UNI Speech-Language Pathology graduate program ranked among U.S. News & World Report’s Best Graduate Schools

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa - The University of Northern Iowa has been recognized in the 2026 edition of U.S News & World Report's Best Graduate Schools, with its Master of Arts program in Speech-Language Pathologyearning a place among the nation's top programs.

UNI's speech-language pathology master's program prepares students to develop clinical and professional competencies while meeting certification requirements set by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. The program emphasizes applied learning, cutting-edge research, and close mentorship from experienced faculty.

Students gain hands-on clinical experience at the Roy Eblen Speech and Hearing Clinicand additional sites, where they assess and treat a wide range of speech, language, and hearing disorders.

Graduates of the program have a 100% employment rate, showing a strong demand in the field. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for speech-language pathologists is projected to grow 15% over the next decade - much faster than average of all occupations.

"Students work closely with peers, clinical instructors, and faculty to develop the skills they will use in their professional careers," said Jennifer Garrett, department head and associate professor of speech-language pathology. "A strength of our program is the integration of classroom learning into clinical practice across a variety of medical and educational settings."

The Master of Arts program in speech-language pathology at UNI is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.

This Best Graduate Schools recognition comes during a notable week for UNI's Department of Communication & Disorders, which is hosting two major events in the Cedar Valley. Former congresswoman Gabby Giffords will speak at the Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center as part of the Hearst Lecture Series. A graduateof UNI's speech-language pathology program played a role in Giffords' recovery following the 2011 assassination attempt that resulted in a traumatic brain injury.

In addition, the Iowa Conference on Communicative Disorderswill take place on Thursday and Friday in Cedar Falls. Now in its 34th year, the student-organized conference provides continuing education activities for speech-language pathology professionals. This year's event features Giffords as a keynote speaker, along with several presenters who are alumni of UNI's undergraduate and graduate programs and now work in clinical settings.

A video highlighting how UNI's speech-language pathology students gain hands-on experience through real-world clinical training is available on YouTube.