Department of Communication Sciences & Disorders

The Department of Communication Sciences & Disorders is the only public institution in the state of South Dakota offering an undergraduate major in communication sciences & disorders. This undergraduate course of study offers the opportunity for our students to observe clinical activities across the entire breadth and depth of speech, language and hearing services from birth to elderly patients. 

Students pursuing a Master of Arts (M.A.) in speech-language pathology and Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.) receive extensive clinical experience at USD's speech clinics in Vermillion and in Sioux Falls before starting their external clinical placements and rotations in their last year of study. Our clinics are a training facility where our graduate students provide individualized services under the guidance and supervision of state-licensed and nationally certified speech-language pathologists and audiologists. The USD Speech, Language and Hearing Clinic in Vermillion offers comprehensive audiology, speech and language diagnostic evaluation and treatment services for individuals of all ages. The Scottish Rite Children's Clinic for Speech & Language Disorders in Sioux Falls offers clinical services to children with communication needs.

We annually offer several graduate assistantships to students pursuing a Masters of Arts (M.A.) in Speech Language Pathology and the Doctor of Audiology (Au.D).

Graduate traineeships are also offered to graduate students in speech language pathology and audiology through the Leadership Education Excellence in Caring for Children with Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) Program. Audiology and speech language pathology students are selected as trainees for this program. Each trainee receives a stipend and tuition reduction for their participation. The program lasts one academic year. Students take part in classroom, clinical and research experiences focusing on interdisciplinary services for children with developmental disabilities and their families. 

Scottish Rite Graduate Fellowships 

Graduate fellowships are designed to provide support to USD students doing graduate work in speech-language pathology or audiology who are interested in practicing in South Dakota or vicinity following graduation (although this is not a requirement). 

The Janet Bailin Fellowship is in the amount of $1,500. Applicants should have a 3.0 or better grade point average in DCOM courses and preferably in all courses taken and completed. To be eligible, a student must be fully admitted into the graduate school program. No work duties are required of holders of a graduate fellowship.

Scholarship Application Procedures

Scholarship opportunities and application deadlines are announced early in the spring semester for awarding at the spring department awards ceremony. The communication sciences & disorders faculty as a committee-of-the-whole will select the recipient of each scholarship.

USD is home to more than 170 student organizations, including several that are housed in the Department of Communication Sciences & Disorders. You may be interested in opportunities to make friends, develop new skills and explore your interests.

The National Student Speech-Language and Hearing Association (NSSLHA) offers an opportunity to get to know faculty and other students by sponsoring social and educational events throughout the year.

Benefits of the Organization:

• Discounts for ASHA membership
• ASHA's employment referral service, excellent to use when looking for Clinical Fellowship Year position
• Access to professional literature
• Opportunity to interact with professionals
• Assistance in the transition from student to professional
• Professional growth from participation in NSSLHA activities and programs
• Local chapter scholarships and favorable consideration for graduate school application

Join the NSSLHA now