Dakota, the University of South Dakota is the most affordable for residents attending the programs in person. For instance, for in-state students, tuition stands at $7,118 per year for 18 credits, which comes to about $23,700 for a typical 60 credit master’s degree.
Non-residents pay significantly more, about $42,560, thus the in-person, in-state approach is a financial advantage. Online alternatives are also costly due to higher tuition rates and technology fees that can amount to $30,000 to $50,000 or more. The on-campus program at USD is also in-state which makes it relatively cheap. Online programs also involve in-person clinical placements, which may involve additional travel costs for South Dakota students, while USD uses local resources to keep the costs low. Even leaving the state does not help – non-resident tuition at other public universities can approach $15,000 or $25,000 per year, which is much more than the resident tuition at USD, and private schools can be more than $60,000.
Another plus is that USD provides financial aid such as the $1,500 Janet Bailin Fellowship and graduate assistantships that help cover the tuition. Thus, for South Dakota residents, attending USD in person is the cheapest and most reasonable way to obtain an SLP master’s degree without compromising on the quality.
If you have ever been researching speech-language pathology careers and come across the words ‘speech pathologist’ and ‘speech therapist’, you might wonder if they are
If you are pursuing the position of a speech-language pathologist, then you may have heard of the Praxis exam from your professors, classmates, or even
If you are interested in pursuing a career in SLP and have been researching licensing requirements or are simply interested in learning more about SLP
Our mission is to empower future speech-language pathologists by providing the most accurate, up-to-date, and accessible information available. Our team is dedicated to guiding individuals through the journey of becoming an SLP—whether you’re just exploring the field or actively pursuing a degree. We specialize in delivering reliable insights on state-by-state availability, affordability, and the fastest paths to certification and licensure. Our goal is to help you make informed decisions based on real data, trusted resources, and the evolving needs of the profession. With a strong commitment to educational clarity and career transparency, we’re here to support and simplify your path toward a rewarding future in speech-language pathology.
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