Two programs in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders are once again recognized among the best in their field according to the U.S. News & World Report Best Graduate Schools rankings for 2024. 

Iowa’s audiology program is again ranked second best in the nation and remains the top public institution training audiologists. Speech-Language Pathology climbed in the rankings to fifth and is now the third-ranked public institution. 

New rankings of nation-wide Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology graduate programs is available on the USNWR website.

“These rankings recognize the daily efforts of our remarkable faculty and staff, who consistently strive to provide exceptional education to our students,”  said Eric Hunter, DEO and Harriet B. and Harold S. Brady Chair in Liberal Arts and Sciences. “We are focused on training outstanding audiologists and speech-language pathologists.”

“Together, we are shaping the future of audiology and speech-language pathology, and we will continue to lead the way in delivering excellence,” Hunter added. 

Hunter, who has been at Iowa since August 2023 and is a nationally recognized expert in the field, was the first hire under the University of Iowa's Transformational Faculty Hiring Program, which is aimed at attracting world-class faculty to strategic programs and areas of excellence. He received a PhD from Iowa’s Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders program in 2001. 

Iowa has long been a leader in communication sciences and disorders dating back to 1897, when the university, led by Carl Seashore’s pioneering work, developed speech pathology as a discipline of study. 

“CLAS is proud of our faculty and staff who continue to guide this storied program into the future,” said Dean Sara Sanders. “Because of their tremendous talent and dedication to their research and teaching, CSD continues to be at the forefront of audiology and speech-language pathology.”  

The university, college, and department continue to lead, ensuring students access to unparalleled opportunities. Construction has started on a new $249 million building that will provide a state-of-the-art learning space for Iowa students studying in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Department of Health and Human Physiology, and the Carver College of Medicine’s Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science. 

Substantial completion of the building is anticipated in 2025.