Communication Disorders

Degrees:

Master of Arts in Speech Language Pathology, Plan A and B
Doctor of Audiology

Department Chairperson and Graduate Director: Associate Professor Teri James Bellis

Program Description

The Communication Disorders Department at The University of South Dakota prepares students for professional positions in the specialties of speech-language pathology and audiology. Speech-language pathology is concerned with the evaluation, diagnosis and rehabilitation of persons with speech and language disorders. Audiology is concerned with the evaluation, diagnosis, and rehabilitation of persons with auditory and vestibular disorders.

The department’s graduate programs in audiology and in speech-language pathology are nationally accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology. The department also offers a large number of assistantships, fellowships, scholarships, and awards for eligible graduate students in the Communication Disorders Program.

Graduate Faculty

Teri James Bellis, Associate Professor and Chair, Ph.D. Northwestern University. Specialization: Central Auditory Disorders, Clinical Audiology; Auditory Electrophysiology and Neurophysiology, Genetics of Hearing Loss, Professional Issues.

Angela Brown, Clinical Instructor, M.A., University of South Dakota. Specialization: Clinical Speech-Language Pathology.

Paul Brueggeman, Assistant Professor, Au.D., Central Michigan University. Specialization: Clinical Audiology, Hearing Science, and Amplification; Aural Rehabilitation and Counseling; Pediatric Audiology.

Jane Clem, Clinical Instructor, M.A., University of South Dakota. Specialization: Clinical Speech-Language Pathology, Dysphagia.

Elizabeth Develder, Clinical Instructor, M.A., University of South Dakota. Specialization: Clinical Speech-Language Pathology, Language Development.

Liane Grayson, Assistant Professor, Ph.D., Northwestern University. Specialization: Language Disorders in Children, Advanced Language Disorders, Disorders of Phonology/Articulation, Diagnosis in SLP.

Elizabeth Hanson, Assistant Professor, Ph.D., University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Specialization: Augmentative and Alternative Communication, Neuromotor Disorders, Communication Sciences, Research Methods.

Marni Johnson, Assistant Professor, Au.D., Pennsylvania College of Optometry and Audiology. Specialization: Clinical Audiology, Pediatric Audiology, Amplification, Audiology Practice Management.

Solveig Korte, Clinical Instructor, M.A., Ohio University. Specialization: Clinical Speech-Language Pathology, Speech Science, and Professional Issues.

Tracey Lorang, Clinical Instructor, M.A., University of Northern Iowa. Specialization: Clinical Speech-Language Pathology.

Mandy Williams, Assistant Professor, Ph.D., University of Nevada-Reno. Specialization: Fluency Disorders, Voice Disorders, Craniofacial Anomalies, Acquired Disorders of Language and Cognition.

Admission Requirements

An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better based on 4.0 scale in all undergraduate courses as well as in the communication disorders major.
The GRE General test is required. There is no minimum score required; the score is considered along with the other application materials.
Completion of a baccalaureate degree in Communication Disorders (speech-language pathology and audiology) or the completion of core foundational coursework in communication disorders after completing and receiving an undergraduate degree in another discipline. Contact the department for specific core prerequisites.
There are additional requirements for international students.

Library, Clinical, and Research Facilities

The University’s I.D. Weeks Library, the Lommen Health Sciences Library, and the program’s specialized Communication Disorders library provide excellent collections of professional journals, texts, and reference material. The University of South Dakota Speech and Hearing Center serves as a clinical education center for students majoring in communication disorders. This center contains clinical rooms, clinical observation rooms, audiometric facilities, a speech and hearing science laboratory, videotaping facilities, computer laboratory, classrooms, offices, and lounges and study space for students. Additional clinical education and research opportunities are available through the University Affiliated Program in the School of Medicine, individual Mobile Unit projects, the USD Scottish Rite Children’s Speech, Language, and Hearing Disorders Clinic Programs, and numerous off-campus internship opportunities.

For Additional Information

The University of South Dakota
Communication Disorders
Noteboom Hall, Room 104
414 East Clark Street
Vermillion S.D. 57069
Phone: 605-677-5474
csd