The University of Missouri is one of the best places to earn a degree in speech-language pathology, according to U.S. News and World Report, which recently released its Best Health Schools rankings.  

The Mizzou speech-language pathology program rose 13 places to No. 59 out of 280 programs nationwide, making it the highest-ranked program in the state of Missouri. Graduates of the Mizzou program have a 100% licensing exam pass rate and a 100% job placement rate. 

The MU Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences has a long history of excellence, with one of the oldest continually accredited programs in speech-language pathology and nearly 1,200 alumni. Students train under the supervision of licensed faculty members at the MU Speech and Hearing Clinic, Combs Language Preschool, and at clinical locations around the country. 

In addition to excelling at clinical training, the program’s faculty members conduct cutting-edge research. They are tackling important topics such as how individuals with autism spectrum disorder learn to speak, methods to address swallowing difficulties caused by cancer treatment or neurological disorders, and ways to improve language and literacy skills in children. The department added five new research faculty members over the past year, strengthening its research in these crucial areas. 

“We’re investing in our future to improve lives,” said Teresa Pitts, department chair. “As we learn more about the intricacies of speech and language production, we can design more effective therapies to treat the disorders that affects them.”