The Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at the University of Iowa explores the science of human speech, hearing, and language as its faculty and students seek new and more effective ways to prevent, diagnose, and treat communication disorders.

Consistently ranked among the top programs by U.S. News and World Reports for more than three decades, the Department offers the following graduate degrees:

  • Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology
  • Clinical Doctorate in Audiology
  • Doctor of Philosophy

As one of the first programs in the world in the field of speech pathology and audiology, the UI Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) department has a long history of shaping the profession. Additional information about its roots are available in the About Us section. As part of a Research I institution, the department continues in its mission to be the premier institution for training, research, clinical service, and engagement in the field of communication sciences and disorders.

View Graduate Programs Brochure

What makes the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at the University of Iowa unique?

  • Academic faculty drive cutting-edge research in their fields of expertise
  • Students seeking MA-SLP or AuD degrees rotate through clinical experiences supervised by clinical faculty with expertise in subspecialties of speech-language pathology and audiology; there are also opportunities for external rotations to ensure all students receive a well-rounded clinical experience
  • Opportunities exist to participate in specialized academic and clinical opportunities, such as the Iowa Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (ILEND) program and intensive summer programs
  • Close collaborations between academic and clinical faculty provide a seamless, but practical, transfer of knowledge between research and clinical care
  • The doctoral program provides flexible yet comprehensive training for the scholar-researcher with the passion to better understand communication processes and its disorders; this is bolstered by close collaborations with faculty from the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, the School of Music, and the Colleges of Medicine, Public Health, and Engineering
  • Graduates of Iowa's programs go on to prestigious leadership roles in national organizations and as editors of major scientific journals

Graduates of the clinical MA and AuD programs will have met the academic and practicum requirements necessary to obtain clinical certification through the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.

2 nd

Ranked Audiology Program in the country
(U.S. News and World Report, 2022)

6 th

Ranked Speech Pathology Program in the country
(U.S. News and World Report, 2022)

"At Iowa, you can create a meaningful career that is just as unique as you are."

– Mallory Woepking,
Graduate Student of Speech-Language Pathology

Master of Arts in Speech Pathology and Audiology

The Master of Arts program in Speech Pathology and Audiology provides training for individuals who wish to do clinical work in speech-language pathology. Graduates of the M.A. program meet all academic and practicum requirements for clinical certification by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and for licensure by the State of Iowa. Students preparing for clinical positions in public schools must meet school licensure or certification requirements of the states in which they plan to work.

Learning Outcomes

  • demonstrate knowledge and skills specified in the Knowledge and Skills Acquisition (KASA) competencies for speech-language pathology professionals;
  • behave professionally and ethically, and adhere to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) Code of Ethics;
  • use critical thinking skills to apply theory and knowledge to clinical decision making; and
  • use evidence-based practice and practice-based evidence to make clinical decisions regarding diagnosis and treatment of persons with communication disorders.

Want to get started?

Learn more about the program, including courses, curriculum, and requirements here.

Doctor of Audiology

The Doctor of Audiology program provides students with excellent preparation for a career as an audiologist. There continues to be a strong demand for audiologists nationwide and it is consistently ranked highly in “best job” surveys. Graduates are often hired as faculty in positions at universities, in industry and clinical positions, and in research settings.

Learning Outcomes

  • identify, diagnose, prevent, quantify, and treat hearing and balance disorders affecting both children and adults;
  • understand the importance of and be able to implement patient- and family-centered, evidence-based approaches to identify, treat, and prevent hearing and balance disorders affecting individuals of all ages; and
  • become leaders—nationally and internationally—driving innovation, shaping the future of the profession, and disseminating information about consequences of untreated hearing and balance disorders as well as the importance of early intervention and prevention.

Want to get started?

Learn more about the program, including courses, curriculum, and requirements here.

Doctor of Philosophy in Speech and Hearing Science

The Doctor of Philosophy in Speech and Hearing Science provides flexible, comprehensive training for scholar-researchers interested in communication processes and their disorders. The program provides excellent preparation for careers in academics, industry, and research. There continues to be a strong demand for graduates with doctoral-level training and graduates of the Ph.D. program routinely advance to postdoctoral research positions or are hired as university faculty members.

Learning Outcomes

  • critical thinking through reading, discussing, and writing about relevant scientific literature;
  • design and conduct quality research, from concept to methodology, and through to data analysis and publication;
  • competence in scientific writing;
  • develop and deliver quality oral research presentations; and
  • develop and deliver course material to undergraduate and graduate classes.

Want to get started?

Learn more about the program, including courses, curriculum, and requirements here.